Samsung Galaxy A05s Review: Is the Best Entry-Level Phone of 2023?

The Samsung Galaxy A05s emerges as a prominent contender in the budget smartphone market, building upon the legacy of its predecessor, the Galaxy A04s. Launched in October 2023, this latest addition to Samsung‘s esteemed ‘A’ series represents a significant leap in the brand’s pursuit of offering feature-rich yet affordable smartphones.

As the name suggests, the Galaxy A05s is not just a routine update; it symbolizes Samsung’s evolving entry-level lineup. This evolution is evident in its enhanced features, sleek design, and improved performance metrics that aim to cater to the cost-conscious. The A05s debuts at a time when the market is inundated with options, making its entry both challenging and critical for setting new benchmarks in the affordable segment.

This review delves deep into the Samsung Galaxy A05s, exploring its various facets, from design and display to performance, camera quality, and overall user experience. Our analysis aims to provide a clear picture of where the A05s stands in the vast ocean of budget smartphones and whether it successfully upholds Samsung’s reputation for quality and innovation in a highly competitive market.

Samsung Galaxy A05s Features

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy A05s boasts a sleek and modern design, consistent with Samsung’s signature style. The device features a streamlined look with rounded corners, contributing to a comfortable grip and easy handling. Despite being an entry-level model, the A05s does not compromise on its visual appeal, offering a design that could easily be mistaken for a higher-end model at first glance.

The Samsung Galaxy A05s features a 6.7-inch Full HD+ IPS display, marking a significant improvement in screen real estate and visual clarity compared to its predecessors. The bezels around the display are modest, with a slightly thicker bottom bezel, but they still achieve an impressive 82.9% screen-to-body ratio. This design ensures that the front of the device is dominated by the screen. The front camera is housed in a notch at the top of the display. This 13MP front-facing camera is designed to be unobtrusive, blending seamlessly with the overall aesthetics of the screen. The placement of the camera does not significantly impede the viewing area, ensuring that the notch is more of a subtle feature.

The back panel, in particular, is noteworthy. The matte finish not only adds to the aesthetic value but also aids in reducing fingerprints and smudges, keeping the phone looking clean and elegant. The Galaxy A05s comes in a range of colors, including a striking lime green and graphite gray variant. The matte finish back panel uniquely catches light, changing appearance based on the viewing angle.

Primarily constructed from polycarbonate materials, the A05s maintain a lightweight yet sturdy feel. While the use of plastic might suggest a compromise in premium quality, the Galaxy A05s does not feel fragile or cheap. The phone has a solid construction that reassures users of its durability. While it might not boast the premium materials found in high-end models, the A05s holds its own in terms of build quality, promising to withstand regular usage with ease.

The power button’s placement on the A05s is strategically thought out, doubling as a fingerprint sensor, allowing for quick and easy access. The volume rockers are conveniently located and offer a satisfactory tactile response.

The phone has a USB Type-C port, crucial for modern connectivity and charging, and is flanked by a speaker grill and a 3.5mm audio jack, for both wired and wireless audio needs.

Display Quality

The Samsung Galaxy A05s marks a significant improvement in display quality, a leap forward from its predecessor, the A04s. This new model is equipped with a 6.7-inch Full HD Plus IPS display, a substantial upgrade in terms of size and resolution. Its 1080p resolution offers a sharp, clear viewing experience. With a pixel density of 393 PPI, the display provides crisp and detailed visuals, making it a great device for various media consumption like streaming videos, browsing, and gaming.

The Galaxy A05s display produces pleasantly saturated colors, which are surprisingly good for an entry-level phone. This quality makes images and videos pop, offering a vibrant visual experience. The brightness levels are commendable too, ensuring good readability even in outdoor conditions. However, it’s important to note that while the display performs well in most scenarios, it may not match the color accuracy and contrast levels of higher-end AMOLED screens.

One of the standout features of the A05s is its 90Hz refresh rate. This higher refresh rate contributes to smoother scrolling and more fluid transitions with noticeably reduced blur and lag. One limitation observed is the lack of options to adjust the color settings or to toggle the high refresh rate on and off. Looking to conserve battery life by reducing the refresh rate to a standard 60Hz might miss this feature. However, this could potentially be addressed in future software updates.

With a 20:9 aspect ratio, the A05s offers a more narrow but taller form factor, optimizing screen real estate. This design choice facilitates easier handling of the phone and better one-handed use. The phone does feature a notch and a slightly thicker bottom bezel, but these are minor trade-offs considering the overall quality and size of the display.

Streaming Services and Audio Experience

While the FHD+ resolution might not be the sharpest on the market, it’s more than sufficient for the typical short video content consumed on social media. Most of these videos are not high-resolution, so the Galaxy A05s display aligns well with the quality of content usually encountered. For streaming lovers, the Samsung Galaxy A05s comes with Widevine L1 certification, ensuring it can stream HD content from platforms like Netflix. This capability is particularly noteworthy for a budget device, as many in this price range are limited to standard definition due to the lack of this certification.

The Samsung Galaxy A05s, like many entry-level smartphones, delivers an audio experience that caters to basic needs rather than high-fidelity demands. The device is equipped with a single bottom-firing speaker, which, while not offering the richness of a stereo setup, provides an adequate output for casual listening. Users can expect a clear sound at moderate volumes, suitable for personal media consumption or hands-free calls. However, at higher volumes, there might be a noticeable distortion or lack of depth in the sound quality.

One notable feature of the Galaxy A05s is the retention of the 3.5mm headphone jack. This inclusion is significant, especially for users who prefer traditional wired headphones or earbuds. The audio output through the headphone jack is generally decent, offering a more private and potentially higher-quality listening experience than the built-in speaker.

Processor and General Performance

The Samsung Galaxy A05s is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset. This chipset, while not the most powerful in the market, is a notable step up from its predecessor, offering a balance between efficiency and performance. Also, it’s a notable component in the mid-tier market segment by built on a 6nm architecture, which contributes to its power-saving credentials. The chipset includes eight Kryo 265 cores (4×2.4 GHz and 4×1.9 GHz), ensuring smooth operation for everyday tasks and some level of multitasking.

For typical day-to-day usage, the Galaxy A05s performs admirably. Whether it’s browsing through social media feeds, checking emails, or navigating through various productivity apps, the phone handles these tasks without noticeable lag or stutter. Multitasking, within reasonable limits, is also handled well. Switching between apps is generally smooth, although heavy multitasking involving more resource-intensive apps may lead to some slowdowns.

Storage and Memory

The Samsung Galaxy A05s offers a generous internal storage capacity, the base model of the device starts with 128GB of storage space, which is a substantial amount for most users. This storage capacity is ample for storing a variety of content, including apps, photos, videos, and documents. The higher storage option is beneficial for those who frequently download large files or use their phone as their primary device for media consumption. The device includes a microSD card slot, allowing users to expand their storage up to an additional 1TB.

The Galaxy A05s is equipped with sufficient RAM to ensure smooth multitasking and efficient performance. The device comes with options for either 4GB or 6GB of RAM. The 6GB RAM variant, in particular, offers enhanced performance, allowing for more applications to run simultaneously without lag. A standout feature here is the virtual RAM expansion. This allows the phone to allocate a portion of its storage to be used as RAM up to 4GB when needed, improving multitasking capabilities. It’s a handy feature for heavy users who tend to run multiple apps simultaneously.

Gaming Performance

When it comes to gaming, the Galaxy A05s caters well to casual gamers. Lighter games like “Candy Crush” or “Subway Surfers” run effortlessly, providing a pleasant gaming experience. However, when it comes to more graphically demanding games such as “Call of Duty: Mobile” or “PUBG Mobile,” the phone manages to run them at medium settings. It’s noteworthy that while the gameplay is generally smooth, there may be occasional frame drops and a need to compromise on graphical fidelity for a consistent frame rate.

The Adreno 610 GPU within the Snapdragon 680 is sufficient for entry-level gaming but doesn’t quite match the performance of higher-tier gaming-centric smartphones. This makes the A05s a suitable choice for casual gaming but not ideal for those who prioritize high-end gaming experiences.

Benchmark Scores

In benchmark tests like Geekbench and AnTuTu, the Galaxy A05s scores reflect its mid-range capabilities. These scores are valuable for understanding where the phone stands in comparison to its competitors and predecessors. While it may not top the charts, its performance is respectable for its category, offering a good balance of efficiency and capability. Also, benchmark scores are not the ultimate indicator of real performance, they provide a baseline for comparison. The Galaxy A05s, with its Snapdragon 680, has shown respectable scores in standard benchmark tests, it performs well enough for its category and price point.

So, for Geekbench Scores, you will get a single-core score in the range of 400-450 and a multi-core score around 1400-1450. In AnTuTu, a comprehensive benchmark that tests various aspects of performance including CPU, GPU, memory, and UX, the phone score is around 300,000 to 320,000 points.

Software and User Interface

The Samsung Galaxy A05s, a recent addition to Samsung’s budget-friendly smartphone lineup, arrives with the Android 13 operating system, adorned with Samsung’s custom One UI Core 5.1. This UI specially tailored for more economical devices like the A05s, is a simplified iteration of Samsung’s full-fledged One UI. While it omits some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, it doesn’t skimp on providing a substantial set of tools and customizations. The interface is notably clean and intuitive, ensuring that navigation and multitasking are smooth and hassle-free.

The A05s greets users with a suite of Samsung and Google applications, complemented by select Microsoft productivity tools. The range and type of pre-installed applications, often referred to as bloatware, can vary based on the region. A notable plus here is the ability to uninstall or disable most of these applications.

One UI Core 5.1 on the A05s, despite being a more streamlined version, doesn’t fall short in delivering essential Samsung features. Users can dive into a plethora of customization options, tweaking themes, icons, widgets, and home screen settings to their taste. The software includes advanced battery optimization features, effectively stretching out the device’s battery life. Additionally, the inclusion of Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls is a thoughtful touch, encouraging a balanced digital lifestyle.

The phone’s performance under One UI Core 5.1 is commendable, given its budget-friendly hardware. Users typically experience fluid transitions and responsive application launches. Samsung’s software optimizations play a pivotal role in ensuring the device operates efficiently, maintaining a satisfactory performance level.

However, it’s important to recognize the absence of certain features on the A05s, attributable to the core version of One UI and hardware constraints. The absence of Samsung DeX, limited Samsung Pay capabilities, mainly due to the lack of NFC in some models, and the omission of advanced features like Edge panels and Bixby routines, are notable limitations. These features are generally reserved for Samsung’s more premium offerings.

Samsung’s approach to software updates is relatively robust, even for its budget devices. The A05s is expected to receive regular security patches and potentially major Android updates, enhancing the phone’s longevity and security. However, the specific timeline and frequency of these updates may vary, a common scenario in the budget smartphone segment.

Camera Capabilities

The Samsung Galaxy A05s enters the market with a camera setup that promises to elevate the photography experience in the budget smartphone segment. This device, equipped with a versatile array of lenses, caters to a variety of photographic needs while maintaining a focus on user-friendliness and quality.

Main Camera

At the heart of its photographic prowess is the 50MP main camera. This high-resolution sensor is the star player, capturing images that are rich in detail and vibrant in color. The larger aperture of f/1.8 is a significant upgrade, especially for low-light photography, as it allows more light to reach the sensor, thus enhancing the overall image quality in dimly lit environments.

In terms of performance across different lighting conditions, the Galaxy A05s impresses, particularly in well-lit environments. The images captured in daylight are sharp, with vibrant colors and ample details. The low-light performance, while not on par with high-end models, is commendable for a budget smartphone. The camera manages to pull in enough light to make night-time photos usable, although some noise and loss of detail are evident.

Depth and Macro Sensors

Accompanying the main camera is a 2MP depth sensor, a crucial component for portrait photography enthusiasts. This sensor works in tandem with the main camera to create a depth-of-field effect, artistically blurring the background while keeping the subject in sharp focus. It adds a professional touch to portraits, making them stand out with a bokeh effect that was once the domain of more expensive smartphones.

For those intrigued by the tiny wonders of the world, the 2MP camera opens up a realm of possibilities. This lens allows users to get up close and personal with their subjects, capturing intricate details that are often missed by the naked eye. It’s a feature that encourages creativity and exploration, although its utility might be specific to certain users.

Selfie Camera

The front of the Galaxy A05s features a 13MP selfie camera, which is not just an afterthought but a significant feature in itself. It offers improved selfie experiences with better color accuracy and clarity, ensuring that self-portraits are both flattering and true to life. The inclusion of a portrait mode in the front camera further enhances its appeal, allowing users to take selfies with artistically blurred backgrounds.

Video Capabilities

The video capabilities of the A05s, capped at 1080p resolution, are sufficient for casual use. While the absence of advanced stabilization might be felt during more dynamic shoots, the overall video quality is adequate for capturing everyday moments.

User-Friendly Software

Samsung has infused the A05s camera with user-friendly software, offering various enhancements like beauty mode, filters, and scene optimizers. These features are not just gimmicks but useful tools that enable users to capture better images without the need for manual adjustments. The camera interface is intuitive, allowing quick access to different modes and settings, which is particularly beneficial for those spontaneous moments that require a swift capture.

Battery Life and Charging

The Samsung Galaxy A05s comes equipped with a substantial 5,000 mAh lithium-ion battery. This capacity is generous, particularly for an entry-level smartphone, and is a standout feature in its segment. The phone’s energy-efficient components, coupled with this large battery, ensure that it can easily last a full day of usage, even with moderate to heavy use. In real testing, the Galaxy A05s demonstrates impressive stamina. In light to moderate usage patterns, the phone can comfortably stretch into a second day without needing a recharge. This longevity includes activities like web browsing, occasional photography, and standard app usage. However, for prolonged gaming sessions or extensive video streaming, especially at higher brightness levels, the battery life will naturally be shorter.

Another significant advantage of the Galaxy A05s is its support for 25W fast charging. While the charging speed isn’t groundbreaking compared to high-end models, it’s a notable improvement in the entry-level smartphone category. This fast charging capability means that the device can be charged from 0 to 100% in approximately an hour and a half. If the phone is powered off during charging, this time can be reduced to around one hour and 15 minutes.

It’s important to note that Samsung has opted not to include a wall adapter in the box with the A05s. This decision aligns with the industry’s ongoing trend but may be a point of inconvenience for some users. Those who do not already own a compatible charger will need to purchase one separately. It is advisable to invest in a charger that supports the phone’s 25W fast charging capability to take full advantage of this feature.

Connectivity Features

In terms of connectivity, the Samsung Galaxy A05s covers the essentials but lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-tier smartphones. The device operates on 4G LTE networks, providing reliable cellular connectivity for calls, messaging, and data services. However, it does not support 5G. For local wireless connectivity, the Galaxy A05s includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support. The Wi-Fi connection is robust for regular browsing, streaming, and downloading tasks within the range of a standard home or office network. Bluetooth functionality allows for wireless pairing with a range of devices, including headphones, speakers, and wearables, offering convenience and flexibility in how users interact with their devices.

One notable omission in the connectivity suite of the Galaxy A05s is NFC. This means that services like Samsung Pay or Google Pay, which rely on NFC for contactless payments, are not supported.

Conclusion

After thoroughly examining the Samsung Galaxy A05s, it’s evident that Samsung continues to redefine what’s possible in the realm of budget smartphones. The A05s stands out with its impressive display, sporting a 6.7-inch Full HD+ screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and visually appealing experience that’s uncommon in its price range. The build quality, while predominantly plastic, is sturdy and aesthetically pleasing, offering a design that feels more premium than its price tag would suggest.

Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 680 chipset does a commendable job. It handles day-to-day tasks with ease and proves sufficient for light gaming. The inclusion of 4GB of RAM in the base model, with options for more, ensures multitasking is handled reasonably well. The storage options are generous, with the base model starting at 128GB, a notable improvement over many budget phones. On the software front, the phone runs on Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI Core 5.1. It offers a clean and user-friendly experience, albeit missing some advanced features found in more expensive models.

The A05s camera setup, led by a 50MP main sensor, delivers good-quality photos in favorable lighting conditions. While it may not compete with high-end models, it’s more than adequate for the average user’s needs. Battery life is another strong point, with the 5,000mAh battery easily lasting a full day under normal usage. The support for 25W fast charging is a welcome addition, though the absence of a charger in the box is a slight drawback.

So, the Samsung Galaxy A05s is a commendable entry in the budget smartphone market. It strikes a fine balance between affordability and functionality, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank. Its few shortcomings are easily overshadowed by its strengths, particularly in display quality, battery life, and overall user experience.