7 Pros and Cons of Samsung Galaxy A05s
The Samsung Galaxy A Series frequently ranks among the world's top-selling mobile phones. For instance, in 2022, the Galaxy A03 was the 10th best-selling mobile phone globally, according to Counterpoint. This achievement underscores the strong appeal of Samsung's entry-level models to consumers.
Looking to continue this trend is the Samsung Galaxy A05s, which was launched in 2023. This model is offering 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage.
A notable feature of the Galaxy A05s is its Snapdragon 680 SoC, which represents a significant performance improvement over the Galaxy A04s that utilized the Exynos 850 processor.
But the appeal of this phone doesn't stop there; it has several greater aspects, which you can see the descriptions below.
Considering its capabilities, it's hardly surprising that the Samsung Galaxy A05s might catch your interest. However, read through this review thoroughly before making a decision!
Pros of Samsung Galaxy A05s
The Samsung Galaxy A05s belongs to the lower tier of Samsung's mobile phone lineup. However, I believe this model still manages to capture the public's attention due to its several appealing features.
1. Minimalist Design with Appealing Color Options
Samsung has opted for a minimalist design for the Galaxy A05s, similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy A04s. The camera lens on the back is left exposed, without any surrounding module.
However, the A05s has adopted a design similar to that seen in the Galaxy S23 5G, Galaxy A54, and Galaxy A24, featuring flat edges on the back cover and a slightly curved frame. This design gives the phone a sleek and elegant look while ensuring it is comfortable to hold.
In terms of dimensions, the Galaxy A05s is not particularly thin, with a thickness of 8.8 mm, which is still less than the Galaxy A04s at 9.1 mm. Weighing 194 grams, it is light enough to carry comfortably.
One of the highlights of this model is its range of color options. Available in Light Green, Silver, and Black, these colors offer a sophisticated matte finish that looks stylish without being overbearing. Light Green, in particular, is my favorite. A Violet color variant is also available, though it is not officially sold in some countries.
2. Wide Screen with 90 Hz Refresh Rate
Samsung's entry-level phones typically feature PLS LCD screens, which are cost-effective and offer decent display quality. The Galaxy A05s continues this trend with a PLS LCD panel that supports a 90 Hz refresh rate, the same as its predecessor, the Galaxy A04s.
However, the A05s boasts an improvement in resolution. While the Galaxy A04s had only HD+ resolution, the A05s has been upgraded to Full HD+ (1080 x 2400) that enhances the clarity and detail of the display.
The screen size has also been slightly increased to 6.7 inches, up from 6.68 inches on the Galaxy A04s, providing a more immersive experience for users enjoying various types of content.
3. Powerful Snapdragon 680 Performance
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 is an impressive chipset, especially when used in a mobile phone priced under Rp 2.5 million, like the Galaxy A05s.
This chipset outperforms the Exynos 850 used in the Galaxy A04s, not only in power efficiency but also in overall performance. The Snapdragon 680 includes a CPU with a performance core and uses UFS 2.2 internal memory, which is faster than eMMC 5.1. This upgrade results in a noticeably quicker response, even when launching demanding apps and games.
The phone benefits from a substantial memory setup, with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. This ample RAM allows for smooth multitasking, enabling you to switch between apps without having to reload them, even with multiple apps running in the background.
For those interested in the technical details of this chipset, you might want to check out articles that compare the Snapdragon 680 with other similar chipsets.
Briefly, this 6 nm chipset features eight CPU cores, including four Cortex A73 performance cores running at 2.4 GHz and four Cortex A53 efficiency cores at 1.9 GHz. The GPU is an Adreno 610, clocked at 1110 MHz.
In testing conducted by the Thai YouTube channel paypaytop.com, the Galaxy A05s scored 310,645 on the AnTuTu 10 benchmark, a score that well represents the capabilities of the Snapdragon 680.
The Galaxy A05s also performs well in gaming. The paypaytop.com YouTube channel demonstrated that this phone runs Diablo Immortal smoothly, while the DroidSans YouTube channel showed efficient gameplay of Mobile Legends.
Based on these tests, the Galaxy A05s should also handle other popular games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, Minecraft, EA Sports FC, and more. Genshin Impact is playable, though it may not be as smooth.
4. 50 MP Rear Camera, Can Record 60 FPS Video
The rear camera setup of the Galaxy A05s has not changed from the Galaxy A04s. It includes a 50 MP autofocus main camera with an f/1.8 aperture, along with two 2 MP cameras for macro and depth sensing, which serve more as additional features than functional tools.
What's surprising is the main camera's ability to record 1080p video at both 30 FPS and 60 FPS. Recording at 60 FPS is a feature seldom found in budget-friendly phones, making this a great feature for those who create content for platforms like Instagram Reels, where smoother video can enhance the viewing experience.
On the front, the phone sports a 13 MP selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture, an upgrade from the 8 MP, f/2.2 camera found in the Galaxy A04s. It also supports video recording at up to 1080p 30/60 FPS.
Additionally, the built-in camera app includes a pro mode for photos, allowing manual adjustments to ISO, white balance, focus, and shutter speed.
Based on samples I've seen on DroidSans' YouTube channel, the Galaxy A05s' camera performs well, capturing decent details and colors that are not too saturated. However, photo quality tends to decline in low-light situations.
For videos, the color reproduction and detail are adequate for documentation, but video stability could be improved.
Here are some sample photos taken with the Galaxy A05s for you to evaluate:
Source: DroidSans
Source: DroidSans
Source: DroidSans5. Large Battery with 25 Watt Fast Charging
The Samsung Galaxy A05s is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, a size that is fairly standard for modern smartphones. This capacity should keep the phone powered through a full day of use.
Additionally, the Galaxy A05s features the Snapdragon 680 SoC, known for its energy efficiency. While specific battery life tests for this model are scarce, it's reasonable to expect similar performance to the Galaxy A23, which also uses the Snapdragon 680 and has a 5000 mAh battery.
In testing by GSM Arena, the Galaxy A23 achieved an impressive battery life score of 130 hours. In WiFi browsing tests, the Galaxy A23 lasted up to 18 hours and 14 minutes, suggesting that the Galaxy A05s will likely perform similarly.
The charging capabilities are also comparable as both the Galaxy A23 and Galaxy A05s support 25 Watt fast charging. However, GSM Arena tested the Galaxy A23 with a 15 Watt charger and it took 1 hour and 43 minutes to charge fully.
Using a 25 Watt charger, the charging time could be reduced to less than an hour and a half.
6. MicroSD Slot and Audio Jack
For some, the 128 GB of internal storage might not suffice, especially with many apps installed. An easy solution is to transfer less critical files to a microSD card, freeing up space for more apps.
The Galaxy A05s simplifies this process with its triple slot configuration, which includes two SIM card slots and one microSD slot that supports up to 1 TB. This setup allows users to use both SIM cards and a microSD card simultaneously without interference.
The inclusion of a 3.5 mm audio jack is another feature many appreciate. Wired earphones are generally more affordable than true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds and offer the advantage of no audio delay, making them a popular choice for those on a budget.
7. 2-Year Software Update Support and 4-Year Security
One of the reasons people prefer Samsung mobile phones is their software quality. Samsung's software is generally well-developed, smooth, and free from advertisements, though not entirely without bugs.
The Galaxy A05s runs on the Android 13 operating system and features the One UI interface, which includes several useful functions.
For instance, it has Dual Messenger for managing two accounts in one app, Multi Windows for viewing multiple apps at once, and Pop-Up View for using apps in small floating windows.
Another significant advantage is the promise of future software updates. Samsung guarantees that the Galaxy A05s will receive up to two generations of operating system updates and four years of security updates.
This is an improvement over previous entry-level models, which only received three years of support.
Disadvantages of Samsung Galaxy A05s
Creating an affordable entry-level smartphone means that we have to compromise and maintain a low cost. Below are the features that have been omitted in the Galaxy A05s.
1. No IP Rating and Protection Glass
Samsung's entry-level phones, including the Galaxy A05s, typically do not come with an IP rating. This means there's no official protection against dust or water splashes.
Additionally, the screen of the Galaxy A05s doesn't have protective glass like Gorilla Glass or Asahi Glass. However, Samsung does offer three months of protection for screen cracks through Samsung Care+.
I recommend you to also reinforce the screen with a strong tempered glass, which you can find from various brands either online or at local accessory stores. This will help protect the screen from potential damage.
2. Incomplete Sensors, No NFC
The Galaxy A05s is equipped with only a basic set of sensors: a fingerprint scanner on the power button, an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and ambient light sensor.
It doesn't have a compass, which means it cannot provide directional data in offline modes, and a gyroscope, which affects video stabilization capabilities.
Moreover, the Galaxy A05s does not include NFC, which is commonly found in other smartphones in the same price range.
3. No Ultrawide Camera and Stereo Speakers
While the absence of an ultrawide camera and stereo speakers may not be critical for an entry-level phone like the Galaxy A05s, these features could enhance the user experience significantly.
Instead of the macro and depth sensors, which are less frequently used, an ultrawide camera would be more practical, especially for capturing expansive landscapes or large group photos.
While stereo speakers do not necessarily affect the volume, they do provide a more dynamic and engaging sound experience.
Conclusion
Choosing the Samsung Galaxy A05s comes with many advantages, including its sleek design, large screen, robust performance, and long battery life. The camera also delivers dependable photo quality. Furthermore, coming from a reputable brand like Samsung, this phone is trusted for its quality despite its affordability.
Samsung's commitment to providing four years of software updates reflects its dedication to quality. However, the Galaxy A05s may not suit everyone. It lacks NFC and has incomplete sensors. It also doesn't have an IP rating, which some competitors offer at similar price points.
Nonetheless, for casual users on a budget who value a reliable brand, the Galaxy A05s is an excellent choice. Are you considering making this smartphone your next purchase?