Samsung continues to expand its entry-level Galaxy A lineup with the ongoing growth seen in the Galaxy A05 and Galaxy A05s, with a focus on the latter in this review. Originally introduced in Malaysia and subsequently reaching India, the Galaxy A05s stands out as a budget-friendly device. In an effort to enhance affordability and accessibility, Samsung has introduced a 4GB RAM variant alongside the original 6GB version. This review centers on the 4GB RAM model, featuring 128GB of expandable storage. Compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy 04s, the A05s showcases several noteworthy upgrades. The display has increased to 6.7 inches, now boasting Full HD resolution at 90Hz, a significant improvement from HD+.
The chipset has also undergone an upgrade to the Snapdragon 680, offering enhanced technical capabilities despite the absence of 5G connectivity. The 6nm chip promises improved efficiency. Additionally, the selfie camera has undergone a notable enhancement, now featuring a larger 13MP resolution capable of 1080p video capture. Charging has become faster at 25W, maintaining the robust 5,000mAh battery pack. While the Galaxy A05s presents itself as a more well-rounded device than its predecessor, it is not without its shortcomings. Notable among them is the relatively slow eMMC 5.1 internal storage, a factor that merits thorough exploration in the detailed review. The retail package for the Galaxy A05s is minimalistic, aligning with eco-friendly principles, as the box comprises a straightforward two-piece cardboard design. The internal cradle effectively secures the phone, emphasizing functionality. Expectations for accessories should be tempered, as the package includes only essential components—a basic USB Type-A to Type-C cable and a SIM ejector tool, with no additional items included.
In-Depth Technical Details Of Samsung Galaxy A05s
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Body | 168.0×77.8×8.8mm, 194g; Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame. |
| Network | 2G, 3G, and 4G. |
| Display | 6.7″ PLS LCD, 90Hz, 1080x2400px resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 393ppi. |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm). |
| Memory | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM; eMMC 5.1. |
| OS | Android 13, One UI 5.1 (1st Release). |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. |
| Bluetooth | v5.1. |
| Rear camera | Wide (main): 50MP; Macro: 2MP; Depth: 2MP. |
| Front camera | 13MP. |
| Battery | 5000mAh; 25W wired. |
| Others | Fingerprint (side-mounted). |
Conclusion
Samsung has invested additional efforts in enhancing the Galaxy A05s this year. We commend the shift to Full HD+ for the display resolution, a noticeable increase in onboard storage to 128GB, an improved 1080p selfie camera, and the adoption of 25W charging. These upgrades are indeed valuable when compared to the Galaxy A04s. While the inclusion of the Snapdragon 680 chipset can be considered a technical upgrade, we express reservations about its suitability for a 2023 phone, particularly when paired with eMMC storage. The Galaxy A05s exhibits noticeable slowness, and even the “Core” version of One UI struggles to deliver seamless animations and transitions. Although it doesn’t stutter, the overall user experience is less than optimal, exacerbated by the sluggish pixel response times of the display. The absence of display refresh rate settings and color adjustments is also a drawback. The singular speaker on the Galaxy A05s fails to impress, and the absence of NFC, along with the omission of several sensors, further diminishes its appeal. The camera setup lacks versatility, lacking both an ultra-wide and telephoto lens. While the main camera performs adequately in good lighting conditions, its low-light performance leaves much to be desired. While the presence of a dedicated microSD card slot and a 3.5mm audio jack is appreciated, these features are not exclusive to the Galaxy A05s and do little to compensate for its central shortcomings. For those considering a Samsung device in this price range, the Galaxy A14 5G or Galaxy A24 4G might be more appealing, depending on your location and budget. Our experience with both of those devices was more positive than with the A05s. Alternatively, exploring other options may yield a more satisfying choice.