The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Xiaomi Redmi A3x and Samsung Galaxy A05s represent two compelling options, but cater to different priorities. The A3x focuses on delivering a functional experience at the lowest possible price, while the A05s attempts to balance affordability with a more capable chipset and a better display. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A05s is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset offers significantly improved performance and efficiency compared to the Unisoc T603 in the Redmi A3x, translating to a smoother user experience and better app responsiveness. While the A3x is cheaper, the A05s’ superior processing power and display justify the price difference.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, May 24 | 2023, September 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May 24 | Available. Released 2023, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 168.4 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm (6.63 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T603 (22 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, MIUI | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | 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, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Moonlight White (Starry White), Aurora Green (Ocean Green), Olive Green | Black, Silver, Light Green, Violet |
| Models | 24048RN6CG, 24048RN6CI | SM-A057F, SM-A057F/DS, SM-A057M, SM-A057M/DS, SM-A057G/DSN, SM-A057G |
| Price | $ 99.99 / € 85.45 / ₹ 6,428 | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi A3x
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Potentially lighter build
- Significantly weaker performance
- Less efficient chipset
- Likely lower display quality
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 680
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- Faster 25W charging
- Slightly higher price
- May not have the absolute lowest price
- Camera quality is likely average
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A05s boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 468 nits, compared to an assumed lower brightness on the Redmi A3x (typical of its price bracket). This makes the A05s more usable outdoors. Furthermore, the A05s’ 1418:1 contrast ratio indicates deeper blacks and more vivid colors. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the A05s’ superior brightness and contrast contribute to a more enjoyable viewing experience. The Redmi A3x’s display specs are not provided, suggesting a more basic implementation focused on cost reduction.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature cameras geared towards casual use. The context data only mentions 'Photo / Video' capability for the A05s, suggesting a standard camera setup. The A3x’s camera specs are absent, implying a basic sensor. Without detailed information on sensor size, aperture, or image processing, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the A05s’ overall hardware advantage, it’s likely to deliver slightly better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. It's reasonable to assume both phones will include a 2MP macro camera, which offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Samsung Galaxy A05s’ Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a far more efficient and powerful chipset than the Xiaomi Redmi A3x’s Unisoc T603 (22nm). The Snapdragon 680’s octa-core configuration, with 4x2.4 GHz Kryo Gold cores and 4x1.9 GHz Kryo Silver cores, provides a significant boost in CPU performance. The 6nm process node also translates to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained tasks. The Unisoc T603, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking. This difference is critical for users who play games or use resource-intensive apps.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A05s shines in battery life, achieving an active use score of 11 hours and 32 minutes. While the Redmi A3x’s battery capacity is unknown, its less efficient Unisoc T603 chipset will likely result in shorter runtimes. The A05s also supports 25W wired charging, significantly faster than the A3x’s 10W charging. This means the A05s can be topped up much quicker, minimizing downtime. The combination of efficient hardware and faster charging gives the A05s a clear advantage in battery performance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A3x if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a functional device for those on a very tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or value a brighter, more vibrant display. The A05s offers a better overall value proposition for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the Galaxy A05s handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 680 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a playable experience that the Unisoc T603 in the Redmi A3x would likely struggle with.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A05s with the 25W charger?
With the included 25W charger, the Samsung Galaxy A05s should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is significantly faster than the Redmi A3x’s 10W charging.
❓ Is the camera on the Galaxy A05s good enough for social media photos?
The Galaxy A05s’ camera is adequate for casual social media photography in good lighting conditions. While it won’t compete with higher-end smartphones, it should produce acceptable results for everyday snapshots and sharing.
❓ Does the Unisoc T603 in the Redmi A3x get hot during prolonged use?
The Unisoc T603, being a 22nm chip, is more prone to thermal throttling than the Snapdragon 680’s 6nm process. Expect performance to decrease during extended gaming sessions or when running multiple apps simultaneously.
