Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Xiaomi Redmi A2+ and Samsung Galaxy A04 are two contenders vying for the budget crown. Both offer essential features, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04 edges out the Redmi A2+ thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and potentially better software support. However, the Redmi A2+ might offer a more competitive price, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers. Ultimately, it depends on your priorities.
| 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 24 | 2022, August 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 24 | 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 | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · 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 | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI | 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, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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 | 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, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| 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 |
| 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 | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | 23028RNCAG, 23028RN4DI, 23028RNCAI, 23028RN4DH | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi A2+
- Very affordable
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- MIUI Go Edition (optimized for low-end devices)
- Entry-level performance
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
- Plastic build quality
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Slightly better performance
- Samsung's One UI (potentially better software support)
- Larger main camera sensor
- More established brand
- Can be slightly more expensive
- Entry-level performance
- Slow charging
- Plastic build quality
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.5-inch displays, likely with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited color accuracy. The Galaxy A04 might have a slightly brighter panel, but this is difficult to confirm without detailed testing. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi A2+ typically features a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth) while the Galaxy A04 often has a triple-camera setup (50MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth). The higher megapixel count on the A04's main sensor *could* translate to slightly better image quality in good lighting conditions, but image processing will be a key factor. Both will struggle in low light.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A04's Helio P35 chipset holds a slight advantage over the Redmi A2+'s Helio G36. While both are entry-level processors, the P35 generally offers marginally better performance in everyday tasks and light gaming. Don't expect blazing speeds from either device.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have large 5000mAh batteries, providing 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 A2+ is ideal for users who prioritize affordability and basic functionality. The Samsung Galaxy A04 is a better choice for those seeking slightly improved performance and a more established brand reputation, even at a slightly higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Samsung Galaxy A04 is likely to receive longer software updates and security patches due to Samsung's established support policies.
❓ Can these phones handle gaming?
Both phones are primarily designed for basic tasks. Light gaming is possible, but don't expect smooth performance in demanding titles.
