Samsung Galaxy A05s

Samsung Galaxy A05s Review

The Samsung Galaxy A05s, released on October 18, 2023, is a medium-priced smartphone offering a blend of essential features. It measures 168mm in height, 77.8mm in width, and 8.8mm in depth, weighing 194g. This device is not foldable and is available in Silver, Black, Violet, and Light Green.

Build Quality

The Galaxy A05s maintains a fairly standard build for its price point. It does not boast premium materials, opting for a primarily plastic construction. This keeps the weight manageable while perhaps sacrificing a bit in perceived quality. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is conveniently placed and generally responsive. The device's dimensions make it reasonably comfortable to hold, although users with smaller hands may find the 6.7-inch display a bit unwieldy.

Screen Quality

The device features a 6.7-inch PLS LCD screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels (393 ppi), offering a reasonably sharp viewing experience. The 90Hz refresh rate provides a smoother scrolling and animation feel compared to standard 60Hz displays. While it's a step up from typical budget LCDs, it lacks the vibrancy and contrast of AMOLED panels found in higher-end devices. The screen's aspect ratio is 20:9, and it incorporates a water drop notch design. Features include a 2.5D curved glass and capacitive multi-touch. The absence of HDR support and details on typical/peak brightness or contrast ratio are noteworthy omissions.

Camera Performance

The rear camera system features a triple-lens setup, consisting of a 50MP primary lens with an f/1.8 aperture, a 2MP depth sensor (f/2.4), and a 2MP macro lens (f/2.4). Video recording is capped at 1080p at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps. The 13MP front-facing camera (f/2.0) handles selfies and video calls adequately. The camera app includes features like digital zoom, autofocus, touch focus, geotagging, panorama, HDR, face detection, scene mode, and a self-timer. Slow-motion video capture at 120fps is also available. Overall, the camera system is adequate for everyday use but is not designed for capturing high-quality, detailed images in challenging conditions.

Software Experience

The Galaxy A05s runs on Android 13. While the specific version of Samsung's One UI is not listed, expect a relatively clean user interface with added features and customization options. The device does support NFC for contactless payments and data sharing. Although the maximum supported Android version is not given, users can generally anticipate some OS updates, but major Android upgrades might be limited.

Battery Performance

The device is equipped with a 5000 mAh Li-Ion battery, which should provide a full day of use for most users. It supports 25W fast charging, enabling relatively quick replenishing times, though the actual charging adapter may need to be purchased separately. Wireless charging is absent, a typical feature omission at this price point.

Value for Money

The Samsung Galaxy A05s is a budget-friendly device targeting the price-conscious consumer. It's powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset. Prices vary depending on the storage and RAM configuration. The 4GB/128GB version is priced around $99.99 - $122.81, while the 6GB/128GB version ranges from $130.10 - $140.89. The device provides a solid blend of core smartphone features and reasonable performance given its price tag. Although it’s not suitable for gaming-intensive use, it is well-suited for daily use tasks, media consumption, and basic photography. The inclusion of NFC is a plus point not always found in its price range. The availability of 4G connectivity may be a limitation for some users, depending on network infrastructure. The USB Type-C 2.0 port includes charging capabilities, mass storage, and OTG, but lacks DisplayPort and video output capabilities.