Samsung Galaxy A05 Review: Budget Phone with Big Battery

The Samsung Galaxy A05 delivers a massive 5000mAh battery, a 50MP camera, and a large 6.7-inch display at an ultra-affordable price, making it a strong contender in the budget smartphone segment.

Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy A05 is an entry-level smartphone designed to offer core smartphone essentials without breaking the bank. Released in October 2023, it builds on the success of its predecessors by providing a reliable user experience centered around a long-lasting battery and a capable main camera.

Design & Display

The Galaxy A05 features a practical and modern design with a plastic back and frame, keeping it lightweight at 195 grams. It's available in classic colors like Black, Silver, and a refreshing Light Green. The front is dominated by a 6.7-inch PLS LCD display with a waterdrop notch. The HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels) is standard for this price range, offering decent clarity for everyday use like browsing and watching videos.

Performance & Hardware

Under the hood, the Galaxy A05 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, an octa-core processor built on a 12nm process. This chip, paired with LPDDR4X RAM (options of 3GB, 4GB, or 6GB), handles basic tasks, social media, and light gaming adequately. Storage options include 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB, all based on eMMC 5.1, which can be expanded further via a microSDXC card slot.

Camera

The camera system is a highlight. On the back, a dual-camera setup is led by a 50MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, which allows for capturing more light for better photos in various conditions. It's accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor for portrait shots with blurred backgrounds. Video recording tops out at 1080p at 60fps. For selfies, an 8MP front-facing camera is housed in the notch.

Battery & Charging

The massive 5000mAh battery is the star of the show, easily providing a full day or more of use on a single charge with moderate use. It supports 25W wired charging, allowing for relatively quick top-ups, though a compatible charger may not be included in the box.

Software & Features

The phone ships with Android 13 overlaid with Samsung's One UI Core 5.1 (often referred to as One UI 7 in some regions). This software offers a clean and user-friendly experience with features tailored for one-handed use and includes access to the Google Play Store. Samsung promises up to two major Android OS upgrades for this device.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Excellent battery life with 5000mAh capacity
  • Surprisingly capable 50MP main camera
  • Large 6.7-inch display
  • Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Very affordable price point
• Cons:
  • HD+ resolution only (not Full HD+)
  • No 5G connectivity
  • Plastic build feels basic
  • Charger often sold separately

Tags: Samsung, Galaxy A05, budget smartphone, Android 13, 5000mAh battery, 50MP camera, MediaTek Helio G85, specs, price

The Samsung Galaxy A05 delivers a massive 5000mAh battery, a 50MP camera, and a large 6.7-inch display at an ultra-affordable price.