The Samsung Galaxy F05 and Xiaomi Redmi A2+ represent the current battleground for ultra-budget smartphone dominance. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The F05 prioritizes a more powerful chipset, while the A2+ focuses on a streamlined experience and potentially better software support within the Xiaomi ecosystem. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy F05 is the better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable advantage in demanding tasks. However, the Redmi A2+ offers a more efficient processor and a lower price point, making it suitable for basic users.
| 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 | 2024, September 17 | 2023, March 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September 20 | Available. Released 2023, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, silicone polymer (eco leather) back | - |
| Dimensions | 168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.08 x 0.35 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 |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.1% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI Core 6.0 | Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Twilight Blue | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green |
| Models | SM-E055F, SM-E055F/DS | 23028RNCAG, 23028RN4DI, 23028RNCAI, 23028RN4DH |
| Price | ₹ 7,480 | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.46 W/kg (head) | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy F05
- More powerful Helio G85 chipset for better performance
- Faster 25W wired charging
- Potentially better image processing
- Likely a higher price point
- Potentially less optimized software
Xiaomi Redmi A2+
- Lower price point
- Potentially better battery life during light use
- Streamlined software experience
- Significantly slower 10W charging
- Less powerful Helio G36 chipset
Display Comparison
Neither Samsung nor Xiaomi provide display specifications beyond resolution. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. However, the focus here is on the chipset's ability to drive the display smoothly. The F05's more powerful GPU, paired with the Helio G85, should offer a slightly more responsive experience during scrolling and video playback, though both will likely target a 60Hz refresh rate. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable. However, given the market segment, both phones likely feature a primary camera around 8-13MP, accompanied by a depth or macro sensor. Image processing will be a key differentiator. Samsung generally leans towards vibrant, saturated colors, while Xiaomi often aims for a more natural look. The Helio G85 in the F05 offers slightly better image signal processing capabilities, potentially leading to better low-light performance, but the difference will likely be marginal. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device should be considered a marketing feature rather than a significant photographic asset.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy F05’s Mediatek Helio G85 utilizes a combination of 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture provides a significant performance boost over the Xiaomi Redmi A2+'s Helio G36, which employs 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Cortex-A75 cores in the F05 are substantially more powerful than the A53 cores in the A2+, resulting in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. While the A2+’s higher clock speed on the A53 cores might offer a slight edge in single-core tasks, the F05’s architecture is better suited for sustained performance. The G85 also has a more capable GPU, making it the better choice for casual gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Redmi A2+’s 10W charging is a significant disadvantage compared to the F05’s 25W wired charging. While a larger battery capacity on the A2+ could partially offset this, the F05 will offer significantly faster top-ups. A full charge on the F05 could take around 60-75 minutes, while the A2+ could require over 2 hours. The Helio G36’s efficiency might translate to slightly better battery life during light usage, but the F05’s faster charging is a more tangible benefit for most users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy F05 if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, multitasking, and benefit from 25W fast charging. This is ideal for students or users who frequently use resource-intensive apps. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ if you prioritize simplicity, longer battery life during light use, and a lower upfront cost. This phone is best suited for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy F05 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G85 in the F05 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Balanced or Low) to maintain a stable frame rate. The A2+’s Helio G36 will struggle with PUBG Mobile, offering a significantly less enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ with its 10W charger?
Given the 10W charging speed, a full charge from 0% to 100% on the Redmi A2+ will likely take over 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on battery capacity. This is considerably slower than the Samsung Galaxy F05’s 25W charging.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture (Cortex-A75 vs A53) noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the Cortex-A75 cores in the F05’s Helio G85 provide a noticeable improvement in responsiveness when opening apps, multitasking, and browsing the web compared to the Cortex-A53 cores in the A2+’s Helio G36. The A75 cores are designed for higher sustained performance.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and makes occasional calls?
For basic usage like WhatsApp and calls, the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ is sufficient. Its Helio G36 is capable of handling these tasks without issue, and its lower price point makes it a more economical choice. The F05’s extra power would be largely unused in this scenario.
