Galaxy A05 Vs Galaxy S23+

Galaxy A05
Galaxy A05
Starting at

Refurbished price:£89.00

Versus £144.96 new

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Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£257.00

Versus £1,199.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A05, released in late 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched earlier in 2023, represent two distinct segments within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both operate on the Android platform, they cater to different user needs, primarily differing in their performance capabilities, display technology, and camera systems. The A05 is designed for essential daily tasks, offering a straightforward user experience, whereas the S23 Plus is a premium device built for demanding applications and advanced features.

Scores

Durability

When evaluating the practical lifespan and ongoing support, these two devices offer different trajectories.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S23 Plus, as a flagship model, is designed to receive more major Android operating system updates and security patches for a longer duration compared to the Galaxy A05. The Galaxy A05 is expected to receive two major OS upgrades and four years of security updates. This means the S23 Plus will likely maintain compatibility with newer applications and security standards for an extended period.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a more robust construction, incorporating Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, along with an aluminum frame and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. This provides enhanced protection against accidental drops and environmental exposure. In contrast, the Galaxy A05 utilizes a plastic build for its back and frame, without official water resistance, making it more susceptible to physical damage from impacts or liquids.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing long-term performance, advanced features, and extended software support will find the Galaxy S23 Plus offers a longer practical lifespan. The Galaxy A05 is well-suited for users who may upgrade their devices more frequently or have less demanding usage patterns.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones show a significant difference, reflecting their intended market segments.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S23 Plus handles demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-rich games with smooth and immediate responsiveness, thanks to its high-end processor. Users will experience quick app loading and fluid navigation. The Galaxy A05 provides adequate performance for general daily tasks such as browsing, social media, and light gaming, powered by its capable processor. However, it may exhibit some slowdown when running more demanding applications or numerous apps simultaneously.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S23 Plus typically offers 8GB of RAM and higher base storage options, such as 256GB or 512GB, utilizing faster UFS 4.0 storage technology. This allows for seamless switching between many applications and ample space for files and media without the option for microSD expansion. The Galaxy A05 comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, using eMMC 5.1 technology, which can be expanded via a microSD card. While expandable, the more modest RAM and storage speed may limit the number of applications that can run smoothly in the background.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices feature large battery capacities. The Galaxy S23 Plus, with its efficient high-end processor, often delivers excellent all-day battery life, extending to two days of normal use for some users, even under heavy usage. The Galaxy A05 is equipped with a 5000mAh battery and is noted for its excellent battery life, often lasting a full day or more on a single charge, partly due to its less power-intensive display and processor.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on the Galaxy A05 and Galaxy S23 Plus presents notable differences in technology and visual fidelity.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. This results in a sharp and immersive viewing experience. The Galaxy A05 comes with a 6.7-inch PLS LCD display with an HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels). While sufficient for general use, it provides less detail and color vibrancy compared to the S23 Plus.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S23 Plus boasts a high peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. It also features an adaptive refresh rate of 48-120Hz, providing incredibly smooth scrolling and fluid animations for an enhanced user interface experience. The Galaxy A05 has brightness levels that are adequate for indoor environments but may struggle in direct sunlight. Its display operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is functional but lacks the fluidity of a higher refresh rate display.
  • Screen Protection: The Galaxy S23 Plus is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering enhanced durability against scratches and drops. The Galaxy A05 uses a standard glass front without specific protection details mentioned in all sources, making it potentially more vulnerable to damage.

Resolution

720 x 1600

1080 x 2340

Screen type

PLS LCD

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy A05 and Galaxy S23 Plus are designed for different levels of photographic capability and user expectations.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for detailed photos across various scenarios, including impressive low-light performance and the ability to zoom in without significant loss of quality. The Galaxy A05 is equipped with a dual-camera system, comprising a 50MP primary camera and a 2MP depth sensor. This setup is suitable for everyday photography, performing best in well-lit conditions.
  • Video Recording Quality: The Galaxy S23 Plus offers advanced video recording capabilities, supporting resolutions up to 8K at 24 frames per second (fps). This allows for highly detailed and professional-looking video content. The Galaxy A05 records videos up to 1080p at 30fps from both its rear and front cameras, which is suitable for casual clips and social media sharing.
  • Front Camera and Audio Experience: The Galaxy S23 Plus includes a 12MP front camera with advanced features for high-quality selfies and video calls. It also provides a rich audio experience with stereo speakers, delivering clear sound for media consumption. The Galaxy A05 has an 8MP front camera, offering functional quality for selfies and video calls. It features a single mono speaker, which provides adequate audio for calls and general media but offers a less immersive experience.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

8 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and camera, several practical elements differentiate the Galaxy A05 and Galaxy S23 Plus.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S23 Plus supports 5G connectivity, along with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) and Bluetooth, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. It features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer but omits a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Galaxy A05 offers 4G LTE connectivity, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), and Bluetooth 5.3. Notably, it retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature absent on the S23 Plus, and also uses a USB-C port.
  • Biometric Security: For secure unlocking, the Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates a fast and secure in-display fingerprint sensor and advanced facial recognition. The Galaxy A05 utilizes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and basic face unlock for security.
  • Build Materials and Handling: The Galaxy S23 Plus is constructed with premium materials like glass and an aluminum frame, giving it a more substantial and refined feel. It measures 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 196 grams. The Galaxy A05 features a plastic build, which contributes to its lighter feel and measures 168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm, weighing 195 grams. The difference in materials impacts both the perceived quality and the device's resilience to daily wear and tear.

Weight

195 g

196 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.6

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy A05 and Galaxy S23 Plus, both released in 2023, cater to distinct user needs, offering different strengths and trade-offs. User feedback for the Galaxy S23 Plus often praises its exceptional battery life, with many reporting it comfortably lasts a full day, and even two days for moderate users. Its powerful performance for demanding applications and gaming is consistently highlighted, alongside its vibrant and smooth display. Criticisms are less frequent but sometimes point to its larger size for those preferring a more compact device. For the Galaxy A05, common praise centers on its impressive battery longevity, often lasting a full day or more, and its large display for media consumption. Users appreciate its solid performance for everyday tasks, especially considering its segment. Some users note that its camera performs best in good lighting and that the display's brightness can be a limitation in very bright outdoor conditions.

Users prioritizing a premium experience with top-tier performance for intensive tasks, advanced photography, and extended software support will find the Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its robust build and superior display make it ideal for professionals, content creators, or anyone seeking a high-end smartphone experience. Conversely, users who prioritize exceptional battery life, a large screen for casual browsing and media, and reliable performance for essential daily functions will find the Galaxy A05 a practical choice. It is particularly suitable for students or individuals seeking a dependable device without the need for flagship-level capabilities. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make informed and sustainable choices.

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