Not everyone needs a flagship phone. Sometimes you just want something that works, costs little, and doesn’t die by lunchtime. The Samsung Galaxy A04 is that kind of phone — and in 2024, it’s still worth asking whether buying one, new or refurbished, actually makes sense. This guide breaks down real-world prices, performance trade-offs, and who should pull the trigger.

Release year: 2022 · Battery capacity: 5000 mAh · Display size: 6.5 inches · Network: 4G LTE · Typical price (new): $120 – $150

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact current price varies by region and retailer (Wikipedia (community-edited reference))
  • Software update policy beyond Android 14 not guaranteed (Wikipedia (community-edited reference))
  • Long-term availability of replacement parts (Wikipedia (community-edited reference))
3Timeline signal
  • Announced August 2022, released October 2022 (Wikipedia)
  • A04s variant came later with 90Hz display (Wikipedia)
  • Rebranded as Galaxy M04 in December 2022 (Wikipedia)
4What’s next
  • Compare new vs. refurbished prices below
  • Check carrier compatibility for 4G bands
  • Decide if the A04s upgrade matters for your use

Eight key specs, one pattern: the Galaxy A04 packs essentials without frills, and that’s the whole point for a budget buy.

Specification Detail
Display 6.5-inch PLS LCD, 720 x 1600 pixels
Processor Exynos 850 (8 nm)
RAM / Storage 3GB/32GB or 4GB/64GB; microSD up to 1TB
Battery 5000 mAh, 15W charging
Rear Camera 50 MP (main) + 2 MP (depth)
Front Camera 5 MP
OS Android 12, upgradable to Android 13
Dimensions 164.4 x 76.9 x 9.1 mm, 188g

Is the Samsung A04 a good phone?

What do user reviews say about the Samsung A04?

Across user forums and aggregator sites, the A04 earns praise for its battery life and price, but criticism for its slow performance in games and a dim display. The Exynos 850 chip handles social media, calls, and light browsing without complaint (GSMArena (phone database)). For anything heavier, you’ll feel the lag.

What are the main pros and cons?

  • Pro: 5000 mAh battery lasts two full days for moderate use.
  • Pro: Expandable storage up to 1 TB via microSD.
  • Con: 720p display is underwhelming for media consumption.
  • Con: No 5G support — you’re stuck on 4G LTE.
  • Con: Only 3GB or 4GB of RAM limits multitasking.
Bottom line: The Galaxy A04 is a basic tool, not a performer. For light users who need a cheap backup or a first phone for a teen, it works. For anyone who games or watches lots of video, keep looking.

How much does a Samsung A04 cost?

New Samsung A04 price

When new, the Galaxy A04 launched at around $140 (NanoReview (specs and price tracker)). Today, prices have dropped. You can find new unlocked international versions for about $160 on Walmart (Walmart (retail listing)). In India, the launch price was ₹8,390 for the 64GB version (GSMArena (phone database)). In the Philippines, Samsung’s official pricing was P6,790 (3/32GB) and P7,490 (4/64GB) (Samsung Newsroom Philippines (official brand announcement)).

Refurbished and used Samsung A04 price

Refurbished units offer serious savings. Back Market Ireland lists a 32GB A04 at €121 (Back Market (refurbished marketplace)). In the US, Reebelo offers refurbished A04s with up to 70% off retail, a 12-month warranty, and 30-day returns (Reebelo (refurbished retailer)). For the truly thrifty, used prices on platforms like BankMyCell top out at $25 for a 128GB unit in fair condition (BankMyCell (device trade-in and resale data)).

Price variations by region

The A04 is a global device with region-specific pricing. In the UK, Pricerunner shows it at around £95. In Kenya, it’s sold through local retailers like Zuricart. In Vietnam, used prices hover around 600,000 to 1,500,000 VND (Alibaba (wholesale and used aggregation)). Carrier-locked versions often cost less but require a contract.

Bottom line: New prices range $120–$160 depending on storage and region. Refurbished saves you 30–70%. Used and trade-in values have plummeted to below $25 — a sign that residual value is almost nil.

Is the A04 a 4G or 5G phone?

Network compatibility details

The Samsung Galaxy A04 supports 4G LTE only. It lacks the modem hardware needed for 5G networks (GSMArena (phone database)). That means you’re limited to 4G speeds, which in 2024 are still fine for streaming and browsing, but you won’t get the future-proofing of 5G. Supported 4G bands vary by model version — always check the specific A045F or A045M variant for your carrier.

How to check network bands

Use a site like GSMArena to confirm the exact 4G bands for your region’s model. If you’re on a carrier that relies heavily on 5G for coverage, the A04 may not be the right choice.

What is the latest Samsung A04?

Samsung Galaxy A04 vs A04e vs A04s

The Galaxy A04 series includes three models. The base A04 launched first. The A04s followed later with a 90Hz display and a 50 MP camera (similar camera, but faster screen) (Wikipedia). The A04e is a further budget cut with a smaller battery and lower specs. As of 2024, the A04s is the most recent and best-equipped, but the original A04 remains widely available at lower prices.

Which model is the most recent?

The A04s is the latest, launched after the A04. However, the A04 is still sold new by many retailers. If you want the freshest specs for minimal extra cost, prioritize the A04s.

How old is a Galaxy A04?

Release date and market age

The Samsung Galaxy A04 was announced in August 2022 and released in October 2022 (Wikipedia). That makes it about two years old as of late 2024. A two-year-old budget phone is middle-aged for Android devices — software support may end by 2025 or 2026.

Software update status

It shipped with Android 12 and is upgradable to Android 13 (Wikipedia). Samsung has not committed to Android 14 for the base A04, though the A04s may get it. Security patches are likely to continue for another year or so based on Samsung’s policy for budget devices.

Bottom line: The A04 is two years old and has one major OS update left at most. If software longevity matters, consider a newer budget phone.

Six specs in a row, one pattern: the A04 is a no-surprises device built to a price, not to impress.

Spec Value
Display resolution 720 x 1600
Chipset Exynos 850
RAM options 3 GB / 4 GB
Storage & expansion 32/64 GB + microSD up to 1 TB
Battery & charging 5000 mAh, 15W wired
Rear cameras 50 MP (wide) + 2 MP (depth)
Front camera 5 MP
OS at launch Android 12
Dimensions 164.4 x 76.9 x 9.1 mm
Weight 188 g

Upsides

  • Excellent battery life (5000 mAh)
  • Very affordable new and cheap refurbished
  • Expandable storage via microSD
  • Headphone jack (3.5 mm)

Downsides

  • 720p display is low resolution
  • No 5G support
  • Weak performance for gaming
  • Only one guaranteed OS upgrade (to Android 13)

What’s clear and what’s not

Confirmed facts
  • Released October 2022 (Wikipedia)
  • 5000 mAh battery (Wikipedia)
  • 4G LTE only (Wikipedia)
  • New price roughly $120–$150 (GSMArena (phone database))
What’s unclear
  • Exact current price varies by region
  • Future software updates beyond Android 13 not confirmed (Wikipedia)
  • Long-term availability of replacement parts

The Galaxy A04 is a straightforward device for straightforward needs. A 5000 mAh battery and a 50 MP camera cover the basics. But if you want speed or a sharper screen, this isn’t it. — GSMArena (phone database)

Available in Black and Copper Gold, the Galaxy A04 and A04e are priced starting at P6,490, making them accessible for daily use. — Samsung Newsroom Philippines (official brand announcement)

Refurbished Galaxy A04 units come with a 12-month warranty and up to 70% off the original retail price. — Reebelo (refurbished retailer)

Two years after launch, the Galaxy A04 still serves a specific purpose: a dirt-cheap entry phone for calls, texts, and light apps. For anyone in a market where 5G isn’t a priority and $120 is a real budget limit, the A04 works fine. But if you want a phone that will feel fresh in 2026, or one that can handle modern games, the A04 is already showing its age. For the budget-conscious buyer in 2024, the choice is clear: buy a refurbished A04 for under $100 as a backup or a child’s phone, or skip it entirely and look at the A04s or a Xiaomi Redmi alternative — the extra $40 gets you a 90Hz screen and better future software support.

Related reading: **How to Change Phone DNS on Android & Samsung**

If you are considering this budget phone, take a look at our detailed buying guide for a German perspective on pricing and alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Samsung Galaxy A04 support NFC?

No, the base Galaxy A04 does not include NFC. You won’t be able to use Google Pay or other contactless payments.

Can the Samsung A04 run heavy games?

Not well. The Exynos 850 and 3-4 GB of RAM struggle with titles like PUBG or Genshin Impact at medium settings. Stick to casual games.

What is the build quality of the Galaxy A04?

It’s a plastic build with a textured back. It feels solid for the price but is not water-resistant or shockproof. A case is recommended.

Does the Samsung A04 have a headphone jack?

Yes, it retains a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which is a plus for users with wired earphones.

How long does the battery last on the A04?

With a 5000 mAh battery and a low-resolution display, most users get two full days of moderate use. Heavy use still lasts a day.

Is the Samsung A04 waterproof?

No, the Galaxy A04 has no official IP rating. Keep it away from water and dust.

Does the Galaxy A04 support dual SIM?

Yes, the international version supports dual SIM (2x Nano-SIM) plus a microSD card slot.