Galaxy A05s Vs Galaxy Z Fold4

Galaxy A05s
Galaxy A05s
Starting at

Refurbished price:£89.00

Versus £129.00 new

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Galaxy Z Fold4
Galaxy Z Fold4
Starting at

Refurbished price:£352.00

Versus £1,889.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A05S, released in 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, launched in 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the A05S offers a traditional smartphone experience with a focus on essential features, the Z Fold4 introduces a foldable design, transforming from a standard smartphone into a larger tablet-like device. Both operate on the Android platform, but they cater to different user needs through their core hardware and form factors.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its physical resilience and ongoing software support. These two devices offer different levels of durability and software longevity.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy A05S, released in 2023, is expected to receive two generations of OS upgrades and four years of security updates, providing access to the latest software and features for a reasonable period. The Galaxy Z Fold4, launched in August 2022, was promised four Android OS upgrades (up to Android 16) and five years of security updates (until 2027), offering a longer support window.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A05S features a plastic back and frame, offering a standard level of durability for everyday use. The Galaxy Z Fold4, in contrast, boasts a more robust construction with an Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its cover screen and rear glass, alongside an IPX8 water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in water. The foldable display, however, introduces a unique durability consideration compared to traditional slab phones.
  • Expected Lifespan: Users can expect the Galaxy A05S to remain functional and secure for several years with its guaranteed updates. The Galaxy Z Fold4, with its premium build and extended software commitment, is designed for a longer practical lifespan, especially for users who value cutting-edge technology and enhanced protection.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

Yes

Performance

Performance varies significantly between these two devices, reflecting their different design philosophies and target users. Both handle daily tasks, but their capabilities diverge under more demanding conditions.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A05S is equipped with a processor suitable for everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and light gaming. It handles common applications smoothly, but may show limitations with intensive multitasking or graphically demanding games. The Galaxy Z Fold4 features a high-performance processor designed for demanding applications, extensive multitasking, and advanced mobile gaming without significant slowdowns.
  • Memory and Storage: The A05S typically comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card up to 1TB. This configuration is sufficient for most users, though heavy app users might find the RAM limiting. The Z Fold4 offers a substantial 12GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB, providing ample space and memory for seamless app switching and storing large files without expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A05S houses a 5000 mAh battery, which users report can last through a full day of moderate use, including browsing and social media, with some reporting 2-3 days of usage. For heavy gaming, battery life is around five hours. The Galaxy Z Fold4 has a 4400 mAh battery, which, despite its smaller capacity, is optimized for its dual-screen usage and high-performance components, often providing a full day of use for many users.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display experience is a primary differentiator between the Galaxy A05S and the Galaxy Z Fold4, offering distinct visual and interactive qualities.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy A05S features a 6.7-inch PLS LCD display, providing a large viewing area for content consumption. The Galaxy Z Fold4 offers a unique dual-screen setup: a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display and a 7.6-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display when unfolded. This allows for a versatile experience, switching between a compact phone and an expansive tablet-like screen.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both devices offer Full HD+ resolution. The A05S has a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution on its 6.7-inch screen. The Z Fold4's main display has a higher resolution of 2176 x 1812 pixels, resulting in sharp visuals across its larger, foldable canvas. The cover screen also provides a clear viewing experience with a resolution of 2316 x 904 pixels.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The A05S features a 90Hz refresh rate, offering smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz displays. Its peak brightness is around 470 nits. The Z Fold4's displays both support an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, providing a highly fluid visual experience, and can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1812 x 2176

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy A05S and Galaxy Z Fold4 are designed for different levels of photographic capability, from everyday snapshots to more advanced imaging.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A05S is equipped with a triple rear camera setup, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. This configuration is suitable for capturing clear everyday photos. The Galaxy Z Fold4 boasts a more versatile triple camera system, including a 50MP wide-angle main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This setup allows for greater flexibility in various shooting scenarios and improved low-light performance.
  • Front Camera and Video Recording: For selfies, the A05S has a 13MP front camera. It can record video at up to 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second. The Z Fold4 features a 10MP camera on its cover display and a 4MP under-display camera on the main screen, along with the ability to use the main rear cameras for high-quality selfies via the cover screen preview. It supports video recording up to 8K resolution at 24fps and 4K at 60fps, with advanced stabilization features.
  • Photography Features: The A05S provides essential photography functions. The Z Fold4 offers more advanced features, including enhanced low-light photography, improved zoom capabilities, and better video stabilization, making it suitable for users who prioritize comprehensive camera performance.

Front camera

13 megapixels

4 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements distinguish the user experience of the Galaxy A05S and Galaxy Z Fold4.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy A05S supports 4G LTE connectivity, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), and Bluetooth 5.1. It includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy Z Fold4 offers advanced connectivity with 5G support, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and Bluetooth 5.2. It features a USB-C 3.2 port but omits the traditional headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security and Sensors: Both devices include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Z Fold4 also incorporates face recognition and a suite of additional sensors like an accelerometer, gyroscope, and barometer, enhancing its functionality.
  • Design and Handling: The A05S is a traditional slab smartphone, weighing around 194-195 grams and measuring 168.0 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm. The Z Fold4, due to its foldable nature, has different dimensions when folded (155.1 x 67.1 x 14.2-15.8 mm) and unfolded (155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm), and is significantly heavier at 263 grams. Its unique form factor allows for a compact phone experience or an expansive tablet view.

Weight

194 g

263 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

7.6

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A05S and Galaxy Z Fold4 cater to distinct user preferences, offering different strengths and experiences. User feedback for the A05S often praises its long battery life and large display, making it a reliable device for essential daily tasks and media consumption. Some users, however, note its limitations in demanding applications and camera performance compared to higher-end models. The Galaxy Z Fold4 is frequently lauded for its innovative foldable design, powerful performance, and versatile camera system, providing a premium and highly productive experience. Criticisms sometimes point to its weight and the visible crease on the foldable display, which is a characteristic of the technology.

Users prioritizing a straightforward, dependable smartphone with excellent battery longevity for everyday communication and media will find the Galaxy A05S well-suited to their needs. It offers a solid foundation for those seeking a practical device without advanced features. Conversely, users who value cutting-edge technology, a large adaptable screen for multitasking and content creation, and top-tier performance for gaming and demanding applications will lean towards the Galaxy Z Fold4. Its unique form factor and advanced capabilities make it ideal for power users and those seeking a device that blurs the line between phone and tablet. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make informed and sustainable choices.

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