Galaxy A05s Vs Galaxy S20 5G

Galaxy A05s
Galaxy A05s
Starting at

Refurbished price:£89.00

Versus £129.00 new

See options
Galaxy S20 5G
Galaxy S20 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£132.00

Versus £899.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A05s, released in October 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G, launched in March 2020, represent distinct offerings within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both operate on the Android platform, the A05s is a more recent entry-level device, whereas the S20 5G was a flagship model in its time. The primary differentiators lie in their performance capabilities, display technology, and overall build quality, reflecting their different market positions and release timelines.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and original software support policies play a significant role. The Galaxy A05s, being a newer device, benefits from a more extended period of future software updates, while the Galaxy S20 5G, as an older flagship, has likely reached the end of its major operating system update cycle.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy A05s launched with Android 13 and is expected to receive two major operating system updates, potentially extending its software support to Android 15 or 16, along with security updates for several years. The Galaxy S20 5G, originally released with Android 10, has received updates up to Android 13 and is now primarily receiving security updates, meaning it will not get newer Android versions.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S20 5G features a more robust construction with Gorilla Glass 6 on both the front and back, coupled with an aluminum frame and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing it to withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy A05s, in contrast, utilizes a plastic build for its back and frame, and does not carry an official IP rating, making it less resistant to environmental elements.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, the S20 5G's more complex flagship design might present greater challenges for repair compared to the A05s's simpler construction, though both require specialized tools and knowledge for internal repairs.

Year of Release

2023

2020

Compatible with latest Update

No

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy A05s and the Galaxy S20 5G differ significantly, reflecting their respective positions in the market and the technology available at their release.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S20 5G, powered by a former flagship-tier processor, offers smooth and rapid performance for daily tasks, app loading, and multitasking, maintaining a responsive user experience even with demanding applications. The Galaxy A05s, equipped with a more modest processor, handles everyday applications adequately but may exhibit slower animations and transitions, and can struggle with more intensive tasks or games.
  • Multitasking and Gaming: With its higher RAM configurations (8GB or 12GB), the Galaxy S20 5G is well-suited for extensive multitasking and graphically demanding games, allowing users to switch between numerous applications without significant slowdowns. The Galaxy A05s typically comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, which is sufficient for basic multitasking but can lead to noticeable delays when running multiple applications simultaneously or playing high-performance games.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer 128GB of internal storage in their base configurations, with the Galaxy A05s supporting microSD card expansion up to 1TB, and some S20 5G variants also offering microSD support.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience offered by the Galaxy A05s and the Galaxy S20 5G presents notable differences, primarily due to their display technologies and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S20 5G features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3200x1440 pixels), delivering exceptionally sharp images, deep blacks, and vibrant colors. The Galaxy A05s has a larger 6.7-inch PLS LCD display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 pixels), which provides clear visuals for general use but does not match the contrast and color richness of an AMOLED panel.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The S20 5G offers a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a very smooth scrolling experience and fluid animations, which enhances the overall user interaction. The A05s features a 90Hz refresh rate, which is smoother than a standard 60Hz display but less fluid than the S20 5G's higher refresh rate.
  • Brightness and Viewing Experience: The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on the S20 5G achieves higher peak brightness levels, making it more comfortable to view outdoors in bright sunlight. The PLS LCD on the A05s offers adequate brightness for indoor use and is generally usable outdoors, though it may struggle in direct sunlight.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1440 x 3200

Audiovisual

The camera systems of the Galaxy A05s and the Galaxy S20 5G cater to different user expectations, with the S20 5G offering a more advanced and versatile photography experience.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S20 5G boasts a triple-camera setup including a 12MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, providing flexibility for various shooting scenarios and better low-light performance. The Galaxy A05s features a 50MP main camera, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor, which performs well in good lighting but shows limitations in challenging conditions like low light.
  • Photography Performance: The S20 5G delivers detailed photos with accurate colors and better dynamic range, especially in low-light environments, thanks to its larger sensors and OIS. The A05s produces competent photos in well-lit conditions, but users may notice more noise and less detail in darker settings, and some report inconsistent processing.
  • Video Recording: Both devices support Full HD (1080p) video recording, but the S20 5G offers more advanced video features and stabilization, including the ability to record at 60 frames per second (fps) and even 8K resolution, providing smoother and higher-quality video capture. The A05s records at 1080p at 30fps or 60fps, with some users noting a lack of video stabilization.
  • Front Camera: The S20 5G has a 10MP front camera with dual pixel autofocus, capable of capturing detailed selfies. The A05s features a 13MP front camera, which is an upgrade from previous budget models, offering usable selfies though some aggressive processing may be present.

Front camera

13 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several other features differentiate the Galaxy A05s and the Galaxy S20 5G, impacting their overall user experience and utility.

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy S20 5G supports 5G connectivity, offering faster mobile data speeds where available, along with Wi-Fi 6 for improved wireless performance. The Galaxy A05s is limited to 4G LTE connectivity and supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
  • Ports and Biometrics: The A05s retains a 3.5mm headphone jack and features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security. The S20 5G omits the headphone jack but includes an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and supports eSIM functionality in addition to a physical SIM slot. Both devices use a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Build Materials and Handling: The S20 5G features a premium construction with glass and an aluminum frame, giving it a more refined feel and a lighter weight of 163g. The A05s has a plastic build, weighing 194g, and its larger dimensions may make it feel less comfortable for some users to handle with one hand.

Weight

194 g

163 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.2

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy A05s and Galaxy S20 5G cater to different user needs and priorities. The Galaxy A05s, a more recent budget-friendly device, is often praised by users for its large display, substantial battery life, and the benefit of newer software updates. However, common criticisms revolve around its performance, which can feel sluggish for demanding tasks, and its camera quality in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Users who prioritize a large screen for media consumption, extended battery life, and a device that will receive future Android updates for a longer period may find the Galaxy A05s well-suited to their needs, especially for basic smartphone functions and casual use.

Conversely, the Galaxy S20 5G, a former flagship, is highly regarded for its superior display quality, powerful performance for its age, and a versatile camera system that still holds up well. Its premium build materials and IP68 water resistance also contribute to a more robust and refined user experience. The main concern for users considering the S20 5G is its older software, as it has likely reached the end of its major Android update cycle, though it continues to receive security patches. Users prioritizing a high-quality display, strong performance for gaming and demanding applications, and a capable camera system will likely lean towards the Galaxy S20 5G. For those seeking a balance of modern features and sustainable choices, considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons