Galaxy A05s Vs Google Pixel 8 Pro

Galaxy A05s
Galaxy A05s
Starting at

Refurbished price:£89.00

Versus £129.00 new

See options
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£253.00

Versus £960.91 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A05S and the Google Pixel 8 Pro, both released in late 2023, represent distinct approaches to the smartphone experience. While the Galaxy A05S focuses on delivering essential smartphone functionalities with a strong emphasis on battery life, the Pixel 8 Pro showcases advanced computational photography, a premium display, and extended software support. Both devices operate on the Android platform, offering users a familiar interface, but they cater to different user priorities through their hardware and software implementations.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Software Longevity: The Google Pixel 8 Pro stands out with an extensive commitment to software updates, promising seven years of OS upgrades, security updates, and feature drops from its release date. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A05S typically receives two major Android OS updates and four years of security updates. This difference means the Pixel 8 Pro will maintain current software features and security protections for a significantly longer period.
  • Physical Durability: The Pixel 8 Pro features a more robust build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, complemented by an aluminum frame and IP68 water and dust resistance. Durability tests indicate it performs well against physical stress. The Galaxy A05S, with its plastic back and frame and Gorilla Glass 3 on the front, offers a more modest level of physical resilience.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy A05S has an average repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, with accessible components like the battery. The Pixel 8 Pro's repairability score varies, with some assessments placing it around 4 out of 10 due to complex disassembly and adhesive use, while others suggest it's on par with some premium devices at 7/10, partly due to Google's commitment to providing spare parts.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones cater to different user demands, influenced by their internal components.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Google Pixel 8 Pro, powered by its custom-designed processor, delivers a fluid and highly responsive user experience, handling demanding applications, complex multitasking, and advanced AI features with ease. The Galaxy A05S, equipped with a mid-range processor, provides adequate performance for daily tasks such as browsing, social media, and light gaming, but may exhibit slower loading times or less seamless transitions with more intensive use.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Pixel 8 Pro typically offers more substantial RAM configurations, contributing to smoother multitasking and app retention in memory. It also provides a wider range of internal storage options, accommodating extensive media libraries and numerous applications. The Galaxy A05S comes with more modest RAM and storage options, which are suitable for average use but might require more frequent storage management for users with large digital footprints.
  • Gaming and Demanding Apps: For graphically intensive games and professional applications, the Pixel 8 Pro's processing power ensures a superior experience with higher frame rates and faster processing times. The Galaxy A05S can run many games and apps, but users might need to adjust settings for optimal performance, and some very demanding titles may not run as smoothly.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience offered by each device's display technology presents a clear distinction for users.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Google Pixel 8 Pro features a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. Its higher resolution results in sharper text and more detailed images. The Samsung Galaxy A05S uses a 6.7-inch PLS LCD panel, which provides good color reproduction and clarity for its class, though it does not match the contrast levels or true blacks of an OLED screen.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Pixel 8 Pro's display can reach significantly higher peak brightness levels, making it highly visible and comfortable to use even in direct sunlight. The Galaxy A05S offers a respectable brightness for an LCD panel, but outdoor visibility may be more challenging in very bright conditions.
  • Smoothness and Responsiveness: The Pixel 8 Pro boasts an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, providing exceptionally smooth scrolling and a responsive feel while also conserving battery life. The Galaxy A05S features a 90Hz refresh rate, which offers a smoother experience than standard 60Hz displays, enhancing general navigation and some content consumption.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1344 x 2992

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these two smartphones are designed with different photographic philosophies and capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The Google Pixel 8 Pro features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. It excels in computational photography, producing detailed images with accurate colors and strong low-light performance across all lenses. The Samsung Galaxy A05S includes a 50MP main camera, complemented by 2MP macro and 2MP depth sensors. Its main camera performs well in good lighting conditions, capturing vivid images, but its capabilities are more limited in low-light scenarios and for zoom photography.
  • Front Camera and Video Recording: The Pixel 8 Pro is equipped with a 10.5MP front camera that includes autofocus, enhancing selfie quality and video calls. It supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second with strong stabilization. The Galaxy A05S has a 13MP front camera, which takes solid pictures in good lighting, suitable for video chats. Video recording on the A05S is available at up to 1080p at 60fps.
  • Special Features and Audio: The Pixel 8 Pro offers advanced features like Pro Controls for manual settings, Magic Editor for AI-powered photo manipulation, and Audio Eraser for video sound enhancement. Its microphone quality is generally clear for calls and recordings. The Galaxy A05S provides a basic camera experience without these advanced computational features, though some users note its microphone quality is surprisingly good.

Front camera

13 megapixels

10.5 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity Standards: The Google Pixel 8 Pro supports the latest connectivity standards, including 5G for faster mobile data, Wi-Fi 7 for advanced wireless networking, and Bluetooth 5.3. The Samsung Galaxy A05S supports 4G LTE networks, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), and Bluetooth 5.1, providing reliable but less advanced connectivity options.
  • Ports and Biometrics: The Pixel 8 Pro features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. It does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Galaxy A05S also uses a USB-C port, but notably retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which can be convenient for wired audio accessories. It uses a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
  • Design and Additional Sensors: The Pixel 8 Pro has a premium build with glass and aluminum, and includes a unique temperature sensor on the back. Its dimensions are 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm and it weighs 213g. The Galaxy A05S has a plastic construction, measuring 168.0 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm and weighing 194g, making it slightly taller and wider but lighter.

Weight

194 g

213 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.7

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User sentiment for the Google Pixel 8 Pro often highlights its exceptional camera capabilities, particularly its advanced computational photography and AI-driven features, which are frequently praised for producing high-quality images in diverse conditions. Users also appreciate its long-term software support and the clean Android experience. Some criticisms have been noted regarding its battery life, with some users finding it to be average or experiencing standby drain, though others report it lasting a full day.

The Samsung Galaxy A05S is generally well-received for its robust battery life, with many users reporting it comfortably lasts a full day, and sometimes even two, under moderate usage. Its large display and 90Hz refresh rate are also frequently mentioned as positive aspects for its category. Common criticisms tend to revolve around its performance for demanding tasks and its camera's limitations in challenging lighting conditions.

Users prioritizing a cutting-edge camera system, extended software longevity, and a premium, highly responsive experience will find the Google Pixel 8 Pro well-suited to their needs. Its advanced features and robust build are ideal for those who rely heavily on their smartphone for photography, productivity, and staying updated with the latest software. Conversely, users who prioritize long battery life, a larger screen for media consumption, and essential smartphone functions without the need for flagship-level performance will find the Samsung Galaxy A05S a practical choice. It serves well for everyday communication, browsing, and light entertainment. Both devices offer a pathway to sustainable tech consumption, with quality-assured refurbished options providing an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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