Samsung Galaxy A05 (SM-A055F) Price, Review And Specifications.

Samsung Galaxy A05 (SM-A055F) Quick Specs:

Display: 6.71" HD+ (1600×720) Infinity-U PLS-LCD Display.

Software: Android 13 OS, Samsung One UI 5.1 Core.

CPU: MediaTek Helio G85.

RAM: 4GB/6GB (Plus up to 4GB of Virtual RAM).

Storage: 64GB/128GB (Expandable to 1TB).

Rear Camera: Dual-lens (50MP+2MP).

Front Camera: Single-lens (8MP).

Security: Face Unlock.

Port: USB Type-C.

Network: 4G.

Battery: 5,000mAh.

Charging Speed: 25W.

Starting Price:

₦103,000, GH₵ 1,145, R 2,298, KSh 16,999, UGX 439,900, $ 129, £ 108, € 142. 

There's not much difference between Samsung Galaxy A05 (SM-A055F) and most of other phones at this price point, because the phone packs the same specs and wears similar looks. Even, it offers less exciting features than the competitions. Yet, due to its better build quality, better looking photos, and prettier display, Galaxy A05 still stands out among the rest. The phone also comes with an assurance of future Android OS upgrades. Something you don't usually get at this price point.

Galaxy A05 is the latest model of the Samsung Mobile's A0 series. The company's low-end or budget Android phones. Currently, Galaxy A05 is available in two variants; the regular Samsung Galaxy A05 and the better equipped Samsung Galaxy A05s. Our review unit is the regular variant, Silver colour. And it is also the successor to the last year's Samsung Galaxy A04.

Though Samsung Galaxy A05 packs basic components likes its predecessor, even some of its features also remain as those of the earlier model. Yet the latest phone offers a few important upgrades. For instance, A05 is equipped with a better CPU. The amount of RAM and storage capacity of the base model have also been increased. Galaxy A05 also has a slightly bigger footprint and wears a more sleeker looks. Unfortunately, the phone also inherit the main con of its predecessors. Which is lack of fingerprint reader.

In addition to its slightly bigger footprint, Galaxy A05 also looks more classier or more elegant than the Galaxy A04. And the more appealing looks is as a result of its flat back cover and slightly curved frame, compared to the curved back and more rounded edges of the Galaxy A04. Also because the tear-drop notch on the earlier phone has been replaced with a U-shape notch (or Infinity-U) on the Galaxy A05, the front of the phone looks more sleeker. The top and sides bezels of the A05 display are also more thinner. Unfortunately, the bottom bezel is still as chunky as the one in the earlier model.

Samsung Galaxy A05 is fitted with a 6.71-inch display; which is notably bigger than the 6.5-inch of its predecessor. However, the screen still features the same 720p resolution and has the same aspect ratio. Nonetheless, the display is as sharp and as nice-looking as the earlier one. Also compared to those of the competitions, especially the ones that also feature 720p resolutions, the screen of the Galaxy A05 is more vibrant, slightly clearer and has better colour reproduction. But while high screen refresh rate is gradually becoming norm among the budget phones, even the cheaper ones, this feature is missing on the Galaxy A05.

In addition to its better build quality and prettier display, another strong feature of the Samsung Galaxy A05 is camera.

Same as its predecessor, Galaxy A05 has a 50-megapixel dual rear camera, but the 5-megapixel selfie lens on the earlier phone has been upgraded to an 8-megapixel lens.

Though, like those of others, photos taken with the Galaxy A05 rear camera are just moderately detailed, but they're are distinguished by their vibrancy and colour representation. In other words, the shot from the Galaxy A05 have better colour representation and they're more vivid. However, despite that the latest phone's selfies are more detailed than the ones of the earlier model, skin tone appears a little less accurate.

Under the hood, Samsung Galaxy A05 is equipped with a more capable CPU and offers higher storage space than its predecessor, but the configuration is what you also get on most phones at this price point. In details, Samsung Galaxy A05 is powered by Helio G85 MediaTek CPU; a remarkable upgrade from the Helio P35 on the earlier model. The 3GB of RAM and 32GB storage of the base model of the earlier phone have also been increased to 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage on the latest phone. Our review unit (SM-A055F/DS) comes with 4GB of RAM and twice storage space of 128GB. There's also 6GB/128GB model.

Nonetheless, as i said earlier, the configuration is what you also get on the competitions. Even the main contenders offer higher RAM, higher storage space, yet with the same CPU, at the price of the base model of the Galaxy A05. However, and despite that the phone was pre-installed with Android 13 OS like the rest, it's one of the very few ones that comes with an assurance of future Android (OS) upgrades.

Briefly talking about its performance. Despite the it's a budget phone, Galaxy A05 was able to handle demanding tasks like heavy internet browsing and quick multitasking without lagging (or slowing down). Even, the phone managed to play some graphics demanding games more better than some of the competitions that feature higher RAMs.

Meanwhile, like others, Samsung Galaxy A05 is powered by a 5,000mAh battery and has USB Type-C port. But the phone supports a faster charging speed of 25W.

Unfortunately, as i previously mentioned, Samsung Galaxy A05 packs less exciting features than the competitions. Firstly, and except for a Type-C to Type-C cable, there's no adapter (charger) neither earphone inside the box of the Galaxy A05. Galaxy A05 also lack screen recording and fingerprint reader (in addition to its lack of support for high screen refresh). Though you can easily get these features and accessories on the competitions, but most of them lack the good build quality, pretty display, decent camera and Android OS updates of the Galaxy A05.

Price And colour design:

Currently, the price of the base variant (4GB/64GB) of the Samsung Galaxy A05 is around N96,000 naira. While that of the 4GB/128GB variant is about 120,000 naira. This phone is available in different colour options of Silver, Light Green and Black.

The Main Contenders:

From the looks to specs, Xiaomi Redmi 13C shares almost everything with the Galaxy A05. However, the Redmi phone supports high screen refresh rate. It also comes with a charger in the box, but the charger is 10W. Also, compared to the 25W fast charging of the Samsung phone, the Redmi phone supports 18W fast charging.

Another contender is the Tecno Spark 20.

Though this Tecno phone comes in a slightly smaller form factor (compared to the Galaxy A05 and Redmi 13C), but it's fitted with an higher megapixel front-facing camera and offers stereo speakers. Still, like the Redmi 13C, Tecno Spark 20 features high screen refresh rate and support 18W fast charging. Even, unlike the Redmi phone that comes with 10W charger, the Tecno phone comes with an 18W fast charger.

Furthermore, and despite having the same CPU as the Redmi 13C and Galaxy A05, Spark 20 slightly outshines the two phones in performance tests. However, the Tecno phone doesn't come with the promise Android OS upgrade, (unlike the Samsung and Redmi phones). Also in addition to their bigger sizes, both of the screens of the Redmi 13C and Galaxy A05 are visually more appealing than that of the Spark 20.

It should be noted that out of the three phones, it's only the Tecno Spark 20 that's IP53 (splash and dust resistance) certified. While the Redmi 13C is the only with Corning Gorilla Glass on the front. Although the Samsung phone has neither of these features yet it looks and feels (in hand) more premium than the two phones.

Galaxy A05 Design:

Although Samsung Galaxy A05 wears a familiar (but stylish) looks, what makes it stands out is its better build quality and classy looks. Even despite looking fragile and dainty, Samsung Galaxy A05 is solidly built and well put together than most of the competitions. It also looks more elegant.

Also despite that the back cover is made of glastic (or polycarbonate material) like those of many others, the back cover (and the entire frame) looks and feels like real glass. Still, it's less reflective. Also as a result of its good build quality, the weight of the Galaxy A05, which is about 195g, is well concealed. The non-reflective glossy back cover of the Galaxy A05 also appears to have seashell finish, and it looks good on the phone. Unfortunately, like others in this segment (except the Tecno phone mentioned above), Samsung Galaxy A05 has no IP rating.

Arrangements of ports (and buttons) on the Galaxy A05 are still similar to those of the earlier model and other budget phones. You have the power button and volume keys on the right edge of the phone, while its dual nano-4G SIM+microSD card slot (and tray) is located on the right edge. The phone's USB Type-C port, 3.5mm audio jack, mono speaker and primary mic are located on the bottom edge. You only have second mic (or noise cancellation mic) on the top edge of the Samsung Galaxy A05.

DISPLAY: Slightly Bigger, But Same Pixels.

As i mentioned earlier, and despite that the 6.71-inch screen of the Samsung Galaxy A05 is more bigger than that (6.5-inch) of the Galaxy A04, the screen still features the same 20:9 aspect ratio and has the same PLS-LCD panel. The screen also features the same 720p resolution of 1600-by-720 pixels. Although due to the increased size but same pixels, the screen of the Galaxy A05 has a lower pixel density of 262ppi, compared to 269ppi of the Galaxy A04 display. Still, you'll hardly notice the difference between the two phones' displays. Even if you have the privilege of placing them side-by-side. Because texts and images still look crisp and vibrant.

And compared to those of the competitions, especially the ones that have similar screen sizes, the screen of the Galaxy A05 has more screen real; which is as a result its wider aspect ratio.

Secondly, the PLS-LCD display panel of the Galaxy A05 also look slightly more appealing than the IPS-LCD displays of most of the competitions. The screen have good white balance and colours appears a little more accurate. Texts and images, as i said earlier, also look crisp and vibrant. Though the screen is not as bright as i would have expected, yet it's visible under direct sunlight.

It should be emphasized that despite its lack of support for high refresh rate, the screen of the A05 looks better than those of many that feature high refresh rate.

CAMERA:

The dual rear camera of the Samsung Galaxy A05 is made up of a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 2-megapixel Depth sensor (for portrait shots or photos with blur backgrounds or Bokeh effect). Basically, the outcome of the shots from the rear camera are inconsistent (may be it's as a result of slow image processing or software issue). Nonetheless, and generally speaking, photos are bright, clear and detailed (but not remarkably detailed in spite of its 10x Zoom-in). Colour representation is good too. Although the colours are a little on the vibrant side, but they're moderately saturated and more true-to-life (compared to the shots from the competitions).

By turning off Scene Optimizer (in photo settings), i tried to reduce the slightly saturated and pops colours from the photos. Unfortunately, the shots appear to be on the pale or dull side afterwards. So, you need to stick to Scene Optimizer, if you want a more true-to-life colours; which make the shots from the A05 to look better than those of the competitions. Nonetheless, i noticed that human subjects, or skin tones, sometimes have subtle pinkish/reddish tinge. Although portrait shots from the Galaxy A05 look good, edge detection is not the best in this category. And despite that dynamic range also looks decent, it's not the best too (in this segment).

Turning to the front. The pinkish/reddish tinge is more glaring on the skin tones of the selfies taking with the front camera of the Galaxy A05. Perhaps software updates will fix that. Also the front-facing camera doesn't handle dynamic range well.

Nonetheless, except for those two observations, other picture qualities of the selfies are quite okay. The selfies are bright, clear, detailed and have good contrast.

Both the front and rear camera of the Samsung Galaxy A05 can shoot videos up to 1080p at 60fps (frame per second). And there's no Image stabilization. I also noticed that the video recordings colours seem to look more better than the ones of the photos.

Processing Power:

Although Galaxy A05 is powered by Helio G85 CPU and pre-installed with Android 13 OS like most of the competitions. But unlike most of them, there's an assurance of up to two or three years of OS update (and security patches) for the Galaxy A05. Also in spite of its lower RAM, the phone has been optimized, with Samsung One UI 5.1 Core, to maintain a consistence smooth performance than some of the competitions. Especially when it comes to quick multi-tasking or jumping in-between apps.

However, like others with Helio G85 or similar processors, Samsung Galaxy A05 didn't cope well when it comes to graphics demanding games. Although you can still play some of the games with low Graphics and Medium Frame rate settings. To prevent lagging and increasing temperature.

Also like others, Samsung Galaxy A05 features RAM Virtualization. RAM Virtualization or Samsung's RAM Plus allows you to convert some part of the phone's inbuilt storage to Virtual RAM. In order to increase, or boost, the performance of the backgrounds apps. However, While the Virtual RAM of most of the competitions can go up to 7GB/8GB, the one of the Galaxy A05 can only go up to 4GB. Thereby making the total number of RAM available on this phone to be 8GB (4GB Main+4GB Virtual). Also, as usual, the 64GB or 128GB internal storage space of the Galaxy A05 can be increased up to 1TB (One Terabyte) through microSD card.

Battery: 

Though, Samsung Galaxy A05 comes with a 5,000mAh battery like its predecessor, yet the battery last a little longer. Perhaps, this is as a result of its more optimized software or slightly more power efficient CPU. Also despite that it doesn't have a charger in the box (unlike the earlier phone), the latest phone's 25W fast charging is higher than the earlier phone's 15W fast charging.

It should be noted that majority of the budget phones at this price point only support 18W fast charging. And you if you get or buy a proprietary (Samsung's) 25W fast charger, it'll take you about one hour ninety minutes to fully charge the battery of the Galaxy A05 from zero percent.

Samsung Galaxy A05 (SM-A055F) Full Specifications:

GENERAL

Maker: Samsung Mobile.

Name: Galaxy A05 (SM-A055F).

Year Released: August, 2023.

Dimensions: 168.8x78.2x8.8mm

Weight: 195g.

Protection: N/a.

Colour: Black, Silver & Light Green.

DISPLAY
Screen Type: PLS-LCD Capacitive Touch-screen.

Size and Resolution: 6.71-inch, HD+, 1600-by-720 pixels, 60Hz (high) Refresh Rate.

Aspect ratio & Pixel Densities: 20:9, 262PPI.

Glass Protection: N/a.

PORTS:

3.5mm Audio Jack: Yes.

USB Type-C Port: Yes.

MicroUSB port: No.

Lightning Connector: No.

Google Assistant Button: No.

PERFORMANCE

Chipset: MediaTek Hello G85 12nm Octa-core Processor, 2.0GHz.

GPU: Mali-G52 MC2.

RAM: 4GB/6GB (With up to 4GB of Virtual RAM).

Operating System: Android 13, One UI 5.1 Core Samsung custom Skin.

STORAGE

Internal Storage: 64GB/128GB.

Micro-SD card slot: Yes, up to 1TB (One Terabyte).

SIM AND NETWORK

SIM: Nano, Dual SIM slots.

Network:  GSM, HSPA+,  & LTE.

CAMERA

Rear camera: Triple-lens; 50MP (Wide)+2MP (Depth), LED-Flash.

Front camera: Single-lens, 8MP.

VIDEO RECORDING:

Rear Cameras: 720p, 1080p @ 60 fps.

Front Camera: 720p, 1080p @ 60 fps.

CONNECTIVITY:

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, HotSpots, USB-OTG, NFC (depends on region).

BIOMETRIC, SENSORS & LOCATION: 

Security: Face Unlock.

Sensors: Ambient light, Virtual Proximity, G-sensor, Accelerometer And

Barometer.

Others: GPS, Location (Geo, Glonass), Beidou.

BATTERY

Battery Capacity: 5,000mAh.

Qi Wireless-Charging: N/a.

Fast Charging: 25W (Wired).