Galaxy A04S Vs Galaxy A05

Galaxy A04S
Galaxy A04S
Starting at

Refurbished price:£99.00

Versus £179.00 new

See options
Galaxy A05
Galaxy A05
Starting at

Refurbished price:£89.00

Versus £144.96 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A04s (released in 2022) and the Samsung Galaxy A05 (released in 2023) are both entry-level smartphones designed for everyday use. While they share a similar design philosophy and the Android operating system, the newer Galaxy A05 brings updates to its internal components and a slightly larger display, aiming to offer a more responsive user experience. Both devices run on Samsung's One UI Core interface, providing a consistent software environment.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A04s was launched in August 2022, making it a year older than the Galaxy A05, which arrived in October 2023.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy A04s launched with Android 12 and received its last major operating system update with Android 14. The Galaxy A05, starting with Android 13, is expected to receive updates up to Android 15, offering an additional year of major OS support. Both devices are generally slated for four years of security updates from their release.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and security patches for a longer duration will find the Galaxy A05 to have a slightly extended practical lifespan due to its newer release and subsequent update cycle.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone significantly impacts daily interactions, from launching applications to multitasking.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A05 features a more capable processor compared to the Galaxy A04s. Benchmarking tests indicate that the Galaxy A05 can be significantly faster, suggesting smoother operation for general tasks and quicker app loading times.
  • Multitasking Capability: The Galaxy A05 offers configurations with up to 6GB of RAM, while the Galaxy A04s is available with up to 4GB of RAM. This difference means the Galaxy A05 may handle more applications running simultaneously with less slowdown, providing a more fluid experience for users who frequently switch between apps.
  • Storage Options: Both models offer internal storage options of 64GB and 128GB, with the flexibility to expand storage further using a microSD card, which is beneficial for users with large media libraries or numerous applications.

Memory (GB)

3 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is the primary interface for most smartphone interactions, influencing media consumption and daily usability.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both devices feature PLS LCD panels, known for good viewing angles and color reproduction. The Galaxy A05 has a slightly larger 6.7-inch display, offering a more expansive viewing area compared to the Galaxy A04s' 6.5-inch screen.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both phones share the same HD+ resolution (720x1600 pixels), resulting in similar pixel density and clarity for typical content viewing.
  • Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A04s features a 90Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and a more responsive feel during navigation. The Galaxy A05 typically operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is adequate for most tasks but may not offer the same visual fluidity.

Resolution

720 x 1600

720 x 1600

Screen type

PLS LCD

PLS LCD

Audiovisual

For capturing moments and staying connected through video calls, the camera systems and audio capabilities are important.

  • Rear Camera System: Both the Galaxy A04s and Galaxy A05 are equipped with a 50-megapixel main camera, capable of capturing detailed images in good lighting conditions. The Galaxy A04s includes additional 2-megapixel macro and depth sensors, while the Galaxy A05 features a 2-megapixel depth sensor alongside its main camera.
  • Front Camera Performance: The Galaxy A05 offers an 8-megapixel front-facing camera, providing clearer and more detailed selfies and video calls compared to the 5-megapixel front camera on the Galaxy A04s.
  • Audio Experience: Both devices include a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio connections. For media consumption, both rely on a single loudspeaker, providing mono audio output.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

5 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 4G cellular networks and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac for wireless internet. The Galaxy A05 features a newer Bluetooth v5.3 standard, offering potentially more stable and efficient connections with accessories compared to the Galaxy A04s' Bluetooth v5.0. Both utilize a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: Both the Galaxy A04s and Galaxy A05 incorporate a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for convenient and secure unlocking.
  • Design and Handling: Both devices share a similar construction with a glass front and plastic back and frame. The Galaxy A05 is slightly taller and wider but marginally thinner than the Galaxy A04s. Both weigh approximately 195 grams, offering a comparable feel in hand despite the slight size difference.

Weight

195 g

195 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.7

Mobile network

4G

4G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy A04s often highlights concerns regarding its performance, with reports of lagging, slow application loading, and occasional unresponsiveness, particularly with the Exynos processor. Some users also noted issues with the camera quality and the overall build feel. Conversely, the battery life of the A04s received mixed reviews, with some finding it sufficient while others experienced rapid drain.

The Galaxy A05, being a newer model, generally shows improved performance due to its more capable processor, though some users still report instances of freezing apps and general lag after initial use. It is often praised for its large display and reliable battery life within its segment.

Users prioritizing a smoother day-to-day performance and a slightly larger display with longer software support may find the Galaxy A05 to be a more suitable option. Its updated processor and higher RAM configurations contribute to a more responsive experience for general tasks and multitasking. However, those who value a smoother scrolling experience provided by a 90Hz refresh rate might lean towards the Galaxy A04s, despite its older processor and shorter software update window.

For consumers evaluating these models, considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new, offering a sustainable choice without compromising on functionality.

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