The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Umidigi G9A and Samsung Galaxy A05s represent two distinct approaches to delivering value. The G9A focuses on affordability, while the A05s leverages Samsung’s brand recognition and a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A05s is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, coupled with a brighter display and faster 25W charging, provides a significantly smoother and more responsive experience than the Umidigi G9A’s Unisoc SC9863A. While the G9A is cheaper, the A05s offers a more compelling overall package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 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, September | 2023, September 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September | Available. Released 2023, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.2 x 77 x 7.9 mm (6.58 x 3.03 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 | 189 g (6.67 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 | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| 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 |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Black, Lake Green | Black, Silver, Light Green, Violet |
| Models | - | SM-A057F, SM-A057F/DS, SM-A057M, SM-A057M/DS, SM-A057G/DSN, SM-A057G |
| Price | - | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) |
Umidigi G9A
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Lightweight and portable
- Slow and inefficient Unisoc chipset
- Slow 10W charging
- Basic display quality
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- 25W fast charging
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Slightly higher price
- Basic camera system
- May still struggle with demanding games
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A05s boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 468 nits, compared to the Umidigi G9A’s unspecified brightness. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the A05s’ 1418:1 contrast ratio suggests a more vibrant image. The G9A’s display specifications are minimal, suggesting a more basic viewing experience. Bezels are likely comparable given the price points, but the A05s’ superior brightness is a clear advantage.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature basic camera setups, but details are limited for the Umidigi G9A. The Samsung Galaxy A05s’ camera is described as 'Photo / Video' without specifics, suggesting a standard configuration. Given the price bracket, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The A05s likely benefits from Samsung’s established camera algorithms. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A05s is largely a marketing feature, offering limited practical benefit due to its low resolution.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A05s’ Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Umidigi G9A’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 680 offers significantly improved power efficiency and thermal performance, meaning less throttling during sustained tasks. The Snapdragon 680’s CPU configuration – 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver – is also more powerful than the G9A’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the A05s.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A05s shines with its 25W wired charging, a significant advantage over the Umidigi G9A’s slow 10W charging. While the A05s’ battery capacity isn’t specified, its active use score of 11:32h demonstrates good battery life. The slower charging speed of the G9A will require considerably more time to reach a full charge, making the A05s more convenient for users who need quick top-ups. The more efficient Snapdragon 680 also contributes to the A05s’ longer battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G9A if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to compromise on performance and features. It’s suitable for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you prioritize a smoother user experience, better battery charging speeds, and a more reliable brand reputation, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the Galaxy A05s handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 680 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Don't expect high-end graphics or consistently smooth performance in demanding scenarios. The Unisoc SC9863A in the G9A will struggle significantly with PUBG Mobile.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A05s with the 25W charger?
With the included 25W charger, the Samsung Galaxy A05s should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on usage during charging. The Umidigi G9A’s 10W charging will take considerably longer – likely over 4 hours.
❓ Is the Umidigi G9A a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Umidigi G9A is perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks like calls and texts. Its lower price point makes it a viable option if those are your primary needs and you don't require advanced features or performance.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A05s have a fingerprint sensor?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A05s includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for convenient and secure unlocking. The Umidigi G9A does not appear to have a fingerprint sensor, relying on traditional PIN or pattern unlock methods.
