The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Motorola Moto G05, a reliable workhorse, faces a new challenger in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best blend of performance, battery endurance, and charging convenience for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R emerges as the superior choice. Its newer Qualcomm Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 chipset, fabricated on a more efficient 4nm process, delivers a noticeable performance uplift and improved power efficiency compared to the Moto G05’s MediaTek Helio G81. While the G05 boasts impressive battery endurance, the 33W charging of the 13R significantly reduces downtime.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, December 17 | 2024, May 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, January 13 | Available. Released 2024, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, silicone polymer back (eco leather) | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76 x 8.2 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.32 in) | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188.8 g (6.67 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 6 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 Extreme (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | 5030 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Plum Red, Fresh Lavender, Forest Green, Misty Blue | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | XT2523-2, XT2523-3, XT2523-11 | 2406ERN9CC |
| Price | € 82.38 / $ 108.00 / £ 77.00 / ₹ 7,316 | About 180 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 60:22h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class A | - |
| Free fall | Class B (180 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Motorola Moto G05
- Exceptional battery endurance (60:22h)
- Proven reliability of Motorola software
- 1000 charge cycles promise longevity
- Older, less efficient Helio G81 chipset
- Slower 18W charging
- Likely less responsive user experience
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4nm)
- Faster 33W wired charging
- Potentially smoother display (higher refresh rate)
- Battery endurance likely lower than Moto G05
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
- Long-term software support is less certain than Motorola
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the price point, both likely feature LCD panels. However, the Redmi Note 13R’s newer chipset suggests a higher probability of a higher refresh rate display, potentially 90Hz, offering smoother scrolling. The Moto G05, being an older model, likely sticks to a standard 60Hz panel. Bezels are expected to be comparable, with both aiming for maximized screen real estate within their respective budgets.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a direct comparison is difficult. However, Xiaomi generally prioritizes camera performance even in its budget offerings. The Redmi Note 13R likely features a more modern image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2, resulting in better image processing, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The Moto G05’s Helio G81 ISP is older and less capable. We can expect the Redmi Note 13R to deliver more consistently pleasing photos, especially in challenging conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4nm) represents a significant leap forward in efficiency and performance compared to the Motorola Moto G05’s MediaTek Helio G81 (12nm). The Snapdragon utilizes Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz, offering a substantial advantage over the G05’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. The 4nm process node of the Snapdragon translates to lower heat generation and improved sustained performance, crucial for gaming and demanding applications. While both are octa-core CPUs, the architectural improvements in the Snapdragon give the Redmi Note 13R a clear edge.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G05 boasts an impressive 60:22h endurance rating, indicating exceptional battery life. However, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R compensates with significantly faster 33W wired charging. While the G05’s 18W charging is adequate, the 33W on the Redmi Note 13R will drastically reduce charging times, getting you back up and running much quicker. The Redmi Note 13R’s more efficient chipset also contributes to better overall power management, potentially mitigating the impact of a potentially smaller battery capacity (not specified).
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto G05 if you prioritize maximum battery life and a proven track record of software stability, even at the expense of raw processing power. This phone is ideal for users who primarily browse, communicate, and consume media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R if you value a more responsive user experience, faster charging, and a chipset built on a modern fabrication process, making it better suited for light gaming and multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13R handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a flagship gaming chip, the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The 4nm process helps prevent excessive throttling during extended gaming sessions, providing a more consistent experience than the Moto G05’s Helio G81.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 13R compared to the Moto G05’s 18W charging?
The 33W charging on the Redmi Note 13R will significantly reduce charging times. Expect a full charge in approximately 1.5-2 hours, compared to potentially 2.5-3 hours with the Moto G05’s 18W charger. This difference is particularly noticeable for users who frequently need to top up their battery throughout the day.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 13R’s MIUI software come with a lot of bloatware?
Xiaomi’s MIUI is known for including pre-installed apps (bloatware). However, many of these can be uninstalled or disabled. Recent versions of MIUI have reduced the amount of bloatware, but it’s still a consideration for users who prefer a cleaner software experience.
❓ How does the Helio G81 in the Moto G05 perform with multitasking?
The Helio G81 can handle basic multitasking, such as switching between messaging apps and browsing the web. However, it may struggle with more demanding tasks, like running multiple apps simultaneously or editing large files. The Redmi Note 13R’s Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 offers a smoother multitasking experience due to its more powerful CPU and improved memory management.