Galaxy A05s Vs Google Pixel 8

Galaxy A05s
Galaxy A05s
Starting at

Refurbished price:£89.00

Versus £129.00 new

See options
Google Pixel 8
Google Pixel 8
Starting at

Refurbished price:£189.00

Versus £699.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A05S and the Google Pixel 8, both released in October 2023, represent distinct approaches to the smartphone experience. While the Galaxy A05S focuses on delivering essential features within an accessible framework, the Google Pixel 8 offers a more advanced and compact design with a strong emphasis on computational photography and artificial intelligence. Both devices operate on the Android platform, with the A05S launching with Android 13 and the Pixel 8 with Android 14, offering users a choice between a straightforward interface and a feature-rich, intelligent ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors contribute to their expected lifespan, including software support and physical resilience.

  • Software Longevity: The Google Pixel 8 stands out with an extended commitment to software updates, promising seven years of full Android operating system updates from its release. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A05S is slated to receive two major OS upgrades and four years of security updates. This difference means the Pixel 8 will maintain current software features and security protections for a significantly longer period.
  • Build Materials: The Pixel 8 features a more robust construction, incorporating Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, complemented by a matte aluminum frame. It also carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a higher level of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy A05S, on the other hand, utilizes a plastic chassis, which, while durable, does not offer the same premium feel or certified water resistance.
  • Repairability: The Pixel 8 has received repairability scores generally indicating that self-repairs are possible, though some components like the battery can be tricky to remove due to adhesives. The Galaxy A05S also has an average repairability score, with easily accessible batteries but glued-on back covers.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to multitasking and gaming. These two devices offer different levels of capability in this regard.

  • Processing Power: The Google Pixel 8 is equipped with a current-generation processor designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, with a focus on integrating advanced AI features for an enhanced user experience. The Samsung Galaxy A05S features a processor that capably manages everyday tasks and general usage. However, some users have reported occasional lag, particularly when opening apps or using the camera.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Pixel 8 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for fluid multitasking and switching between numerous applications without significant slowdowns. The Galaxy A05S is available with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM, which is suitable for moderate multitasking but may show limitations with a higher number of open applications. For internal storage, the Pixel 8 offers 128GB or 256GB options, while the A05S provides 64GB or 128GB, with the added benefit of expandable storage via a microSD card.
  • Battery Endurance: The Galaxy A05S is known for its substantial 5000mAh battery, which often allows for a full day of use, and for light users, it can extend to two days on a single charge. The Pixel 8, with its 4575mAh battery, generally provides good battery life, typically offering 8-10 hours of screen-on time with mixed usage, though heavy users might find themselves needing a charge by late afternoon.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Google Pixel 8 features a vibrant OLED display, known for its deep blacks, excellent contrast, and rich colors, providing a sharp and clear viewing experience with a pixel density of 424ppi. The Samsung Galaxy A05S utilizes a PLS LCD panel, which offers good color reproduction and a clear picture with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a density of 393ppi.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Pixel 8's display is notably brighter, with an average brightness of 1400 nits and a peak brightness of 2000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The Galaxy A05S has a maximum brightness that is usable outdoors but can be challenging to view under very bright conditions, with reported peaks around 520 to 720 nits.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Pixel 8 offers an adaptive refresh rate that can dynamically adjust between 60Hz and 120Hz, contributing to a very fluid and responsive scrolling experience. The Galaxy A05S features a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides a smoother visual experience than standard 60Hz displays, though some users have noted a slight sluggishness in pixel response times.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2400

Audiovisual

For many users, the camera system is a key differentiator, and these two phones approach photography with varying capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The Google Pixel 8 boasts a dual-camera setup featuring a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization and a 12MP ultrawide lens that includes autofocus and a macro mode for close-up shots. The Samsung Galaxy A05S comes with a triple camera array, including a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor.
  • Photography Performance: The Pixel 8 is highly regarded for its computational photography, consistently producing detailed images with accurate colors, excellent dynamic range, and strong performance in low-light conditions. The Galaxy A05S performs well in favorable lighting, capturing useful images, but its low-light performance is less robust, and images may sometimes lack sharpness or exhibit overexposure.
  • Video and Audio: The Pixel 8 supports video recording up to 4K at 60 frames per second, offering strong stabilization and clear audio capture. The Galaxy A05S records video at 1080p at 30 frames per second, but it lacks video stabilization, which can result in shaky footage. The microphone quality on the A05S is noted for being good and effective at clearing background noise.
  • Front Camera: For selfies, the Pixel 8 has a 10.5MP front-facing camera. The Galaxy A05S features a 13MP front camera, which delivers usable selfies, though some users have observed aggressive processing or a whitish tint.

Front camera

13 megapixels

10.5 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily convenience.

  • Connectivity: The Google Pixel 8 supports 5G connectivity, along with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, offering faster wireless speeds and more efficient connections. The Samsung Galaxy A05S provides 4G LTE connectivity, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.1. It notably lacks NFC, which means it cannot be used for contactless payments.
  • Ports and Sensors: Both devices feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy A05S retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature absent on the Pixel 8. For biometric security, the A05S includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. The Pixel 8 offers an in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition for unlocking.
  • Design and Handling: The Pixel 8 is designed to be more compact and slightly lighter, measuring 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm and weighing 187g, making it comfortable for one-handed use. The Galaxy A05S is a larger device at 168 x 77.8 x 8.8mm and 194g, offering a more expansive screen but a less compact feel.
  • Build Quality: The Pixel 8 features a premium build with a glass back and aluminum frame, contributing to a more refined tactile experience. The A05S has a plastic construction, which is sturdy but less premium in feel.

Weight

194 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.2

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A05S and the Google Pixel 8 cater to different user needs and expectations. The Galaxy A05S is often praised for its impressive battery life, large display, and the inclusion of a headphone jack, making it a practical choice for users who prioritize endurance and traditional features. However, some users have noted its performance can be sluggish, particularly with demanding applications, and its camera struggles in low-light conditions.

The Google Pixel 8 receives acclaim for its exceptional camera capabilities, especially its low-light performance and advanced AI-driven photo editing features. Its compact design, vibrant OLED display, and Google's commitment to seven years of software updates are also frequently highlighted as strong advantages. Criticisms sometimes point to its battery life, which, while good, may not always last two full days for heavy users, and its higher initial investment.

Users prioritizing a long-lasting device with extensive software support, a premium build, and a top-tier camera system for both photos and videos will find the Google Pixel 8 well-suited to their needs. Its advanced processing and AI features make it ideal for those who engage in demanding tasks and appreciate computational photography. Conversely, users who prioritize a larger screen, exceptional battery life, and a more budget-conscious approach, and who primarily use their phone for everyday communication and media consumption, may find the Samsung Galaxy A05S to be a suitable option. For those seeking a quality-assured refurbished option, both models are available, offering an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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