Galaxy A05 Vs Galaxy S24 Ultra

Galaxy A05
Galaxy A05
Starting at

Refurbished price:£89.00

Versus £144.96 new

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Galaxy S24 Ultra
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:£426.00

Versus £1,357.64 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A05, released in October 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, launched in January 2024, represent distinct segments within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both operate on the Android platform, the Galaxy A05 is positioned as an entry-level device, focusing on core smartphone functionalities, whereas the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands as a flagship model, offering advanced features and high-end performance.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its software support and physical durability. These two devices offer different expectations in terms of how long they will receive updates and their resilience to daily wear.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy A05, launched with Android 13, is expected to receive two major Android OS updates, bringing it up to Android 15, along with four years of security updates, typically extending until late 2027 or early 2028. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which debuted with Android 14, benefits from an extended commitment of seven years of Android OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, meaning it is projected to receive support until Android 21 and security patches until 2031.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A05 features a glass front with a plastic back and frame, offering a standard level of protection for everyday use. The Galaxy S24 Ultra incorporates a titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Armor on its display, providing enhanced resistance against scratches and drops, alongside an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S24 Ultra has demonstrated a high repairability score, with components like the battery designed for easier replacement. While specific scores for the Galaxy A05 are less widely publicized, its construction with more common materials generally allows for component replacement, though official repair resources might be less extensive than for flagship models.

Year of Release

2023

2024

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance varies significantly between these two models, impacting how smoothly they handle different tasks and applications.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A05 is equipped with a processor that provides smooth performance for essential daily activities such as web browsing, social media, and light applications. Users generally find it suitable for basic tasks and casual gaming. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, on the other hand, features a current-generation processor designed to handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphically rich games with high responsiveness and efficiency.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy A05 typically comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and storage options of 64GB or 128GB, expandable via a microSD card. This configuration is adequate for managing a moderate number of apps and storing personal media. The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers 12GB of RAM and larger internal storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB, providing substantial capacity for extensive app libraries, large files, and seamless multitasking.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices house a 5000 mAh battery. The Galaxy A05 generally provides a full day of use for average users, with some reporting it can last through an entire day on a single charge. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is noted by users for its excellent battery endurance, often lasting more than a full day even with intense usage, including heavy camera use and navigation.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience offered by each device's display differs in technology, clarity, and adaptability to various lighting conditions.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy A05 features a 6.7-inch PLS LCD display with an HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels). This provides clear visuals for general content consumption. The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3120 pixels), delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional detail.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A05 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is suitable for everyday scrolling and video playback, and its brightness is generally sufficient for indoor use. The Galaxy S24 Ultra features an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and responsiveness, and offers a high peak brightness of up to 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor environments.
  • Viewing Experience: Users of the Galaxy A05 find its large screen good for media consumption, though some note the 60Hz refresh rate as a compromise compared to other devices. The Galaxy S24 Ultra's display is praised for its immersive viewing experience, vibrant output, and reduced glare, making it well-suited for detailed work and multimedia.

Resolution

720 x 1600

1440 x 3120

Screen type

PLS LCD

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems and audio capabilities present a significant distinction between these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Photography Capabilities: The Galaxy A05 includes a dual rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor, along with an 8MP front camera. It performs adequately in well-lit conditions, capturing clear images, but users report inconsistencies and struggles in low-light environments, often lacking advanced stabilization for video. The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a versatile quad-camera system on the rear, comprising a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. Its 12MP front camera also offers advanced features. This setup provides detailed photos across various conditions, strong low-light performance with dedicated modes, and versatile zoom options.
  • Video Recording: Both devices can record video at 1080p resolution, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers higher resolution options, including 8K recording, and superior stabilization for smoother footage.
  • Audio Experience: The Galaxy A05 typically features a single down-firing speaker and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Galaxy S24 Ultra provides a stereo speaker setup for a more immersive audio experience and generally offers higher quality microphone performance for calls and recordings, though it omits the traditional headphone jack.

Main camera

50 megapixels

200 megapixels

Front camera

8 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience of these two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy A05 supports 4G LTE networks, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, and includes a USB-C 2.0 port, alongside a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers advanced connectivity with 5G support, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, and a faster USB-C 3.2 port, but it does not include a headphone jack. It also features Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology.
  • Biometric Security and Sensors: The Galaxy A05 may rely on less consistent face recognition for unlocking, with some variants potentially lacking a dedicated fingerprint sensor. It includes essential sensors like an accelerometer and proximity sensor. The Galaxy S24 Ultra integrates an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking, along with advanced sensors for various functionalities.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A05 has dimensions of 168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm and weighs 195g, featuring a plastic build that contributes to its lighter feel. The Galaxy S24 Ultra measures 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm and weighs 232g, with a titanium frame and a more substantial feel in hand. A notable addition to the S24 Ultra is the integrated S Pen stylus, enhancing productivity and creative tasks.

Weight

195 g

232 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.8

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Galaxy A05 often highlights its strong battery life and adequate performance for basic daily tasks as key advantages. Common criticisms include its camera's performance in challenging lighting conditions, the 60Hz display, and the absence of a consistently reliable fingerprint sensor across all variants. For the Galaxy S24 Ultra, users frequently praise its exceptional camera versatility, vibrant display, robust performance, and extended battery life. Some observations note that while the camera is powerful, it can sometimes overexpose in specific scenarios.

Users prioritizing essential smartphone functions, extended battery life for everyday use, and a straightforward experience may find the Galaxy A05 well-suited to their needs. It serves as a practical device for communication, social media, and light content consumption. Conversely, individuals who require advanced camera capabilities, a highly responsive and vibrant display, top-tier performance for demanding applications, and a longer software support timeline will likely lean towards the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Its integrated S Pen also caters to users seeking enhanced productivity and creative tools.

For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, extending the lifespan of these electronics and contributing to sustainable consumption.

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