Samsung Galaxy A05 vs Nothing Phone (2a) - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 15, 2023 March 12, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 116.16 cm³ 106.1 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.44 "/g 3.53 "/g
Weight 195 g 190 g
Height 168.8 mm 161.7 mm
Width 78.2 mm 76.3 mm
Thickness 8.8 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Silver
  • Black
  • Light Green
  • Black
  • Blue
  • White
  • Milk

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.7 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2412
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 82.1 % 87.6 %
Pixel Density 262 PPI 394 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 700 nits
HBM Brightness N/A 1100 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 1300 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 111.38 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.04 mAh/cm³ 47.12 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support No Yes
Chipset Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 Cortex-A510)
GPU Mali-G52 MC2 Mali-G610 MC4

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 14
Maximum OS Version 17

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A05Nothing Phone (2a)Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm161.7 x 76.3 x 8.6 mmThe Nothing Phone (2a) is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially offering a better one-handed grip.
Weight195g190gNegligible weight difference in practical usage.
Build MaterialsNot specifiedNot specifiedCannot compare build quality and durability without more information.
Display
Display TypePLS LCDAMOLED, 1B colors, HDR10+The Nothing Phone (2a)'s AMOLED display offers significantly better contrast, color accuracy, and power efficiency. HDR10+ support provides a wider dynamic range for compatible content.
Size6.7"6.7"Same screen size.
Resolution720 x 1600 (HD+)1080 x 2412 (FHD+)The Nothing Phone (2a) boasts a much sharper and more detailed display due to its higher resolution.
Refresh RateNot specified120HzThe 120Hz refresh rate on the Nothing Phone (2a) results in a smoother and more responsive user experience, especially noticeable in scrolling and gaming. The lack of information on the A05's refresh rate prevents further comparison.
Peak BrightnessNot specified1300 nitsThe Nothing Phone (2a)'s superior peak brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility even in direct sunlight. The lack of data for the A05 makes a direct comparison impossible.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Helio G85 (12nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4nm)The Dimensity 7200 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) is significantly more powerful and power-efficient due to its smaller fabrication process. This translates to smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and improved battery life.
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)The Nothing Phone (2a) has a more powerful and modern CPU architecture, resulting in faster processing speeds.
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G610 MC4The Nothing Phone (2a) features a considerably more capable GPU, leading to significantly better gaming performance and graphics rendering.
RAM/Storage128GB/4GB RAM, 128GB/6GB RAM256GB/12GB RAMThe Nothing Phone (2a) offers much more RAM and storage, enabling smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and the ability to store more files and data.
Other
OSAndroid 13Android 14The Nothing Phone (2a) ships with a newer Android version, offering potential features and security updates not available on the A05. It will also receive more OS updates.
NFCFalseTrueNFC enables contactless payments and other convenient features that are lacking on the A05.
SensorsAccelerometer, ProximityAccelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Compass, Fingerprint (under display)The Nothing Phone (2a) includes more sensors for enhanced functionality and security, including a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Nothing Phone (2a) Advantages:

  • Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness.
  • Significantly Better Performance: More powerful chipset, CPU, and GPU.
  • More RAM and Storage: Provides a smoother and more responsive user experience.
  • Newer Android Version with Longer Support: Ensures access to the latest features and security updates.
  • Additional Features: NFC for contactless payments, under-display fingerprint sensor.

Samsung Galaxy A05 Advantages:

  • Potentially Lower Price: Belongs to a lower price range.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy A05: Suitable for budget-conscious users who prioritize basic communication and light tasks. Ideal for:

  • Calling and texting
  • Basic web browsing
  • Social media usage (with potential performance limitations)

Nothing Phone (2a): Suitable for users who demand a premium experience with smooth performance, a vibrant display, and modern features. Ideal for:

  • Gaming
  • Media consumption (videos, photos)
  • Demanding applications
  • Users who value software updates and future-proofing.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The Nothing Phone (2a) is likely significantly more expensive.
  2. What are your primary smartphone usage patterns? Identify your most common tasks and prioritize features accordingly.
  3. How important are display quality and performance to you? The Nothing Phone (2a) excels in these areas.

My Choice: Nothing Phone (2a)

The Nothing Phone (2a) is the clear winner in this comparison. While potentially more expensive, it offers a significantly superior user experience in almost every aspect. The performance difference alone would make a huge impact on daily usage. The better display, newer Android version with longer support, extra RAM, and inclusion of NFC solidify its position as the better choice for most users except for the extremely budget conscious who prioritize basic functionality above all else. The improved performance and longevity offered by the Nothing Phone (2a) likely justifies the higher price for most users in the long run.

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.

Key Strengths:

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