Galaxy A05 Vs Galaxy Z Flip5

Galaxy A05
Galaxy A05
Starting at

Refurbished price:£89.00

Versus £144.96 new

See options
Galaxy Z Flip5
Galaxy Z Flip5
Starting at

Refurbished price:£266.76

Versus £1,145.61 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A05 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 are distinct smartphones from the same manufacturer, released in late 2023. The Galaxy A05 is a traditional slab-style device, while the Galaxy Z Flip5 introduces a foldable design. These differences lead to variations in their core specifications, user experience, and overall functionality, catering to different user preferences within the Android ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key differentiators.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A05 was launched in October 2023, making it a relatively recent entry-level smartphone. The Galaxy Z Flip5 was released slightly earlier in August 2023, positioning it as a contemporary flagship foldable.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy A05 is guaranteed to receive four years of major Android OS updates. In contrast, the Galaxy Z Flip5 benefits from Samsung's flagship software policy, offering four generations of Android OS upgrades, extending up to Android 17, and five years of security updates, projected until August 2028. This means the Z Flip5 will receive software support for a longer duration.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy Z Flip5 has a moderate to good repairability score, with some assessments giving it 7.5 out of 10, partly due to the inclusion of battery pull tabs that simplify battery replacement. Other sources indicate scores of 6.5/10 or 8.0/10 for repairability. Specific repairability scores for the Galaxy A05 are not widely published, but as an entry-level device, its construction might be simpler, though official part availability could vary.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

Yes

Performance

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy A05 and Galaxy Z Flip5 cater to different usage demands, primarily influenced by their internal components and design.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A05 is equipped with a processor that handles everyday tasks efficiently, providing smooth performance for common applications and moderate multitasking. This allows for responsive navigation and satisfactory execution of typical smartphone functions. The Galaxy Z Flip5, on the other hand, features a high-performance processor designed for demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and advanced gaming, ensuring a fluid and powerful user experience.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy A05 typically comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and offers 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. This configuration is suitable for users with standard app usage and who appreciate expandable storage. The Galaxy Z Flip5 includes 8GB of RAM, facilitating seamless transitions between numerous open applications, and provides faster internal storage options of 256GB or 512GB, though without expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A05 houses a large 5000mAh battery, which generally provides extended usage, often lasting a full day and potentially into a second day for lighter users. It supports 25W fast charging. The Galaxy Z Flip5 has a 3700mAh battery, which, despite its smaller capacity, can offer around 10 hours of video streaming or web surfing due to its efficient processor and adaptive display. However, heavy users might find themselves needing to charge it before the end of a full day. It also supports 25W wired and 15W wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display technologies and viewing experiences offered by the Galaxy A05 and Galaxy Z Flip5 present a clear distinction, primarily due to the Z Flip5's unique foldable form factor.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy A05 features a 6.7-inch HD+ PLS LCD display with a resolution of 1600x720 pixels. This provides clear visuals for everyday content consumption. The Galaxy Z Flip5, on the other hand, boasts a 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a higher 2640x1080 pixel (FHD+) resolution, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy A05 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is suitable for general use. The Galaxy Z Flip5's main display features an adaptive refresh rate that can go up to 120Hz, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, along with a peak brightness of 1750 nits for excellent outdoor visibility.
  • Unique Cover Screen: A significant differentiator for the Galaxy Z Flip5 is its 3.4-inch Super AMOLED cover screen, known as the Flex Window, with a resolution of 720x748 pixels. This external display allows users to interact with notifications, widgets, and even take selfies without opening the phone, adding a layer of convenience and functionality not present in the traditional design of the Galaxy A05.

Resolution

720 x 1600

1080 x 2640

Screen type

PLS LCD

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems of the Galaxy A05 and Galaxy Z Flip5 are designed for different levels of photographic capability and user expectations.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A05 features a dual-camera setup on the rear, with a 50MP wide-angle main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. This configuration is capable of capturing detailed photos in good lighting conditions and offers basic portrait effects. The Galaxy Z Flip5 comes with a dual 12MP rear camera system, comprising a wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an ultrawide-angle lens with a 123-degree field of view. This setup provides more versatility and improved performance in various lighting scenarios, particularly with the benefit of OIS for sharper images and more stable videos.
  • Photography Performance: In everyday photography, the Galaxy A05's 50MP main sensor can produce good results, but it may show limitations in challenging lighting or for advanced features. The Galaxy Z Flip5's cameras offer good exposure and wide dynamic range in regular photos, though some users note noise in low-light conditions and a lack of a dedicated telephoto lens limits zoom quality.
  • Video Recording and Selfie Cameras: Both devices can record video at 1080p resolution, with the A05 supporting 30/60fps and the Z Flip5 capable of 4K video at 30/60fps. For selfies, the Galaxy A05 has an 8MP front camera, while the Galaxy Z Flip5 features a 10MP front camera. The Z Flip5's foldable design also allows users to utilize the higher-quality rear cameras for selfies via the cover screen.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

8 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy A05 supports 4G connectivity, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, and Bluetooth v5.3. It includes a USB Type-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Galaxy Z Flip5 offers more advanced connectivity, including 5G support, along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. It features a USB Type-C 2.0 port but omits the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security and Sensors: The Galaxy A05 includes an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, and proximity sensor, but notably lacks a fingerprint sensor. The Galaxy Z Flip5 provides a more comprehensive suite of sensors, including a fingerprint scanner for secure unlocking, an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer.
  • Design and Durability Features: The Galaxy A05 has a traditional smartphone design with a plastic back, measuring 168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm and weighing 195g. The Galaxy Z Flip5's defining feature is its foldable design, which allows it to be compact when closed (85.1 x 71.9 x 15.1 mm) and expands to a full-sized smartphone when unfolded (165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm). It weighs 187g. The Z Flip5 also incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for enhanced screen protection and boasts an IPX8 rating for water resistance.

Weight

195 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.7 /3.4

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A05 and Galaxy Z Flip5 cater to distinct user needs, reflecting their different design philosophies and feature sets. Users often praise the Galaxy A05 for its robust battery life, which reliably lasts through a full day of use, and its large display for media consumption. Common criticisms sometimes point to the absence of a fingerprint sensor and a standard 60Hz refresh rate display. The Galaxy Z Flip5 is frequently lauded for its innovative foldable design, which offers portability without compromising on screen size, and its powerful performance for demanding tasks. Its large cover screen is also a significant highlight, enhancing quick interactions. However, some users express concerns about its battery life for heavy usage and the camera performance, which, while capable, may not always match other flagship devices in all conditions.

Users prioritizing extended battery life, a large traditional display, and a straightforward smartphone experience will find the Galaxy A05 well-suited to their needs. It is a practical choice for those who value reliability for essential functions. Conversely, users who seek a compact yet expansive device, appreciate cutting-edge design, and require high performance for advanced applications and multitasking will likely lean towards the Galaxy Z Flip5. Its unique form factor and powerful internals offer a different kind of flexibility and premium experience. Both devices run on the Android operating system, providing access to a vast ecosystem of applications and services. For those considering a more sustainable choice, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, offering an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons