Amir ZulkarnainSamsung has recently launched the Galaxy A05, a budget-friendly smartphone with decent specifications and features.
In this review, we will take a closer look at the Galaxy A05 and see how it performs in various aspects.
Specification table
Here is a quick overview of the Galaxy A05’s specifications:
| Specs | Detail |
|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | MediaTek Helio G85 Octa-core (2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| RAM (Random Access Memory) | 6 GB |
| Internal Storage | 128 GB, expandable up to 1 TB via microSD card |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, non-removable, supports 25W fast charging |
| Display | 6.7 inches, IPS LCD, 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio |
| Camera | Rear: 50 MP (wide) + 2 MP (depth); Front: 8 MP (wide) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, USB Type-C 2.0 |
| Security Features | Face unlock, rear-mounted fingerprint scanner |
| Operating System and Updates | Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Additional Features | 3.5 mm headphone jack, FM radio |
Source: Samsung Malaysia
Performance: Smooth and responsive
The Galaxy A05 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, which is a mid-range processor that can handle most tasks and games without much lag or stutter.
The 6 GB of RAM also helps to keep the multitasking smooth and fluid. The internal storage of 128 GB is generous for a budget device, and can be further expanded with a microSD card if needed.
The Galaxy A05 runs on Android 11 with Samsung’s One UI Core 3.1 on top. This is a simplified version of Samsung’s custom skin that offers a clean and user-friendly interface. The Galaxy A05 also supports four years of updates, which means it will receive security patches and feature enhancements for a long time.
Camera: Decent for the price
The Galaxy A05 has a dual camera setup on the back, consisting of a 50 MP main camera and a 2 MP depth camera.
The main camera can capture detailed and sharp photos in good lighting conditions, with accurate colors and contrast. The depth camera helps to create a bokeh effect for portrait shots, which can be adjusted before or after taking the photo.
The front camera is an 8 MP shooter that can take selfies with decent quality and clarity. It also supports face unlock, which works well in most situations.
The Galaxy A05 can record videos up to 1080p at 30 fps, with decent stabilization and audio quality. However, it lacks some features like slow motion, time lapse, or night mode.
Battery: Long-lasting and fast-charging
One of the highlights of the Galaxy A05 is its large 5000 mAh battery, which can easily last for a full day or more with moderate usage. The battery also supports 25W fast charging, which can charge it from zero to 50% in about 30 minutes. However, the fast charger is sold separately and not included in the box.
Durability: Sturdy and solid
The Galaxy A05 has a plastic body with a linearly patterned backside that gives it some grip and texture. The phone feels sturdy and solid in the hand, and does not attract fingerprints or smudges easily. The phone also has a water-repellent coating that protects it from splashes or spills.
The display of the Galaxy A05 is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which can resist scratches and cracks to some extent. However, it is advisable to use a screen protector and a case for extra protection.
Pricelist: Affordable and competitive
The Galaxy A05 is priced at RM649 in Malaysia, which is equivalent to about Rp2.1 million in Indonesia. This makes it one of the most affordable smartphones in its segment, especially considering its specifications and features.
Here is a table of the prices of the Galaxy A05 in Malaysia based on different storage options or promotions:
| Storage / Promo | Price |
|---|---|
| 6 GB / 128 GB | RM649 |
| Trade-in rebate | RM549 |
| Installment plan | RM18 per month |
Source: Samsung Malaysia
Conclusion: A great budget option
The Galaxy A05 is a great budget option for anyone looking for a smartphone with decent performance, camera, battery, and durability. It also offers a large display, a generous storage, a headphone jack, and four years of updates. The Galaxy A05 is suitable for casual users who want a reliable and long-lasting device.
However, the Galaxy A05 also has some drawbacks, such as the low-resolution display, the lack of some camera features, and the absence of the fast charger in the box. The Galaxy A05 also faces competition from other budget devices that offer similar or better specifications and features.
Here are some pros and cons of the Galaxy A05:
Pros:
- Large and long-lasting battery with fast charging support
- Smooth and responsive performance with four years of updates
- Decent camera quality for the price
- Sturdy and solid design with water-repellent coating
- Generous storage with microSD card slot
- Headphone jack and FM radio
Cons:
- Low-resolution display with thick bezels
- No night mode, slow motion, or time lapse for the camera
- Fast charger sold separately
- Plastic body that may feel cheap
Reasons to buy:
- You want a smartphone with a large and long-lasting battery that can support fast charging
- You want a smartphone with smooth and responsive performance that can receive updates for a long time
- You want a smartphone with decent camera quality for the price
Reasons not to buy:
- You want a smartphone with a high-resolution display with thin bezels
- You want a smartphone with more camera features like night mode, slow motion, or time lapse
- You want a smartphone with a premium design and feel