Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Samsung Galaxy A04e and Xiaomi Redmi A2 are two contenders vying for the budget crown. Both offer essential features, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi A2 edges out the A04e thanks to its slightly more efficient chipset and inclusion of 10W charging. While both are budget devices, the Redmi A2 provides a marginally better experience for the price, especially for those needing a bit more power and faster charging.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 21 | 2023, March 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 07 | Available. Released 2023, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 192 g (6.77 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) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 | Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Copper, Light Blue | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green |
| Models | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS | 23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G |
| Price | ₹ 7,999 | € 59.00 / £ 54.95 |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) | 0.90 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Familiar Samsung UI
- Decent build quality
- Dual camera setup (potentially better portraits)
- Slower charging
- Less powerful chipset
- Basic display
Xiaomi Redmi A2
- Slightly better performance
- Faster 10W charging
- Competitive price
- Basic camera
- MIUI can be cluttered
- HD+ display quality
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for everyday use. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for this price range, with neither phone excelling in this area. The A04e might have a slightly better screen due to Samsung's display technology, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
The A04e typically features a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth) while the Redmi A2 has a 8MP main camera. Image quality on both is acceptable in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. The A04e's depth sensor might offer slightly better portrait mode results.
Performance
The Redmi A2's Helio G36 chipset offers a slight edge in performance compared to the A04e's Helio P35. While neither is a powerhouse, the G36 handles basic tasks and light gaming a bit more smoothly. Expect some lag with demanding apps on both devices.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the Redmi A2's 10W charging provides a faster charging experience compared to the A04e's likely slower charging speed (likely 5W or 7.5W). This is a significant advantage for the Redmi A2.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A04e is ideal for users prioritizing a familiar Samsung interface and basic functionality. The Xiaomi Redmi A2 is a better choice for those seeking slightly improved performance and faster charging speeds within a similar budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both have 5000mAh batteries, offering all-day usage. However, the Redmi A2's faster charging makes it the winner overall.
❓ Is the Samsung A04e worth buying over the Redmi A2?
It depends on your priorities. If you prefer the Samsung UI and slightly better camera, the A04e is an option. Otherwise, the Redmi A2 offers better value with its improved performance and faster charging.
