Galaxy A05 Vs Galaxy S25 Ultra

Galaxy A05
Galaxy A05
Starting at

Refurbished price:£89.00

Versus £144.96 new

See options
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:£654.00

Versus £1,249.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A05, released in October 2023, is an entry-level smartphone designed for essential daily tasks. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, launched in February 2025, represents a premium flagship device built for advanced performance and features. Both devices operate on the Android platform, offering access to a wide ecosystem of applications, but they cater to distinctly different user needs and expectations through their hardware and software capabilities.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its build quality, software support, and the availability of replacement parts. These two devices offer different practical lifespans.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy A05 launched with Android 13 and is expected to receive two major OS upgrades, reaching Android 15, along with four years of security updates, concluding around 2027. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, however, debuted with Android 15 and One UI 7, and Samsung has committed to providing seven years of OS upgrades and security updates, extending its software support until approximately 2032.
  • Build and Durability: The Galaxy A05 features a glass front with a plastic back and frame, offering a functional but less robust construction without an official IP rating for water and dust resistance. The Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a titanium frame and Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass on both the front and back, providing enhanced durability and an IP68 rating for significant water and dust resistance.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores for the A05 are not widely published, budget devices often present challenges due to integrated components. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, similar to its predecessor, has demonstrated a high repairability score, indicating easier access to components like the battery and screen for servicing.

Year of Release

2023

2025

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences between these two models are substantial, impacting everything from app responsiveness to demanding tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A05 is equipped with an octa-core processor that handles everyday applications, web browsing, and casual gaming smoothly. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a current-generation, high-performance octa-core processor, specifically optimized for demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and advanced mobile gaming without experiencing slowdowns.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy A05 typically comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, suitable for basic multitasking and storing a moderate amount of data. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a minimum of 12GB of RAM, with some configurations reaching 16GB, paired with storage options from 256GB up to 1TB, enabling seamless switching between numerous applications and ample space for large files and media.
  • Battery Performance: Both devices house a 5000 mAh battery. The Galaxy A05 provides reliable power for a full day of typical use, supported by 25W fast charging. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, despite its powerful components and high-resolution display, is noted for its efficient power management, often lasting more than a full day even with intense usage, and supports faster wired and wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience varies significantly due to the display technologies and specifications employed in each device.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A05 features a 6.7-inch PLS LCD display with an HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels), offering clear visuals for general content consumption. The Galaxy S25 Ultra sports a larger 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), delivering exceptionally sharp details, deep blacks, and vibrant colors.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The A05's display has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth enough experience for everyday scrolling. The S25 Ultra's display features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring fluid animations and highly responsive scrolling. It also achieves a peak brightness of up to 2600 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions, a significant advantage over the A05's more modest brightness levels.
  • Screen Protection: The Galaxy A05 does not include specialized screen protection, making it more susceptible to scratches and damage. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2, offering enhanced resistance against scratches and drops.

Resolution

720 x 1600

1440x3120

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these two smartphones are designed for different levels of photographic capability and versatility.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A05 includes a dual-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor, capable of capturing decent photos in well-lit environments and recording video at 1080p at 60 frames per second. Its low-light performance is generally considered adequate for its category. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a comprehensive quad-camera system, including a 200MP wide-angle main camera, a 50MP ultrawide camera, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. This setup excels in various lighting conditions, offering exceptional detail, dynamic range, and versatility for both close-up and distant subjects.
  • Video Recording and Features: The A05 supports 1080p video recording, but lacks advanced stabilization features. The S25 Ultra offers advanced video capabilities, including 8K recording at up to 30 frames per second and 4K at up to 120 frames per second, alongside robust optical image stabilization (OIS) across multiple lenses for smooth, professional-grade footage.
  • Front Camera and Audio: The Galaxy A05 has an 8MP front camera suitable for basic selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 12MP front-facing camera with advanced autofocus capabilities, delivering sharper and more detailed self-portraits and high-quality video calls. The S25 Ultra also provides a superior audio experience with stereo speakers and enhanced microphone quality for recordings and calls, whereas the A05 has a single down-firing speaker.

Front camera

8 megapixels

12

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements differentiate these two devices in daily use.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy A05 supports 4G LTE networks, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.3, and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack alongside a USB Type-C 2.0 port. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is equipped with advanced 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 7 for faster wireless speeds, and a newer Bluetooth standard, featuring a USB Type-C port for data and charging, but it omits the traditional headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security and Navigation: The A05 relies on traditional PIN/pattern/face unlock methods, lacking a fingerprint sensor. The S25 Ultra integrates an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking, along with advanced facial recognition.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A05 has a plastic build, measuring 168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm and weighing 195 grams, offering a comfortable grip for its size. The S25 Ultra, with its titanium frame and glass construction, measures 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm and weighs 218 grams, providing a premium feel and a slightly denser build. The S25 Ultra also includes an integrated S Pen for enhanced productivity and creative tasks.

Weight

195 g

233 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.9

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 S25 Ultra cater to distinct user profiles, reflecting their design and feature sets. Users often praise the Galaxy A05 for its reliable battery life and adequate performance for everyday applications, making it a practical choice for essential communication and media consumption. However, common criticisms include its basic display resolution and the absence of a fingerprint sensor.

Conversely, the Galaxy S25 Ultra receives acclaim for its exceptional camera system, vibrant and bright display, and powerful performance that handles any task with ease. Its extended software support is also a significant advantage for long-term use. Some users might find its size and weight substantial, and the advanced features may exceed the needs of a casual smartphone user.

Users prioritizing a long-lasting device for communication, social media, and light entertainment will find the Galaxy A05 well-suited to their needs. Those who require top-tier camera capabilities, a highly responsive and immersive display, and robust performance for demanding applications, creative work, or extensive multitasking will lean towards the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Both devices offer a gateway to the Android ecosystem, with refurbished options providing an eco-friendly, quality-assured alternative for making an informed and sustainable choice.

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