Samsung Galaxy M05 Review: Samsung’s Affordable Smartphone
Samsung continues to expand its budget smartphone lineup with the Samsung Galaxy M05, designed to offer premium-like features at a competitive price. If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly device, this phone promises to deliver an impressive camera, display, and battery performance without burning a hole in your pocket. Let’s dive deep into its features, design, performance, and more in this detailed review.
Unboxing the Samsung Galaxy M05
The Samsung Galaxy M05 arrives in a compact white box showcasing the phone’s design. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- Documents: Quick start guide and user manual.
- Charging Cable: A Type-C to Type-C cable with excellent build quality.
- What’s Missing: No charger adapter or phone cover is included, so users will need to purchase these separately.
Pro Tip: Invest in a good-quality 25W charger and a durable phone case to enhance the phone’s usability.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy M05 flaunts a sleek yet sturdy design:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic back with leather-like texture |
| Dimensions | 168.1 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm |
| Weight | 195 grams |
| Colors Available | Mint Green (reviewed unit) |
- Rounded Corners: Improves grip for comfortable handling.
- Back Panel: The textured design reduces the visibility of scratches and fingerprints.
- Side Profile: Rounded side panels give a premium feel, despite being plastic.
While the phone is slightly heavier, it feels robust and can withstand everyday wear and tear.
Display: Vivid and Functional
Samsung has equipped the Galaxy M05 with a 6.7-inch HD+ PLS LCD that offers decent visuals for its price point.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels |
| Pixel Density | 262 PPI |
| Aspect Ratio | 20:9 |
| Screen-to-Body Ratio | 82.2% |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
Key Highlights:
- Vibrant Colors: The display delivers vivid and colorful visuals, suitable for casual streaming and social media browsing.
- Downsides: The chin bezel is slightly thicker, which some users may find less appealing.
- Durability Tip: Use a screen protector to safeguard the display from scratches.
Performance: Smooth for Daily Tasks
The Galaxy M05 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, which is ideal for light gaming and everyday tasks.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G85 |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 64GB eMMC 5.1 (expandable) |
| Operating System | One UI Core 5.1 (based on Android 14) |
Pros of Performance:
- Smooth Multitasking: Handles basic tasks like social media, calls, and web browsing effortlessly.
- Entry-Level Gaming: Can manage casual gaming with minimal lag.
Cons of Performance:
- The Helio G85 chipset is slightly outdated for heavy gaming.
- Limited Refresh Rate: The 60Hz display may feel less fluid compared to higher refresh rate options.
Expert Opinion: For its price, the G85 chipset is one of the better options, especially given its efficiency in budget devices.
Camera: Feature-Packed for the Price
The camera setup is where the Galaxy M05 truly shines. It offers decent specifications for budget-conscious users:
Rear Camera:
- 50MP Primary Camera
- 2MP Depth Sensor
- LED Flash
Front Camera:
- 8MP Selfie Shooter
Camera Features:
- Night Mode, Slow Motion, and Hyperlapse for creative photography.
- 10x Zoom: Excellent for capturing distant objects with clarity.
- Portrait Mode: Produces clean background blur for professional-looking photos.
Pro Tip: Use Night Mode for sharp and detailed low-light photos.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting Performance
The phone houses a 5000mAh battery, ensuring a day-long usage cycle even with heavy usage.
- Charging: Supports 25W fast charging, though the adapter needs to be purchased separately.
Real-World Usage: With moderate use, the phone easily lasts a full day. Charging from 0 to 100% takes approximately 90 minutes with a compatible fast charger.
Connectivity and Ports
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Audio Jack | 3.5mm |
| Charging Port | USB Type-C |
| Speakers | Bottom-firing single speaker |
| SIM Support | Dual SIM with dedicated SD card slot |
- Noise Cancellation: Equipped with a secondary mic for clearer audio calls.
Pricing and Value for Money
The Samsung Galaxy M05 is priced at ₹7,700, with frequent sales bringing the price down to ₹6,500.
| Price Range | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Above ₹7,000 | Consider alternatives like the Galaxy F05. |
| ₹6,500 or less | Excellent value for money. |
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Samsung’s sales or online platforms like Amazon and Flipkart for better deals.
Comparison with Samsung Galaxy F05
While the Galaxy M05 and Galaxy F05 share most of the same specifications, there are subtle differences:
| Feature | Galaxy M05 | Galaxy F05 |
|---|---|---|
| Build Quality | Leather-like textured back | Matte plastic finish |
| Price | ₹7,700 | Slightly cheaper |
| Availability | More widely available | Often out of stock |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large Battery: 5000mAh for long usage.
- Decent Cameras: 50MP rear camera and 8MP selfie shooter.
- Bright Display: Vibrant colors and good clarity.
Cons:
- No Charger Included: Additional cost for the user.
- Slightly Heavy: 195g may feel bulky for some users.
- Outdated Chipset: MediaTek G85 is suitable for basic tasks but struggles with high-end games.
Should You Buy the Samsung Galaxy M05?
The Samsung Galaxy M05 is an excellent choice for users looking for an affordable smartphone with a reliable camera, sturdy design, and long-lasting battery. However, the lack of bundled accessories like a charger and the slightly outdated chipset might deter some users.
Who Should Buy:
- Students and first-time smartphone users.
- Those needing a backup phone with decent features.
Who Should Skip:
- Users looking for high-performance gaming.
- Those unwilling to spend extra on accessories.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy M05 stands out as a value-for-money smartphone in the budget segment. With a vivid display, long battery life, and a 50MP camera, it ticks the right boxes for everyday users. For the best experience, keep an eye out for sales and consider investing in essential accessories.
Bottom Line: If you can grab this phone for ₹6,500 or less, it’s a steal!
Does the Samsung Galaxy M05 come with a charger?No, the box includes only a charging cable. You’ll need to purchase a 25W charger separately.
Is the camera good for night photography?Yes, the phone offers a dedicated Night Mode, producing decent low-light photos.
Can the phone handle heavy games like PUBG?While the Helio G85 chipset supports entry-level gaming, it may lag during high-performance games
How long does the battery last?The 5000mAh battery ensures all-day usage with moderate activity.
Is the Samsung Galaxy M05 worth buying?Absolutely, if your budget is ₹6,500–₹7,000 and you need a reliable, feature-rich device.