The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R Pro and Samsung Galaxy A35 represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. This comparison dives deep into their specifications, focusing on the core differences in chipset architecture, display capabilities, and real-world battery performance to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and a brighter display, the Samsung Galaxy A35 emerges as the stronger contender. Its Exynos 1380, built on a 5nm process, offers a performance edge and better thermal management, while the 1024 nit display provides superior outdoor visibility. However, the Redmi Note 13R Pro remains a viable option for those seeking a more affordable device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 26, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, November 20 | 2024, March 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, November 20 | Available. Released 2024, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 161.1 x 75 x 7.7 mm (6.34 x 2.95 x 0.30 in) | 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm (6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1000 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6080 (6 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MP5 |
| OS | Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 108 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.96", PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Gold | Iceblue, Lilac, Navy, Lemon |
| Models | 2311FRAFDC | SM-A356E, SM-A356E/DS, SM-A356B, SM-A356B/DS, SM-A356U, SM-A356U1 |
| Price | About 260 EUR | $ 138.00 / C$ 419.99 / £ 205.99 / € 259.99 / ₹ 18,299 |
| SAR | - | 0.81 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.44 W/kg (head) 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R Pro
- Potentially lower price point
- Faster 33W wired charging
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Less powerful chipset (Dimensity 6080)
- Likely lower display brightness
- Unknown battery capacity and runtime
Samsung Galaxy A35
- More powerful and efficient chipset (Exynos 1380)
- Brighter 1024 nit display
- Longer battery life (12:26h active use)
- Slower 25W wired charging
- Potentially higher price
- Samsung’s One UI can be resource intensive
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A35 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1024 nits, compared to an unstated value for the Redmi Note 13R Pro. This brightness advantage translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels (based on brand trends), Samsung’s panel is expected to have better color accuracy and viewing angles. The Redmi Note 13R Pro’s display specifications are currently limited, making a detailed comparison of color gamut coverage and refresh rate impossible, but the A35’s brightness is a clear win.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for the Redmi Note 13R Pro, a direct comparison is challenging. However, Samsung typically prioritizes image processing and software optimization. The A35 likely benefits from Samsung’s advanced algorithms for noise reduction and dynamic range. While both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, the quality of the main sensor and the effectiveness of image stabilization (OIS, if present) are crucial. We can assume the A35 will deliver more consistent and refined image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely inconsequential, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core performance difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A35’s Exynos 1380 (5nm) utilizes Cortex-A78 cores, which offer a performance uplift over the Cortex-A76 cores found in the Redmi Note 13R Pro’s Dimensity 6080 (6nm). The 5nm fabrication process of the Exynos 1380 also contributes to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling under sustained load. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations, the A35’s architecture is more modern and efficient. This translates to smoother multitasking and a better gaming experience, particularly in demanding titles. The Redmi Note 13R Pro will handle everyday tasks adequately, but the A35 has a clear advantage in processing power.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A35 demonstrates a clear advantage in battery endurance, achieving 12 hours and 26 minutes of active use. While the Redmi Note 13R Pro’s battery capacity is unknown, the A35’s longer runtime suggests a combination of a larger battery and more efficient power management, likely stemming from the 5nm Exynos 1380. The A35 supports 25W wired charging, while the Redmi Note 13R Pro offers 33W. However, the faster charging speed of the Redmi Note 13R Pro is offset by the A35’s superior battery life, meaning fewer charging cycles are needed overall.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R Pro if you need a highly affordable device with decent performance for everyday tasks and aren't heavily reliant on demanding applications or extended gaming sessions. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A35 if you prefer a brighter, more vibrant display, smoother performance in graphically intensive games, and longer battery life during active use, even if it comes at a slightly higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1380 in the Galaxy A35 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1380, built on a 5nm process, is generally well-regarded for its thermal efficiency. While some heat generation is inevitable during demanding tasks like gaming, the 5nm node and Samsung’s thermal management solutions should prevent significant throttling and maintain stable performance for extended periods. It's less prone to overheating than the 6nm Dimensity 6080.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 13R Pro significantly faster in real-world use, considering the Galaxy A35's longer battery life?
While 33W is faster than 25W on paper, the Galaxy A35’s superior battery life means you’ll need to charge it less frequently. The time saved by the faster charging on the Redmi Note 13R Pro is likely offset by the need to top it up more often. The A35’s efficiency provides a better overall charging experience.
❓ How does the performance of the Dimensity 6080 compare to the Exynos 1380 in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming, both chipsets will provide a smooth experience. However, the Exynos 1380’s more modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A78 vs A76) will result in slightly faster app loading times and smoother multitasking, even if the difference isn’t immediately noticeable.
