Samsung's A-series continues to dominate the budget smartphone space, but choosing between models can be tricky. We pit the recently released Galaxy A25 against the established Galaxy A05, focusing on the core differences in performance, display quality, and everyday usability to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A25 is the superior choice. Its Exynos 1280 chipset delivers significantly faster performance and smoother multitasking, while the brighter 1030 nit display enhances visibility. While the A05 remains a viable option for basic tasks, the A25 provides a more future-proof and enjoyable experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 26, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, September 25 | 2023, December 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, October 15 | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.08 x 0.35 in) | 161 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm (6.34 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 | Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Market/region dependent |
| 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Light Green | Brave Black, Personality Yellow, Fantasy Blue, Optimistic Blue |
| Models | SM-A055F, SM-A055F/DS, SM-A055M, SM-A055M/DS | SM-A256E, SM-A256E/DS, SM-A256E/DSN, SM-A256B, SM-A256B/DS, SM-A256B/DSN, SM-A256U, SM-A256U1 |
| Price | $ 100.00 / C$ 119.94 / £ 67.98 / € 96.07 | € 175.99 / $ 120.32 / ₹ 18,399 |
| SAR EU | 0.41 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A05
- Most affordable option
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- 25W fast charging
- Less powerful processor
- Likely lower display brightness
- Potentially shorter battery life
Samsung Galaxy A25
- Significantly faster performance
- Brighter, more vibrant display (1030 nits)
- Longer battery life (10:19h active use)
- Higher price point
- May still lack advanced features like OIS
- 2MP macro camera is likely low quality
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A25 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1030 nits, compared to the A05’s unspecified brightness. This difference translates to much better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. While both likely utilize LCD panels given their price points, the A25’s higher brightness is a clear advantage. We expect the A05 to have a more standard brightness level, adequate for indoor use but struggling outdoors. The A25’s higher brightness also suggests a more robust backlight system, potentially improving color accuracy and contrast.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 'Photo / Video' camera setup, but details are sparse. Given the market positioning, we can assume the A25 will have a more capable primary sensor and potentially better image processing. The A05 likely relies on software enhancements to compensate for a less sophisticated sensor. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing tactic; image quality from such sensors is typically poor. The A25’s Exynos 1280 ISP (Image Signal Processor) will likely offer superior noise reduction and dynamic range compared to the A05’s Helio G85 ISP.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the A05 uses the Mediatek Helio G85, a 12nm process chip, while the A25 features the Exynos 1280 built on a more efficient 5nm process. This process node difference is crucial; 5nm allows for more transistors in a smaller space, leading to increased performance and reduced power consumption. The A25’s CPU, with its 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, offers a substantial performance uplift over the A05’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This will be noticeable in app loading times, multitasking, and gaming. The A25 is better equipped to handle demanding applications and future software updates.
Battery Life
The Galaxy A25 demonstrates a strong battery performance with an active use score of 10:19h. While the A05’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the less efficient Helio G85 chipset will likely result in shorter battery life. Both phones support 25W wired charging, meaning similar 0-100% charge times, but the A25’s more efficient processor means it will require less frequent charging overall. The A25’s longer runtime is a significant benefit for users who heavily rely on their smartphones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05 if you prioritize extreme affordability and only need a phone for essential communication – calls, texts, and light social media. It's a good fit for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A25 if you value performance for gaming, streaming, and multitasking, and appreciate a brighter, more vibrant display. It's ideal for users who want a phone that can handle more demanding tasks without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the A25 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1280, built on a 5nm process, is generally efficient and well-managed in the A25. While it will get warm during extended gaming, it's unlikely to experience significant throttling due to its thermal design and the phone's overall cooling capabilities. The 5nm process contributes to better heat dissipation compared to the A05's 12nm Helio G85.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using for detailed close-up shots?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro cameras on both the A05 and A25 are largely marketing features. The low resolution and lack of autofocus result in images that are often soft, lacking in detail, and generally underwhelming. They are best avoided in favor of the main camera.
❓ Can the Galaxy A25 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates?
The Galaxy A25, with its Exynos 1280 chipset, can comfortably run PUBG Mobile at balanced graphics settings and medium frame rates. While it may not achieve consistently high frame rates at the highest settings, it provides a significantly smoother gaming experience than the A05. Expect playable performance at 60fps with optimized settings.
❓ What type of display technology is used in the A25 and A05, and does it impact viewing angles or color accuracy?
Both devices likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price range. While LCDs are generally affordable, they typically offer narrower viewing angles and less vibrant colors compared to AMOLED displays. The A25’s higher peak brightness helps mitigate some of these limitations, improving color visibility even at off-axis viewing angles. The A05’s display will likely exhibit more noticeable color shifting when viewed from the side.
