The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Realme Note 50 and Samsung Galaxy A05s represent two compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The Realme focuses on a streamlined experience, while the Samsung aims for a balance of features and brand recognition. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A05s is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, coupled with a measured 11:32h active use battery life, provides a smoother and more reliable experience than the Realme Note 50’s Unisoc T612. While the Realme offers a lower price point, the Samsung’s performance and battery life justify the slight premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, January 23 | 2023, September 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, January 23 | Available. Released 2023, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.2 x 76.7 x 8 mm (6.58 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) | 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 560 nits (peak) | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 13, Realme UI T | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sky Blue, Midnight Black | Black, Silver, Light Green, Violet |
| Models | RMX3834 | SM-A057F, SM-A057F/DS, SM-A057M, SM-A057M/DS, SM-A057G/DSN, SM-A057G |
| Price | € 95.83 | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) |
Realme Note 50
- Potentially lower price point
- Lightweight design (assumed)
- Simple and streamlined user experience
- Less powerful Unisoc T612 chipset
- Slower 10W charging
- Likely lower display quality
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- More powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Faster 25W charging
- Better display brightness and contrast
- Longer battery life (11:32h active use)
- Slightly higher price
- Samsung’s One UI can be resource intensive
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A05s boasts a measured peak brightness of 468 nits and a 1418:1 contrast ratio, indicating a more vibrant and visible display, especially outdoors. While the Realme Note 50’s display specifications are not provided, it’s likely to be a lower-brightness IPS panel given its price point. The contrast ratio on the Samsung suggests deeper blacks and more dynamic visuals. This difference will be noticeable when viewing photos, videos, or browsing the web.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a camera, but detailed sensor information is limited. The Samsung Galaxy A05s likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processing (ISP), which generally delivers better image quality and dynamic range. Without specific sensor size or aperture details for either device, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Samsung’s ISP advantage is a likely differentiator, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of a 'Photo / Video' feature on the A05s suggests a more versatile camera experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A05s utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm), featuring a more powerful CPU configuration – 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver – compared to the Realme Note 50’s Unisoc Tiger T612 (12nm) with its 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 680 is significantly more efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. The Snapdragon’s higher clock speeds translate to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The Unisoc T612, while adequate for basic tasks, will likely struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A05s shines in battery life, achieving an impressive 11:32h of active use. While the Realme Note 50’s battery capacity is unknown, its 10W charging suggests a slower recharge time. The A05s’ 25W wired charging significantly reduces downtime, allowing for quicker top-ups. The combination of a more efficient chipset and faster charging makes the Samsung the clear winner in this category, catering to users who need all-day battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Note 50 if you prioritize absolute affordability and are willing to compromise on performance for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you value a more responsive user experience, longer battery life for all-day use, and a more established brand ecosystem. The A05s is the better option for anyone who occasionally plays mobile games or uses demanding apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the Galaxy A05s handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 680 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a playable experience for casual gamers. The Unisoc T612 in the Realme Note 50 will likely struggle with higher settings or prolonged gaming sessions.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A05s with the 25W charger?
While a precise 0-100% charge time isn't available, the 25W charging on the Galaxy A05s should fully charge the device in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, significantly faster than the Realme Note 50’s 10W charging.
❓ Is the camera on the Samsung Galaxy A05s good enough for social media photos?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A05s’ camera, aided by Qualcomm’s ISP, is capable of producing good-quality photos suitable for social media sharing, especially in well-lit conditions. While it won't match the quality of flagship cameras, it’s more than adequate for everyday use.
