Galaxy A05s Vs iPhone 17

Galaxy A05s
Galaxy A05s
Starting at

Refurbished price:£89.00

Versus £129.00 new

See options
iPhone 17
iPhone 17
Starting at

Refurbished price:£688.00

Versus £799.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A05S, released in October 2023, is an Android-based smartphone designed for everyday use. In contrast, the iPhone 17, launched in September 2025, represents Apple's latest flagship iOS device. These two smartphones cater to different user expectations, primarily differing in their operating systems, overall performance capabilities, and advanced display and camera technologies.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its initial release date, software support, and physical durability.

  • Software Support: The iPhone 17 ships with iOS 26 and is expected to receive approximately six years of major software updates, offering an extended period of access to new features and security enhancements. The Galaxy A05S launched with Android 13 and is slated for two major OS upgrades and four years of security updates, providing a solid, though shorter, support window. [8, 14, 32, 33, 25]
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software longevity and access to the latest operating system features may find the iPhone 17 more aligned with their needs. The Galaxy A05S offers a practical lifespan suitable for users who typically upgrade their devices within a few years.
  • Build and Durability: The iPhone 17 features a Ceramic Shield 2 front and an aluminum frame, contributing to enhanced drop and scratch resistance. The Galaxy A05S utilizes a plastic chassis with a matte finish, which offers a comfortable grip and a modern appearance. [3, 7, 10, 33]

Year of Release

2023

2025

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences between these two devices are notable, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently daily tasks are handled.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 17 is powered by a current-generation processor, enabling smooth navigation, rapid app loading, and efficient multitasking, even with demanding applications and graphics-intensive games. The Galaxy A05S features an octa-core processor that handles everyday tasks and social media usage effectively, though users may experience occasional stutters or delays with more intensive applications or during rapid transitions. [2, 4, 12, 18, 28, 33, 1, 7, 10, 13, 16, 17]
  • Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 17 typically comes with a higher amount of internal memory, which contributes to its ability to manage multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. It offers base storage starting at 256GB, with a 512GB option, and does not support expandable storage. The Galaxy A05S is available with 4GB or 6GB of memory and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card, offering flexibility for users who need additional space for media and files. [4, 12, 18, 19, 28, 1, 7, 16]
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 17 is equipped with a battery designed to provide extensive usage, with reports indicating up to 30 hours of video playback and reliable all-day power for most users. It supports fast wired charging and wireless charging. The Galaxy A05S includes a larger battery capacity, often lasting one and a half days with active use, and supports 25W fast charging. [4, 12, 18, 19, 20, 28, 32, 33, 5, 10, 16, 17, 21, 25, 26, 27]

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on these devices differs significantly due to their display technologies and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 17 features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high contrast. Its resolution provides sharp and detailed visuals, suitable for high-quality media consumption and detailed work. The Galaxy A05S has a 6.7-inch PLS LCD screen with a Full HD+ resolution, delivering clear visuals and good color reproduction for general use. [2, 4, 12, 18, 28, 32, 33, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 16, 25, 26, 27]
  • Smoothness and Brightness: The iPhone 17 incorporates ProMotion technology, providing an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for exceptionally smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. It also offers high peak brightness levels, making content easily viewable even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy A05S features a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides a smoother experience than standard 60Hz displays, and offers adequate brightness for typical indoor and outdoor viewing. [14, 28, 32, 33, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 16, 25, 26, 27]
  • Additional Display Features: The iPhone 17 includes an Always-On display and the Dynamic Island, which integrates notifications and activities into an interactive area at the top of the screen. The Galaxy A05S does not include these advanced display features. [1, 3, 16]

Resolution

1080 x 2400

2622x1206

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities vary between the two devices, impacting photo and video quality in different scenarios.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 17 features a dual 48MP Fusion camera system, comprising a main lens with sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) and an ultrawide lens. This setup is designed for consistent, high-quality images across various lighting conditions, including improved low-light performance. The Galaxy A05S is equipped with a triple camera system, including a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. It performs well in good lighting, capturing decent daytime photos, but may struggle in low-light environments and lacks OIS. [2, 12, 14, 18, 19, 20, 28, 31, 32, 1, 3, 7, 10, 16, 25, 26, 27, 30]
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The iPhone 17 supports 4K Dolby Vision video recording at up to 60 frames per second and includes features like Spatial Video recording. Its 18MP front camera offers advanced capabilities like Centre Stage and Dual Capture for high-quality selfies and video calls. The Galaxy A05S records video at Full HD (1920x1080) at 60 frames per second. Its 13MP front camera is suitable for video calls and selfies, though some users report images can appear oversaturated. [2, 12, 18, 20, 32, 1, 3, 7, 25, 30]
  • User Experience: Users of the iPhone 17 often praise its reliable image quality and excellent video capabilities, making it a strong choice for content creation. The Galaxy A05S provides a functional camera experience for casual photography, with some users noting a slower capture speed. [26, 27, 30, 28, 31, 32]

Front camera

13 megapixels

18 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The iPhone 17 supports advanced connectivity standards including 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6.0, offering faster wireless speeds and improved network performance. It features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy A05S supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.1, providing reliable wireless connections for everyday tasks. It includes a USB-C port for charging and data, and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack. [2, 12, 18, 1, 3, 7, 10, 25]
  • Security and Biometrics: The iPhone 17 utilizes Face ID for secure facial recognition and authentication. The Galaxy A05S features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric security. [4, 14, 15, 19, 28, 33, 7]
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 17 has an aluminum frame and a glass back, with dimensions of 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm and a weight of 177g, offering a balanced feel in hand. The Galaxy A05S, with its plastic build, measures 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm and weighs 194g, providing a larger form factor. [3, 7, 4, 14, 15, 19, 33]

Weight

194 g

177 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.3

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy A05S often highlights its large display, long-lasting battery, and expandable storage as positive aspects, making it a suitable option for users who prioritize these features for daily communication and media consumption. Some common criticisms include its performance sometimes feeling sluggish with demanding apps, the absence of NFC for contactless payments, and camera performance that can be inconsistent in challenging lighting conditions. [24, 28, 31, 32]

For the iPhone 17, users frequently praise its powerful performance, vibrant 120Hz OLED display, and the advanced capabilities of its camera system, particularly for video recording and low-light photography. Its extended software support and premium build are also often cited as strong points. Some users note that while the camera is reliable, it may not offer the same level of creative control or dramatic innovation as some higher-end professional models. [25, 26, 27, 30]

Users prioritizing a highly responsive operating system, advanced camera features, and a premium display for demanding applications and content creation may prefer the iPhone 17. Its longer software support also appeals to those who keep their devices for an extended period. Conversely, users seeking a device for essential smartphone functions, social media, and media consumption, with a focus on battery life and expandable storage, may find the Galaxy A05S well-suited to their needs. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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