Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy A05s - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 22, 2023 October 18, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 97.64 cm³ 115.02 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 3.45 "/g
Weight 201 g 194 g
Height 160.9 mm 168 mm
Width 77.8 mm 77.8 mm
Thickness 7.8 mm 8.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Pink
  • Silver
  • Black
  • Violet
  • Light Green

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1290 x 2796 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88 % 82.9 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 393 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1000 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 2000 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 97.64 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.89 mAh/cm³ 43.47 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4383 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
GPU Apple GPU (5-core graphics) Adreno 610

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 17 13
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 15 PlusSamsung Galaxy A05sPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mmiPhone 15 Plus is slightly shorter and noticeably thinner.
Weight201g194gNegligible weight difference in practical use.
BuildNot specified, assumed glass and aluminumNot specified, assumed plasticMaterial differences impact perceived quality and durability; glass generally feels more premium but is more fragile.
Display
Display TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDPLS LCDiPhone's OLED offers significantly better contrast, deeper blacks, and wider viewing angles, resulting in a superior visual experience.
Size6.7 inches6.7 inchesSame screen size.
Resolution1290 x 2796 (460 ppi)1080 x 2400 (393 ppi)iPhone has a much sharper display due to higher resolution and pixel density, leading to clearer text and images.
Refresh RateNot specified90HzHigher refresh rate on the A05s results in smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more responsive. iPhone's refresh rate is likely 60Hz, which is standard but less fluid.
Peak Brightness2000 nitsNot specifiediPhone's significantly higher peak brightness ensures better visibility in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetApple A16 Bionic (4 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)A16 is a flagship chipset, significantly more powerful than the mid-range Snapdragon 680. Expect much faster performance in demanding tasks and games on the iPhone.
CPUHexa-core (2x3.46 GHz + 4x2.02 GHz)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz + 4x1.9 GHz)Core count alone isn't indicative of performance. A16's architecture and higher clock speeds will deliver superior performance.
GPUApple GPU (5-core)Adreno 610iPhone's GPU will provide a significantly better gaming experience and handle graphics-intensive tasks more smoothly.
RAM6GB4GB/6GBWhile both offer ample RAM for everyday tasks, the iPhone 15 Plus with its powerful processor will handle multitasking more efficiently.
Storage256GB/512GB128GBiPhone offers larger storage options.
Battery
Capacity4383 mAh5000 mAhWhile the A05s has a larger battery capacity, the iPhone 15 Plus's more power-efficient chip could result in comparable or even better battery life. Real-world usage will vary.
Camera
Video CapabilitiesUp to 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps1080p@60fpsiPhone offers significantly better video recording capabilities, including higher resolution and frame rates, along with HDR. Detailed camera specifications are missing for meaningful comparison beyond video.
Other
OSiOS 17Android 13Different operating systems cater to different preferences. iOS is known for its simplicity and ease of use, while Android offers more customization options.
SensorsFace ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometeraccelerometer, proximity, Fingerprint (side-mounted)iPhone offers more comprehensive sensor data, potentially enabling more features and functionalities. Notable is the inclusion of Face ID for biometric authentication.

2. Key Differences Analysis

iPhone 15 Plus Advantages:

  • Significantly more powerful: The A16 Bionic chip offers a massive performance advantage for demanding tasks, gaming, and future-proofing.
  • Superior display: OLED technology provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and higher brightness. Sharper resolution delivers crisper visuals.
  • More advanced video recording: Higher resolution, frame rate, and HDR support enable professional-grade video capture.
  • Premium design and build: While not explicitly stated, iPhones generally utilize higher-quality materials.

Samsung Galaxy A05s Advantages:

  • Larger battery capacity: Potentially longer battery life, though real-world usage depends on optimization.
  • Higher refresh rate: Smoother scrolling and animations for a more responsive user interface.
  • Lower price: While both are mid-range, the A05s is likely more affordable.
  • Expandable Storage: Offers expandable storage options via microSD card (not explicitly mentioned, but common in A series).

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

iPhone 15 Plus: Users who prioritize performance, a premium display, high-quality camera, and a seamless user experience. Ideal for demanding tasks, gaming, content creation, and those invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Samsung Galaxy A05s: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and a smooth display. Suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming. Good for users who prefer Android's flexibility and customization options.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. What is your budget? The iPhone 15 Plus will be significantly more expensive.
  2. What are your primary use cases? Demanding tasks and gaming benefit greatly from the iPhone's superior performance.
  3. Which operating system do you prefer? iOS and Android offer distinct experiences.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy user: If you need a powerful phone for demanding tasks, gaming, or content creation, the iPhone 15 Plus is the clear choice.
  • Casual user on a budget: The Samsung Galaxy A05s offers good value for everyday tasks and a smooth display experience without breaking the bank.

My Choice: Apple iPhone 15 Plus

While the Samsung Galaxy A05s offers a larger battery and smoother scrolling, the iPhone 15 Plus's significant advantages in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities make it the superior choice for me. I value a responsive and future-proof device that can handle demanding tasks and provide a premium user experience. The A16 Bionic chip ensures longevity and smooth performance for years to come, and the superior display and camera are essential for my usage. Although the price difference is significant, the long-term value and overall experience offered by the iPhone 15 Plus outweigh the cost. I also prefer the iOS ecosystem.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.