The Samsung Galaxy A04 Core and Xiaomi Redmi 10A represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they achieve this with vastly different approaches to chipset design and manufacturing. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a more modern manufacturing process, the Samsung Galaxy A04 Core emerges as the better choice. Its Exynos 850, built on an 8nm node, offers a performance advantage over the Redmi 10A’s 12nm Helio G25, despite similar clock speeds, and is likely to exhibit better long-term stability.
| 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, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | - | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Rose Gold | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey |
| Models | - | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I |
| Price | - | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A04 Core
- More efficient Exynos 850 chipset
- Potentially better long-term performance
- Samsung's software optimization
- Charging speed likely limited to 10W
- Display specs are unknown
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- Lowest possible price point
- Larger screen size (potentially)
- 10W charging included
- Less efficient Helio G25 chipset
- Mixed Cortex-A53 core configuration
- Potential for performance throttling
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. However, detailed display specs are missing. The Redmi 10A's larger screen size (6.53 inches vs. A04 Core's 6.6 inches) may offer a slightly more immersive experience, but without knowing the panel quality, color accuracy, or brightness levels, it's difficult to declare a clear winner. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, and largely unimpressive. Both phones are expected to feature a primary camera alongside basic depth or macro sensors. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. The Redmi 10A's camera setup is likely to be more focused on basic functionality, while the A04 Core may benefit from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, potentially offering slightly better results in favorable lighting conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn't be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A04 Core’s Exynos 850 (8nm) has a significant architectural advantage over the Xiaomi Redmi 10A’s MediaTek Helio G25 (12nm). While both are octa-core CPUs with 2.0 GHz cores, the A04 Core utilizes Cortex-A55 cores across the board, while the Redmi 10A mixes A53 (2.0 GHz) with slower A53 (1.5 GHz) cores. The 8nm process of the Exynos 850 translates to better power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling under sustained load. This means the A04 Core is more likely to maintain consistent performance during longer gaming sessions or multitasking. The Redmi 10A's Helio G25, while adequate for basic tasks, will likely struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both are likely to house around a 5000mAh battery, standard for this segment. The Redmi 10A includes 10W wired charging, while the A04 Core’s charging speed is unknown but likely similar. The Exynos 850’s superior power efficiency could translate to slightly longer battery life for the A04 Core, even with a similar capacity, offsetting the slower charging speed. Real-world usage will heavily depend on individual usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04 Core if you need a phone that feels more responsive for everyday tasks like browsing and social media, and if you anticipate keeping the device for more than a year. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10A if your primary concern is absolute lowest price and you only need a phone for very basic communication – calls, texts, and light WhatsApp usage – and don't plan on heavy app usage or gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A04 Core overheat during prolonged gaming?
While the Exynos 850 isn't a high-end gaming chip, its 8nm process and efficient core design should prevent significant overheating during moderate gaming sessions. Expect some throttling after extended play, but it's likely to be less severe than on the Redmi 10A's Helio G25.
❓ Is the Helio G25 in the Redmi 10A sufficient for running popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
Yes, the Helio G25 is capable of running basic social media apps without major issues. However, expect slower loading times and occasional lag when multitasking or using more demanding features within those apps. It's best suited for light usage.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on each device, and can it be expanded?
Storage options are not specified in the provided data. However, both devices are likely to offer limited internal storage (32GB or 64GB) and support microSD card expansion, a common feature in this price range. Check retailer listings for specific configurations.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Samsung's One UI and Xiaomi's MIUI on these devices?
Samsung's One UI generally offers a cleaner, more polished software experience with a focus on usability. Xiaomi's MIUI is known for its extensive customization options but can sometimes feel cluttered with pre-installed apps (bloatware). Both are based on Android, but the user interface and feature sets differ significantly.
