Galaxy A05s Vs Galaxy S23

Galaxy A05s
Galaxy A05s
Starting at

Refurbished price:£90.00

Versus £144.64 new

See options
Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
Starting at

Refurbished price:£186.84

Versus £1,019.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A05s and the Samsung Galaxy S23 are both Android smartphones from Samsung, but they cater to different user expectations and needs. The Galaxy A05s, released in October 2023, is designed for essential smartphone functions, while the Galaxy S23, launched in February 2023, offers a more advanced and compact experience. The primary distinctions lie in their display technology, processing power, and camera capabilities.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S23, being a flagship device, launched with Android 13 and is promised four major Android OS upgrades, extending its support up to Android 17, along with five years of security updates until at least 2028. [4, 12, 14, 16, 23] The Galaxy A05s, also launched with Android 13, is expected to receive two major Android OS updates, potentially up to Android 15, and four years of quarterly security updates. [10, 28, 39, 40] This means the S23 will receive software support for a longer duration.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S23 features a more robust construction with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, complemented by an Armor Aluminum frame, and boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. [2, 4, 5, 19] The Galaxy A05s has a glass front but a plastic back and frame, and does not carry an official IP rating for water and dust protection. [13, 27, 37, 42]
  • Practical Lifespan: Users who prioritize extended software support and enhanced physical resilience for daily wear and tear may find the Galaxy S23 offers a longer practical lifespan. The A05s, while durable for its category, is built with different material considerations.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these two devices varies significantly, impacting how smoothly they handle different tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 is equipped with a high-performance processor designed for demanding applications and multitasking, allowing for smooth operation, quick app loading, and responsive gaming experiences. [2, 4, 11, 19] The Galaxy A05s features a processor that handles everyday tasks and light gaming effectively, though users might notice some lag with more intensive applications or rapid app switching. [8, 9, 31]
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S23 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for seamless multitasking and keeping multiple applications open without slowdowns. [2, 4, 32] Its storage options include faster UFS 4.0 technology in higher capacities, contributing to quicker data access. [4, 19] The Galaxy A05s offers 4GB or 6GB of RAM, which is suitable for general use, and its storage is expandable via a microSD card, offering flexibility for users who need more space for media and files. [3, 31, 37, 38]
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23, despite having a 3900mAh battery, is optimized for efficient power consumption, with many users reporting it can comfortably last a full day even with heavy use. [7, 11, 15, 19, 21, 24, 33] The Galaxy A05s features a larger 5000mAh battery, which generally provides excellent battery life, often extending beyond a single day of typical usage. [3, 13, 28, 30, 35, 38]

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on these two smartphones presents notable differences in display technology and clarity.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high contrast, providing a rich viewing experience. [1, 2, 4, 5, 26] It offers a sharp FHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels) with a pixel density of 422 PPI. [2, 5] The Galaxy A05s has a larger 6.7-inch PLS LCD screen with an FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) and a pixel density of approximately 393 PPI, offering clear visuals suitable for general content consumption. [6, 17, 27, 28, 31]
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S23's display can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. [1, 5] It also features an adaptive refresh rate that ranges from 48Hz to 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and fluid animations. [1, 5, 26] The Galaxy A05s has a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother motion compared to standard 60Hz displays, but its peak brightness is around 720 nits, which can make outdoor viewing challenging in direct sunlight. [17, 29, 31, 41]
  • Viewing Experience: The S23's smaller size and superior display technology make it well-suited for users who prioritize a premium, compact viewing experience with exceptional color accuracy and brightness. The A05s offers a larger screen for immersive media consumption, which can be beneficial for users who prefer more screen real estate, though with different visual characteristics.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2340

Screen type

PLS LCD

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy A05s and Galaxy S23 are designed for different levels of photographic capability.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP wide-angle main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for a wide range of photography, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots, with excellent overall photo and video quality. [19, 25, 32, 36] The Galaxy A05s comes with a triple-camera system consisting of a 50MP main camera, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. This setup is capable of capturing clear everyday photos, but it lacks an ultra-wide lens and optical zoom capabilities. [3, 17, 29, 31, 38]
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The Galaxy S23 excels in various lighting conditions, including low light, and offers advanced video recording features with improved stabilization. [19, 20] The Galaxy A05s captures what is in front of it, but its performance in low-light environments is not as strong, and video recording is limited to 1080p at 30 frames per second. [9, 17, 29]
  • Front Camera and Audio: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S23 has a 12MP front camera that delivers high-quality images. [32] The Galaxy A05s is equipped with a 13MP front camera, suitable for clear selfies. [3, 38] In terms of audio, the S23 offers superb stereo speakers, enhancing the media consumption experience. [19] The A05s has a single bottom-firing speaker, which is adequate for general audio playback. [9, 17]

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S23 supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, offering faster wireless speeds and more stable connections. It features a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, but it does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. [4, 19, 32] The Galaxy A05s supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.1. It also has a USB Type-C port and retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, which can be a convenience for users with wired audio accessories. [13, 37]
  • Biometrics and Sensors: The Galaxy S23 incorporates an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking, along with face recognition. [2, 4] The Galaxy A05s features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and face recognition for security. [13, 31] The A05s may not include NFC in all regions, which could affect contactless payment options. [8, 29]
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 is a more compact device, weighing 168g and measuring 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6mm, making it comfortable for one-handed use. [2, 5, 32] The Galaxy A05s is larger and slightly heavier at 194g, with dimensions of 168.0 x 77.8 x 8.8mm, offering a larger screen but a less compact feel. [13, 27, 28, 37, 42]

Weight

194 g

350 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy S23 often highlights its excellent battery life for its size, vibrant and bright display, and strong camera performance across various conditions. [7, 11, 15, 19, 21, 24, 33] Some users appreciate its compact form factor and premium build quality. [19, 20] Criticisms are less frequent but sometimes mention the initial price point or the lack of a charger in the box. [19]

For the Galaxy A05s, common praise points include its large display, good battery life, and the inclusion of a headphone jack and expandable storage. [9, 30, 35] Users generally find it suitable for everyday tasks, though some note that performance can lag with demanding applications or extensive multitasking. [8, 9, 29] The camera performance is considered adequate for basic use but not exceptional, particularly in low light. [9, 29]

Users prioritizing a compact device with a premium feel, advanced camera capabilities, and long-term software support will find the Galaxy S23 well-suited to their needs. It offers a powerful experience for demanding applications, photography, and media consumption. Conversely, users who value a larger screen, extended battery life, expandable storage, and a headphone jack for essential smartphone functions may lean towards the Galaxy A05s. It provides a reliable experience for daily communication and media without the need for top-tier performance. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, offering an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons