Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A05
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A05 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm | A05 is significantly larger and thicker, impacting pocketability and single-handed use. S21 5G is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 169g | 195g | S21 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended holding and easier to carry. The A05 feels heavier in comparison. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | A05 offers a larger viewing area for media consumption, but the S21 5G is more compact for everyday handling. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | S21 5G's display is significantly sharper, resulting in clearer text and images. A05 may appear less crisp, especially for detailed content. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 262 PPI | The S21 5G provides much sharper visuals for finer details. Text and images appear less pixelated compared to A05. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | S21 5G offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, leading to a more visually engaging experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 5G has smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing user interface fluidity and gaming responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G is much more visible in direct sunlight. The A05's brightness data is missing, but it can be assumed that the S21 5G offers a much brighter screen. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) | S21 5G provides much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and more demanding gaming experiences. A05 is significantly slower in comparison. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 225,154 | S21 5G offers superior overall performance, making the S21 5G smoother and faster for demanding tasks and more future-proof. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21 5G has a more powerful GPU which translates to smoother frame rates in graphically intensive games and better app performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP | 50MP | A05 offers a higher resolution sensor, which can capture more detail in well-lit conditions but might not perform well in low light because of other spec differences. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP | N/A | S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom and portrait shots, improving versatility and creative options. A05 lacks this feature. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP | 8MP | S21 5G captures slightly higher resolution selfies. Both phones will give similar quality selfie performance, though the difference is marginal. |
| Wide/Macro Camera | 12.2MP | N/A | S21 5G has a dedicated ultrawide lens for expansive shots and a macro lens for close-up photography. A05 lacks this feature. |
| Video | Up to 8K | Up to 1080p | S21 5G can record professional-grade videos with higher resolution, more detail and supports higher frame rates for smoother footage and includes slow-motion and more features. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 (main score) | N/A | S21 5G has been tested for camera quality with a score of 111. A05 has no official camera score, indicating a lower camera performance compared to S21 5G |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 (main score) | N/A | S21 5G has been tested for selfie camera quality with a score of 132. A05 has no official camera score, indicating a lower selfie performance compared to S21 5G |
| OIS | Yes | No | S21 5G offers optical image stabilization for smoother videos and clearer photos, especially in low light. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | A05 has a significantly larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life. However, S21 5G might have better optimized software that results in similar battery performance. |
| Charging | 25W fast | 25W fast | Both phones support 25W fast charging. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging, No charger | No wireless charging, No Reverse Charging | S21 5G has more charging features than A05. The A05 does not offer wireless or reverse charging. S21 5G does not come with a charger in the box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | A05 has a more recent Android version out of the box. However, the S21 5G is planned to be upgraded to version 15, providing a future-proof software experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21 5G supports faster Wi-Fi speeds and more stable connections with Wi-Fi 6. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | A05 uses a newer Bluetooth version for potentially better and more efficient connections. |
| GPS | More systems | Standard GPS | S21 5G supports more GPS systems for better location accuracy. S21 5G can also find location quicker with L1+L5. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 64/128GB | S21 5G offers more storage options, especially the 256GB variant which is not available for A05. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4/6GB | S21 5G comes standard with 8 GB of RAM, which is better for smoother performance with multitasking, compared to the A05. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, making the choice of internal storage crucial. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers, Noise cancellation | Basic audio features | The S21 5G offers superior audio quality with support for Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation. The A05 has basic audio features which offer no additional audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Basic security | The S21 5G has a fingerprint sensor for biometric security. The A05 does not come with a fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 5G has better screen protection against scratches and drops with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection. A05 does not include a screen protection spec. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Proximity | The S21 5G has a more comprehensive set of sensors making it useful for more advanced apps and features including better gaming experience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly sharper and more vibrant AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a much better viewing experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides much faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a triple camera setup with dedicated telephoto and ultrawide lenses, as well as higher video quality, OIS and many camera features.
- Premium Audio Quality: Features Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and a noise-canceling microphone for superior audio experience.
- More Charging Features: Supports 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Better Build Quality: Includes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection and additional environmental sensors.
- More comprehensive Sensors: Includes a Fingerprint sensor, Gyroscope and Barometer
Practical Implications: The S21 5G is a flagship device designed for users who prioritize high performance, display quality, and advanced features. It's better for gaming, media consumption, photography, and general demanding tasks.
Samsung Galaxy A05 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers a larger 5000mAh battery for longer battery life between charges.
- More Recent Android OS: Ships with Android 13 out of the box, although it is not clear if there is a planned upgrade, while S21 5G is expected to be upgraded to Android 15.
- Newer Bluetooth: Features a more recent Bluetooth version
- Lower Price: A05 is an entry-level phone priced significantly lower compared to the S21 5G
Practical Implications: The A05 is a budget-friendly device focused on affordability and long battery life. It is suitable for basic use, such as browsing, calling, and casual social media, and users who prioritize battery.
Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Higher cost and smaller battery life, may not be the best option for those on a budget or those who require an extended battery life.
- A05: Significantly lower performance, inferior display, and less capable camera system may not be the best for those who are into gaming, content consumption or photography.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who need high performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos and browsing photos.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want a versatile camera system with good low-light performance and advanced features.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest features such as wireless charging, and better build quality.
Use Cases:
- Gaming: Smooth frame rates and quick app load times
- Professional Photography: Capturing high-resolution images and videos with OIS
- Content Creation: Editing photos and videos on the go
- Mobile Working: Smooth multitasking for office and creative tasks
Samsung Galaxy A05 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who want an affordable smartphone with basic functionality.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and light browsing.
- Battery-Life Focused: Users who prioritize long battery life and don’t want to charge their phone often.
Use Cases:
- Basic Communication: Calling, texting, and social media browsing
- Casual Media Consumption: Watching videos and listening to music occasionally
- Light Gaming: Simple and less demanding mobile games
Price-to-Value Ratio: The S21 5G offers a much higher performance and feature set for its price. However, the A05 is significantly cheaper, making it an attractive option for users on a tight budget. It really depends on what the user requires from a phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: What is your budget? This will be the most important factor as one phone is significantly more affordable than the other.
- Primary Use: What do you use your phone for most often? Gaming/Photography/Content Creation (S21) vs Calling/Social Media (A05)
- Feature Priorities: How important is performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and battery life to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance/Flagship User If you want the best performance, display, and camera and are willing to pay a premium, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget User: If you are looking for an affordable device with basic functionality and a large battery, the Samsung Galaxy A05 is a more suitable option.
- Scenario 3: Prioritizing Battery Life: If you value battery life over everything else, then the Samsung Galaxy A05 is the more suitable phone as it has a much larger battery than the S21 5G
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
Here's why: While I acknowledge the A05 offers a larger battery and lower price, I value the superior performance, display quality, and camera capabilities of the S21 5G. As someone who uses my phone for more than just basic tasks, the S21 5G's flagship-level features would significantly enhance my overall user experience. The S21 5G is better for gaming, photography, and content consumption, which are things that I often do with my phone. Although battery life is always a priority, I am willing to compromise on the larger battery as the S21 5G offers a very good battery life with the optimized software and the other features that come with the S21 5G are worth the trade-off. Furthermore, the quality of the screen and the higher refresh rate will also give me a much better overall experience. The S21 5G also has a better build quality with superior screen protection. I also do not like the larger size and thickness of the A05.
