Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ and Samsung Galaxy A04 are two contenders vying for the budget crown. But which one truly delivers the best experience for the price?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04 edges out the Redmi A1+ thanks to its superior octa-core processor and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget options, the A04 offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 23 | 2022, August 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Available. Released 2022, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Green, Light Blue, Black | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | 220733SFG | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M |
| Price | € 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670 | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- Very affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Decent battery life
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Limited features
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Better performance
- Improved camera quality
- More versatile camera system
- Slightly better software experience
- Still a budget phone
- Slow charging
- Basic design
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with a resolution around 720 x 1600 pixels (HD+). Expect similar viewing experiences, though Samsung's display technology might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The A04 may have a slightly higher screen-to-body ratio.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi A1+ typically features a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth) and an 8MP front camera. The Galaxy A04 usually has a triple-camera setup (50MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth) and a 5MP front camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the A04's higher resolution main sensor and more versatile camera system should result in better image quality, especially in good lighting conditions.
Performance
This is where the Galaxy A04 shines. Its octa-core Helio P35 processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the Redmi A1+'s quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the A04. Gaming performance will also be better on the A04.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, suggesting all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are limited to 10W on both devices, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ is ideal for users prioritizing simplicity and a very tight budget. The Samsung Galaxy A04 is a better choice for those needing a bit more performance and a slightly more polished software experience, even if it's still a budget device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A04 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor.
❓ Which phone has better camera quality?
The Samsung Galaxy A04 generally offers better camera quality, particularly with its higher resolution main sensor and more versatile camera setup.
❓ Are these phones 5G capable?
No, neither the Xiaomi Redmi A1+ nor the Samsung Galaxy A04 support 5G connectivity. They both rely on 4G LTE.
