8 Pros and Cons of Samsung Galaxy A05
Operating on a tight budget but still craving the Samsung experience? Look no further than the Samsung Galaxy A05. This device follows the Samsung Galaxy A04, introduced globally in October 2022.
Despite its affordability, the Samsung Galaxy A05 doesn't compromise on quality. It boasts several enhancements, including improved chipset performance, expanded memory, faster charging capabilities, and a better screen, enhancing users' practicality in daily life.
Moreover, its functionality extends to content creation, making it suitable for crafting short videos destined for platforms like TikTok and IG Reels. For a closer look at its strengths and weaknesses, refer to the table below.
The arrival of the Samsung Galaxy A05 challenges the notion that Samsung phones are always pricey. With the price mentioned, you can make this device yours. Now, let's discuss together advantages and disadvantages that follow.
Pros of Samsung Galaxy A05
Typically, smartphones priced around $100 are only suitable for basic tasks. However, the Samsung Galaxy A05 stands out with impressive performance that rivals other smartphones in its class. Let's take a look at the list below:
1. Excellent for Gaming, Delivering Strong Performance in the Budget Segment
Initially, I believed the Helio G85 chipset was exclusive to phones in the $200 range. Yet, in recent times (as of Q4 2023), I've noticed several $100 phones equipped with the Helio G85, including the Samsung Galaxy A05.
The standout feature of the Helio G85 is its performance core, characterized by Cortex A7x. This not only makes it suitable for light tasks like document editing and browsing but also ensures smooth gaming and image editing experiences.
The Helio G85 incorporates a Mali G52 GPU clocked at 1 GHz, faster than the GPUs found in the Helio G70 and Helio G80. Additionally, it provides eight processor cores, including two Cortex A75 cores (2.0 GHz) and six Cortex A55 units (1.8 GHz).
Built on a 12 nm manufacturing process, the chipset is complemented by Voice Wakeup (VoW) technology for power efficiency, a main sensor supporting resolutions up to 48 MP, and HyperEngine features to enhance gaming performance.
For comparison, the predecessor, Samsung Galaxy A04, was equipped with the Helio P35 chipset, featuring entirely efficiency cores. Hence, the Galaxy A05 represents a significant performance upgrade.
The Helio G85 achieves impressive scores in synthetic benchmark tests, especially for an entry-level smartphone. On AnTuTu v10, it achieves a score of 268,859 points. In Geekbench 6, the single-core score reaches 418 points, while the multi-core score hits 1372 points, as reported by Nano Review.
In gaming tests, the Samsung Galaxy A05 performs admirably in titles like COD Mobile, demonstrating smooth gameplay without noticeable lag, as observed in testing videos on YouTube.
However, performance may vary in more demanding games like COD Warzone, where occasional stuttering occurs. In games like PUBG New State, the experience is generally smooth, albeit with occasional stuttering in certain situations, as evidenced in uploaded videos.
As a user of a smartphone equipped with the Helio G85 chipset (realme Narzo 20), I can attest to its satisfactory performance. I can comfortably play Mobile Legends even on the highest graphics settings.
2. Super Wide Screen
The Samsung Galaxy A05 boasts a generous 6.7-inch display on a PLS PLLCD panel with HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels). This marks a size increase from its predecessor, which featured a 6.5-inch screen.
PLS LCD provides quality comparable to IPS LCD found in various other smartphones. While it may not match the AMOLED displays in rendering true blacks and energy efficiency, it excels at minimizing image retention or burn-in issues.
Viewed from the front, the Samsung Galaxy A05 presents thinner bezels, maximizing screen real estate. Similar to the previous model, it incorporates a waterdrop notch for the front camera, albeit slightly smaller than that of the Galaxy A04.
The display supports a 20:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of 262 ppi (pixels per inch), alongside an 82.1 percent body-to-screen ratio. The device maintains a standard 60 Hz refresh rate, which is understandable given its launch price.
In terms of display clarity, the Samsung Galaxy A05 may not rival the Full HD+ screens seen in higher-end models. However, for those seeking a reasonably priced Samsung phone with a large screen, the Galaxy A05 stands out as a valuable choice.
3. 50 MP Camera Can Record 60 fps Video, Good for its Price Class
Upon first encountering the camera specifications of the Samsung Galaxy A05, I was initially skeptical. It claims to support video recording at 60 FPS in 1080p resolution. However, this turned out to be accurate, as confirmed by various sources, which noted the device’s capability for 1080p recording at both 30 FPS and 60 FPS.
This is an impressive feature, especially considering that even smartphones with higher price often lack such high frame rate support.
Recording at 60 FPS offers notable advantages, such as smoother video motion compared to the standard 30 FPS. Videos also retain their quality after being uploaded to social media platforms, despite compression algorithms.
The Samsung Galaxy A05 features a dual-camera setup on the rear: a 50 MP wide-angle main sensor (f/1.8) and a 2 MP depth sensor (f/2.4), mirroring the configuration of its predecessor, the Galaxy A04. On the front, it sports an 8 MP camera with an f/2.0 aperture, which is fixed-focus, unlike the auto-focusing main rear camera.
Despite the main camera’s 50 MP resolution, the default output is set to 12.5 MP. This utilizes 4-in-1 pixel binning technology, also known as quad bayer, which combines four adjacent pixels into one large pixel to enhance light capture.
This pixel binning technique significantly boosts photo quality, improving detail, dynamic range, noise reduction, and exposure. In the initial image, the fine details are impressively preserved even upon zooming in.
This level of quality persists under more challenging conditions, where the shapes of leaves and the soft bokeh effect in floral images are distinctly captured. In my view, the photographic results from the Samsung Galaxy A05 are quite impressive and well-suited for social media sharing.
4. USB Type-C Port
In entry-level smartphones, I usually expect basic connectivity features. That's why I was pleasantly surprised by the Samsung Galaxy A05's advanced connectivity options. For starters, it features a USB Type-C 2.0 port with an OTG interface, which is a step up from the microUSB ports typically found in other budget phones.
Additionally, it supports Bluetooth 5.3, whereas most phones in this price range are still using Bluetooth 5.0. This upgrade means you can enjoy a better True Wireless Stereo (TWS) experience with reduced audio delay.
However, the phone lacks NFC, which means you can't use it for convenient tasks like topping up your eMoney. Still, it supports dual-band Wi-Fi, including the faster 5 GHz band, which is not commonly found in phones at this price point.
The inclusion of a USB-C port in this model is likely due to European Union regulations that mandate a standard port for all electronic devices. Hopefully, we'll soon see the end of microUSB in budget smartphones.
5. Durable Battery, Top-notch Fast Charging
The Samsung Galaxy A05 comes with a 5,000mAh battery, similar to its predecessor and many other smartphones on the market. A battery of this size can typically last a full day on a single charge.
Due to its HD Plus resolution (720p) display, the Galaxy A05 tends to have a longer battery life because this type of screen uses less power.
The device also features a USB Type-C 2.0 charging port with 25W fast charging, which is impressive considering that similar budget models from Samsung usually offer only 18W charging. It’s worth noting that the 25W charging speed is quite competitive compared to similar offerings from other brands.
Samsung includes the charger in the sales package, although the 25W charger comes in a separate box from the phone.
6. Spacious Internal Storage and RAM for its Price Class
The Samsung Galaxy A05 has received an upgrade in memory compared to its previous model. It now offers 128 GB of storage along with 6 GB of RAM. In 2023, having 128 GB of storage is practically essential for a smooth experience.
This is because the number and variety of apps and games are growing, which tends to fill up storage space quickly.
While 6 GB of RAM is adequate for multitasking, it’s worth noting that it’s possible to find phones with 8 GB of RAM in the same price range, such as the Infinix Hot 30. Although 6 GB of RAM isn't the highest available, it still ranks among the more generous offerings in its class.
Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy A05 includes a dedicated slot for external memory up to 1 TB. This allows users to easily manage space between apps and multimedia files like movies and photos.
7. Minimalist Body, but Still Elegant
For 2023, Samsung has adopted a uniform design theme across all Galaxy series models. This is evident from the back of the Samsung Galaxy A05, which resembles higher models like the Galaxy A14, A24, and even the Galaxy S23.
The main difference is that the Galaxy A05 features only two rear cameras. However, these cameras are integrated directly into the back cover, avoiding any protruding modules like those found on competing devices.
The rear of the Galaxy A05 is distinguished by an elongated diagonal line pattern. It lacks any bright or illuminated accents, contributing to its minimalist yet iconic appearance.
The absence of a protruding camera module gives the phone a seamless look, with just a small white circle on the side for the LED flash.
Despite having a 6.7-inch screen, the phone is surprisingly light, weighing just 195 grams. This makes it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.
The Samsung Galaxy A05 is available in three colors: Black, Silver, and Light Green. The inclusion of a soft green option suggests that Samsung aims to offer a stylish look for its budget-friendly model.
In terms of materials, the Galaxy A05 features a polycarbonate plastic body and frame. It lacks a Gorilla Glass protective layer and any waterproof certification (IP Rating), which is reasonable given its affordable price.
8. Supported by 2 OS Updates and 4 Security Updates
Users of the Samsung Galaxy A03 may be pleased to find that their device, originally launched with Android 11, can be upgraded to Android 13. This upgrade policy ensures that the phone receives Android version updates for two years.
This commitment extends to the Samsung Galaxy A05, which debuted with Android 13 using the One UI 5.1 interface. Samsung has announced that the Galaxy A05 will be eligible for an upgrade to One UI 7 based on Android 15. Furthermore, the company has pledged to provide security updates for the device for four years.
Disadvantages of Samsung Galaxy A05
As with any entry-level phone, the Samsung Galaxy A05 has its shortcomings. Here are some factors to consider before purchasing this model:
1. No Fingerprint Scanner
Two of the most common methods for unlocking a smartphone are face recognition and fingerprint scanning. In 2023, it's typical for phones to offer both options.
However, the Samsung Galaxy A05, similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy A04, does not include a fingerprint scanner. This omission is notable, especially since Samsung has made significant improvements to other aspects of the Galaxy A05, such as the SoC, RAM, and camera.
Unfortunately, the exclusion of a fingerprint scanner interrupts this series of enhancements, which might be a deal-breaker for some users.
2. Incomplete Sensors, No Gyro
Besides lacking a fingerprint sensor, the Samsung Galaxy A05 is equipped with only basic sensors. It lacks a compass, light sensor, and gyro, which are common in more expensive phones. It does include an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and GPS capabilities (including GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS).
The absence of a compass means the phone cannot show which direction you're facing when using navigation apps like Google Maps. Also, without a gyro, playing shooting games can be challenging as it's harder to aim at targets.
3. No IP Rating and Screen Protection Glass
Source: YouTube/QSQTechnologyThe Galaxy A05 includes a 3-month Samsung Care+ warranty that covers screen damage. If the screen cracks within three months of purchase, Samsung will repair it at no cost. However, after this period, it's wise to add a layer of tempered glass for protection.
The phone lacks any special protective glass, such as Gorilla Glass, and it also doesn't have an IP rating. This means there's no assurance it will withstand dust or water splashes. Therefore, extra caution is advised when using this phone outdoors.
Conclusion
If your main concerns are the chipset, memory, battery, and camera, the Samsung Galaxy A05 stands out as a formidable option in the budget category. The inclusion of the Helio G85 processor at this price point is a significant advantage, enhancing the phone's capability for gaming and more intensive tasks.
As a Samsung product, the camera quality is also considerable. The photos are impressive and show fine details for an entry-level phone. With 128 GB of storage, there’s ample space for all your apps.
However, if you prefer a fingerprint sensor over facial recognition for unlocking your phone, the Galaxy A05 might not meet your needs. Additionally, the lack of certain sensors and the use of eMMC storage could be drawbacks. Considering buying it?