Samsung's A-series continues to dominate the budget smartphone space, but choosing between models can be tricky. The Galaxy A05s represents a more affordable entry point, while the A25 steps up with a newer chipset and brighter display. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which phone delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A25 is the better choice. While the A05s offers slightly longer battery life in active use (11:32h vs 10:19h), the A25’s significantly brighter display (1030 nits vs 468 nits) and more powerful Exynos 1280 processor provide a smoother, more responsive 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 18 | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.06 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 | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 90Hz | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | 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 (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 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 |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), 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, Violet | Brave Black, Personality Yellow, Fantasy Blue, Optimistic Blue |
| Models | SM-A057F, SM-A057F/DS, SM-A057M, SM-A057M/DS, SM-A057G/DSN, SM-A057G | SM-A256E, SM-A256E/DS, SM-A256E/DSN, SM-A256B, SM-A256B/DS, SM-A256B/DSN, SM-A256U, SM-A256U1 |
| Price | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 | € 175.99 / $ 120.32 / ₹ 18,399 |
| SAR EU | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- Longer battery life in active use
- More affordable price point
- Higher contrast ratio
- Less powerful processor
- Dimmer display
- Potentially slower software updates
Samsung Galaxy A25
- Brighter, more vibrant display
- Faster and more efficient processor
- More future-proof chipset
- Slightly shorter battery life
- Higher price
- May run slightly warmer under heavy load
Display Comparison
The most immediately noticeable difference is the display. The Galaxy A25 boasts a peak brightness of 1030 nits, making it significantly more usable outdoors and in bright environments compared to the A05s’ 468 nits. While both phones likely utilize LCD panels (based on market segment), the A25’s higher brightness translates to a more vivid and engaging viewing experience. Contrast ratio is also a factor, with the A05s achieving 1418:1, but this advantage is overshadowed by the A25’s superior brightness. The A25’s panel is likely optimized for wider color gamut coverage, further enhancing image quality.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature a 'Photo / Video' camera system, but details are limited. Without specific sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the A25’s positioning as a slightly more premium device, it’s reasonable to assume it benefits from a more capable main sensor and potentially better image processing algorithms. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the A25 would be a significant advantage, particularly for low-light photography and video recording. The 2MP macro cameras found on both devices are likely to offer limited utility due to their small sensor size and fixed focus.
Performance
Under the hood, the A25’s Exynos 1280 (5nm) represents a substantial upgrade over the A05s’ Snapdragon 680 (6nm). The Exynos 1280 features two Cortex-A78 performance cores alongside six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, offering a more balanced and powerful CPU configuration than the Snapdragon 680’s all-Kryo 265 setup. The 5nm fabrication process of the Exynos 1280 also contributes to improved power efficiency and thermal management, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While both CPUs are octa-core and clocked at 2.4GHz, the architectural differences favor the A25 in real-world performance.
Battery Life
The A05s edges out the A25 in our active use battery test, achieving 11:32 hours compared to the A25’s 10:19 hours. However, this difference is relatively small and may be offset by the A25’s more efficient chipset. Both phones support 25W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds. The A25’s more demanding processor and brighter display will naturally consume more power, but the 5nm process helps mitigate this. Users prioritizing absolute battery life may lean towards the A05s, but the A25’s overall performance benefits likely outweigh the slight battery life reduction for most.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you prioritize maximizing battery life above all else and need the absolute lowest price point. It’s a solid option for basic communication and light social media use. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A25 if you value a brighter, more vibrant display, smoother performance for multitasking and gaming, and a more future-proof chipset, even if it means a slight trade-off in battery endurance.
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. While it will get warm during extended gaming, it's unlikely to experience significant throttling like some older or less efficient chipsets. Samsung's software optimizations also play a role in thermal management.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using for detailed close-up shots?
Realistically, no. 2MP macro cameras typically lack the resolution and detail needed for truly impressive close-up photography. They can be fun for experimentation, but don't expect professional-quality results. The main camera will generally produce better results even when digitally zoomed.
❓ What kind of gaming performance can I expect from the A25 compared to the A05s?
The A25’s Exynos 1280 will deliver a noticeably smoother gaming experience. You’ll be able to play more demanding titles at higher settings and frame rates. While the A05s can handle casual games, the A25 is better suited for PUBG, Call of Duty Mobile, and other graphically intensive games.
❓ How does the display quality of the A25 impact everyday use like watching videos and browsing the web?
The A25’s significantly brighter display makes a huge difference in everyday use. Videos appear more vibrant and detailed, and web pages are easier to read, especially outdoors or in brightly lit rooms. The improved color accuracy also contributes to a more immersive viewing experience.
