Samsung Galaxy M05 Review: Features, Price, and Performance
Samsung Galaxy M05:
Network
- Technology: GSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
- Announced: September 10, 2024
- Status: Available, Released September 10, 2024
Body
- Dimensions: 168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.08 x 0.35 in)
- Weight: 195 g (6.88 oz)
- Build: Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
- SIM: Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Display
- Type: PLS LCD
- Size: 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm² (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio)
- Resolution: 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density)
Platform
- OS: Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI Core 6.0
- Chipset: Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm)
- CPU: Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
- GPU: Mali-G52 MC2
Memory
- Card Slot: microSDXC (dedicated slot)
- Internal Storage: 64GB 4GB RAM, eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
- Dual:
- 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
- 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
- Features: LED flash
- Video: 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie Camera
- Single: 8 MP, f/2.0
- Video: Yes
Sound
- Loudspeaker: Yes
- 3.5mm Jack: Yes
Comms
- WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
- Bluetooth: 5.3, A2DP, LE
- Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
- NFC: No
- Radio: Unspecified
- USB: USB Type-C 2.0
Features
- Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity
Battery
- Type: 5000 mAh
- Charging: 25W wired
Miscellaneous
- Colors: Mint Green
- Models: SM-M055F, SM-M055F/DS
- SAR: 0.46 W/kg (head)
- Price: ₹6,499
Design and Display :
The design of the Samsung Galaxy M05 follows the same philosophy as other budget smartphones: simple, functional, and compact. The M05 has a plastic body and while it doesn't use premium materials, it's still built to be robust enough to withstand everyday use. The back has a clean, minimalist look with subtle texture that enhances the grip and makes it easier to hold for long periods of time. The device is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in your pocket or bag.
The display on the Galaxy M05 is a 6.5-inch PLS TFT screen that offers a decent viewing experience at this price point. The 1600 x 720 pixels (HD+) resolution provides a decent level of clarity for everyday tasks like browsing, watching videos, checking social media, and more. Color reproduction is pretty good, but not as vibrant or punchy as premium AMOLED screens. The display is not the brightest in direct sunlight, but it is adequate for indoor and bright outdoor use.
A 60Hz refresh rate is standard for this type of budget phone, which means scrolling and transitions are relatively smooth, though not as smooth as high-end devices with 90Hz or 120Hz displays. Despite being a budget model, the Galaxy M05 offers a suitable screen size for users who want to consume media or play casual games.
Performance :
The Samsung Galaxy M05 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, designed for budget smartphones, and offers decent performance for basic tasks. The Helio G85 offers eight cores, including two high-performance Cortex-A75 cores and six energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores, helping to balance performance and efficiency. This makes the M05 suitable for everyday activities like social media, surfing, and video streaming.
For multitasking, the Galaxy M05 comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, providing enough memory to run multiple apps simultaneously without any noticeable slowdown. However, lags are to be expected in demanding applications like graphics-intensive games and intensive multitasking.
The phone also comes with 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, which is more than enough for storing apps, photos, videos, and documents. For users who need more storage, the M05 offers a microSD card slot that allows for storage expansion up to 1TB, which is a decent feature at this price point. In terms of software, the Galaxy M05 runs on Samsung's One UI based on Android 12 (upgradable to later versions). One UI offers a clean, user-friendly interface with customization options such as dark mode, widgets, and one-handed mode. While it doesn't have all the features of more expensive Samsung devices, One UI offers a refined experience for budget-conscious users.
Camera System :
The camera setup on the Samsung Galaxy M05 is a dual-camera system that includes a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. This setup may seem simple compared to higher-end models, but it delivers decent results for everyday photography, especially in good lighting conditions. The 13MP main sensor captures images with plenty of detail, but dynamic range can be an issue in high-contrast situations. Colors are generally accurate but not as vibrant as those on more expensive devices. The 2MP depth sensor provides a decent bokeh effect in portrait mode, allowing you to blur the background and create professional-looking photos. However, the quality of the depth sensor is not exceptional, and edge detection isn't always perfect.
The Galaxy M05 can record video at 30 frames per second in 1080p resolution. Video quality is good enough for everyday use, but it doesn't offer advanced features like stabilization or 4K recording.
The front camera has a 5MP sensor, which is good for selfies and video calling. It's not the best quality compared to premium devices, but it's good enough for a quick selfie in bright lighting. The front camera also supports features like portrait mode and beauty mode, allowing users to make their photos more beautiful.
Battery Life and Charging :
One of the best features of the Samsung Galaxy M05 is its large battery capacity. With a capacity of 5000mAh, the M05 offers plenty of battery life that will easily last you through a day of moderate activity. Whether you're browsing, streaming, or using social media, the large battery means you won't have to worry about running out of juice during the day.
The phone supports 15W fast charging, which is plenty for a budget phone, but not as fast as higher-end devices that support faster charging. With the included 15W charger, you can charge the phone to about 50-60% in 30 minutes, but it may take more than 2 hours to fully charge. However, the long-lasting battery combined with fast charging capabilities means less time plugged into a power outlet and more time using the device.
Connectivity and other features :
The Samsung Galaxy M05 supports 4G LTE connectivity, which should be enough for most users who don't need 5G speeds. It also has Bluetooth 5.0 for better connectivity with wireless devices, and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) for a stable, high-speed internet connection in areas with a reliable signal. The phone has a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, which is becoming standard on many smartphones, including budget models.
Other notable features include a rear fingerprint scanner for security, face unlock for convenience, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming rare on smartphones these days. For users who prefer wired audio, the headphone jack is a welcome addition.
Conclusion :
The Samsung Galaxy M05 is a feature-rich, affordable smartphone that offers great value for money. With a large display, solid performance, a capable camera system, and good battery life, it gives most beginners everything they need for everyday tasks. It doesn't have the latest flagship features or cutting-edge performance, but it does offer a satisfying experience at a price that's comparable to other budget smartphones on the market.
