The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G and Samsung Galaxy A05s represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality, they take distinctly different approaches – Xiaomi prioritizing exceptional battery endurance, and Samsung focusing on a more efficient chipset and brighter display.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing all-day (and then some) battery life, the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G is the clear winner, boasting a remarkable 45:26h endurance. However, the Samsung Galaxy A05s offers a more modern and efficient chipset, a brighter display, and faster charging, making it a better choice for those who value responsiveness and convenience.
| 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 | 2025, March 21 | 2023, September 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 21 | Available. Released 2023, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 171.7 x 77.8 x 8.3 mm (6.76 x 3.06 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 | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.88 inches, 112.4 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 15 (Go edition), up to 2 major Android upgrades | 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, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 32 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | 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 | 15W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Lake Green, Sandy Gold, Midnight Black | Black, Silver, Light Green, Violet |
| Models | 25028PC03G, 25028RN03A, 25028RN03I, 25028RN03Y | SM-A057F, SM-A057F/DS, SM-A057M, SM-A057M/DS, SM-A057G/DSN, SM-A057G |
| Price | € 69.85 / $ 75.09 / £ 54.99 / ₹ 6,499 | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 45:26h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G
- Exceptional battery life (45:26h endurance)
- Long battery lifespan (1000 charge cycles)
- Potentially lower price point
- Older chipset (Unisoc T7250)
- Likely less responsive user experience
- Display specs unknown, potentially lower brightness
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- More efficient chipset (Snapdragon 680)
- Brighter display (468 nits)
- Faster 25W charging
- Significantly shorter battery life (11:32h)
- Potentially higher price point
- Limited camera details
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A05s immediately distinguishes itself with a measured peak brightness of 468 nits, significantly exceeding what we’d expect in this price bracket. This translates to better visibility outdoors. While the Redmi A5 4G’s display specs are not provided, the A05s’ 1418:1 contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and a more dynamic image. The lack of information on the Redmi A5’s panel type makes a direct comparison difficult, but the A05s’ brighter display is a clear advantage for users who consume a lot of media in bright environments.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature cameras, but detailed specifications are limited. The context data only mentions 'Photo / Video' for the A05s. Given the price point, we can assume both phones rely on relatively basic camera systems. It’s likely the A05s benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processing (ISP), potentially offering better dynamic range and noise reduction. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the A05s’ ISP is a potential advantage. We can safely assume any 2MP macro sensors on either device will offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A05s leverages the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm), a more modern and efficient chipset than the Unisoc T7250 (12nm) found in the Redmi A5 4G. The Snapdragon 680’s octa-core configuration, with 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold cores and 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver cores, promises faster application loading and smoother multitasking compared to the Redmi A5’s 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 680 also contributes to better thermal management, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While the Redmi A5’s CPU clock speeds appear competitive on paper, the architectural advantages and process node of the Snapdragon 680 likely translate to a more fluid user experience.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G truly shines in battery endurance, achieving an impressive 45:26h of usage. This is a substantial lead over the Samsung Galaxy A05s’ 11:32h active use score. While the A05s compensates with faster 25W wired charging, the Redmi A5’s longevity is a significant advantage for users who prioritize minimizing charging frequency. The Redmi A5 also claims 1000 charge cycles, suggesting a longer lifespan before significant battery degradation. The A05s’ faster charging is convenient, but the A5’s sheer endurance is a game-changer for heavy users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G if you need a phone that can reliably last through two full days of moderate use, or if you frequently find yourself away from a power outlet. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you prefer a more responsive user experience, a brighter and more vibrant display for media consumption, and the convenience of faster 25W charging, even if it means charging more frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Unisoc T7250 in the Redmi A5 4G struggle with demanding apps or games?
The Unisoc T7250 is a budget-focused chipset. While it can handle everyday tasks like browsing and social media, it will likely struggle with graphically intensive games or demanding applications. Expect lower frame rates and potential lag in these scenarios. The Snapdragon 680 in the A05s offers a more capable experience for gaming and multitasking.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A05s with the 25W charger?
While the A05s supports 25W charging, the actual charging time will vary depending on factors like battery temperature and background processes. However, you can realistically expect a full charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. This is significantly faster than the Redmi A5 4G, which uses a 15W charger.
❓ Is the battery in the Redmi A5 4G likely to degrade quickly with frequent use?
Xiaomi claims the Redmi A5 4G’s battery is rated for 1000 charge cycles before significant degradation. This suggests a relatively long lifespan, even with daily charging. However, battery degradation is inevitable over time, and factors like charging habits and operating temperature can influence the rate of decline.
