1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A05 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm | S21+ is more compact, easier to handle; A05 is larger, may feel less comfortable in hand/pocket. |
| Weight | 200g | 195g | A05 is slightly lighter, may feel more comfortable during long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | S21+ has a significantly sharper display; A05's display may appear less detailed, particularly noticeable in text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 262 PPI | S21+ offers much sharper images and text, leading to a better viewing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | S21+ has vibrant colors, deep blacks, superior contrast, better for HDR content; A05 has lower color reproduction, contrast, may appear washed out in direct sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21+ has much smoother animations, scrolling and gaming; A05 might feel less fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ display is dramatically brighter, clearly visible outdoors, even in direct sunlight; A05 brightness is unknown, so outdoor visibility may be very poor. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | S21+ is much more powerful, handles demanding tasks smoothly; A05 struggles with heavy multitasking, demanding games, less future-proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 225,154 | S21+ is significantly faster, launches apps and games quicker, better for gaming, intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21+ has significantly better graphics performance, more suited for demanding games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | A05 has a slightly larger battery, potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Both have same 25W fast charging speed. |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | Non-removable | S21+ has wireless charging, can charge other devices wirelessly; A05 does not have such features. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, unknown µm | A05 has a much higher resolution sensor, possibly more detailed images; S21+ has larger pixel size for better low light performance, sensor model is known. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | S21+ has a dedicated zoom lens; A05 does not offer optical zoom capabilities, relying on digital zoom that degrades quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 8MP, f/2.0, unknown µm | S21+ has a slightly higher resolution, and smaller pixel size; A05 has wider aperture. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4, unknown µm | A05 has depth sensor for better bokeh in portrait shots. |
| Wide/Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | S21+ has ultra-wide lens for wide shots, and macro for close-ups; A05 has neither. |
| Video | Up to 8K | Up to 1080p | S21+ can record professional quality video, has more video recording options; A05 has limited video capabilities. |
| Camera Features | More advanced features | Basic features | S21+ has OIS, better stabilization, more shooting modes, RAW; A05 offers basic camera features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 13 | A05 comes with a newer version of Android out of the box. S21+ will receive updates to Android 15, but is starting on 11. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21+ supports faster WiFi speeds, lower latency, more efficient in crowded networks; A05 has older Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE (more profiles) | 5.3 LE (basic profiles) | A05 has a newer Bluetooth version with limited profiles; S21+ has an older version but supports a wide variety of Bluetooth profiles, for broader connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S21+ has more GPS systems, more accurate location tracking; A05 is more basic. |
| SIM | eSIM | No eSIM | S21+ has eSIM support, allowing flexible carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | S21+ has double maximum storage, more storage for apps, media; A05 offers less storage. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB/6GB | S21+ has more RAM, better multitasking, faster app switching; A05 is limited in multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic | S21+ has better audio playback quality, louder sound; A05 has basic audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | S21+ has a more secure and user-friendly way to unlock the device. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has superior screen protection, less prone to scratches; A05 has unknown protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Many sensors | Limited sensors | S21+ has much more functionality based on advanced sensor suite (gaming, environment). |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness, offering a far superior viewing experience for all types of content.
- Much Higher Performance: Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly faster processing, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto, wide-angle, and higher video recording capabilities, with better overall image quality and a wider range of features.
- Premium Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, better audio quality with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, enhanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 and eSIM support.
- More RAM and Storage: 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage provides a better multitasking experience, more space for apps and media.
- Better build quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better scratch and break protection than the A05's unknown material.
Practical Implications: S21+ is ideal for users who prioritize performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and premium features. It excels at gaming, media consumption, and photography.
Samsung Galaxy A05 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: May offer marginally longer battery life than S21+.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 13, potentially offering more recent software features.
- Lower Price Point: More affordable, suitable for budget-conscious users.
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: May capture more detailed shots under optimal conditions.
Practical Implications: A05 is targeted at users who prioritize budget over performance, camera quality, and a premium experience. It’s suitable for basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and casual photography.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+ vs. A05: A significant performance gap exists between these two devices. The S21+ offers a premium experience whereas the A05 is on the lower end.
- Display Quality: The display quality of A05 is significantly lower, and will have a big impact on the user experience.
- Camera Versatility: The S21+ has much more versatile camera system than the A05.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance, enjoy gaming, and engage in heavy multitasking.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who watch videos, stream content, and appreciate high-quality audio and visual experiences.
- Photography Lovers: People who want a versatile camera system with telephoto, wide-angle lenses, and advanced features.
- Professionals: Users who rely on their phone for productivity and need a device that can handle demanding tasks seamlessly.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games.
- Editing photos and videos.
- Watching high-resolution movies.
- Using productivity apps and multitasking.
- Taking photos and videos in diverse conditions.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A05:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals seeking an affordable smartphone for basic use.
- Casual Users: People who mainly browse the web, use social media, and make occasional calls.
- First-Time Smartphone Owners: Users who need a simple, easy-to-use device.
- Users with Basic Needs: People who prioritize battery life and essential smartphone functionalities.
Use Cases:
- Web browsing and social media.
- Casual photography and video recording.
- Making phone calls and texting.
- Basic app usage.
- Daily communications
Price-to-Value: The Galaxy S21+ offers much higher value for its price when you look at performance, features, build quality, and display quality. While the A05 is cheaper, the overall experience is significantly inferior.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The price difference between these phones is significant.
- What will be the primary use case? Do you need high performance or is basic use enough?
- How important is display quality and camera quality? Do you want a phone with a premium display and a versatile camera system?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Focused): If your budget is very tight and basic functionality is enough, the Samsung Galaxy A05 may be the only option.
- Scenario 2 (Performance & Media): If performance, display quality, and camera versatility are important, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Experience): If budget is a concern and you want a better experience than what the A05 offers, you need to consider another device as both the A05 and S21+ are at the extreme ends of the smartphone spectrum.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While it is an older phone, the advantages it has over the Samsung Galaxy A05 are significant, making it a superior device. The S21+ has a much better display with AMOLED technology, higher resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate. It has a more powerful chipset, more RAM, and more internal storage. It also has a significantly more versatile camera system, and superior video recording capabilities. These advantages mean a much better and more responsive user experience for gaming, media consumption, and photography. The build quality and additional features, like wireless charging, also make it the premium option. Although the S21+ is more expensive, the improved user experience and increased value for my needs outweigh the higher price tag. In the long run, the S21+ is more future-proof compared to the A05 due to its processing power and features, making it the better overall choice.
