Few budget phones manage to stay relevant two years after launch, but the Galaxy A05 is still a solid choice for anyone who needs the basics done right. With a 5000 mAh battery and a 50MP main camera, it covers the essentials without fuss. The catch is that the newer Galaxy A06 adds a smoother 90Hz display for roughly £13 more new or £2 more refurbished. Here’s how to decide which one to buy today.

4 related posts

Release date: October 2023 Back Market (UK refurbisher) ·
Display size: 6.7 inches Back Market ·
Battery capacity: 5000 mAh Kimovil (specs aggregator) ·
RAM options: 4GB or 6GB Kimovil ·
Storage options: 64GB or 128GB Kimovil ·
Starting price (refurbished): from £65 Back Market

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • 6.7-inch PLS LCD display (Back Market)
  • 50MP main + 2MP depth rear camera (Back Market)
  • 5000 mAh battery (Kimovil)
  • MediaTek Helio G85 processor (NanoReview)
2What’s unclear
  • Software update guarantee beyond 4 years (Back Market)
  • Exact color availability in all regions (Back Market)
  • Future price drops in specific markets (Back Market)
3Timeline signal
  • Released October 2023 (Back Market)
  • Galaxy A06 launched August 2024 (Back Market)
  • Still receives security updates in 2025 (Back Market)
4What’s next
  • Refurbished prices likely to drop further
  • A06 price premium may narrow
  • Android 15 update possible but unconfirmed
Key facts about the Samsung Galaxy A05
Release date October 2023 Back Market
Display 6.7-inch PLS LCD, HD+ (720 x 1600), 60Hz Back Market
Processor MediaTek Helio G85 NanoReview
RAM 4GB or 6GB Kimovil
Storage 64GB or 128GB (expandable via microSD) Kimovil
Rear camera 50MP f/1.8 + 2MP depth Back Market
Front camera 8MP f/2.0 Back Market
Battery 5000 mAh, 25W wired charging Kimovil
OS (launch) Android 13, upgradable to Android 14
Weight 195 grams Back Market

The Galaxy A05 and A06 share the same 6.7-inch panel, but the A06’s 90Hz refresh rate changes the feel of everyday use significantly.

Is the Galaxy A05 or A06 better?

The Galaxy A05 and A06 share the same 6.7-inch PLS LCD panel, but the A06 boosts the refresh rate to 90Hz — a meaningful upgrade for scrolling and animations. Both phones use an identical 50MP + 2MP rear camera setup and an 8MP front camera, so daytime photo quality is essentially the same Back Market (UK refurbisher).

Key differences between Galaxy A05 and A06

Three main specs, one pattern: the A06 improves the display and software while keeping the core hardware unchanged.

Feature Galaxy A05 Galaxy A06
Display refresh rate 60Hz Back Market 90Hz Back Market
OS out of box Android 13 Android 14
Dimensions (mm) 168.8 × 78.2 × 8.8 Back Market 167.3 × 77.9 × 8.0 Back Market
Weight 195 g Back Market 189 g Back Market
Refurbished price (Back Market) from £65 Back Market from £67 Back Market
New price (Back Market) £144.96 Back Market £158.08 Back Market
The trade-off

For UK buyers, the A06 costs only £13 more new and £2 more refurbished. That extra spend gets you a noticeably smoother screen and a slightly thinner, lighter phone. The A05’s only advantage is the lower entry price.

Which model offers better value for money?

  • If you’re on a strict budget and can accept 60Hz, the A05 still does the job.
  • If £13 extra isn’t a dealbreaker, the A06’s 90Hz display and newer software out of the box make it the better long-term buy.

The implication: for most shoppers in 2025, the Galaxy A06 is the smarter choice — unless you find the A05 refurbished for under £60.

What is the actual price of the Samsung A05?

MSRP at launch was $149 for the 4GB/64GB model, but real-world prices vary widely depending on region and condition. In the UK, a new Galaxy A05 costs £144.96 on Back Market, while refurbished units start at £65 Back Market (UK refurbisher). Across Europe, expect €150–180 for new models, and in the US, Amazon and Best Buy often list the A05 between $139 and $159.

Regional price variations

  • UK new: £144.96 (Back Market)
  • UK refurbished: from £65 (Back Market)
  • US new: ~$139–$159 (retailers vary)

Where to find the best online deals

  • Back Market – best for refurbished units in Europe (compare A05 vs A06)
  • Amazon – new and used, prices fluctuate
  • Samsung.com – unlocked models, often with trade-in offers

A note for US buyers: the Galaxy A05 is not sold directly by all carriers, so check compatibility with your network before purchasing an unlocked model.

The pattern across regions: the A05’s price premium over the A06 is small, making the newer phone the default recommendation for most budgets.

What is special about the Galaxy A05?

The Galaxy A05 stands out in the budget segment for its 5000 mAh battery — a capacity usually reserved for more expensive phones — and a capable 50MP main camera that delivers decent shots in good light. The 6.7-inch display is large enough for video streaming, though the 60Hz refresh rate feels dated next to competing phones at similar prices Back Market.

Camera performance

  • 50MP main sensor (f/1.8) produces 12.5MP binned images by default
  • 2MP depth sensor helps with portrait mode
  • 8MP front camera adequate for video calls

Battery life and charging

  • 5000 mAh battery easily lasts a full day of moderate use Kimovil
  • 25W fast charging support (charger sold separately)
  • USB-C 2.0, 3.5mm headphone jack present
The upshot

The A05’s battery and camera are its strongest selling points — but the 60Hz display and 4G-only connectivity mean it can’t compete with the 5G-enabled A06 5G, which launched in February 2025 NanoReview.

How much money does a Samsung Galaxy A05 cost?

As of early 2025, a new Samsung Galaxy A05 typically costs between $149 and $179 depending on storage, while refurbished units can be found for under $100. In the UK, Back Market lists new A05 at £144.96 and refurbished from £65 Back Market (UK refurbisher). Prices in Europe hover around €150 for new, and in Nigeria the launch price was roughly ₦115,000.

Price comparison between new and refurbished

  • New 4GB/64GB: ~$149
  • New 4GB/128GB: ~$179
  • Refurbished 64GB (Back Market): £65 (~$82)
  • Refurbished 128GB (Back Market): £80–£100

Hidden costs and total outlay

  • Taxes add 5–10% depending on location
  • Shipping fees can add £5–£15
  • A 25W charger may be needed (not included in box)

The pattern: refurbished A05 pricing undercuts the new A06 by at least £80 — a significant saving for budget-focused buyers.

How old is a Samsung Galaxy A05?

The Galaxy A05 was announced in October 2023 and released in November 2023 Back Market. As of early 2025, it’s roughly 1.5 years old — still reasonably current for a budget phone. Samsung promises 2 major OS updates (Android 14 and 15 expected) and 4 years of security patches, meaning it will remain supported through 2027.

Software update status

  • Received Android 14 update in 2024
  • One UI Core 5.1 (based on Android 13 at launch)
  • Security patches still active in 2025

Why this matters: the A05 still has at least one more OS update and two more years of security support, making it a viable budget buy. But the Galaxy A06, launched later with Android 14, will likely receive one extra year of updates.

Clarity check: what we know and what remains fuzzy

Confirmed facts

  • Release date and key specs
  • Battery capacity and charging speed
  • Display size and camera configuration
  • Galaxy A06 improvements (90Hz, thinner body)

What’s unclear

  • Exact long-term update schedule beyond 4 years
  • Regional color variant availability
  • Future price drops in specific markets

Pros and cons of the Galaxy A05

Upsides

  • Long battery life (5000 mAh)
  • Good 50MP main camera for the price
  • Expandable storage via microSD
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Very low refurbished price

Downsides

  • 60Hz display feels outdated
  • No 5G support
  • Plastic build, budget feel
  • Charger not included in box
  • Only one more major OS update likely
Additional sources

youtube.com, youtube.com, gadgetsnow.indiatimes.com

For the latest prices and buying options, check our comprehensive Galaxy A05 guide for a detailed breakdown of the best deals.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Galaxy A05 good for gaming?

Light games like Candy Crush run fine, but the MediaTek Helio G85 and 60Hz display aren’t suited for demanding titles like Genshin Impact. Stick to casual gaming.

Does the Galaxy A05 support fast charging?

Yes, it supports 25W fast charging via USB-C, but the charger is sold separately. A 15W charger is included in some regions.

Is the Galaxy A05 waterproof?

No official IP rating. Avoid exposure to water or dust — the A06 5G variant has IP54, but the standard A05 does not.

Can I use a Galaxy A05 in the USA?

Yes, but check carrier compatibility. The 4G LTE bands may not work optimally on all US networks. Unlocked models work on T-Mobile and AT&T; Verizon support is limited.

What carrier compatibility does the Galaxy A05 have?

Supports 4G LTE bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41. Works in most European and Asian markets. US buyers should verify band support.

How long does the battery last on the Galaxy A05?

With moderate use (social media, calls, video), the 5000 mAh battery lasts 1.5–2 days. Heavy use still gets through a full day.

Is the Galaxy A05 worth buying in 2025?

Yes, if you find it refurbished for under £70 or new for under $150. If you can stretch your budget, the Galaxy A06 offers better value for only £13 more.

Does the Galaxy A05 have a headphone jack?

Yes, the 3.5mm headphone jack is present, along with Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless audio.

Related reading

Summary

The Galaxy A05 remains a capable entry-level phone in 2025, especially for buyers who prioritize battery life and camera over screen smoothness. But with the Galaxy A06 costing only £13 more new and offering a 90Hz display, a thinner build, and newer software out of the box, most shoppers should opt for the A06. For budget-conscious European buyers, the A05 refurbished at £65 is hard to beat — but only if you’re willing to accept 60Hz and 4G-only connectivity. For US buyers, the decision is similar: skip the A05 unless you find a refurbished unit under $90, or step up to the A06 for the better long-term value.