The Samsung Galaxy A-series has long been known for providing budget-friendly phones with a decent feature set. The Galaxy A05, introduced in October 2023, continues this tradition by offering essential smartphone features at an affordable price. In Nigeria, it’s quickly become a favorite for people looking for a functional phone without spending too much.
Samsung’s main goal with the A05 is clear: provide a simple, dependable device for users who need the basics, without unnecessary extras.
But with its limited specs, does the A05 still offer good value for money? Let’s dive into the details and see how it holds up.
Samsung Galaxy A05 Price
4+64GB – N116,400
8+128GB – N147,500
What’s in the Box
When you open the box of the Samsung Galaxy A05, you’ll find:
- The phone itself
- A USB Type-C cable
- A SIM ejector tool
- An instruction manual
Samsung Galaxy A05 Full Specifications and Features.
Design and Display
The Samsung Galaxy A05 features a straightforward design with a plastic body and a glossy finish. Weighing in at 195 grams, it’s easy to hold and comes in three colors: Black, Silver, and Light Green. Though the back is shiny and modern-looking, it can feel a bit slippery at times.
The 6.7-inch PLS LCD screen is large enough for casual browsing, gaming, or watching videos, but with a 720p resolution, it’s not the sharpest display. While the clarity is decent, the thick bezels around the screen reduce its overall viewing area, and the 60Hz refresh rate is pretty basic compared to newer models. In bright outdoor conditions, the screen can be hard to see due to its limited brightness.
Camera
For its price, the Samsung Galaxy A05’s camera setup is impressive. It has two rear cameras, led by a 50-megapixel main sensor that delivers clear and vibrant photos, especially in well-lit environments. The phone’s camera software automatically enhances colors and scenes, helping you capture great photos with minimal effort.
Portrait shots also stand out, thanks to the 2-megapixel depth sensor, which creates a pleasing background blur. However, the camera struggles in low-light conditions, with photos often appearing grainy. Night mode is available, but it doesn’t improve the quality much.
For selfies, the 8-megapixel front camera is fine for everyday use. The camera app also offers useful modes like panorama, slow motion, and digital zoom (up to 10x), giving you a little more flexibility for your shots.
Operating System, UI, and Battery Life
The Galaxy A05 runs on Android 13 with Samsung’s simplified One UI Core 5.1. It’s easy to navigate and comes with useful features like Dark Mode and Always On Display, but some advanced options, such as Samsung DeX, are missing. The lack of Knox security and a Secure Folder might also be a downside for those who prioritize privacy.
Samsung is committed to keeping even its budget phones updated, and the A05 has already received the Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update, adding some new features like better lock screen customization and an improved Quick Panel.
One of the phone’s strongest points is its 5,000mAh battery, which comfortably lasts a full day with normal use. It also supports 25W fast charging, which is a nice upgrade compared to older models. While wireless charging isn’t available, the battery life is solid for a phone in this price range.
Performance, Storage, and Gaming
Powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 processor, the Galaxy A05 is capable of handling day-to-day tasks with ease. With either 4GB or 6GB of RAM and up to 128GB of storage, you can store plenty of apps, photos, and videos. Plus, if you need more space, it supports microSD cards up to 1TB.
For gaming, lighter titles run well, while more graphic-heavy games may require lower settings for smooth performance. The 6GB RAM version is better for multitasking, but the 4GB model might slow down if you’re juggling many apps at once.
In terms of connectivity, the A05 covers the basics with dual-SIM support, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.3. It doesn’t include NFC or other advanced features, but it’s enough for most users.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy A05 is a solid choice for those looking for a simple, affordable phone that handles everyday tasks without fuss. Its large screen, decent camera, long battery life, and expandable storage make it a strong contender in the budget segment. While it has its limitations, especially in low-light photography and performance under heavy use, it offers great value for its price.
