Samsung Galaxy A05s Review: Budget Phone with 90Hz Display

The Samsung Galaxy A05s delivers impressive value with a smooth 90Hz display, reliable Snapdragon performance, and a versatile 50MP camera system, making it one of the best budget Android phones of 2023.

Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy A05s is an entry-level smartphone that punches above its weight. Released in October 2023, it brings several premium features typically found in more expensive devices to the budget segment, including a high refresh rate display and a capable triple camera setup, all running on Samsung's user-friendly One UI.

Design & Display

The Galaxy A05s features a modern design with a plastic frame and back, and a glass front. It's available in several attractive colors: Black, Light Green, Silver, and Violet. The standout feature is its 6.7-inch PLS LCD display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. This results in sharper text, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive touch experience compared to standard 60Hz displays in this price range. The screen boasts a pixel density of 393 ppi and an impressive 82.9% screen-to-body ratio.

Performance & Hardware

At its core, the A05s is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset, built on a power-efficient 6nm process. This octa-core CPU, featuring four Cortex-A73 performance cores and four Cortex-A53 efficiency cores, is paired with an Adreno 610 GPU. It comes in multiple configurations: 4GB RAM with 64GB storage, 4GB RAM with 128GB storage, or 6GB RAM with 128GB storage. The storage uses eMMC 5.1 technology and is expandable via a microSDXC card slot, a crucial feature for a budget device.

Camera

The smartphone sports a versatile triple-camera array on the rear. The primary sensor is a 50MP wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture, capable of capturing detailed photos in good light. It is accompanied by a 2MP macro camera for close-up shots and a 2MP depth sensor to assist with portrait mode effects. The rear camera can record video at 1080p resolution at 30 or 60 frames per second. For selfies and video calls, there is a 13MP front-facing camera housed in a dewdrop notch.

Battery & Charging

A massive 5000mAh battery provides the power, which should easily last a full day, and often more, on a single charge based on typical usage patterns for a device of this class. It supports 25W wired charging, allowing for relatively quick top-ups, though a compatible charger may need to be purchased separately.

Software & Features

The device ships with Android 13 out of the box, overlaid with Samsung's One UI 7. Samsung has committed to providing up to two major Android OS upgrades for this model, ensuring it stays updated and secure. It includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric security and retains the beloved 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Large, smooth 90Hz Full HD+ display
  • Capable 50MP main camera
  • Excellent battery life with 5000mAh capacity
  • Includes a microSD slot and headphone jack
  • Promised Android upgrades
• Cons:
  • No 5G connectivity
  • Uses older eMMC 5.1 storage
  • Charger not always included in the box
  • Plastic build feels less premium

Tags: Samsung, Galaxy A05s, budget smartphone, Android 13, Snapdragon 680, 50MP camera, 90Hz display

Samsung Galaxy A05s offers a 90Hz display, 50MP camera, and 5000mAh battery at an affordable price. A solid budget Android smartphone.