The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Two popular contenders are the Samsung Galaxy A13 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11. Both promise solid features at an affordable price, but which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 edges out the Samsung Galaxy A13 thanks to its faster charging, brighter display, and slightly more powerful chipset. While the A13 boasts impressive battery life, the Redmi Note 11 offers a more well-rounded experience for the price.
| 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 04 | 2022, January 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 23 | Available. Released 2022, February 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.5 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak) |
| 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, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 60 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Peach, Blue | Graphite Gray, Twilight Blue, Star Blue |
| Models | SM-A135F, SM-A135F/DS, SM-A135M, SM-A135U, SM-A135U1, SM-A135N | 2201117TG, 2201117TI, 2201117TY, 2201117TL |
| Price | € 94.99 / $ 129.99 / £ 89.00 | £ 95.00 / € 97.99 / ₹ 11,950 |
| SAR | 0.49 W/kg (head) | 0.97 W/kg (head) 0.93 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.37 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 114h
|
Endurance rating 126h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1324:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-29.7 LUFS (Average)
|
-25.8 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 122822 (v8), 136286 (v9)
GeekBench: 588 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.2fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 228044 (v8), 244526 (v9)
GeekBench: 1662 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 6.8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A13
- Excellent battery life
- Familiar Samsung UI
- Versatile camera system (often)
- Reliable brand
- Slower performance
- Slower charging
- Less bright display
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
- Faster charging (33W)
- Brighter display
- More powerful chipset
- Higher refresh rate (often)
- Modern design
- Xiaomi's MIUI can be polarizing
- Camera performance can vary
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 11 takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 736 nits compared to the A13's 587 nits. While both offer excellent contrast ratios (1324:1 for A13, 'Infinite' for Redmi Note 11 - likely a marketing term), the Redmi Note 11's higher brightness makes it more usable outdoors. The Redmi Note 11 also often features a higher refresh rate (90Hz) which provides a smoother visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Both phones offer decent camera systems for their price range. The A13 often has a more versatile multi-camera setup, while the Redmi Note 11 may offer slightly improved image processing in certain conditions. Detailed camera comparisons require more extensive testing.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11's Snapdragon 680 (6nm) chipset generally outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A13's Exynos 850 (8nm). The Snapdragon 680's Kryo 265 cores offer a noticeable speed boost in everyday tasks and gaming. While both are octa-core processors, the Redmi Note 11's architecture and fabrication process give it an advantage.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A13 shines in battery endurance, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 114 hours. The Redmi Note 11 follows closely with 126 hours. However, the Redmi Note 11's 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, offering a much more convenient experience.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A13 is a good choice for users prioritizing exceptional battery life and a familiar Samsung interface. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is ideal for those seeking faster charging, a brighter screen, and a more modern chipset for smoother performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Samsung Galaxy A13 generally offers slightly longer battery life based on endurance ratings, but the Redmi Note 11's faster charging makes up for it.
❓ Is the Redmi Note 11 worth the extra money?
Yes, for most users, the Redmi Note 11's faster charging, brighter display, and more powerful chipset justify the slight price premium.