Samsung India has recently launched the Galaxy F05, a new addition to its budget-friendly lineup. This release follows the Galaxy M05, which was essentially a rebranded Galaxy A05. Despite its distinct exterior, the F05 shares the same internal specifications as the M05 and A05.
Design and display: Elegant yet basic
The Samsung Galaxy F05 features a stylish leather-textured back panel in Twilight Blue, offering a unique look compared to its counterparts. It sports a 6.7-inch PLS LCD with an HD+ resolution (720 x 1,600 pixels) and a 60Hz refresh rate. While this display size is ideal for media consumption, the HD+ resolution might seem less sharp compared to Full HD screens found in some competitors.
Performance and software: Decent but not cutting-edge
The Galaxy F05 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset paired with 4GB of RAM, which should handle basic tasks like browsing and social media smoothly. The Helio G85, released in 2020, features an octa-core setup with two Cortex-A75 and six Cortex-A55 cores. While this processor offers solid performance for everyday use, it may struggle with more demanding applications and multitasking.
The device runs Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1 and promises two major OS updates along with four years of security updates. This ensures that the F05 will remain relatively up-to-date, although updates may not always be as prompt as some users would like.
Camera: Competent but unremarkable
The camera setup includes a 50MP main camera with an f/1.8 aperture and a 2MP depth sensor. This setup allows for decent photography but is limited by the basic depth sensor. The 8MP front camera is standard for its class but lacks standout features. While the rear camera performs adequately for everyday photos, it may not satisfy those seeking higher-quality photography.
Battery and charging: Solid performance
The Galaxy F05 comes with a 5,000mAh battery, promising a full day of use on a single charge. It supports 25W fast charging, which is decent for its class, though some competitors offer faster charging speeds. Note that the phone does not include a charger in the box; only a USB Type-C cable and SIM ejector tool are provided.
Connectivity and build: Basic but functional
The phone supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, and FM radio. However, it lacks NFC and infrared, which may be missed by users who rely on mobile payments or remote control functionalities. The build features a plastic frame and silicone polymer back, which is durable but lacks the premium feel of metal or glass.
Pricing and value for money
The Samsung Galaxy F05 is priced at ₹10,000 (approximately $120), with an introductory offer bringing the price down to ₹8,000 (around $96). Available through Samsung’s official website, Flipkart, and physical stores, the F05 will compete against the Redmi Note 12 and Realme Narzo 50A. The Redmi Note 12 offers a Full HD+ display and a Snapdragon 680 chipset, providing better performance and display quality. The Realme Narzo 50A, similarly priced, features a larger 6,000mAh battery for longer battery life.
The Galaxy F05 is a solid option for those seeking a stylish, budget-friendly phone with essential features.
Samsung Galaxy F05 specifications
- 6.7-inch (720 x 1600 pixels) HD+ LCD screen, 60Hz refresh rate
- Octa Core MediaTek Helio G85 12nm processor (Dual 2GHz Cortex-A75 + Hexa 1.8GHz 6x Cortex-A55 CPUs) with up to 1000MHz ARM Mali-G52 2EEMC2 GPU
- 4GB LPDDR4X RAM, 64GB eMMC 5.1 storage, expandable memory up to 1TB with microSD
- Android 14 with OneUI Core 6.0
- Dual SIM (nano + nano + microSD)
- 50MP rear camera with f/1.8 aperture, 2MP depth sensor with f/2.4 aperture, LED Flash
- 8MP front-facing camera with f/2.0 aperture
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
- 3.5mm audio jack
- Dimensions: 168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8mm; Weight: 195g
- Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac (2.4GHz + 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, USB Type-C
- 5000mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging