Galaxy A05s Vs Galaxy S23+

Galaxy A05s
Galaxy A05s
Starting at

Refurbished price:£89.00

Versus £129.00 new

See options
Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£258.00

Versus £1,199.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A05S, released in October 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, represent distinct tiers within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the Android platform, the S23 Plus offers a premium flagship experience with advanced features and performance, whereas the A05S is designed to provide essential smartphone functionalities at a more accessible level. Their core differences lie in processing power, display technology, and camera capabilities, catering to varying user needs and expectations.

Scores

Durability

The expected practical lifespan and software support differ significantly between these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy A05S was released in October 2023, typically receiving two major Android OS updates and up to four years of security updates. It has already received Android 15 (One UI 7.0) as of March 2026. In contrast, the Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, benefits from Samsung's extended support policy, promising four generations of OS upgrades (up to Android 17) and five years of security updates, extending its support until 2028. This means the S23 Plus will receive software updates for a longer duration, offering extended longevity for users who prioritize the latest features and security patches.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy A05S generally has an average repairability score, with some sources indicating 7.5/10 and others 8.8/10. It is noted for having an easily accessible battery, though the back cover uses adhesive. The Galaxy S23 Plus has a repairability score of 8.2/10. Samsung has also expanded its DIY repair program to include the S23 series, though common parts like the screen and battery are often bundled together for replacement.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users seeking a device with the longest possible software support and access to the newest Android versions will find the Galaxy S23 Plus more suitable due to its extended update commitment. The A05S, while offering reasonable support for its category, will reach its end-of-life for major OS updates sooner.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy A05S and Galaxy S23 Plus cater to different usage intensities, primarily due to their internal hardware.

  • Processor Capabilities and Responsiveness: The Galaxy A05S is equipped with a processor designed for everyday tasks, handling common applications and light multitasking smoothly. Users may experience some lag when running more demanding applications or high-performance games. The Galaxy S23 Plus, featuring a current-generation processor, delivers a significantly more powerful experience, ensuring applications load quickly, multitasking is seamless, and graphically intensive games run without interruption.
  • Storage and RAM: The A05S offers 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. This configuration is sufficient for typical user storage needs and moderate app usage. The S23 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB, utilizing faster UFS 4.0 storage technology for quicker data access. This larger RAM and faster storage contribute to its superior multitasking and overall system responsiveness.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A05S houses a 5000mAh battery, providing good battery life for daily use. The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 4700mAh battery, which, despite being slightly smaller, is optimized by its efficient processor to offer excellent battery longevity, often lasting a day and a half for many users. Both devices support fast charging, with the S23 Plus offering faster wired charging at 45W compared to the A05S's 25W.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on these two devices is a key differentiator, stemming from their display technologies and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A05S features a 6.7-inch PLS LCD screen with a Full HD+ resolution (2400x1080 pixels), providing clear visuals for general content consumption. The Galaxy S23 Plus boasts a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340x1080 pixels). The AMOLED technology on the S23 Plus offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors compared to the LCD panel on the A05S.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The A05S has a 90Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid user interface experience than standard 60Hz displays. The S23 Plus features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which dynamically adjusts between 48Hz and 120Hz to optimize smoothness and battery efficiency. Additionally, the S23 Plus offers significantly higher peak brightness, reaching up to 1750 nits, making it more comfortable to view in bright outdoor conditions compared to the A05S.
  • Screen Size and Protection: Both devices offer large screen sizes, with the A05S at 6.7 inches and the S23 Plus at 6.6 inches, providing ample screen real estate for media and browsing. The S23 Plus also benefits from Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, offering enhanced durability against scratches and drops.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2340

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy A05S and Galaxy S23 Plus are designed for different levels of photographic versatility and quality.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A05S features a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. This configuration is suitable for capturing everyday photos in good lighting conditions. The Galaxy S23 Plus also has a triple rear camera system, but with more advanced sensors: a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. This setup provides greater flexibility for various photographic scenarios, including wide-angle shots and zoomed-in subjects.
  • Photography Performance: For general photography, the A05S delivers acceptable results, though its performance in low-light conditions may be limited. The S23 Plus offers superior image quality across a wider range of conditions, particularly excelling in low-light environments and providing sharper, more detailed images due to its larger sensors and OIS. Users generally praise the S23 Plus camera for its overall quality, though some note it may not match the absolute top-tier performance of Ultra models or dedicated camera phones for specific features like macro photography.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The A05S supports video recording at 1080p at 30/60fps, and has a 13MP front-facing camera. The S23 Plus offers higher-quality video recording capabilities, including HDR10+, and features a 12MP front camera that delivers clear selfies and video calls.

Front camera

13 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these two Samsung devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy A05S supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 5.1, along with a USB Type-C 2.0 port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. NFC is available in some regions. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers more advanced connectivity, including Wi-Fi 6E (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and 5G network support. It features a USB Type-C port but omits the 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Sensors and Biometrics: The A05S includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, and proximity sensor. The S23 Plus provides an in-display fingerprint sensor, along with a more comprehensive suite of sensors including an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, barometer, compass/magnetometer, and gyroscope. Both support face recognition for unlocking.
  • Design and Build Materials: The A05S features a glass front with a plastic back and frame, contributing to its lighter weight of 194g and dimensions of 168.00 x 77.80 x 8.80mm. The S23 Plus has a more premium build with a glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2) and an aluminum frame, weighing 195g and measuring 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6mm. The S23 Plus also carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, a feature not typically found on the A05S.

Weight

194 g

196 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.6

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy A05S and Galaxy S23 Plus cater to distinct user demographics, each excelling in different areas. Users frequently praise the Galaxy A05S for its strong battery life and its ability to handle everyday tasks effectively, especially considering its positioning in the market. Its large display and the inclusion of a headphone jack are also often highlighted as practical benefits. However, some users note that the A05S can struggle with demanding applications and multitasking, and its Wi-Fi speeds may not always be optimal. The camera performance is generally considered adequate for basic use but not for advanced photography or low-light conditions.

Conversely, the Galaxy S23 Plus receives consistent praise for its exceptional performance, described as fast and smooth, capable of handling any task with ease. Its vibrant AMOLED display, extended software support, and robust build quality with an IP68 rating are frequently cited as major advantages. While its camera system is highly regarded, some users suggest that for specialized photography, it might not reach the same level as the absolute top-tier flagship models.

Users prioritizing long-term software support, high-performance computing for demanding applications and gaming, and a premium build with advanced camera capabilities will find the Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its superior display and faster charging also contribute to a more refined user experience. On the other hand, users who primarily need a reliable device for essential communication, browsing, and light media consumption, and who value a large screen and extended battery life without the need for top-tier performance, may lean toward the Galaxy A05S. Both devices offer a pathway to Android's ecosystem, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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