Galaxy A05s Vs iPhone SE (2022)

Galaxy A05s
Galaxy A05s
Starting at

Refurbished price:£89.00

Versus £129.00 new

See options
iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£102.00

Versus £429.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A05s, released in October 2023, and the iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, are both smartphones designed for everyday use, yet they cater to different user preferences through their distinct operating systems and hardware philosophies. The Galaxy A05s operates on Android, offering a larger display and a versatile multi-camera setup, while the iPhone SE 2022 runs on iOS, featuring a compact design and a powerful internal processor. These differences extend to their overall user experience, from software ecosystems to physical form factors.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's software support policy. These two devices offer different trajectories in terms of longevity.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone SE 2022 was released in March 2022, making it an older model compared to the Galaxy A05s, which launched in October 2023. This difference in release dates means the iPhone SE 2022 will likely reach its end-of-software-support earlier than the Galaxy A05s.
  • Software Support: Apple is known for providing extended iOS support, typically 5-6 years from release, meaning the iPhone SE 2022 could receive updates until around 2027-2028. The Samsung Galaxy A05s is slated to receive two major OS upgrades and four years of security updates, which would extend its software support until approximately late 2027 for OS and late 2027 for security.
  • Durability Features: The iPhone SE 2022 features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing it to withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. It also incorporates durable glass on both the front and back. The Galaxy A05s does not carry an official IP rating, suggesting less resistance to dust and water exposure. Its build primarily consists of plastic.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, with both devices offering capabilities suited to their respective ecosystems and target users.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a powerful processor that delivers flagship-level performance, ensuring smooth operation for demanding applications and multitasking. Users report that it handles tasks with considerable speed and efficiency. The Galaxy A05s features a capable octa-core processor that provides adequate performance for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming. Some users, however, have noted occasional stutters or delays during operation, particularly with more intensive use.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone SE 2022 comes with 4GB of RAM and storage options up to 256GB, contributing to efficient app switching and storage for various files. The Galaxy A05s typically offers 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSD card up to 1TB, providing flexibility for users who require more space for media and applications.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone SE 2022's battery life is generally considered sufficient for a day of moderate use, though heavy users might find themselves needing to recharge before the day ends. It supports fast charging, reaching a significant charge in about 30 minutes with a compatible adapter. The Galaxy A05s is equipped with a larger battery capacity, often providing over a full day of use, even with moderate to heavy activity. It also supports 25W fast charging, allowing for relatively quick recharges.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

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

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone SE 2022 features a 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1334x750 pixels, offering clear visuals and accurate color reproduction. The Galaxy A05s sports a larger 6.7-inch PLS LCD display with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing a sharper image and more screen real estate.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone SE 2022's display has a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, which is generally adequate for indoor and outdoor viewing. It maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy A05s offers a 90Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid user interface experience. Its brightness levels are generally good for indoor use, though some users report it can be challenging to view in direct sunlight.
  • Viewing Experience: The iPhone SE 2022's compact screen size and traditional bezels offer a familiar, one-handed use experience. The Galaxy A05s, with its larger display and minimal bezels, provides a more expansive viewing area, which can be beneficial for media consumption and multitasking.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

750 x 1334

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both smartphones approach photography with different hardware and software capabilities.

  • Rear Camera Setup: The iPhone SE 2022 features a single 12-megapixel wide-angle rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS). It relies heavily on computational photography for image enhancement, including Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion. The Galaxy A05s boasts a triple-camera system on the rear, comprising a 50-megapixel main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor.
  • Photography Performance: In good lighting conditions, the iPhone SE 2022 produces detailed photos with accurate colors. However, it lacks a dedicated Night mode, which can result in less impressive low-light performance. The Galaxy A05s's 50-megapixel main camera captures good quality photos in favorable lighting, suitable for everyday use. Its additional macro and depth sensors offer some versatility, though their utility can vary.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The iPhone SE 2022 is capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second with OIS, offering strong video quality for its segment. Its front-facing camera is 7-megapixels and supports 1080p HD video recording. The Galaxy A05s records video at Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 60 frames per second. It features a 13-megapixel front camera for selfies.

Front camera

13 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity: The iPhone SE 2022 supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, offering modern wireless capabilities for fast data speeds and efficient connections. The Galaxy A05s supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), and Bluetooth 5.1. It does not include 5G connectivity.
  • Ports and Sensors: The iPhone SE 2022 utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer and lacks a traditional headphone jack. It features Touch ID for secure authentication, integrated into the home button. The Galaxy A05s includes a USB-C port for charging and data, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering broader compatibility with accessories. It incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric security.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone SE 2022 maintains a compact and lightweight design, making it easy for one-handed use and portability. It features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame. The Galaxy A05s has a larger form factor, with dimensions of 168.0 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm and a weight of 194g, offering a more substantial feel in hand. Its build materials are primarily plastic.

Weight

194 g

144 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

4.7

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

User feedback for the iPhone SE 2022 often praises its exceptional processing power, which allows for smooth performance across applications and games, and its compact size, appealing to those who prefer a smaller device. Criticisms frequently point to its dated design, including large bezels and a smaller screen compared to contemporary smartphones, and the absence of a dedicated Night mode for its camera. Battery life, while improved over its predecessor, is also sometimes noted as a limitation for heavy users.

For the Samsung Galaxy A05s, users generally appreciate its large, high-resolution display and its long-lasting battery, which often extends beyond a single day of use. The inclusion of a 90Hz refresh rate is also a positive point for many. Some common concerns revolve around its performance, which can occasionally feel sluggish with demanding tasks, and the lack of an official IP rating for water and dust resistance.

Users prioritizing a highly responsive operating system, a compact form factor, and long-term software support may find the iPhone SE 2022 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a larger display for media consumption, extended battery life, and the flexibility of expandable storage might lean towards the Galaxy A05s. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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