The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Samsung Galaxy A05 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers, but they take different approaches to achieving affordability. The A05 relies on the established Mediatek Helio G85, while the Redmi Note 13R debuts with Qualcomm’s newer, more efficient Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R emerges as the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 chipset, built on a 4nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and improved power efficiency over the Galaxy A05’s Helio G85. While the A05 offers Samsung’s brand recognition, the 13R’s modern chipset and faster charging make it a more future-proof option.
| 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 | 2023, September 25 | 2024, May 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, October 15 | Available. Released 2024, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.08 x 0.35 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 | Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5030 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Light Green | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | SM-A055F, SM-A055F/DS, SM-A055M, SM-A055M/DS | 2406ERN9CC |
| Price | $ 100.00 / C$ 119.94 / £ 67.98 / € 96.07 | About 180 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.41 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy A05
- Samsung brand recognition
- Potentially wider accessory availability
- Reliable, if basic, performance for everyday tasks
- Older, less efficient Helio G85 chipset
- Slower 25W charging
- Likely to throttle under heavy load
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R
- More efficient Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 chipset (4nm)
- Faster 33W charging
- Better performance for gaming and multitasking
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
- May have less brand recognition in some markets
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, details like peak brightness and color accuracy are missing. The focus here is on the internal hardware. The Redmi Note 13R’s chipset will likely handle UI animations and video playback slightly smoother due to its more modern architecture.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a role in image processing. The Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is likely more advanced, potentially leading to better noise reduction and dynamic range in photos and videos. The A05 will likely rely on Mediatek’s image processing algorithms, which are generally less refined. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device is unknown, but would be a significant advantage for low-light photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4nm) is a significant upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy A05’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm). The 4nm process node translates to better thermal efficiency, meaning the Redmi Note 13R is less likely to throttle under sustained load. Furthermore, the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 features Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz, offering a performance boost over the A05’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This difference will be most noticeable in gaming and demanding applications. While both have an octa-core configuration, the architectural improvements in the Snapdragon chip are substantial.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 13R’s 33W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Galaxy A05’s 25W charging. This translates to faster top-up times, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2’s superior efficiency means the Redmi Note 13R will likely offer comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a similar or smaller battery capacity. The 4nm process significantly reduces power consumption during everyday tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05 if you prioritize brand familiarity and a potentially wider availability of accessories. It’s a solid, if unremarkable, option for basic smartphone tasks. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R if you value performance, efficiency, and faster charging. The Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 offers a smoother experience for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications, making it ideal for users who push their phones beyond simple communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G85 in the Galaxy A05 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G85 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at lower settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The 12nm process and less powerful GPU compared to the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13R mean it's more prone to frame drops and throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Redmi Note 13R will offer a smoother, more consistent gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 13R compared to the 25W charging on the Galaxy A05?
While exact times depend on battery capacity, 33W charging will significantly reduce charging time. Expect the Redmi Note 13R to go from 0-100% noticeably faster than the Galaxy A05. A realistic estimate is a 30-60 minute difference for a full charge, depending on battery size.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13R offer 5G connectivity?
No, the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 is a 4G chipset. Neither the Galaxy A05 nor the Redmi Note 13R support 5G connectivity. Both are designed for markets where 4G remains the dominant network technology.
