Galaxy A04S Vs iPhone 17

Galaxy A04S
Galaxy A04S
Starting at

Refurbished price:£99.00

Versus £179.00 new

See options
iPhone 17
iPhone 17
Starting at

Refurbished price:£688.00

Versus £799.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A04s, released in September 2022, and the iPhone 17, launched in September 2025, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy A04s offers a foundational Android experience, the iPhone 17 provides a more advanced iOS ecosystem. Key differentiators include their operating systems, performance capabilities, and display technologies, catering to different user priorities.

Scores

Durability

The expected lifespan and software support differ significantly between these two devices, largely due to their release timelines and manufacturer policies.

  • Software Updates: The iPhone 17, running on iOS 26, is expected to receive major iOS updates for approximately 5-7 years and security updates for 7-8 years from its release. In contrast, the Galaxy A04s, which launched with Android 12 and was upgradable to Android 14, has reached its end-of-life for major Android OS updates, though it continues to receive quarterly security updates as of early 2026. [6, 10, 17, 31]
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 17 features a Ceramic Shield 2 front cover, offering enhanced scratch resistance, and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The Galaxy A04s has a plastic back and frame with an unspecified glass front, and does not carry an official IP rating for water and dust protection. [1, 9, 16, 29, 33, 34]
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing long-term software support and robust physical durability will find the iPhone 17 designed for an extended practical lifespan. The Galaxy A04s is better suited for users who typically upgrade their devices more frequently or have less demanding software update requirements.

Year of Release

2022

2025

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance characteristics vary considerably, influencing how each device handles daily tasks, multitasking, and demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 17 is equipped with Apple's latest-generation A19 system-on-chip, delivering exceptional performance for a wide range of tasks, from everyday navigation to graphically intensive gaming and advanced computational features. The Galaxy A04s utilizes an Exynos 850 octa-core processor, which provides moderate performance suitable for essential daily tasks and lighter usage. [1, 3, 14, 16, 21, 22, 27, 29]
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 17 offers a highly responsive user experience, handling demanding apps and complex multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy A04s, with its processor and 3GB or 4GB of RAM, may experience occasional slowdowns when switching between multiple applications or running more intensive software. [9, 16, 21, 22]
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 17 starts with a base storage of 256GB, with a 512GB option available, providing ample space for applications, photos, and videos. The Galaxy A04s offers internal storage options ranging from 32GB to 128GB, which can be expanded up to 1TB via a microSD card. [2, 9, 14, 19, 22]
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 17 is designed for all-day battery life, with up to 30 hours of video playback, and can comfortably last over a day with moderate use. The Galaxy A04s features a 5000 mAh battery, capable of providing over 7 hours of screen-on time and potentially two days of use for light users. [5, 12, 13, 16, 21, 25, 27, 29]

Memory (GB)

3 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on each device is shaped by their distinct display technologies and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 17 features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2622 x 1206 pixels, resulting in sharp and clear visuals with deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy A04s has a 6.5-inch PLS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 pixel (HD+) resolution, offering clear visuals for general use. [2, 3, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 37]
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The iPhone 17 incorporates ProMotion technology, providing an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy A04s offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which contributes to a smoother visual experience compared to standard 60Hz displays. [2, 5, 7, 14, 16, 21, 22, 26, 29, 37]
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 17's display can reach up to 1000 nits typical brightness and 3000 nits peak brightness outdoors, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. The Galaxy A04s has a typical brightness of around 380-400 nits, which may present challenges for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. [5, 7, 21, 22, 26]

Resolution

720 x 1600

2622x1206

Screen type

PLS LCD

Super Retina XDR

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these smartphones offer different capabilities for capturing photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 17 features a dual 48 MP Dual Fusion camera system, including a main lens with sensor-shift optical image stabilization and an ultra-wide lens, enabling detailed images in various lighting conditions and offering 2x optical zoom quality. The Galaxy A04s is equipped with a triple rear camera setup, consisting of a 50 MP main sensor, a 2 MP macro lens, and a 2 MP depth sensor, which performs well in good lighting. [2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 16, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33, 37]
  • Front Camera and Video: The iPhone 17 includes an 18 MP Center Stage front camera, capable of advanced selfies and video calls. It supports 4K Dolby Vision video recording at up to 60 frames per second, along with Cinematic and Action modes. The Galaxy A04s has a 5 MP front camera and records video at up to 1080p at 30 frames per second. [5, 7, 14, 16, 20, 22, 25, 26, 32, 33, 37]
  • Low-Light Performance: The iPhone 17's camera system is designed to capture detailed images in varied lighting, including improved low-light performance. The Galaxy A04s's low-light photography is generally considered adequate for its category, but may lack the detail and dynamic range of higher-end devices. [5, 13, 16, 20, 32, 33]

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

5 megapixels

18 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of each device.

  • Connectivity: The iPhone 17 supports 5G connectivity (sub-6 GHz and mmWave), Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6.0, offering advanced and fast wireless communication. The Galaxy A04s supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), and Bluetooth 5.0. [2, 3, 7, 22, 26, 34, 37]
  • Ports and Sensors: The iPhone 17 features a USB-C port, Face ID for secure authentication, and an Ultra Wideband chip. The Galaxy A04s includes a USB-C port (USB 2.0), a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. [3, 5, 7, 9, 15, 21, 22, 24, 26, 34, 37]
  • Build Materials and Handling: The iPhone 17 is constructed with aerospace-grade aluminum and features a Ceramic Shield 2 front, providing a premium feel and enhanced durability. The Galaxy A04s has a plastic unibody design, which is lightweight and offers a comfortable grip. [1, 9, 16, 21, 29, 33, 34]

Weight

195 g

177 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.3

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User sentiment for the iPhone 17, as a recently released device, highlights its robust battery life, fast performance, and significantly upgraded camera system as key strengths. Users appreciate the advancements in display technology, including the 120Hz ProMotion and high brightness, which contribute to a fluid and immersive viewing experience. Some users have noted the consistent and cohesive iOS ecosystem as a major draw. Criticisms, while fewer for a newer flagship, often revolve around the iterative nature of some upgrades compared to its immediate predecessor, though it still represents a substantial leap for many. [4, 8, 15, 25, 27, 28]

For the Samsung Galaxy A04s, user feedback often praises its long battery life and the inclusion of a 90Hz display at its price point. The main camera is generally considered capable in good lighting conditions. However, common concerns include its limited processing power, which can lead to occasional lag, and the lower resolution of its display compared to more premium devices. The plastic build is noted as functional but less premium. [5, 16, 21, 32, 33]

Users prioritizing a device with cutting-edge performance, a high-quality display, advanced camera capabilities, and extended software support will find the iPhone 17 well-suited to their needs. It is ideal for those who engage in demanding applications, extensive photography, or require a device that remains current for many years. Conversely, users seeking a reliable smartphone for essential communication, web browsing, and light media consumption, with a focus on battery longevity, may find the Galaxy A04s to be a practical choice.

Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make informed and sustainable choices.

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