The Samsung Galaxy A04 Core is an entry-level smartphone that aims to deliver essential functionality at an affordable price point. While it may not compete with flagship devices in terms of performance or features, it serves as a reliable option for users who prioritize simplicity and budget-friendly pricing. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at its design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall user experience.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy A04 Core follows Samsung’s minimalist design philosophy, featuring a plastic body that feels sturdy despite its lightweight construction. The matte finish on the back panel provides a decent grip, reducing the chances of accidental slips. At 164.4 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm and 211 grams, it’s not the slimmest or lightest device, but the ergonomic curves make it comfortable to hold. The phone retains the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack—a welcome feature for users who still rely on wired audio accessories. The power and volume buttons are placed on the right side, while the SIM tray supports dual nano-SIM cards alongside a dedicated microSD slot for expandable storage.

Display

The device sports a 6.5-inch PLS LCD with an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. While the display won’t blow anyone away with its sharpness or color vibrancy, it gets the job done for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming. The waterdrop notch houses the front-facing camera, and the bezels are relatively thick, which is expected at this price range. Outdoor visibility is mediocre, as the screen struggles under direct sunlight, but indoor usage is perfectly acceptable for an entry-level phone.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Galaxy A04 Core is powered by the Exynos 850 chipset, an octa-core processor clocked at 2.0GHz, paired with either 2GB or 3GB of RAM depending on the variant. This configuration is sufficient for light multitasking and basic apps, but users should temper their expectations when it comes to gaming or intensive applications. The phone runs Android 12 (Go Edition), a lightweight version of Android optimized for low-end hardware. While it lacks some features of the standard Android experience, it ensures smoother performance on devices with limited resources. Storage options include 32GB or 64GB, expandable via microSD up to 1TB.

Camera Performance

The rear camera setup consists of a single 8MP f/2.0 sensor, which is about as basic as it gets in today’s smartphone market. Daylight shots are passable with decent detail, but dynamic range and low-light performance are underwhelming. The 5MP front-facing camera handles video calls and occasional selfies, though images tend to look soft and lack detail. The camera app is straightforward, offering basic modes like panorama and pro mode, but don’t expect advanced features like night mode or AI enhancements.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Galaxy A04 Core is its 5000mAh battery, which delivers excellent endurance. With moderate usage, the phone can easily last two days on a single charge. Unfortunately, charging speeds are sluggish, as the device only supports 10W wired charging via the micro-USB port—a dated choice in an era where USB-C has become the standard. Still, if battery longevity is a priority, this phone won’t disappoint.

Audio and Connectivity

The single bottom-firing speaker is loud enough for casual media consumption but lacks depth and clarity. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a plus for users who prefer wired audio. On the connectivity front, the phone supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS. It lacks NFC, so mobile payments are off the table, but that’s hardly surprising given its budget positioning.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy A04 Core is a no-frills smartphone designed for users who need a reliable device for calls, messaging, and light app usage. Its strengths lie in its long battery life, expandable storage, and clean software experience. However, the underwhelming camera, dated micro-USB port, and modest performance make it a tough sell in markets where competitors offer better value at similar price points. If you’re looking for an ultra-affordable Samsung device, the A04 Core gets the basics right—just don’t expect any surprises.

Specifications:

Dimensions: 164.4 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm

Weight: 211 grams

Display: 6.5-inch PLS LCD, 720 x 1600 (HD+)

Processor: Exynos 850 (2.0GHz octa-core)

RAM: 2GB / 3GB

Storage: 32GB / 64GB (expandable up to 1TB via microSD)

Rear Camera: 8MP f/2.0

Front Camera: 5MP f/2.2

Battery: 5000mAh (10W charging)

OS: Android 12 (Go Edition)

Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, micro-USB

Audio: 3.5mm headphone jack, single speaker

Colors: Black, Green, Copper