| Content |  Tecno Phantom X2 Pro
The Tecno Phantom X2 Pro price in Kenya is 79,999 shillings. The device has a 6.8 inches 120Hz AMOLED display with a screen resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels with 500 nits brightness. The Phantom X2 Pro 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) processor with Mali-G710 MC10 GPU. The phone has 12GB RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, it runs on Android 12 on top of HIOS 12 and all this is powered by a 5160 mAh battery with 45W fast charging. It also has a triple rear camera setup with a 50 MP primary camera, a 50 MP retractable telephoto camera, a 13 MP ultrawide camera, and a 32 MP front-facing camera.
Design and Build
The handset has an ergonomic design that resembles the Phantom X2. Measuring 164.6 x 72.7 x 9 mm and weighing 201g, the device has nicely rounded edges, a flat front, and back, with a slight camera bump. The Unibody Double-Curved Design is a confirmation of the master touch on the X2 Pro. It has a precision-crafted streamline and delicate texture.
It is a piece of art that lances futuristic aesthetics and extreme hand feeling. With the X2 Pro, you will feel the ultimate elegance at a touch. The device is made from a plastic back, glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), and aluminum frame.
 Camera Set-up
The selfie camera comprises of a powerful, single 32MP (wide) camera capable of taking high-quality snaps and 1080p@30fps video shots. At the rear end, the Phantom X2 Pro packs a triple camera set-up consisting of:
- 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.3″, 1.2µm, PDAF camera
- 50 MP, f/1.5, 65mm (telephoto), PDAF, 2.5x optical zoom, retractable lens
- 13 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) sensor.
Like the Phantom X2 main camera, the X2 Pro is capable of taking 4K@30/60fps, and 1080p@30fps video shots and recordings. The LED flash provides the option of taking excellent shots in dim light, while panorama and HDR enable the use of alternatives when it comes to choosing from a variety of options that suits the occasion and moment.
Display
Tecno invested in a tamper-proof, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protector. Boasting a 6.8-inch AMOLED display, the Phantom X2 Pro screen is modest and will give the user a great experience when browsing the internet or browsing through multimedia. A high 120Hz refresh rate keeps the device at peak, with no slags during use. 500 nits provide the use with above-average brightness which enhances user experiences. combining the 500 nits of brightness with ~387 PPI density makes the Phantom X2 Pro one of the best high-end smartphones available on the market in 2023.
 Performance
Tecno Phantom X2 Pro runs on Android 12, complemented with HIOS 12 software skin. A more customizable UI enables better user experiences and use in most preferred appearances. An Octa-core, MediaTek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) processor and Mali-G710 MC10 GPU are essential in enabling speedier response to user commands, multi-tasking, and playing video games on the handset. A MediaTek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) chipset is considerably faster, more efficient, and more powerful compared to previous chipsets installed on techno devices.
 Enabling smooth running of applications on the Phantom X2 Pro is 256GB 12GB RAM internally built memory space. The space is quite sufficient, and it is reasonable that Tecno did not consider having a card slot on the device.
Network
Tecno has taken up an aggressive stance in developing high-end smartphones, with the Phantom X2 Pro, like its X2 predecessor being 5G enabled. With the handset, the user is certain of fast uploading and downloading speeds, besides great experiences when browsing the internet and accessing heavy files online.
Battery
Powering the Tecno device is a powerful 5,160mAh battery that enables lighting up the large and bright screen on Phantom X2 Pro, applications in the background, and responding to multiple commands on the display. Supporting the massive battery is a 45W wired charger, capable of charging 1-54% of the battery in 20 minutes and 100% in 60 minutes.
 
Pros and Cons of Phantom X2 Pro
Pros
- Powerful battery
- Fast charging support
- Powerful and efficient chipset (MediaTek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm))
- Fingerprint sensor support
- 120Hz refresh rate
- High resolution on display at 1080 x 2400 pixels
- Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection
- Has the world’s first retractable portrait lens
Cons
- Average cameras set-up
- No wireless and reverse charging
- High internal memory
Verdict
For its price and specifications, Tecno Phantom X2 Pro is excellent and worth value for the money spent. | 
Samsung Galaxy A05s
Galaxy A05s weighs 194g and measures 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm. It features a 6.7-inch PLS LCD with 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution. Samsung Galaxy AO5s runs on Android 13 OS, is powered by an Octa-core Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) processor, and is anchored by 128GB 6GB RAM.
To capture pictures and record videos, you have a single 13MP selfie camera and a triple primary camera set up: 50MP + 2MP + 2MP. Samsung Galaxy AO5 records good quality 1080p@30/60fps videos. Being 4G enabled, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (5.3, A2DP, LE), connectivity is decent. Samsung Galaxy AO5s is powered by a Li-Po 5,000 mAh, non-removable battery with a fast-charging 25W wired unit.
Standout Features
Standout Features on Samsung Galaxy A05s
- Powerful 5,000mAh battery
- Decent phone memory: 128GB 4GB RAM
- Latest Android 13 OS
- Decent main camera, 50MP + 2MP + 2MP
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
Key Features
- RAM: 6GB
- Internal Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 5,000 mAh
- Main camera: 50 MP + 2 MP + 2MP
- Front camera: 13 MP
- Display: 6.7-inch, LCD, 90Hz
- Processor: Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
- Connectivity: Dual SIM, 2G, 3G, 4G
- Colors: Black, Silver, Light Green, Violet
- OS: Android 13
Build and Design of Samsung Galaxy A05s
The phone is available in Black, Silver, Light Green and Violet and comes in a sturdy frame with a linearly patterned backside. It is a beautiful, slim, sleek phone with a minimalistic, ergonomic design characteristic of most Samsung’s budget and mid-range smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy A05s measures 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm and weighs 194 g. It is not featherlight but reasonably light and slim enough to enable good handling when placed in the pocket or pulled out to make calls or text a message.
Samsung Galaxy A05s Display
It features a 6.7-inch PLS LCD with an 82.9% screen-to-body ratio. Such a more extensive screen provides a platform to enjoy content and media consumption better than smaller screens. Moreover, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) resolution is super, providing more quality user experience than 7200p resolution on Samsung Galaxy A05. The default refresh rate and resolution are functionally effective but limit your preferred or expected immersive experience when playing games and browsing through your gallery.
Camera Set-up
Capture the world from different angles. Cherish the photos you take with the powerful 50MP primary camera, the portraits taken with the 2MP Depth camera + 2 MP, f/2.4 (macro) that ensures you capture clear pictures of small details and objects, and your favourite selfies with the 13 MP, f/2.0 Front camera.
Performance and Processing Power
Samsung Galaxy AO5s has a powerful octa-core, Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) processor that powers the phone, enables multitasking and carries out essential functions. Adreno 610 GPU installed on the handset allows you to effectively and seamlessly play low to mid-setting games without lags and stutters. Anchoring the handset is 128GB 6GB RAM phone memory, besides additional memory support via MicroSD. With 6GB of memory and 128GB internal storage, Galaxy A05 offers efficient performance for the task at hand.
Connectivity and Communication
Samsung Galaxy AO5s is 4G network-enabled, supporting 2G, 3G and 4G bands. You will enjoy decent uploading and downloading speeds of files with the handset. Equally enjoy decent connectivity through:
- Bluetooth: 5.1, A2DP, LE
- Internet: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
- USB: USB Type-C 2.0
A 3.5mm jack port is an excellent consideration for the handset, enabling you to connect to your favourite radio stations and enjoy hands-free music and entertainment on your wired headsets.
Battery and Power Management on Samsung Galaxy AO5s
The 5,000mAh (typical) battery gives you more time to do what you love—streaming, sharing, gaming and more. And with up to 25W of Super-Fast Charging, Galaxy A05 gets back to full power quickly.
Pros and Cons of Samsung Galaxy A05s
Pros
- 4G enabled
- Affordable
- Large screen
- Decent camera set-up
- Decent processor
- Sufficient memory
- Supports additional memory via memory card
- Has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Large battery and supporting fast charging.
Cons
- No 5G network speeds
- No NFC
- No 4K Video recording capabilities
- No Gorilla Glass protection for the screen
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy A05s is an excellent, affordable budget smartphone that will keep you going. It is an improved version of Samsung Galaxy AO5, with most features and functionalities in mid-range handsets. A 5,000mAh battery with wired fast charging support, a large display, and a decent camera setup make it a decent phone. Despite low 720p resolution, no 4K video recording support, no 5G network connectivity and lacking custom UI, you will still find value for your money when it comes to:
- Making and receiving quality calls
- Large display for viewing content
- Large battery with 24+ hours of use before the need to recharge
- An audio jack plug in your wired headset and listen to your favourite shows and videos
- Samsung Galaxy A05 is pretty affordable, retailing at only Kes 20,000.
Alternative Handsets to Samsung Galaxy A05s
- Samsung Galaxy A05
- Oppo A18
- Modio M22
- Realme A15
|
Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus
It measures 164.7 x 75 x 7.6 mm (6.48 x 2.95 x 0.30 in) and weighs 179g. The handset features a 6.78-inch, 120Hz AMOLED display with 1080 x 2436 pixels (~393 ppi density). It runs on Android 14 OS and is powered by an Octa-core Mediatek Helio G99 Ultimate processor, anchored by 256GB and 8GB RAM in terms of storage (it also comes with a MicroSDXC for additional memory).
The camera consists of a single 32MP camera with dual LED flash and a 108 MP (Main) (Ai Lens) with autofocus that records 1440@ 30fps and 1080p@30fps videos. Spark 20 Pro+, a 4G, Dual SIM smartphone, runs on HSPA, LTE network speed and has several connectivity options: Wi-Fi support, Bluetooth, a 3.5mm jack port, GPS, FM Radio, and USB Type-C, OTG. A fingerprint (side-mounted) sensor, alongside an accelerometer and compass sensors, helps better handle the handset and improves the user experience.
Powering the mid-range handset is a Li-Po 5,000mAh, non-removable battery, recharged by a 33W wired fast-charging unit. Choice colours are Temporal Orbits, Lunar Frost, Radiant Starstream, Magic Skin 2.0 Green.
Product Description
Design
The Spark handset features minimalist aesthetics with a futuristic look in the three-ring cosmic design. Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus’s sleek metal edges blend with cosmic deco inspired by stars. Notably, the handset is characteristically slim, with a balanced rectangular form that feels impossibly thin yet ergonomic, combining refinement and comfort. Advanced side-edge fingerprint unlocking provides instant access with a simple touch—state-of-the-art engineering crafted to captivate.
Experience Spark’s Quadrant Star Array Module design like no others, using the iconic symbol of DSLR for a powerful camera visual narrative. Crafted with nanoscale photolithographic technique from luxury watch, it for the first time introduces 3D design into the realm of smartphones, pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship further. Immerse yourself in this celestial sophistication.
Verified by over 1000 proof tests and billion-grade multi-ethnic mobile ergonomics database, Spark 20 Pro+ pioneers design with an unprecedented G3-curvature. Curved at a unique 56.5° angle, with ultra-slim body and weight, it offers just the right blend of sleekness and comfort that you’ll love.
 Waterproof Rating
Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus is IP53-graded, protecting water and dust. Fear no more over splashes or dust as you work and venture out in the wild, knowing your phone is intact and ready for the next task, be it making that critical phone call or video recording extraordinary moments.
 Spark 20 Pro Plus Display
It features a 6.78-inchAMOLED, 120Hz multi-touch hole screen with 1080 x 2436 pixels (~393 ppi density) resolution. Leading the class with AMOLED curved screen: 93% screen-to-body ratio for maximally expansive views; P3 color gamut for cinema-grade color presentation; 1000-nit peak brightness for visibility even in glaring sunlight; Adaptive refresh with 1500Hz instant touch sampling rate for ultra smoothness and responsiveness; Smart Refresh 3.1 for self-adaptation & up to 5% power saving; And flagship-grade glass material for double the scratch resistance and damage protection for flawless durability.
Dynamic Port: Always-On, Never In the Way
Tecno’s self-developed Dynamic Port cleverly merges with the whole screen, giving you early access to the cool, leading-edge gadget. Futuristic design and intuitive integration breathe new life into the front camera hole – displaying messages and offering front-end services while captivating onlookers with an envy-inducing allure.
Spark Pro Plus Camera Set up
It has a decent front and back set of cameras for pictures and videos—the high-resolution photography camera system rivals and triumphs over many competitors within the price range and category.
Selfie Camera
The handset packs a 32MP (wide) lens with dual-LED flash for awesome, breathtaking selfies and high-quality 1440p@30fps and 1080p@30fps videos. You will have no dull moment once you power on your Tecno Spark 20 Pro+.
 Main Camera
Spark 20 Pro+ packs a 108 MP (Main) (Ai Lens) with an autofocus primary camera at the phone’s rear. It is a significant upgrade to Spark 20 and Spark 20 Pro+, which were released earlier in the month. The 108MP Ultra Clear Camera provides clarity beyond comparison for your pictures and videos. Ultra-Clarity Mode pushes it further, rendering photos bursting with details. Every press yields endless surprises.
 2K Video Recording
Relive your epic moments in 2K clarity- with discoveries in each playback. The background naturally blurs, so your hero stands out; the Night algorithm maximizes noise reduction, turning dim scenes into vibrant tales.
Performance
Operating System
Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus runs on Android 14 OS. This OS provides a user-friendly interface when browsing applications and customizing the handset. Tecno’s Hi0S software skin helps in personalization and enhanced user experience.
Processor
It comes installed with an Octa-core Helio G99 Gaming Processor for multitasking and unlimited gaming. Experience the pinnacle of performance with the MTK G99 processor, the undisputed best in its class. Seamless and stable operations made your everyday reality.
There is a significant performance upgrade on Tecno Spark 20 Pro+. Its processor comes with a twin-engine buff for software-level acceleration. AI-powered Aurora Engine boosts the launch rate for major games by 85% and popular apps by 95%. Besides, Darwin Engine’s deep optimization enhances frame rates by 8x, with a minimum 4°C reduction in average temperature rise, delivering an exceptional, lag-free gaming experience with minimal heat.
Storage Capacity
A bigger space guarantees more considerable potential and better handset performance. Capture all good memories in doubled memory capacity on Spark 20 Pro Plus. it packs 256GB 8GB RAM. The RAM comes with up to 8GB extra. Turbocharge your system with up to 16GB of RAM using Memory Fusion. Run fast, carrying it all – the perfect blend of capacity and velocity.
Sound Output
The dual speaker sound by DTS provides up to 400% significant volume. Now that is impressive! Feel the beat of superior sound on the go. Immerse in true stereo with the volume pumped up by 200%, enriched with DTS for profound bass and distortion prevention, enabling a cinematic feel at home.
Channel-adaptive technology intelligently aligns with device orientation, so you move as you wish during video or gaming without compromising audio excellence. It also cares for your business: Switch seamlessly between handheld and hands-free modes with the Volume Plus algorithm for 400% clearer calls in noisy settings.
 Dual-Mic Noise-Cancelled Calls
Hear and Get Heard. Have crystal-clear conversations flowing freely. Dual microphones empower crisp clear sound: Primary mic captures your voice while secondary targets background noise for removal, with AI noise cancellation joining forces for seamless communication
 AI Assistant
Meet your savvy AI buddy! It’s like a personal assistant but cooler and smarter – managing schedules, offering thoughtful suggestions, providing upfront services or reminders, and anticipating your needs when juggling multiple tasks.
Network, Connectivity & Communications
It is a 4G network-enabled smartphone. It runs on GSM/HSPA/LTE network technology, supporting 2G, 3G, 4G bands with HSPA, LTE speeds.
Enjoy excellent connectivity and seamless communication via:
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
- Bluetooth:5.2, A2DP, LE
- FM Radio: supported
- 3.5 mm jack port: yes.
- USB: USB Type-C, OTG
- Loudspeakers: dual speakers
- Positioning: GPS
- NFC: supported.
- Sensors: Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery and Power Performance
The Spark 20 Pro Plus is powered by a 5,000mAh Super Battery, charged by a 33W Fast Charge (Type-C) unit. It provides epic endurance, up to 53 hours of talk time to normal usage before recharging. Revive and recharge the battery using the 33W fast charging. Watch as it revives like Superman’s energy bar fills up, fortified with an extended service life for prolonged usage.
 Pros and Cons of Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus
Pros
- Slim and sleek phone measuring 7.6 mm thick
- Awesome design and aesthetics
- It’s a dual-SIM smartphone
- Large 6.78 inches display with 1080 x 2436 pixels (~393 ppi density) resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.
- Fewer bezels maximize your viewing experience.
- Decent processor for multitasking and gaming
- The handset is dust and waterproof, with an IP53 Rating
- Impressive front and rear camera setup
- Decent storage specifications
- Supports MicroSD storage expansion
- Decent battery power, giving up to 53 hours of talk time
- with fast charging support, 33W wired
- Stereo speakers installed
- It supports NFC
Cons
- Unfortunately, no 5G connectivity.
- No 4K Video recording capabilities
- Lacks Gyro-EIS support for image stabilization.
- Only 1 set of storage packages on Spark 20 Pro, no variants
- Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus does not support wireless charging
- No Gorilla glass screen protection.
|  Infinix Smart 8
It is a successor to the Smart 7, launched in February 2023. The handset features a 6.6 IPS IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels and a 90 Hz refresh rate. It has a punch-hole cut out for the selfie camera. A Dynamic Island-lie overlay shows status updates and charging information
The Unisoc T606 Chipset powers the handset, a 12NM Octa-core processor with two Cortex-A75 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores. Infinix Smart 8 has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. It has a dual rear camera setup consisting of a 13 MP primary camera with autofocus and a 0.3 MP depth sensor. It also has dual-LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter with an LED flash. The device runs on Android 13 and XOS 13 skin.
To power the device, a 5,000mAh battery is installed, along with a 10W fast charger. Buy the Infinix Smart 8 today available in Timber Black, Galaxy White, Crystal Green, and Shiny Gold.
Unique Selling Points
- A large memory capacity (8GB RAM 128GB ROM) + MicroSD support for you to store as much data and files as possible
- A large battery that provides 24 Hours of power for usage, besides the 10W wired fast charging support
- Infinix Smart 8 has a large 6.6-inch display that provides sufficient screen space for gaming, chatting, and consuming video content
Product Description
Display
The Infinix Smart 8 has a 6.6-inch IPS LCD screen with a 720 x 1612 pixels resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. It has a punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera and a Dynamic Island-like overlay that shows status updates and charging information.
Processor
The Infinix Smart 8 is powered by the Unisoc T606 chipset, a 12 nm octa-core processor with two Cortex-A75 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores. It has a Mali-G57 MP1 GPU for graphics. The processing power is sufficient for multitasking and low-setting gaming.
Memory
Infinix Smart 8 has 3GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. It also has Virtual RAM, which allows the phone to use 3GB of extra memory from the storage. Thus, you have sufficient storage for your videos, pictures, and other files that you deem essential and always want to be with you.
 Camera Setup
It has a dual rear camera setup consisting of a 13 MP primary camera with autofocus and a 0.3 MP depth sensor. It also has a dual-LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter with an LED flash.
 Software
Infinix Smart 8 runs on Android 13, with Infinix’s custom XOS 13 skin on top. The XOS 13 offers Smart Panel, Game Mode, Social Turbo, and Xhide features.
Battery
It has a 5,000mAh battery, which supports 10W fast charging. The battery lasts up to 24 hours of talk time, 40 hours of music playback, or 15 hours of video playback.
 Other features
The device has a fingerprint scanner, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a Micro-USB port, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and FM radio. It also supports dual SIM cards and 4G LTE networks.
 Pros and Cons of Infinix Smart 8
Pros
- High brightness at 500 nits
- Powerful battery set, hence power reliability
- Storage extension via MicroSD
- Decent inbuilt memory, 8GB RAM, 128GB ROM
- Multiple colour options
- Slim and light smartphone
- Smart 8 is quite affordable.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Affordable if you are on a tight budget but want value for money
Cons
- Limited to 4G network
- It does not support NFC
- Low resolution at 720p
- Low-quality display panel (IPS LCD)
- Cheap plastic body material
- Does not support fast charging feature
- Average WLAN connection speed
- Using an outdated Bluetooth 5.0 version
| Samsung Galaxy A05
Galaxy A05 weighs 195g and measures 168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm. It features a 6.7-inch PLS LCD with 720 x 1600 pixels. Samsung Galaxy AO5 runs on Android 13 OS, is powered by an Octa-core Mediatek MT6769V/CZ Helio G85 (12nm) processor, and is anchored by 128GB 6GB RAM.
To capture pictures and record videos, you have a single 8MP selfie camera and dual main camera set up: 50MP + 2MP. Samsung Galaxy AO5 records good quality 1080p@30/60fps videos. Being 4G enabled, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (5.3, A2DP, LE), connectivity is decent. Samsung Galaxy AO5 is powered by a Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable battery with a fast-charging 25W wired unit.
Samsung Galaxy A05 Specs
| Brand |
Samsung |
| Model |
Samsung Galaxy A05 |
| Announced |
25 September, 2023 |
| Released |
October, 2023 |
| Operating System |
Android 13 |
| Chipset |
Mediatek MT6769V/CZ Helio G85 (12nm) |
| CPU Speed |
Octa-core (2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU |
Mali-G52 MC2 |
| Storage |
64/128GB |
| RAM |
4GB |
| Card Slot |
microSDXC |
| Rear Camera |
50 MP + 2 MP |
| Front Camera |
8 MP |
| Network |
GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Sim Card |
Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight |
195 g |
| Dimensions |
168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.08 x 0.35 in) |
| Screen Resolution |
720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) |
| Display Type |
PLS LCD |
| Display Size |
6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| 3.5mm jack |
Yes |
| Bluetooth |
5.3, A2DP, LE |
| GPS |
GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| NFC |
Yes |
| Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| USB |
USB Type-C 2.0 |
| Radio |
Unspecified |
| Sensor |
Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass
Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
Li-Po 5,000 mAh, non-removable |
| Fast Charging |
25W wired |
| Colors |
Black, Silver, Light Green |
|
|
Standout Features
The Standout Features on Samsung Galaxy A05 include:
- Powerful 5,000mAh battery
- Decent phone memory: 128GB 6GB RAM
- Latest Android 13 OS
- Decent main camera, 50MP + 2MP
Build and Design of Samsung Galaxy A05
The phone is available in Black, Silver and Light Green and comes in a sturdy frame with a linearly patterned backside. It is a beautiful, slim, sleek phone with a minimalistic, ergonomic design characteristic of most Samsung’s budget and mid-range smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy A05 measures 168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm and weighs 195 g. It is not featherlight but reasonably light and slim enough to enable good handling when placed in the pocket or pulled out to make calls or text a message.
Samsung Galaxy A05 Display
It features a 6.7-inch PLS LCD, with an 82.1% screen-to-body ratio. Such a larger screen provides a platform to enjoy content and media consumption better than smaller screens. However, 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) resolution is lower and provides less quality user experience than 1080p resolution. Default refresh rate and resolution are functional, but limit your preferred or expected immersive experience when playing games and browsing through your gallery.
Camera Set-up
Capture the world from different angles. Cherish the photos you take with the powerful 50MP Main camera, the portraits taken with the 2MP Depth camera, and your favourite selfies with the 8MP Front camera.
Performance and Processing Power
Samsung Galaxy AO5 has a powerful octa-core Mediatek MT6769V/CZ Helio G85 processor that powers the phone, enables multitasking, and carries out key functions. Mali-G52 MC2 GPU installed on the handset enables you to effectively and seamlessly play low to mid-setting games without lags and stutters. Anchoring the handset is 128GB 6GB RAM phone memory, besides additional memory support via MicroSD. With 6GB of memory and 128GB internal storage, Galaxy A05 offers efficient performance for the task at hand.
Connectivity and Communication
Samsung Galaxy AO5 is 4G network-enabled, supporting 2G, 3G and 4G bands. You will enjoy decent uploading and downloading speeds of files with the handset. Equally enjoy decent connectivity through:
- Bluetooth:3, A2DP, LE
- Internet: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
- USB: USB Type-C 2.0
A 3.5mm jack port is a great consideration for the handset, enabling you to connect to your favourite radio stations and enjoy hands-free music and entertainment on your wired headsets.
Battery and Power Management on Samsung Galaxy AO5
The 5,000mAh (typical) battery gives you more time to do what you love—streaming, sharing, gaming and more. And with up to 25W of Super-Fast Charging, Galaxy A05 gets back to full power quickly.
Pros and Cons of Samsung Galaxy A05
Pros
- 4G enabled
- Affordable
- Large screen
- Decent camera set-up
- Decent processor
- Sufficient meory
- Supports additional memory via memory card
- Has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Large battery and supporting fast charging.
Cons
- No 5G network speeds
- No NFC
- No 4K Video recording capabilities
- Low 720p display resolution
- No Gorilla Glass protection for the screen
- Not good for high performance and gaming due to lower power processor
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy A05 is a great, affordable budget smartphone that will keep you going. Although shaved off most of the features and functionalities found in mid-range handsets, it is still a worthwhile consideration to purchase and own. A 5000mAh battery with wired fast charging support, a large display, and a decent camera set up make it a decent phone. Despite low 720p resolution, no 4K video recording support, no 5G network connectivity and lacking custom UI, you will still find value for your money when it comes to:
- Making and receiving quality calls
- Large display for viewing content
- Large battery with 24+ hours of use before the need to recharge
- An audio jack plug in your wired headset and listen to your favourite shows and videos
- Samsung Galaxy A05 is pretty affordable, retailing at only Kes 15,000.
Alternative Handsets to Samsung Galaxy A05
- Vivo Y15S
- Oppo A18
- Modio M22
- Realme A15
| 
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
It replaces the Galaxy A34 5G, its predecessor. The handset weighs 209g, measures 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm (6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in), and features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) display. The display has 1080 x 2340 pixels, a 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) and the screen comes with a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protector. Galaxy A35 runs on Android 14, One UI 6.1 OS, and is powered by an Octa-core Exynos 1380 (5 nm) chipset. Anchored the device for optimal performance are 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, and 256GB 8GB RAM besides microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) for additional memory.
For optics, the Galaxy A35 has a 50MP + 8MP + 5MP main triple camera set up, and 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06″, 1.12µm single, front camera for selfie and video chatting. It is a 5G-enabled device with Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 802.11, NFC wireless connectivity, and supporting USB Type-C 2.0, OTG wired connectivity. The handset is powered by a 5,000mAh non-removable battery, supporting 25W fast charging but no wireless or reverse charging.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Unique Selling Features
- Elegant Design and Durability: With an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, the Galaxy A35 is designed to withstand the elements.
- Enhanced Nightography: Equipped with advanced AI Image Signal Processing, Galaxy A35 5G captures clearer and more vibrant photos even in poor lighting conditions.
- Super AMOLED Display: a 6.6-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,000 nits brightness offers an immersive and vivid viewing experience.
- Robust Performance: Powered by a 5nm octa-core Exynos 1380 SoC, it offers smooth and efficient performance3.
- A Versatile Camera System: the triple camera setup with unique features like optical image stabilization (OIS) and video digital image stabilization (VDIS) ensures crisp photos and videos.
- Guaranteed Security: Samsung Knox Vault provides flagship-level security, protecting your data more effectively.
- Long-Lasting Battery: A 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging keeps you powered throughout the day.
These features are engineered to provide a premium experience at a budget-friendly price point, making the Samsung Galaxy A35 a compelling choice if you are looking for quality, sophistication, great performance, and innovation.
Detailed Product Description
Design and Body Build
Galaxy A35 5G boasts of a modern design with a focus on sleekness and functionality. Dimension-wise, it measures 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm (6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) and weighs 209g. Certainly, it is a bulky and heavy phone, but reasonably good enough for portability and easy handling while in use. The weight could be attributed to its robust build, consisting of a glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), plastic frame, and glass back. Comparatively, the newly released Galaxy A55 consists of an almost similar body build: Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), glass back (Gorilla Glass), and aluminum frame; with the difference coming in on the body frame.
The front of the smartphone features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED screen, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks, with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and a 120 Hz refresh rate. Galaxy A35 5G has a waterproof IP67 rating, ensuring durability against dust and water. The rear material is glass, providing a premium feel, while the frame material is plastic, which contributes to a lighter weight. Galaxy A35 5G comes in a variety of colors including Iceblue, Lilac, and Navy
Overall, the Galaxy A35 5G design aligns with Samsung’s 2023 smartphone lineup aesthetics, featuring rounded corners and a focus on a seamless user experience. The smartphone is designed to offer a balance between style, performance, and durability.
Display
Samsung Galaxy A35 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. Notably, its impressive display performance, particularly for its color rendering in various lighting environments and good readability outdoors is praiseworthy. The immersive Super AMOLED display also boasts a peak brightness of 1000 nits in sunlight conditions, which is quite high compared to its rival models. Besides, the screen comes protected with the much-adored break and scratch-proof Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, ensuring an optimized viewing experience and durability. Certainly, Galaxy A35 is a champion display-wise for its category and price category.
Camera Set up
Samsung Galaxy A35 features a versatile triple-camera setup, designed to cater to various photography needs. It features:
- 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.96″, PDAF, OIS Primary Camera: Equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), the primary camera ensures sharp and clear images even in shaky conditions.
- 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0″, 1.12µm Camera: this ultra-wide lens captures wider scenes, perfect for landscapes or group photos.
- 5 MP, f/2.4 Macro Camera: the macro camera allows you to capture fine details with precision, fine-tuning close-up shots.
- 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06″, 1.12µm front camera: great for awesome selfies and video chatting, besides 4K video recording.
Additionally, Galaxy A35 5G records 4K videos @30fps, using both the front and rear (50MP) cameras, providing high-quality video capabilities. The 13MP front camera ensures your selfies are crisp and full of detail, with wide-angle capture capabilities. This setup is a significant improvement from its predecessors (A15, A25), offering you a commendable photography and videography experience.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Performance
Processor
It is powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset, which is an octa-core processor with a configuration of 4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This chipset is designed to provide a balance of performance and efficiency for the 5G-enabled Galaxy A35 smartphone, supporting advanced features like high-resolution cameras that record 4K videos, medium-set video games, and intensive processing associated with fast 5G connectivity.
Operating System
It runs on Android 14, complemented by Samsung’s One UI 6.1. Android 14 comes along with a host of new features aimed at enhancing personalization, privacy, security, and accessibility.
Android 14 OS
Here are some of the key highlights include:
- Personalization: Improved photo quality, new themes, and AI-generated wallpapers to customize your device to your style.
- Privacy and Security: Updates include restricting photo and video access, and data protection with 3rd party apps.
- Accessibility: Non-linear font scaling, using the Android camera as a webcam, and a transparent navigation bar.
- Camera and Media: Features like ultra HDR for images and passkeys for 3rd
- User Experience: Custom actions and improved ranking in the share sheet, separate ring, and notification volume settings.
These features are designed to make the Android experience more customizable, accessible, and protective when using your Android 14-based Galaxy 14.
Samsung’s One UI 6.1
It is an update that brings a variety of new features and improvements to enhance your experience on Samsung devices, like in this case the Galaxy A35 5G. Some of the key features introduced with One UI 6.1 include:
- AI Integration: One UI 6.1 includes several AI features, such as Circle to Search, which allows users to circle anything on the screen to search for it via Google Search.
- Live Translation in Calls: This feature provides real-time translation during calls, displaying what is being said as text on-screen.
- Enhanced Quick Panel: The quick panel has been redesigned for easier access to frequently used features, with dedicated buttons for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Improved Notification Layout: Notifications now appear as separate cards for better visibility, and full-color icons are used for a more vivid display.
- Lock Screen Customization: Users have more freedom to move the clock to their preferred position on the lock screen.
- Simplified Home Screen: App icon labels are limited to a single line for a cleaner look, and some app names have been shortened.
- Multitasking Enhancements: Pop-up windows remain open when accessing the Recents screen, allowing you to continue your tasks without interruption.
- Samsung DeX Updates: The new Samsung DeX allows for switching between DeX mode and tablet mode while maintaining the same home screen layout.
These features aim to personalize everyday experiences, increase productivity, and ensure data security and privacy. From a user point of view, these features on the operating system make the Samsung Galaxy A35 more user-friendlier, customizable, optimize production, and limit data breaches to 3rd parties. This enhances the overall perception and stance of Samsung as one of the best smartphone brands.
Storage Space
It offers 3 storage variants:
- 128GB 6GB RAM;
- 128GB 8GB RAM;
- 256GB 8GB RAM, all with expandable storage via microSD card.
Overall, these specs indicate that the Galaxy A35 5G should provide a smooth user experience for everyday tasks and some level of gaming performance. The expandable storage option is also a plus if you need more space for your files and apps. With more dependability on 5G and the need to access many heavy multimedia files, it makes perfect sense to acquire and use a phone that meets the challenges and fits the bill.
Connectivity and Communications Support
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G offers a comprehensive range of connectivity and communication features:
- Network: The device supports 5G connectivity and comes with a Nano SIM card slot. eSIM support is also available, but applicability depends on the region.
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) with support for Dual Band, Wi-Fi MiMO, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Hotspot, and Wi-Fi Display.
- Bluetooth:3 with LE (Low Energy) support.
- USB: USB Type-C with USB 2.0 features, including Charging, USB-storage mode, and OTG (On-The-Go).
- GPS: Includes support for GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, and QZSS.
- NFC: supported, with availability depending on the region.
- Sound: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support for an immersive audio experience.
- 5mm Jack port: not supported
- FM Radio: Not supported
These features ensure that the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G provides fast and reliable communication, and makes you productive and accessible at all times to family, friends, and the online community through social platforms to share knowledge and moments.
Battery and Power Management
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G packs a 5,000 mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging. This allows the phone to charge up to 57% in just 30 minutes. The device does not support wireless charging or reverse charging, which is a disappointment. Nevertheless, its fast-charging capability ensures that you can quickly power up the device when needed. The full charging time for the battery is approximately 1 hour and 2 minutes.
Power Management and Optimization
The Galaxy A35 5G comes with optimized power management to balance performance and efficiency, ensuring all-day usage without frequent charging. Running on Android 14 with One UI 6.1, the handset offers various software optimizations to enhance battery life. Moreover, the 6.6″ Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels is designed to be energy efficient, contributing to better battery management and power longevity hence optimizing your productivity.
Pros and Cons of Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Pros
- Access to the benefit of fast 5G connectivity
- Large, vibrant, Super AMOLED display providing an immersive, comprehensive viewing experience
- It is powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset, which provides good performance for everyday tasks and mid-level gaming.
- The triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor captures high-quality images, and the phone supports 4K video recording, with Gyro EIS support for image stabilization;
- Massive RAM and ROM, making it a great device for intensive tasks that require lots of RAM and internal storage.
- A 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging ensures long-lasting battery life, and the ability to charge on the go.
- IP67 rating for dust and water resistance and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ screen protection add to the durability of the device.
- Samsung Knox Vault offers robust security to protect user data.
Cons
- The plastic frame material is plastic, which may make the handset feel cheap compared to the Galaxy A55 model, or rival phones with eco-leather or glass back panes and aluminum body frames.
- No eSIM Support: Unlike some of its competitors, the Galaxy A35 5G does not support eSIM technology.
- The single-core performance might be slower compared to some other models in the same range.
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy stands aloof in its category and price segment, with an outstanding processor, camera capabilities, and display quality. The battery life is also a strong point, with up to 26 hours of video playback. However, you need to be wary of the plastic frame built which deprives the A35’s premium feel, lack of eSIM support, and most significantly the single-core performance which might be slower compared to some other models in the same range. Overall, the Galaxy A35 is a solid choice if you are seeking a mid-range phone with strong features and reliable performance.
Alternative Handsets to Galaxy A35 5G
- Nothing Phone (2a)
- Xiaomi POCO x6 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
- Oppo Reno 11
- Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
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