Galaxy A05s Vs Galaxy A34

Galaxy A05s
Galaxy A05s
Starting at

Refurbished price:£89.00

Versus £129.00 new

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Galaxy A34
Galaxy A34
Starting at

Refurbished price:£105.00

Versus £399.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A05S, released in October 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy A34, launched in March 2023, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's A-series. While both devices offer a large display and a substantial battery, the Galaxy A34 distinguishes itself with a more advanced screen technology, 5G connectivity, and enhanced durability features. Both run on the Android operating system, offering a familiar user experience within Samsung's One UI.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical resilience.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy A34, released earlier in March 2023, benefits from Samsung's commitment to software updates, typically receiving four years of OS updates and five years of security patches. The Galaxy A05S, launched in October 2023, will likely follow a similar, though slightly shorter, update schedule from its release date.
  • Durability Features: The Galaxy A34 offers an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, providing protection against immersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes, and features Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection. The Galaxy A05S does not carry an official IP rating and lacks specific display protection, making it more susceptible to environmental damage.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy A34 has a repairability score of 8.0 to 8.5 out of 10, indicating it is relatively straightforward to disassemble and reassemble for common repairs. Information on the repairability of the Galaxy A05S is less readily available, suggesting it might not be as easily serviceable.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone dictates its responsiveness and ability to handle various applications and tasks. Both devices are equipped with octa-core processors, but their real-world capabilities differ.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy A34, powered by a current-generation processor, generally offers smooth performance for daily tasks, multitasking, and even demanding applications and games, with good thermal management. The Galaxy A05S, while capable for basic use, may experience occasional lag during heavy multitasking or when running graphically intensive games.
  • Storage and Multitasking: Both models offer various RAM and internal storage configurations, with options for 4GB or 6GB RAM on the A05S and 6GB or 8GB RAM on the A34. Both support expandable storage via a microSD card, allowing users to increase their storage capacity. The higher RAM options in the A34 contribute to a smoother experience when switching between multiple applications.
  • Battery Behavior: Both smartphones feature a 5000mAh battery capacity and support 25W fast charging. Users of the Galaxy A34 generally report excellent battery life, often lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use. The Galaxy A05S also provides good battery endurance for typical daily usage.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and there are notable differences in the screen technology and viewing experience offered by these two models.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A34 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast, providing a rich viewing experience. The Galaxy A05S comes with a slightly larger 6.7-inch PLS LCD display, which offers clear visuals but may not match the color accuracy and contrast levels of an AMOLED panel. Both displays offer Full HD+ resolution, ensuring sharp text and images.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy A34's display can reach up to 1000 nits of peak brightness, making content easily viewable even in bright outdoor conditions, and boasts a 120Hz refresh rate for exceptionally smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy A05S has a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides a smoother experience than standard 60Hz displays, and offers commendable brightness for outdoor readability, though it doesn't reach the peak levels of the A34.
  • Viewing Experience: The Super AMOLED panel of the A34 supports HDR10+ content, enhancing dynamic range for compatible media. The A05S's PLS LCD panel does not support HDR.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2340

Audiovisual

For many users, the camera system is a crucial aspect of a smartphone, and both the Galaxy A05S and A34 offer multi-lens setups with varying capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A34 features a triple rear camera setup, including a 48MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. The OIS helps reduce blur in photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting. The Galaxy A05S also has a triple rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor.
  • Photography Performance: In daylight, the Galaxy A34's main camera captures sharp and detailed images with good dynamic range and natural colors. Its low-light performance is considered above average for its category. The Galaxy A05S produces vivid images in good lighting, but some users note a lack of sharpness and detail, and its low-light performance is less robust.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy A34 can record videos up to 4K at 30 frames per second (fps), with 1080p at 30fps or 60fps also available, and stabilization is most effective at 1080p. The Galaxy A05S records video up to 1080p at 60fps, but without stabilization, which can result in shaky footage. Both phones feature a 13MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls, providing clear and balanced results in adequate lighting.

Front camera

13 megapixels

13 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: A significant difference is the Galaxy A34's support for 5G networks, offering faster mobile data speeds where available. The Galaxy A05S is limited to 4G connectivity. Both devices include Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) and Bluetooth (v5.3 for A34, v5.1 for A05S), and both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy A05S retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the Galaxy A34.
  • Biometric Security and Sensors: Both phones feature a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Galaxy A34 also includes an in-display fingerprint sensor. The A34 has a gyroscope, which is not present in the A05S.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A34 has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance and a Gorilla Glass 5 front, contributing to its overall durability. It weighs 199g and measures 161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2 mm. The Galaxy A05S, weighing 194g and measuring 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm, has a plastic build without an official IP rating.

Weight

194 g

199 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.6

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy A34 frequently praises its vibrant Super AMOLED display with a high refresh rate, robust battery life, and reliable performance for everyday tasks and gaming. Its IP67 water and dust resistance and extended software support are also commonly highlighted as significant advantages. Some common criticisms include its relatively thick bezels and a fingerprint reader that can be slower than expected.

The Samsung Galaxy A05S is often commended for its large display, good battery life, and the inclusion of a headphone jack. However, users frequently note that its performance can be sluggish, particularly with demanding applications or multitasking, and its camera performance in challenging conditions is not its strongest suit.

Users prioritizing a smoother visual experience, 5G connectivity, enhanced durability, and a more capable camera system, especially for video recording and low-light photography, may find the Galaxy A34 better suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a slightly larger screen, the presence of a traditional headphone jack, and are primarily focused on basic smartphone functions without heavy gaming or intensive multitasking, might lean towards the Galaxy A05S. Both devices offer a solid foundation for daily use, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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