Samsung continues to be a beacon for quality and innovation within the Android ecosystem. As we step into 2024, the desire for high-tech devices at accessible price points has never been more pronounced. This review embarks on a journey through Samsung’s latest offerings, specifically targeting gadgets under $250. These devices cater to budget-conscious consumers and ensure that do not have to compromise on performance and features.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G:
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G marks a significant entry into the budget smartphone market, blending premium features with affordability. With a starting price of approximately $175, sets a high bar with its simple, yet elegant design aesthetics. Available in striking colorways of blue and black, it appeals who looking for style and substance. The device boasts a 6.5-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display, offering a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. This screen is not just about sharp visuals; it also supports a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth transitions and a responsive interface that can enhance the user experience during gaming or scrolling through apps.
The Galaxy A15 5G is equipped with a versatile triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP main camera for high-resolution shots, a 5MP ultra-wide camera for capturing broader scenes, and a 2MP macro camera for detailed close-ups.
Under the hood, the Galaxy A15 5G is powered by the MediaTek M6100 Plus chipset, complemented by a Mali G57 MC2 GPU. This configuration is available in various RAM options (4GB, 6GB, or 8GB) and storage capacities (128GB or 256GB), which can be expanded via a shared microSD card slot. Such versatility ensures that the device can handle multitasking and storage needs with ease. Moreover, with 5G support, this smartphone is future-proof, ready to take advantage of faster network speeds and improved connectivity.
Battery life is a critical aspect for any user, and the Galaxy A15 5G does not disappoint with its sizable 5,000mAh battery. It promises to last a day or two, depending on usage patterns, which means less time tethered to a charger and more time enjoying your device. On the software front, it comes with the promise of an upgrade to Android 14 and One UI 6, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and security enhancements.
Samsung Galaxy A05s:
Priced at $140! the Samsung Galaxy A05s represents an exceptional value proposition. Offers a fresh take on Samsung’s design philosophy, With its sleek aesthetics closely resembling the more premium Galaxy A15 5G, the A05s makes a strong case for itself in the budget segment. Available in vibrant color options like black and light green, it adds a dash of personality to the user’s daily tech ensemble. The device features a 6.7-inch IPS LCD panel, boasting a 90Hz refresh rate for fluid visuals, making it an attractive option for those who value screen real estate and smooth performance.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor paired with an Adreno 610 GPU, the Galaxy A05s is tailored for efficiency and reliability in everyday tasks. Whether it’s social media browsing, light gaming, or multitasking, this smartphone is equipped to handle it with grace. It comes in versatile configurations to suit different needs, including options for 64GB or 128GB of internal storage and 4GB or 6GB of RAM.
The triple rear camera setup of the Galaxy A05s, featuring a 15MP main camera, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor, is designed to capture life’s moments with clarity and depth. While it may not boast the high megapixel counts of its more expensive siblings, it delivers in producing vibrant and detailed images suitable for everyday photography. A 13MP front camera ensures that selfies and video calls are bright and clear, making it a competent device for social media enthusiasts.
Although the Galaxy A05s limits its connectivity options to 4G LTE, it provides a balanced offering for users in areas where 5G coverage is still growing. The inclusion of a USB Type-C port underscores Samsung’s commitment to modernizing even its entry-level lineup. The device’s 5,000mAh battery supports 25W fast charging, a notable upgrade that reduces downtime and meets the demands of heavy usage throughout the day.
Out of the box, the Galaxy A05s runs on Android 13, skinned with Samsung’s One UI 5.1. This combination offers a user-friendly interface with the latest software features and security updates, ensuring a smooth and secure user experience. Samsung’s software optimization shines here, providing a lag-free experience that is both intuitive and rich in functionality.
Samsung Galaxy A24:
With a price tag of $180, the Samsung Galaxy A24 offers significant value. It strikes an excellent balance between cost and performance, packing features typically found in more expensive devices into a more accessible price point. It stands out in the mid-range market with its elegant design and premium display features, sports a 6.5-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED panel, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks that enhance the viewing experience for all types of content. This display supports a 90Hz refresh rate, making every scroll and swipe smoother than ever.
At the core of the Galaxy A24 is the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, a processor designed to provide a balance between efficiency and power. Coupled with 8GB of RAM, the device is more than capable of handling multitasking, demanding apps, and casual gaming without significant slowdowns. The 128GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card, offers ample space for apps, media, and documents, ensuring that users won’t quickly run out of space.
The Galaxy A24 doesn’t hold back in the camera department, featuring a triple rear camera setup that includes a 50MP main camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), a 5MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. This combination allows for versatile photography, from detailed close-ups to wide landscapes, all with stabilized and sharp image quality. A 12MP front camera ensures that selfies and video calls are high in quality.
While it supports 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB Type-C connectivity, the absence of 5G might be noted by those looking for future-proofing. However, for many users, the fast and reliable 4G performance alongside Wi-Fi and Bluetooth improvements offers a seamless experience. The device’s 5,000mAh battery, equipped with 25W fast charging, guarantees that users can stay connected and productive for longer periods without frequent charges.
Running on Android with an upgrade path to One UI 6, the Galaxy A24 promises a user experience that is both intuitive and rich with features. Samsung’s commitment to providing regular software updates means users can look forward to new functionalities and improved security over time, making the A24 a device that stays relevant and efficient.
Samsung Galaxy A25:
The Samsung Galaxy A25 emerges as a compelling option in the competitive mid-range smartphone segment, embodying Samsung’s commitment to balancing affordability with advanced features. This device stands out for its impressive display, robust chipset, and versatile camera setup, which are typically reserved for higher-end models, thereby bringing premium features to a more accessible price point.
The Galaxy A25 continues Samsung’s tradition of sleek and functional designs, featuring a modern look with a large 6.5-inch display that offers an immersive viewing experience thanks to its high screen-to-body ratio. The back of the device showcases a unique pattern with a haze finish, available in various colors, ensuring it stands out aesthetically. Despite its budget-friendly nature, the device does not compromise on build quality, with durable front glass and a high-quality plastic construction that balances durability with a lightweight design.
Samsung sets a new standard in the budget smartphone category with the Galaxy A25’s 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, boasting a Full HD+ resolution and a high refresh rate of 120Hz. This display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth motion, making it ideal for various multimedia content. Its peak brightness of 1,000 nits ensures the screen remains visible even in direct sunlight, enhancing the overall user experience.
At the heart of the Galaxy A25 is the Exynos 1280 chipset, offering a balance of efficiency and power. With options for 6GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage, for more space and smoother performance. The inclusion of virtual RAM expansion adds to its multitasking capabilities, although it’s worth noting that this cannot fully compensate for physical RAM limitations in demanding applications.
The Galaxy A25 features a versatile camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor that captures detailed and vibrant images. The 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro lenses add versatility, although the macro lens serves more as a supplementary feature. The 13MP front-facing camera is adept at capturing clear selfies, making it suitable for social media use.
The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and Dolby Atmos support enhances the audio experience for an immersive sound experience. The device’s 5G support ensures it is future-proof, allowing it to take advantage of faster data speeds and improved network efficiency. With a 5,000mAh battery and support for 25W fast charging, the Galaxy A25 offers impressive endurance and quick charging times, making it suitable for heavy use and ensuring users stay connected throughout the day.
Samsung Galaxy A05:
The Samsung Galaxy A05 emerges as a notable entry in the competitive budget smartphone segment, offering a blend of functionality, design, and affordability. With a sleek design, a capable MediaTek Helio G85 processor, and a large 6.7″ HD+ LCD, it positions itself as a strong contender against brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and others vying for dominance in this category. Priced around $140 to $150, depending on the market and configuration, it provides a compelling option for a reliable smartphone experience without a significant financial outlay.
The Galaxy A05 continues Samsung’s tradition of sleek designs with a modern twist, featuring rounded corners and a glossy finish that mimics the aesthetics of more premium models. Despite its plastic construction, the device maintains an elegant appearance, suitable for users who prioritize style alongside functionality.
The device’s 6.7-inch LCD display offers a satisfactory visual experience, with vibrant colors and reasonable clarity for its HD+ resolution. While the 60Hz refresh rate may not match the higher refresh rates seen in some competitors, it remains adequate for most users, especially considering the phone’s price point. The display’s performance under direct sunlight and the slight color shift at extreme angles are typical for LCD screens and do not significantly detract from the overall experience.
Powered by the MediaTek Helio G85, the Galaxy A05 delivers stable performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. The various RAM and storage options allow users to select a model that meets their needs, while the device’s 4G connectivity ensures reliable internet access. The A05’s performance in gaming and multitasking is respectable for its category, though users may need to adjust expectations for more demanding applications.
Running on Android 13 with One UI Core 5.1, the Galaxy A05 offers a streamlined and user-friendly interface. While it lacks some of the advanced features found in Samsung’s higher-end models, it provides a clean and intuitive experience that will satisfy most users. The promise of regular software updates enhances the phone’s value proposition, ensuring longevity and security.
The Galaxy A05’s camera setup, featuring a 50MP main sensor, performs well in favorable lighting conditions, offering sharp and vibrant images. The device’s camera software, with AI enhancements and various shooting modes, adds versatility to the photography experience. However, performance in low-light settings and the absence of advanced features like optical image stabilization reflect the phone’s budget status.
The 5,000mAh battery ensures the Galaxy A05 can handle a full day’s use with ease, and the support for 25W fast charging is a welcome feature in this price segment. The absence of a charger in the box may require additional investment but does not significantly impact the overall value offered by the device. While the Galaxy A05 offers solid 4G LTE support and essential connectivity options, the lack of 5G and NFC may affect its appeal to users seeking these features. However, the inclusion of an FM radio adds value for those who appreciate traditional media consumption.
