The Samsung Galaxy A04 Core and Xiaomi Redmi 10C represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The A04 Core relies on Samsung’s in-house Exynos 850, while the Redmi 10C leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 680. This comparison dissects these key differences to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680, fabricated on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge and better thermal management compared to the Samsung Galaxy A04 Core’s 8nm Exynos 850. The 18W charging is also a significant advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2022, March 21 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | - | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Rose Gold | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | - | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL |
| Price | - | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 |
| SAR | - | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A04 Core
- Samsung Brand Recognition
- Potentially simpler software experience
- Reliable build quality (typical of Samsung)
- Less powerful Exynos 850 chipset
- Slower charging speeds
- Less efficient 8nm process
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially smoother display (90Hz in some regions)
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
- Build quality may not match Samsung’s
- Potential for more bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. While specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable, the Redmi 10C’s display is reported to have a 90Hz refresh rate in some regions, a feature absent on the A04 Core. This higher refresh rate, if present, translates to smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices focusing on basic photography. Details on sensor sizes are missing, but both will likely feature a primary camera accompanied by auxiliary lenses (depth, macro) of limited utility. The Redmi 10C’s 50MP main sensor is a step up from the A04 Core’s likely lower resolution sensor. Image processing will play a crucial role, and Xiaomi’s software tends to prioritize vibrant, saturated colors, while Samsung often aims for more natural tones. Expect limited low-light performance from both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) features a Kryo CPU with a split core configuration – 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A75 (Kryo 265 Gold) for performance and 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55 (Kryo 265 Silver) for efficiency. The Samsung Galaxy A04 Core’s Exynos 850 (8nm) utilizes 8x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 6nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 680 inherently offers better power efficiency, leading to less heat generation and potentially sustained performance. While both are octa-core, the Snapdragon 680’s architecture provides a performance advantage in demanding tasks. The A04 Core's Exynos 850 will likely struggle more with multitasking and graphically intensive applications.
Battery Life
The Redmi 10C’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the A04 Core, which likely supports standard 10W or 15W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 680’s superior power efficiency will translate to longer battery life on the Redmi 10C, even with a similar capacity battery. The faster charging also reduces downtime, allowing users to quickly top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04 Core if you prioritize brand recognition within the Samsung ecosystem and a potentially simpler software experience. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10C if you prioritize performance, battery efficiency, and faster charging speeds, making it ideal for users who frequently stream videos, browse the web, or play casual games.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A04 Core tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850, being fabricated on an 8nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling than the Snapdragon 680 (6nm). Expect performance to dip during extended gaming, and the device may become noticeably warm to the touch. The Redmi 10C will likely maintain more consistent performance under load.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited utility. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included for marketing purposes but rarely deliver satisfying results. Expect soft, grainy images from both devices when using the macro mode.
❓ Can the Xiaomi Redmi 10C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at acceptable frame rates?
The Redmi 10C, with its Snapdragon 680, can run PUBG Mobile at medium settings with a stable frame rate. However, don't expect to max out the graphics settings. The Exynos 850 in the A04 Core will likely struggle to maintain consistent performance even at lower settings.
❓ How does Xiaomi's MIUI software compare to Samsung's One UI in terms of bloatware and updates?
MIUI is known for including more pre-installed apps (bloatware) than Samsung's One UI. While One UI also has pre-installed apps, it generally offers a cleaner experience. Update support is also typically faster and more consistent on Samsung devices, though both brands are improving in this area.
