Galaxy A05s Vs iPhone SE (2020)

Galaxy A05s
Galaxy A05s
Starting at

Refurbished price:£89.00

Versus £129.00 new

See options
iPhone SE (2020)
iPhone SE (2020)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£67.00

Versus £289.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A05s, released in October 2023, and the Apple iPhone SE 2020, launched in April 2020, are both smartphones designed for everyday use. While the Galaxy A05s operates on the Android platform, offering a larger display and a multi-camera system, the iPhone SE 2020 runs on iOS, featuring a more compact design and a focus on core performance within a familiar Apple ecosystem. These devices cater to different user preferences regarding operating system, screen size, and overall design philosophy.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical build.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The iPhone SE 2020 was released in April 2020, while the Galaxy A05s followed in October 2023. Apple typically provides iOS updates for its devices for approximately 5-6 years from release, meaning the iPhone SE 2020 has received updates to iOS 13.4 and subsequent versions, including iOS 26 by 2025. The Galaxy A05s, launched with Android 13, is slated to receive two major OS upgrades and four years of security updates. This suggests the iPhone SE 2020 may offer a longer period of major software updates compared to the Galaxy A05s.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone SE 2020 features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame and is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The Galaxy A05s has a plastic frame and back with a glass front, but no official IP rating is specified. The iPhone SE 2020's build materials and IP rating suggest a higher degree of protection against environmental elements.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built to last through typical daily use. The iPhone SE 2020's robust software support and water resistance contribute to its practical longevity, while the Galaxy A05s, despite its plastic build, offers a durable construction that resists twisting and pressure.

Year of Release

2023

2020

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in smartphones is determined by the internal processing capabilities, influencing how smoothly applications run and how efficiently multitasking is handled.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2020 is equipped with a powerful processor that enables smooth operation for demanding tasks and applications, comparable to more expensive devices from its release era. This allows for responsive app loading and efficient handling of graphics-intensive games. The Galaxy A05s features a processor that balances efficiency and performance, providing smooth operation for everyday tasks and some multitasking. While capable for general use, it may experience occasional stutters or delays with more intensive applications.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone SE 2020, with its internal memory configuration, allows for running multiple applications in the background without significant slowdowns, ensuring quick transitions between apps. The Galaxy A05s, available with 4GB or 6GB of internal memory, also supports multitasking, though its overall system responsiveness might be less fluid during heavy usage compared to the iPhone SE 2020.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone SE 2020 offers internal storage options of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The Galaxy A05s comes with 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card up to 1TB.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

3 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, with differences in technology, resolution, and size impacting the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone SE 2020 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch (PPI). This provides clear and vibrant visuals for its size. The Galaxy A05s boasts a larger 6.7-inch PLS LCD display with a higher resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, offering a sharper image with approximately 393 PPI.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone SE 2020's display offers a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, which contributes to good visibility in various lighting conditions. It operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy A05s features a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides a smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations compared to a 60Hz display. Its display brightness measures up to 520 cd/m², offering adequate visibility.
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The iPhone SE 2020's compact 4.7-inch screen is well-suited for one-handed use and users who prefer a smaller device. The Galaxy A05s, with its expansive 6.7-inch display, offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

750 x 1334

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, with both devices offering distinct approaches to photography and video recording.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone SE 2020 features a single 12-megapixel wide-angle rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, optical image stabilization (OIS), and computational photography features like Portrait mode. The Galaxy A05s comes with a triple rear camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone SE 2020's single camera, enhanced by its powerful processor, delivers good quality photos with accurate colors and dynamic range, even in challenging lighting. The Galaxy A05s's 50-megapixel main camera is capable of producing good quality photos in favorable lighting conditions. The additional macro and depth sensors offer versatility for close-up shots and portrait effects.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The iPhone SE 2020 can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second (fps) and offers slow-motion video at 1080p up to 240fps, with stereo sound recording. The Galaxy A05s records video at Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 60fps and includes a slow-motion feature at 120fps in HD. For audio, the iPhone SE 2020 features stereo speakers. The Galaxy A05s has a mono speaker but includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Front camera

13 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 4G LTE networks. The iPhone SE 2020 includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) and Bluetooth 5.0, along with NFC for mobile payments. It uses a proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy A05s supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (Wi-Fi 5) and Bluetooth 5.1, also featuring NFC in some regions. It utilizes a USB Type-C 2.0 port and retains a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone SE 2020 relies on Touch ID, an integrated fingerprint sensor in the home button, for secure authentication. The Galaxy A05s features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for unlocking and security. It also offers 2D facial recognition.
  • Physical Characteristics: The iPhone SE 2020 is a compact device, weighing 148 grams with dimensions of 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm. The Galaxy A05s is larger and slightly heavier, at 194 grams with dimensions of 168.0 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm. The iPhone SE 2020's smaller size makes it easier for one-handed operation and pocketability.

Weight

194 g

148 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

4.7

Mobile network

4G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

The Samsung Galaxy A05s and iPhone SE 2020 offer distinct experiences tailored to different user priorities. Users often praise the iPhone SE 2020 for its powerful performance, compact form factor, and long-term software support, making it a reliable choice for those who prefer the iOS ecosystem and a smaller device. Some common concerns for the iPhone SE 2020 include its smaller battery capacity, which may require more frequent charging for heavy users, and its traditional design with larger bezels compared to contemporary smartphones.

The Galaxy A05s is frequently noted for its large, smooth 90Hz display, versatile multi-camera system, and substantial battery life that can often last a full day or more with moderate use. However, some users have observed that its processing power, while adequate for daily tasks, might not handle very demanding applications or extensive multitasking as smoothly as higher-end devices.

Users prioritizing a compact device with robust performance for demanding apps and long-term software updates may prefer the iPhone SE 2020. Conversely, users who value a larger display for media consumption, a multi-camera setup for varied photography, and extended battery life will find the Galaxy A05s well-suited to their needs. Both devices represent solid choices within their respective ecosystems, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for either model.

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