Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Xiaomi Redmi A1 and Samsung Galaxy A04e are two contenders vying for the budget phone crown. But which one truly delivers the best experience for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04e edges out the Redmi A1 thanks to its superior octa-core processor and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget options, the A04e offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| 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 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 06 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 09 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| 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) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 188 g (6.63 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 (~81.8% 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, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | 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, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Green, Light Blue, Black | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | 220733SI, 220733SG, 220733SL, 220743FI, 220733SH | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 170 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.85 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi A1
- Extremely affordable
- Large battery
- Decent basic functionality
- Weak processor
- Limited storage
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Better performance (octa-core)
- Potentially better camera
- Samsung's UI
- Larger storage options (potentially)
- Slightly more expensive
- Still a budget phone
- Slow charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with a resolution around 720 x 1600 pixels. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness. The Samsung might have slightly better color accuracy due to Samsung's display technology, but the difference will be minimal at this price point.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi A1 typically features a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth) while the Galaxy A04e often has a triple camera setup (50MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth). While megapixel count isn't everything, the A04e's higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing could result in slightly better photos, especially in good lighting conditions. Both will likely struggle in low light.
Performance
This is where the Galaxy A04e shines. Its octa-core Helio P35 processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the Redmi A1's quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive feel on the A04e. The Redmi A1 will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a large 5000mAh battery, offering 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 the absolute lowest price and basic functionality like calls, texts, and light social media. The Samsung Galaxy A04e is a better choice for those needing a bit more performance for multitasking, occasional gaming, and a slightly more polished user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A04e is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful octa-core processor.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either phone?
Yes, both phones support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage.
❓ Which phone has a better user interface?
Samsung's One UI is generally considered more polished and user-friendly than Xiaomi's MIUI, although MIUI has improved over time.
