The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Samsung Galaxy A05s, with its established brand recognition, goes head-to-head with the newer Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R, which aims to disrupt with a more modern chipset. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 chipset, built on a more efficient 4nm process, offers a performance edge and potentially better thermal management compared to the Galaxy A05s' Snapdragon 680. While the A05s boasts slightly brighter display, the Note 13R’s overall package is more compelling.
| 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 18 | Available. Released 2024, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.06 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 | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 | Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 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), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| 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 |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), 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, Violet | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | SM-A057F, SM-A057F/DS, SM-A057M, SM-A057M/DS, SM-A057G/DSN, SM-A057G | 2406ERN9CC |
| Price | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 | About 180 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- Longer battery life in active use tests.
- Slightly brighter display for outdoor visibility.
- Established Samsung brand reputation.
- Less efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset.
- Slower 25W charging.
- Potentially lower performance in demanding tasks.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R
- More efficient Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 chipset (4nm).
- Faster 33W wired charging.
- Potentially better performance and thermal management.
- Battery life may be slightly shorter than the A05s.
- Less established brand recognition.
- Display brightness may be lower.
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A05s features a display capable of reaching 468 nits of peak brightness, providing adequate visibility in most conditions. Its 1418:1 contrast ratio suggests decent black levels. However, the Redmi Note 13R, while lacking published brightness data, likely benefits from modern panel calibration techniques. The A05s’ brightness is a clear advantage, but the Note 13R’s panel technology is likely more efficient. Both phones likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket, and lack high refresh rates.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are expected to feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the market segment suggests both will rely heavily on software processing. The A05s’ camera is listed as capable of both photo and video, but details are sparse. The Note 13R’s camera performance will likely hinge on its image processing algorithms. Given the price point, expecting flagship-level image quality from either device is unrealistic.
Performance
This is where the Redmi Note 13R pulls ahead. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4nm) is architecturally superior to the Snapdragon 680 (6nm) in the A05s. While the A05s’ CPU has a higher peak clock speed (2.4 GHz vs 2.3 GHz), the Note 13R’s Cortex-A78 cores offer significantly better single-core performance. The 4nm process node of the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 also translates to improved power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling during sustained workloads. The A05s’ Snapdragon 680 is a capable chip for everyday tasks, but the Note 13R offers a noticeable performance boost.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A05s delivers an impressive 11 hours and 32 minutes of active use, indicating good battery life. The Redmi Note 13R’s battery capacity is not specified, but its more efficient Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 chipset could potentially offset a smaller battery size. The Note 13R supports 33W wired charging, significantly faster than the A05s’ 25W charging. This translates to quicker top-ups, a crucial advantage for users who frequently need to recharge their devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you prioritize brand familiarity and a slightly brighter display for outdoor visibility. It’s a safe, reliable option for basic smartphone tasks. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R if you value performance, efficiency, and faster charging. It’s ideal for users who enjoy occasional gaming or multitasking and want a phone that will last throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13R handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it offers a playable experience for casual gamers. The A05s' Snapdragon 680 will struggle more with demanding titles.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Redmi Note 13R with the 33W charger?
While a precise time isn't available, the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 13R should fully charge the device in approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on battery capacity. This is significantly faster than the A05s' 25W charging, which will likely take closer to 2 hours.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A05s support software updates for a long period?
Samsung typically provides a reasonable level of software support for its A-series devices, but it's unlikely to match the update commitment of flagship models. Expect a few major Android updates and several years of security patches. Xiaomi's update policy for the Redmi Note 13R is less predictable.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the Snapdragon 680 and Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 noticeable in everyday use?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference may not be immediately apparent. However, when multitasking, opening apps, or performing more demanding operations, the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13R will feel noticeably snappier and more responsive.
