The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Samsung Galaxy A05s and Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G are two key players vying for dominance. While both offer 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, they take different approaches to achieving this. The A05s leverages Qualcomm’s established 4G chipset with 5G modem, while the Redmi 13C 5G opts for a newer MediaTek Dimensity processor. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset provides a noticeable performance edge over the Snapdragon 680 in the Galaxy A05s, making it better suited for multitasking and demanding apps. While the A05s boasts slightly better battery life, the Redmi 13C 5G’s faster charging and overall responsiveness make it the more compelling option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, September 25 | 2023, December 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, October 18 | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) | 168.1 x 77.9 x 8.2 mm (6.62 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 192 g or 195 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Light Green, Violet | Starry Black, Twilight Blue, Starry Silver, Starlight Black, Startrail Green, Startrail Silver |
| Models | SM-A057F, SM-A057F/DS, SM-A057M, SM-A057M/DS, SM-A057G/DSN, SM-A057G | 23124RN87G, 23124RN87I, 23124RN87C |
| Price | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 | $ 198.99 / £ 119.00 / € 116.99 / ₹ 10,895 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- Excellent battery life (11:32h active use)
- Higher display contrast ratio (1418:1)
- Samsung One UI software experience
- Less powerful chipset (Snapdragon 680)
- Slower charging speeds (25W without PD)
Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G
- More powerful chipset (Dimensity 6100+)
- Faster charging with PD (18W)
- Potentially better 5G connectivity
- Likely shorter battery life
- Unknown display specifications
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A05s features a display capable of reaching 468 nits of peak brightness, paired with a 1418:1 contrast ratio. This provides a reasonably vibrant viewing experience, though it falls short of premium displays. The Redmi 13C 5G’s display specifications are not provided, but given its price point, it likely offers a similar level of brightness and contrast. However, the A05s’ higher contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and a more visually appealing image. Both displays are likely 60Hz panels, meaning scrolling and animations won’t be as fluid as on higher refresh rate screens.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the market segment, both will likely rely heavily on software processing to enhance image quality. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, as these sensors typically produce low-quality images. The primary camera sensor size and aperture will be the key determinants of image quality, but this information is currently unavailable. Expect similar performance in good lighting conditions, with both struggling in low-light scenarios.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 13C 5G pulls ahead. The MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) utilizes a more modern architecture – specifically, two Cortex-A76 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) in the A05s, which relies on four Kryo 265 Gold and four Kryo 265 Silver cores. While both are 6nm chips, the Dimensity 6100+’s core configuration translates to better multi-core performance and improved responsiveness in everyday tasks. The A05s’ Snapdragon 680 is a capable chip for basic usage, but will struggle with more demanding applications. The Redmi 13C 5G’s chipset also benefits from newer modem technology, potentially offering more stable 5G connectivity.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A05s boasts an impressive 11:32h active use battery life, indicating excellent efficiency. The Redmi 13C 5G’s battery capacity is unknown, but its more powerful chipset may consume more power. However, the Redmi 13C 5G compensates with 18W wired charging with PD (Power Delivery), offering faster charging speeds than the A05s’ 25W wired charging. While 25W sounds faster, the lack of PD on the A05s means it won't charge as efficiently. This faster charging capability on the Redmi 13C 5G mitigates any potential battery life disadvantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you prioritize maximizing battery life above all else and prefer the Samsung One UI experience. Its 11:32h active use score is a significant advantage for heavy users. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G if you value a smoother, more responsive user experience, faster charging, and the benefits of a newer chipset architecture, even if it means slightly less time between charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ in the Redmi 13C 5G get hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 6100+ is more powerful, it's still a budget chipset. Expect some thermal throttling during prolonged gaming, but the 6nm process node should help manage heat better than older 12nm or 14nm chips. The phone's thermal design will also play a crucial role, but it's unlikely to reach dangerously high temperatures.
❓ Is the 25W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A05s significantly faster than the 18W charging on the Redmi 13C 5G?
Not necessarily. While 25W is a higher number, the Redmi 13C 5G supports Power Delivery (PD), which allows for more efficient charging. This means the Redmi 13C 5G will likely reach a full charge in a comparable timeframe, or even faster, despite the lower wattage.
❓ Which phone is better for running multiple apps simultaneously?
The Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G is the clear winner here. The Dimensity 6100+ chipset’s core configuration is better suited for multitasking than the Snapdragon 680 in the Galaxy A05s. You’ll experience fewer stutters and delays when switching between apps on the Redmi 13C 5G.
