Galaxy A05s Vs Galaxy S25 Ultra

Galaxy A05s
Galaxy A05s
Starting at

Refurbished price:£89.00

Versus £129.00 new

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Galaxy S25 Ultra
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:£654.00

Versus £1,249.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A05S, released in October 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, a flagship device from February 2025, cater to vastly different user needs and expectations within the Android smartphone ecosystem. While both operate on the Android platform, the A05S is positioned as an accessible device for everyday tasks, whereas the S25 Ultra offers cutting-edge technology and premium features for demanding users. This comparison aims to highlight the practical distinctions between these two models, assisting consumers in making an informed choice, especially when considering quality-assured refurbished options.

Scores

Durability

The longevity and durability of these two Samsung smartphones vary significantly due to their distinct market positions and release timelines.

  • Release Timeline and Age: The Galaxy A05S was released in October 2023, making it a more established device, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra launched in February 2025, benefiting from newer components and a more recent design philosophy. [5, 8, 21, 27]
  • Software Support: The Galaxy S25 Ultra, as a premium device, is expected to receive an extensive seven years of major Android OS upgrades and security updates, potentially extending its support until 2032. [2, 25, 29, 35] In contrast, the Galaxy A05S typically receives two major Android OS updates and four years of security patches, with Android 15 rolling out as its second major update in May 2025. [8, 26, 44, 46]
  • Build Quality and Protection: The S25 Ultra features a robust construction with a titanium frame and Corning Gorilla Armor 2 on both the front and back, offering enhanced resistance to drops and scratches, alongside an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. [1, 2, 22, 32] The A05S utilizes a plastic construction, which is generally less resistant to physical damage and lacks an official ingress protection rating. [5, 17]
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S25 Ultra has received a provisional iFixit repairability score of 5 out of 10, noted for improvements like easier battery removal with pull tabs and modular camera components, though screen repair remains challenging. [7, 9, 12] The Galaxy A05S has an average repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, with accessible battery and pull tabs, but uses adhesive for the back cover. [18, 41]

Year of Release

2023

2025

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance capabilities represent a primary differentiator between the Galaxy A05S and the Galaxy S25 Ultra, catering to very different user demands.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S25 Ultra is equipped with a current-generation flagship processor, specifically optimized for Samsung devices, enabling exceptionally fast app loading, seamless multitasking, and smooth navigation through demanding applications and games. [3, 6, 10, 21, 36] The Galaxy A05S features a processor that handles common tasks like web browsing, social media, and light applications smoothly, but may show limitations with more intensive use. [4, 6, 14, 19]
  • System Responsiveness and Multitasking: Users of the S25 Ultra can expect a highly responsive experience, even when switching between numerous open applications, due to its powerful processing unit and ample RAM. [10, 32] The A05S provides a competent experience for typical daily usage, though heavy multitasking or graphically intensive applications might lead to noticeable delays. [19]
  • Storage and RAM: The S25 Ultra typically comes with 12GB of RAM and offers storage options up to 1TB, utilizing faster UFS 4.0 technology, which contributes to its overall speed. [1, 2, 21, 23] The A05S is available with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and up to 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. [4, 5, 14]
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices feature a 5000mAh battery. The S25 Ultra generally offers long battery life, often lasting a full day even with heavy use, though some users report varied experiences with intensive camera use or after software updates. [22, 32, 34, 36] The A05S also provides a substantial battery capacity, supporting extended usage for its target audience. [5, 17]

Memory (GB)

4 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience offered by the displays of these two devices presents a clear distinction in quality and features.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution, delivering sharp details, deep blacks, and vibrant, accurate colors. [1, 2, 21, 23] The Galaxy A05S uses a 6.7-inch PLS LCD panel with an FHD+ resolution, providing a clear picture but lacking the contrast and color richness characteristic of AMOLED screens. [4, 5, 14, 15]
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The S25 Ultra boasts a peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, complemented by an anti-reflective coating. [1, 2, 32, 42] The A05S offers sufficient brightness for indoor use and general outdoor viewing, but may struggle in direct sunlight compared to the S25 Ultra. [17]
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The S25 Ultra features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and fluid animations, which enhances the overall user experience. [1, 2, 21, 23] The A05S has a 90Hz refresh rate, offering a smoother experience than standard 60Hz displays, but not matching the fluidity of the S25 Ultra. [15, 16, 17]
  • Screen Protection: The S25 Ultra's display is protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2, designed for enhanced durability and scratch resistance. [1, 2, 32] The A05S does not specify advanced screen protection, suggesting a more standard glass. [17]

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1440x3120

Audiovisual

The camera systems of the Galaxy A05S and Galaxy S25 Ultra are designed for different photography needs, reflecting their respective market segments.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 200MP wide-angle main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 50MP ultrawide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, capable of 8K video recording. [1, 2, 3, 23, 30] The Galaxy A05S comes with a triple camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor, supporting Full HD video recording at 60fps. [4, 14, 15, 17]
  • Photography Performance: The S25 Ultra delivers high-quality, detailed images across various lighting conditions, with strong low-light performance and advanced zoom capabilities, making it suitable for diverse photographic scenarios. [3, 32, 34, 36] The A05S is capable of capturing clear everyday photos in good lighting, but its performance in challenging conditions like low light or with distant subjects is more limited. [17]
  • Front Camera: For selfies and video calls, the S25 Ultra is equipped with a 12MP front camera with dual pixel PDAF, offering sharp and detailed self-portraits. [1] The A05S features a 13MP front camera, suitable for general selfie needs. [4, 14]
  • Audio Experience: The S25 Ultra includes stereo speakers tuned by AKG, providing a rich audio experience for media consumption. [1] The A05S offers a standard audio output, and notably retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the S25 Ultra. [4, 15, 16]

Front camera

13 megapixels

12

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements and design choices differentiate these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity Options: The Galaxy S25 Ultra supports the latest 5G networks, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections for high-bandwidth activities. [1, 20, 22, 23] The Galaxy A05S is equipped with 4G LTE connectivity, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), and Bluetooth 5.1, which are sufficient for most daily tasks but offer slower speeds. [4, 15, 16]
  • Ports and Biometrics: The S25 Ultra features a USB-C port with advanced capabilities and relies on an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. [1, 2, 6] The A05S includes a USB-C port (USB 2.0) and a 3.5mm headphone jack, alongside a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. [4, 15, 16, 24]
  • Dimensions, Weight, and Handling: The S25 Ultra measures 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm and weighs 218g, featuring a premium build with a titanium frame. [1] The A05S is slightly larger at 168.00 x 77.80 x 8.80mm and weighs 194g, with a plastic construction. [5, 15, 16]
  • Stylus Integration: The S25 Ultra integrates an S Pen, offering precision input for note-taking, drawing, and navigation, though it no longer supports Bluetooth-enabled Air Actions. [11, 12, 23, 34, 36] The A05S does not include stylus support.

Weight

194 g

233 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.9

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 S25 Ultra serve distinct segments of the smartphone market, each excelling in its intended role. User sentiment for the Galaxy S25 Ultra often highlights its exceptional camera system, powerful performance for demanding applications, and the vibrant, expansive display. Many appreciate its long-lasting battery and the extensive software support, ensuring the device remains current for many years. Some users, however, note the removal of Bluetooth functionality from the S Pen as a minor drawback, and the device's size and weight can be a consideration for those preferring a more compact phone. [11, 12, 32, 34, 36, 42]

For the Galaxy A05S, common praise points revolve around its reliable performance for everyday tasks, its large display, and its solid battery life, especially considering its accessible positioning. Users generally find it a practical device for communication, social media, and casual content consumption. Criticisms sometimes point to its camera performance in challenging lighting conditions and the less premium feel of its plastic build compared to higher-end models. [17]

Users prioritizing cutting-edge performance, a highly versatile and advanced camera system, a top-tier display, and long-term software support will find the Galaxy S25 Ultra well-suited to their needs. It is ideal for power users, creative professionals, and those who demand the best in mobile technology. Conversely, users who require a dependable smartphone for essential daily functions, media consumption, and light gaming, without the need for flagship-level features or advanced photography capabilities, may prefer the Galaxy A05S. Both models, whether new or as a quality-assured refurbished option, offer a gateway to the Android ecosystem, with the choice ultimately depending on individual priorities and usage patterns.

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