Budget Phone Battle: Samsung Galaxy A05 vs Xiaomi Redmi 13C vs Realme Narzo 70x – Which Affordable Smartphone Reigns Supreme?

by Marcin Frąckiewicz
in Uncategorized
on 12 August 2025

The budget smartphone arena is more competitive than ever. Samsung’s Galaxy A05, Xiaomi’s Redmi 13C, and Realme’s Narzo 70x are three entry-level contenders launched in late 2023 to 2024, each aiming to offer maximum value for minimal cost. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down their performance, displays, cameras, battery life, software, design, connectivity, pricing, and even peek at upcoming models in these series. Which of these affordable phones offers the best bang for your buck in 2025? Let’s find out.

Performance: Processor, RAM, and Benchmarks

Galaxy A05 and Redmi 13C – Helio G85 Twins: Both the Galaxy A05 and Redmi 13C are powered by MediaTek’s Helio G85 octa-core chipset (12nm process, 2×Cortex-A75 @2.0GHz + 6×A55 @1.8GHz) en.wikipedia.org. This chip was mid-range in 2020 and delivers decent everyday performance for tasks like calling, messaging, and casual apps. Paired with 4GB or 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM (up to 8GB in some Redmi 13C variants) and eMMC 5.1 storage, these phones can handle basic multitasking but struggle under heavy loads. Tech Advisor found the Redmi 13C’s real-world speed sluggish, noting that “launching apps, scrolling and switching between apps is very slow at times,” and even 2D interface animations can stutter. The complex, bloat-heavy MIUI/HyperOS software on the Redmi (Android 14-based) was blamed for bogging down an “otherwise acceptable chipset”. Similarly, users of the Galaxy A05 report that its One UI Core software is generally smooth for simple use, but it lags with heavier usage given the modest processor. On graphics, the Mali-G52 MC2 GPU in the G85 is only capable of casual gaming – demanding 3D games will run at low settings.

Realme Narzo 70x – Dimensity 6100+ Advantage: The Narzo 70x packs a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G chipset (6nm) with a more powerful CPU (2×Cortex-A76 @2.2GHz + 6×A55) and Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. In benchmarks, this modern chip soundly outperforms the Helio G85: it scores about 50% higher in AnTuTu v10 (≈393K vs 263K) and delivers roughly 45–76% better CPU performance in Geekbench 6. This translates to snappier multitasking and higher frame rates in games. Reviewers note the Narzo 70x “ensures a smooth display experience” in daily use, and users find its performance capable for the price, with no major lag in typical apps or UI navigation. Realme offers 4GB or 6GB RAM options (plus virtual RAM), 128GB storage, and notably uses faster UFS storage (versus eMMC on its rivals) – helping app loading times. The Narzo’s extra horsepower means it can better sustain the 120Hz display fluidity (more on that below) and handle games at medium settings, whereas the G85 phones are stuck on low settings. In short, performance is a win for the Narzo 70x, while the Galaxy A05 and Redmi 13C are adequate for light use but show their budget limits under pressure.

Display: Size, Refresh Rate & Quality

All three phones sport large displays around 6.7 inches, but the quality and specs vary:

Samsung Galaxy A05: 6.7-inch PLS LCD, HD+ 720×1600 resolution (~262 ppi), standard 60Hz refresh. This screen is spacious but the lowest-resolution here, so it isn’t the sharpest – you may notice some pixelation on fine text. It’s a basic 60Hz panel with no high refresh rate, so animations and scrolling won’t appear as smooth as on the others. Brightness is serviceable (around 400–450 nits typical), enough for indoor use but can struggle under harsh sunlight. Colors are decent though not particularly vivid, and viewing angles are just okay (expect contrast and color shift at off-angles). In short, the A05’s display is satisfactory for everyday use but clearly a cost-cutting area – it lacks the pop and fluidity that modern phone screens have.
Xiaomi Redmi 13C: 6.74-inch IPS LCD, HD+ 720×1600, but with an up to 90Hz refresh rate. Xiaomi dubs it a “Dot Drop” display (which means a small waterdrop notch at the top for the selfie camera). The Redmi 13C’s panel matches the Galaxy in resolution (720p), so it’s also not ultra-sharp on such a big screen. However, it benefits from a smoother 90Hz capability, making scrolling and compatible apps feel more fluid – when the phone’s performance can keep up. The Redmi’s screen brightness is rated at 450 nits (600 nits High Brightness Mode), which is moderate, and its color reproduction is on the cooler, paler side according to reviews. Tech Advisor noted the 13C’s display is “only moderately bright” with a limited color gamut and some contrast shift at slight angles. On the positive side, it has Corning Gorilla Glass protection and even TÜV Rheinland low blue light and flicker-free certifications, which is rare in this class. Overall, the Redmi 13C’s display is a slight step up from the A05 thanks to 90Hz refresh, but still a 720p budget panel – good enough for YouTube, social media, and the like, but not as crisp or vibrant as higher-end screens.
Realme Narzo 70x: 6.72-inch IPS LCD, FHD+ 1080×2400 resolution (~392 ppi), with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This is by far the most impressive display of the trio. It’s the only one with full 1080p resolution, making text and images much sharper. It also boasts a 120Hz ultra-smooth refresh, which is very noticeable in daily use – scrolling and animations look buttery fluid. Impressively, Realme cites up to 950 nits peak brightness, and reviewers confirmed the Narzo 70x screen is easy to view outdoors with its high brightness and good contrast. Cashify noted it’s “one of the few…to offer a fast refresh rate as well as a Full-HD+ display in this range,” with vibrant colors despite being an LCD. The panel supports 240Hz touch sampling for responsive gaming, and has a centrally placed punch-hole cutout (giving it a more modern look than the others’ notches). You also get Widevine L1 DRM support for HD streaming video. In sum, the Narzo 70x delivers a bright, crisp, and smooth display that’s arguably best-in-class for budget phones – a notable selling point over the A05 and 13C.

Summary: The Narzo 70x wins hands-down in display quality (higher resolution, 120Hz refresh, superior brightness). The Redmi 13C comes second with a usable but unremarkable 720p LCD that at least offers 90Hz. The Galaxy A05 trails with a basic 720p/60Hz screen. If you value a sharp and fluid display for videos, reading, or gaming, the Narzo is clearly superior.

Camera Capabilities: Lenses, Photos and Videos

Megapixels can be deceiving, as all three phones sport a 50 MP primary rear camera, yet their overall camera setups and results have nuances:

Galaxy A05: Dual rear camera (50 MP f/1.8 main + 2 MP depth sensor); Front: 8 MP f/2.0 selfie. The A05 sticks to the basics – a high-resolution main sensor paired with a simple depth lens for portrait mode. In good lighting, the 50MP camera can capture surprisingly good photos for its price – images are detailed and fairly colorful under favorable conditions. Samsung’s image processing tends to produce crowd-pleasing vibrant colors. Tech X Reviews found it “capable of capturing good-quality photos under favorable conditions, which is impressive for a phone at this price”. However, without any dedicated low-light hardware (no OIS, no Night Mode magic like in higher models), the A05 struggles in dim lighting – expect noise and loss of detail at night. The 2MP depth sensor helps with background blur in portrait shots, and by most accounts it works adequately for improving edge detection. There is no ultra-wide or macro lens here, so flexibility is limited. Video recording maxes out at 1080p @ 30fps (the A05 can do 60fps as well on main camera), and quality is average; there’s no stabilization, so videos can be shaky. The 8MP front camera is fine for casual selfies and video calls, but again nothing remarkable – it performs best outdoors or in well-lit settings. Overall, the Galaxy A05’s camera setup is competent for simple snaps: great in daylight, mediocre at night, and limited to standard shots (no wide-angle or real close-up capabilities).
Xiaomi Redmi 13C: Triple rear camera (officially “50MP + 2MP + auxiliary lens”) which in practice is 50 MP f/1.8 main + 2 MP macro + 0.08 MP depth (AI lens); Front: 8 MP f/2.0. Xiaomi touts a triple camera, but notably “you can only shoot with two of them: the 50MP main lens and a 2MP macro” – the third is just a depth sensor to assist portraits. In daylight, the Redmi 13C’s main camera can produce “passably sharp and well-balanced pictures” that are decent given the phone’s low price. It handles social-media shots and everyday photos reasonably well. However, in low-light conditions the quality drops significantly – Tech Advisor observed “no nuance whatsoever in the darkest areas, with images becoming noisy and lacking detail” at night. Night Mode is present but only does so much on this hardware. The 2MP macro lens lets you get extremely close (4cm) to subjects, but its utility is limited by the very low resolution – macro shots are often soft and require perfect lighting. It’s more a fun extra than a truly useful camera. The depth sensor assists portrait mode, and Tech Advisor noted it does help achieve a pleasing shallow depth-of-field effect for portraits, working “well overall” for blurring backgrounds. As for video, the Redmi 13C matches the others with 1080p@30fps recording (no 4K, no stabilization). Focus and exposure can be finicky – the review noted the focus and auto-flash behavior were sometimes unpredictable. The front 8MP camera is on par with the A05’s – decent in good light, with accurate skin tones, but details can be overprocessed and it struggles in low light (Realme’s review said this about their 8MP, which equally applies to Xiaomi’s). Bottom line: the Redmi 13C’s cameras are acceptable for basic photography – you’ll get nice photos in sunshine and can play with macro shots, but low-light and overall camera performance are where its budget nature shows.
Realme Narzo 70x: Dual rear camera (50 MP f/1.8 main + 2 MP depth); Front: 8 MP f/2.0. Realme kept the Narzo 70x camera setup straightforward, forgoing gimmicky extra lenses. The 50MP main sensor (likely similar spec to the others) delivers good results in daylight – reviewers were pleased with the shots: colors are vibrant and there’s plenty of detail for social media needs. Realme’s tuning leans towards punchy, “social-media-ready” outputs that look sharp on phone screens. However, the Narzo has the same weakness in dim lighting: without an ultra-night sensor or OIS, low-light photos turn out grainy and lack detail, and darkest areas have little definition. Night Mode helps somewhat, but don’t expect miracles – Cashify reported the output “isn’t anything extraordinary” in night shots even with Night Mode. The 2MP depth sensor is mostly there to pad the spec sheet; it aids portrait background blur but, like on the A05, doesn’t do much beyond what software alone could. Notably, Narzo 70x does NOT include an ultrawide or macro lens, which some rivals in mid-budget do – Realme clearly prioritized other features (like the display and charging). For video, you get up to 1080p @30fps recording; Realme does include some fun modes like dual-view video, slow-motion (720p@120fps), etc., but quality is average. The Narzo’s 8MP front camera produces “acceptable photos with accurate skin tones”, though detail can be a bit over-smoothed by the beauty filters. It suffices for selfies and TikToks, just don’t expect pin-sharp clarity on a big screen.

Camera verdict: All three of these phones take good photos in bright conditions thanks to their 50MP sensors, but they all struggle in low light – a common trait at this price. None has an ultrawide lens, which is a noticeable omission if you like wide landscape shots, and only the Redmi offers a macro lens (fun but of limited practical quality). If forced to rank, the Narzo 70x’s camera might edge ahead by virtue of Realme’s image tuning and having the newest sensor – reviews noted it consistently produced pleasing daytime shots. The Galaxy A05 is not far behind; it can also capture solid photos in good light and even supports 1080p@60fps video (the others are capped at 30fps). The Redmi 13C is a bit of a mixed bag – decent daylight performance, but its “triple camera” is somewhat misleading, and according to one tech review, Xiaomi fell short of an acceptable bar in camera performance (among other areas) on this model. In practice, casual shooters will find any of these sufficient for Instagram and everyday snaps. Just don’t expect great night photos or high-end video stabilization – for that, you’d need to spend more.

Battery Life and Charging: 5000mAh But Not Equal

Big batteries are a staple of budget phones, and indeed each of these devices comes with a 5000 mAh battery. In day-to-day use, all three can comfortably last through a full day of moderate usage (think 5-7 hours of screen-on time) on a single charge. However, differences in hardware efficiency and charging speeds set them apart:

Samsung Galaxy A05: 5000mAh battery, supports 25W fast charging (USB-C Power Delivery). This is a pleasant surprise – Samsung equipped the A05 with 25W charging capability, which is fairly high for its class (many competitors only do 10W or 18W). In practice, 25W can refill the 5000mAh cell in around 1.5 hours. Caveat: Samsung did not include a charger in the box for some regions, so you might need to buy a 25W PD charger to take advantage of the top speed. As for endurance, the A05’s combination of a power-hungry 12nm chip and large screen at 60Hz yields good but not record-breaking battery life. The lower resolution and lack of 5G help keep drain in check, and Samsung’s One UI Core is relatively optimized. Users report easily getting a full day of typical use (messaging, web, a little video) with 20-30% left by night. In standby, the phone loses little power. That said, in screen-on torture tests the A05 doesn’t last as long as some rivals with more efficient SoCs – Notebookcheck’s battery rating for it was only 50%, indicating it falls behind the best in class. Still, for most, the A05 offers reliable all-day battery life, and the inclusion of 25W fast-charge is a notable perk (a 30-minute top-up can bring it from 0 to ~50%).
Xiaomi Redmi 13C: 5000mAh battery, supports 18W charging (but ships with only a 10W charger). Xiaomi has focused on battery endurance in its Redmi C series before, and the 13C is no exception. Some marketing boasts “2.5 days of use” on a single charge under light usage, thanks to software optimizations and aggressive power management. In real-world use, battery life is solid – easily a full day and potentially two days if you’re a light user. However, Tech Advisor’s testing found it “never that long-lasting”, getting between 8 to 13 hours of active use per day before needing a recharge. This likely reflects heavier usage patterns (including the display at 90Hz which slightly increases power draw). The Helio G85 isn’t the most efficient chip, and MIUI’s background processes can also sap some power. Still, the Redmi 13C will not die on you before day’s end in normal use, and many users applaud its endurance. The downside is charging speed: while the phone can charge at 18W via USB-C, the included adapter is only 10W, meaning out-of-box charging is slow (well over 2 hours for a full charge). If you purchase an 18W PD charger, you can cut that down to roughly ~2 hours for 0-100%. There’s no wireless charging (none of these budget phones have that). So, Redmi prioritized big battery capacity but cut costs on charging speed. Summary: great battery longevity for everyday needs, but be prepared for a slow recharge unless you invest in a faster charger.
Realme Narzo 70x: 5000mAh battery, supports 45W SUPERVOOC charging (charger in-box). Realme managed to one-up the others by offering almost mid-range charging specs here. At 45W, the Narzo 70x can juice up approximately 50% in just 20-25 minutes and do a full 0-100% charge in about 60 minutes. Reviewers were impressed, noting it’s “one of the few phones in this price range with 45W charging,” while most competitors top out at 15W or 33W. Even better, Realme includes the 45W SUPERVOOC charger in the box, so you’re ready to enjoy those fast top-ups at no extra cost. When it comes to endurance, the Narzo’s combination of a power-efficient 6nm chipset and adaptive 120Hz display yields excellent battery life. Despite the high-refresh screen, the phone can dynamically switch to 60Hz when static to save power, and the Dimensity 6100+ sips power compared to the older Helio G85. Users report easily getting through a day of heavy usage (including gaming and streaming) with battery to spare. Cashify’s reviewer noted it “can easily last a day on normal usage” and even with fairly heavy use, they didn’t run it flat before bedtime. The Narzo 70x also has intelligent battery protection features to preserve long-term battery health during those speedy charging cycles. Overall, it offers the best battery experience here – both in longevity and in how little you’ll wait plugged in when it does need a charge.

In summary, all three phones have the same 5,000mAh capacity, so differences come down to efficiency and charging tech. The Realme Narzo 70x clearly leads with all-day battery life plus blazing-fast 45W charging that leaves the others far behind. The Redmi 13C is a close second in longevity (its 90Hz mode and software might make it drain slightly faster than the A05 in practice), but its charging is the slowest unless you upgrade the charger. The Galaxy A05 sits in the middle – its battery life is decent, and 25W charging is relatively quick (though not as fast as the Narzo’s 45W). If you’re often on the go, the Narzo’s ability to grab a quick charge and keep going is a significant advantage. If you prioritize pure battery endurance above all, all three will satisfy, with perhaps Redmi having a slight edge due to lower power screen (when locked to 60Hz) – but the differences are not huge. Notably, none of these phones support wireless charging (expected at this price), and all use USB-C ports and still include the beloved 3.5mm headphone jack for audio.

Software and Updates: Android Versions and UI Experience

Operating Systems Out of the Box: All three phones launched with Android 13 or 14 variants, but with different custom manufacturer skins:

The Samsung Galaxy A05 comes with One UI Core 5.1 on Android 13 at launch. One UI Core is a streamlined version of Samsung’s interface (used on budget models) – it has the familiar Samsung look but omits some heavier features (e.g. Samsung Pay, Knox security, some advanced multitasking) to run more smoothly on low-end hardware. It has a relatively clean home screen, an edge panel, and a robust set of Samsung’s own apps (Galaxy Store, Internet, etc.). Samsung’s UI is generally considered user-friendly and stable, even in this Core edition. By late 2024, Samsung rolled out the Android 14 update (One UI Core 6.1) to the A05, bringing improvements and the latest security patches. It’s confirmed that the A05 is eligible for 2 OS updates and 4 years of security updates – meaning it will get Android 15 in the future and security patches through around 2027. This level of support is excellent in the budget segment (where many phones get only one update, or none). Samsung also addressed some early software bugs – notably there were reports of touchscreen reliability issues on the A05 at launch, which the company has worked on via firmware fixes. Day-to-day, One UI Core on the A05 runs relatively light; there are no ads in the UI (unlike Xiaomi’s MIUI) and minimal bloatware beyond Samsung’s own apps. It supports AI face unlock (since there’s no fingerprint sensor) and standard features like dual Messenger, theme customization, etc. Overall, Samsung provides the most robust software support here, and a smooth if basic UI experience. The promise of Android 15 in 2025 gives the A05 a bit of future-proofing that its rivals lack.
The Xiaomi Redmi 13C initially ran MIUI 14 based on Android 13, but Xiaomi soon transitioned this model to HyperOS (Android 14) in applicable regions. HyperOS is Xiaomi’s new branding (from late 2023) for its operating system, which is an evolution of MIUI with some under-the-hood improvements. In practice, Redmi 13C’s interface is feature-rich but heavier on resources. Xiaomi includes a lot of built-in apps and services – both its own (GetApps store, Themes, Mi Security, etc.) and third-party bloatware. In fact, on first boot you’ll find folders of “Suggested apps/games” which are essentially placeholder icons that install if tapped. This can make the phone feel cluttered until you uninstall or hide what you don’t need. Xiaomi’s UI is known for extensive customization (you can change icon packs, animate wallpapers, use floating windows, etc.) and useful tools (like a built-in screen recorder, QR scanner, etc.), which enthusiasts appreciate. However, the “overly complex software” was a point of criticism in at least one review – it can tax the limited hardware, leading to lag. Ads and promotions may appear in system apps (though Xiaomi lets you disable some of these). On updates, Xiaomi has a more limited commitment: the Redmi 13C is promised only one major Android update (to Android 15) and perhaps two years of security patches. Indeed, Tech Advisor noted “Xiaomi only promises one generation update” for the 13C, a policy that lags behind Samsung’s. This means the phone might not see Android 16, and by 2025 it could be running its final OS version. On the positive side, the move to HyperOS has brought some efficiency gains, and user feedback suggests the Redmi 13C runs a bit smoother on the newer firmware. Still, MIUI/HyperOS is quite heavy for a budget device – multitasking can be frustrating when the software takes up a good chunk of RAM. If you prefer a cleaner experience, Xiaomi’s approach might not be your favorite. But if you love customizing and tweaking settings, the Redmi 13C provides plenty of options. Just be prepared to remove bloat and accept that long-term updates are limited.
The Realme Narzo 70x ships with Realme UI 5.0 on Android 14. Realme UI is an offshoot of Oppo’s ColorOS – it’s fairly feature-packed and has a look and feel somewhat akin to stock Android mixed with some iOS inspiration (e.g. similar control center). On the Narzo 70x, the software felt “feature-rich” yet did come pre-loaded with a number of apps (some of which are Oppo/Realme’s partners). Specifically, reviewers called out the presence of Hot Apps and Hot Games folders (ad content suggestions) and several pre-installed apps that you might want to uninstall. This bloatware is a minor annoyance, but beyond that Realme UI 5 is quite polished. It offers smooth animations (120Hz support) and useful features like a smart sidebar, customizable Always-on Display, and RAM expansion (using storage as virtual RAM). Importantly, the Narzo 70x was launched in late 2024, so it’s very up-to-date on software; it is expected to receive Android 15 with Realme UI 6.0 in 2025 (Realme has begun rolling out UI 6 based on Android 15 for newer devices). Realme’s policy for Narzo series isn’t explicitly stated, but typically they deliver at least 1 major OS update (possibly 2) and around 2-3 years of security patches for mid-range devices. Given the Narzo 70x debuted on Android 14, it should see Android 15 in late 2024 or early 2025 and potentially Android 16 later, especially since Realme has already launched its Narzo 80x on Android 15 (indicating Narzo 70x will get at least that one bump). The Narzo’s Realme UI has been praised for smooth performance – it seems well-optimized for the hardware, as day-to-day interactions are fluid (helped by that 120Hz display and capable SoC). It also supports dual 5G standby, some special game optimization modes, and Dolby Atmos settings for audio, enhancing the multimedia experience. One perk: Realme UI generally does not serve ads in the interface (aside from the hot apps suggestions, which can be disabled). Overall, Narzo 70x offers a modern software experience with Android 14 out of the box and likely at least one future Android version. It strikes a middle ground between Samsung’s lean approach and Xiaomi’s heavy customization – Realme UI has lots of features but remains fairly smooth and user-friendly after a bit of bloat cleanup.

Update Summary: In terms of longevity, Samsung leads – the Galaxy A05 is slated to get Android 15 and a long tail of security updates, which is unusual generosity for a $100 phone. Xiaomi’s Redmi 13C is weakest on update commitment (just to Android 15, and MIUI has historically been slow with updates on budget models). Realme sits in between: the Narzo 70x is on the latest Android 14 already and should see at least one major update (and Realme’s newer Narzo models launching with Android 15 suggest they are keeping pace). If having the latest OS and patches matters to you, Samsung’s track record is best here.

User Experience and UI Snappiness: Samsung’s One UI Core is arguably the lightest and most straightforward interface, which helps the A05 run relatively smoothly despite limited hardware. Xiaomi’s HyperOS (MIUI) offers the most features but can feel heavy – as one reviewer put it, “Xiaomi likes to put in its own apps…most of them I can do without,” and the phone can feel messy until you set it up to your liking. Realme UI is closer to Samsung’s philosophy than Xiaomi’s; aside from some preloads, it’s optimized for speed and has a clean aesthetic. All three UIs support dark mode, digital wellbeing, split-screen apps, etc., so core Android features are there. Only the Redmi has NFC hardware (for contactless payments) in some regional models – Samsung omitted NFC on the A05 (it’s usually not present in this price tier for Samsung), and Realme Narzo 70x does not advertise NFC either (it’s largely targeted at markets like India where NFC isn’t a must on budget phones). So if you need Google Pay via NFC, check the specific variant of Redmi 13C (the global/EU version does include NFC).

In summary, software might be the deciding factor for many users. If you want a no-frills, reliable UI with long updates – the Galaxy A05’s One UI Core is a strong choice. If you love customization and don’t mind a bit of lag or tweaking, the Redmi 13C’s MIUI/HyperOS will give you a lot to play with (just know it won’t get many updates). The Realme Narzo 70x offers a fresh Android 14 experience with lots of features and likely one major update forthcoming, sitting in a nice middle ground. Just be aware that both Xiaomi and Realme phones come with more bloatware out-of-the-box, whereas Samsung is relatively cleaner. All three companies have their own ecosystems (Samsung’s SmartThings, Xiaomi’s Mi Home, Realme’s linked with Oppo’s services), but you can of course just use Google’s apps if you prefer.

Build Quality and Design: Look and Feel

Despite their low prices, these phones try to offer modern designs – though materials are unsurprisingly mostly plastic:

Design Aesthetics: The Samsung Galaxy A05 follows Samsung’s 2023 design language with a simple, clean look. It has a plastic unibody build with a glossy plastic back featuring subtle stripe patterns for texture. The back houses two individual camera rings (no big bump, each lens protrudes slightly, inspired by Samsung’s flagship design style). It’s available in classic colors like Black, Silver, and Light Green phonebunch.com. On the front, the A05 uses an “Infinity-V” waterdrop notch for the selfie camera, with relatively thick bezels especially at the chin. It’s not the most modern-looking from the front (punch-holes are sleeker), but it’s typical for this segment. The phone is a bit chunky at 8.8mm thick and weighs 195g – you’ll feel its presence in the hand. The frame is plastic as well, with a matte finish for grip. No fingerprint scanner is present on the A05 (a notable omission – even at this price many phones have one). Samsung likely cut it to save cost; users must rely on PIN/pattern or 2D face unlock via the front camera, which works but is less secure. The power and volume buttons are on the right, and there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom next to the USB-C port and single speaker. The A05 does not have any official water resistance rating. Overall, the Galaxy A05’s build is solid and utilitarian – it doesn’t feel premium (it’s all plastic after all), but Samsung’s fit and finish are good. The glossy back might pick up fingerprints, so many will use the included clear case (if provided) or another case. The design isn’t flashy, yet it’s functional and durable – the front is glass (likely standard hardened glass), so use a screen protector to avoid scratches.
Xiaomi Redmi 13C: Xiaomi gave the Redmi 13C a slight design refresh over the 12C. It features a flat frame and a plastic back with a matte finish (available in Midnight Black, Navy Blue, Clover Green, and Glacier White). The back design is minimalist; the triple-camera module is a rectangular island in the top left, but interestingly only two lenses are actually “real” cameras – one of the three circles is just cosmetic or houses the tiny depth sensor. The back cover on some colors has a subtle texture to improve grip. The Redmi 13C is relatively large: it measures 168×78×8.1 mm and weighs around 192g, almost identical footprint to the A05. Tech Advisor described it as “big and clunky” and noted that its wide dimensions and angular frame make one-handed use difficult – most people will need two hands for comfort. However, the build quality felt solid with no creaks. Xiaomi claims an IP52 rating unofficially on some variants, basically meaning it can survive light splashes (though this isn’t heavily advertised). The front of the Redmi 13C has a “Dot Drop” notch (waterdrop style) and similarly sizeable bezels/chin. One nice touch: it does have a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button for quick unlocking. This is fast and convenient, and it doubles as a power/lock button on the right side. The phone retains a 3.5mm jack on top, and also an IR blaster – a common Xiaomi perk – letting you use it as a remote control for TVs/AC, etc. On the bottom, you’ll find the USB-C port and mono speaker. The Redmi’s style is somewhat bland but inoffensive – “they don’t look cheap, at least from a distance,” as one reviewer quipped. The black version especially has a clean, slab-like look. In hand, the flat edges might dig a bit into your palm due to the device’s size. Using the included case (if one comes in the box) is recommended for better grip, as the matte back, while not slippery, is quite broad to hold. Durability is on par with others – a plastic build that can handle day-to-day knocks; Gorilla Glass protects the screen from minor scratches. Overall, the Redmi 13C’s design is practical but not particularly ergonomic – it’s a big phone that feels like one, though it certainly doesn’t seem “cheaply made” in terms of construction.
Realme Narzo 70x: Realme put some effort into making the Narzo 70x look and feel more upmarket. It has an attractive “Horizon” design with a matte finish plastic back that curves slightly at the edges for comfort. The phone comes in two colors: Ice Blue (which interestingly has a purplish tint in some lights) and Forest Green. The back has a subtle gradient and a distinctive camera module: a large, circular dual-camera bump that Realme borrowed from its higher-end designs. This camera bump, along with the Narzo branding on the bottom, gives the rear some character. Importantly, the Narzo 70x is the slimmest and lightest of the trio – just 7.7mm thick and about 188g in weight. Reviewers noted it’s “just 7.7mm despite packing 5,000mAh” and it feels more comfortable to hold, though the matte back can be a bit slippery without a case. Thankfully, Realme includes a basic clear case in the box, which helps with grip. The Narzo 70x’s front design is modern – it uses a centered punch-hole selfie camera (no notch) and relatively slim side bezels, though it does have a noticeable chin at the bottom. The side frame is plastic but has a high-quality finish. Like the Redmi, the Narzo has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button (right side), and volume buttons just above it. On the left, there’s a SIM tray. Notably, the Narzo 70x features stereo speakers (one bottom-firing, one top earpiece) and even boasts an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance – giving you extra peace of mind against rain or spills, which neither Samsung nor Xiaomi advertises for their devices. Little design bonuses: an extra microphone on top for noise cancellation, and the classic 3.5mm jack on bottom remains. The Narzo’s build quality is very good for the price; the matte back resists fingerprints and Realme’s tighter tolerances make it feel sturdy. It certainly has the most “premium” hand-feel among the three, simply by virtue of being thinner and slightly lighter, with a design language borrowed from pricier Realme models. Users and reviewers didn’t report any flex or build issues – just be aware that a slim phone with a big display is still somewhat delicate, so using the case and perhaps a tempered glass is wise.

Build and Design Verdict: All three phones use plastic frames and backs, which is expected in this class – you won’t find glass backs or metal here, but that’s actually good for durability (no shattering backs if dropped). The Narzo 70x stands out as the most refined and ergonomic design: it’s slimmer, a bit lighter, and has a matte finish that looks sleek. It also gets an official IP54 splash resistance rating, which suggests slightly better sealing against dust/water than the others (though still not waterproof). The Redmi 13C has a flat, broad design that some might find unwieldy – it feels the largest in-hand. It does have practical touches like an IR blaster and a functional side fingerprint scanner. The Galaxy A05 is plain but functional; its lack of a fingerprint sensor is a downside in 2025, as even a basic rear-mounted scanner would have been welcome. On the flip side, Samsung’s design is proven and the phone feels sturdy. None of these phones have fancy extras like notification LEDs or premium haptics – their vibration feedback is fairly weak and “buzzy” compared to flagship phones. But they all have the essentials: good build quality, decent styling, and user-friendly features (like the headphone jack). One more thing to note: expandability – all three have a microSD slot, but the Narzo 70x uses a hybrid SIM slot (so if you use a microSD, you can only have one SIM active), whereas the Galaxy A05 and Redmi 13C have dedicated dual SIM + microSD slots (no such trade-off). This can be considered part of design practicality – the Samsung and Xiaomi give you more flexibility if you want dual SIMs and expanded storage simultaneously.

In summary, if you want the phone that looks and feels the nicest, the Realme Narzo 70x gets the nod. If you prefer something with a bit more heft and perhaps a more classic design, the Galaxy A05 fits that with its simple, robust build (just remember there’s no fingerprint sensor). The Redmi 13C is somewhere in between – not as stylish as the Narzo, not as ergonomic as the Samsung (due to its size), but it’s perfectly fine in build quality and some may prefer its flat edge design. All can survive the usual drops and scratches of daily life (with a case), and none have glaring durability issues reported.

Connectivity and Extra Features

Being budget devices, none of these phones have cutting-edge connectivity like Wi-Fi 6E or mmWave 5G, but they cover the basics and then some:

Network and 5G: The Samsung Galaxy A05 and Xiaomi Redmi 13C are 4G LTE-only devices phonebunch.com. They support the usual range of 4G bands (including common bands for Asia and Europe such as B1/3/5/7/8/20 etc.) phonebunch.com. If you’re in an area with only 4G service or you don’t need 5G, this is fine. However, they won’t be able to connect to 5G networks – something to consider for future-proofing as 5G becomes more widespread, especially in urban areas. In contrast, the Realme Narzo 70x is 5G-capable, with a dual 5G standby modem (SA/NSA) supporting a range of 5G bands. This means the Narzo 70x will work with sub-6GHz 5G networks (the kind deployed in India, SE Asia, and Europe) and can offer faster mobile data speeds where 5G is available. It’s a significant advantage if you want your phone to last several years as networks upgrade. All three phones are dual-SIM (nano SIM) capable, with the Narzo and Redmi supporting dual 4G VoLTE or 5G + 5G/4G on both SIMs (dual standby). The Galaxy A05 and Redmi 13C have a dedicated microSD slot in addition to two SIM slots, so you can use two SIMs and a memory card together. The Narzo 70x’s SIM tray is a hybrid – it has two slots, one of which can take either a second SIM or a microSD card. So if you need dual SIM and storage expansion simultaneously, the Narzo might inconvenience you (you’d have to choose one capability). In terms of call quality, all have standard earpiece speakers and voice over LTE support. The Narzo being a 5G phone also supports VoNR (voice over New Radio) for 5G calls where supported.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Navigation: All three support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) on 2.4GHz & 5GHz bands, so you can connect to modern routers, though not Wi-Fi 6. The practical difference is minor for most users, as Wi-Fi 5 is plenty fast for typical internet connections. For Bluetooth, the Galaxy A05 and Redmi 13C have Bluetooth 5.3, while the Narzo 70x has Bluetooth 5.2 (the Dimensity 6100+ natively supports BT 5.2). There’s no tangible difference here – all can handle Bluetooth audio, wearables, etc., with low energy support. All phones have the essential GPS/AGPS, GLONASS, and other satellite navigation support for maps and location services. You can use Google Maps or ride-hailing apps without issue; they get a fix reasonably fast.
Audio and Multimedia: Each device comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack – a welcome feature for those with wired headphones or AUX cables. You can listen to music and FM radio (the Redmi 13C explicitly supports FM radio via headphone as antenna, and the others likely do as well, though it might not be advertised – Samsung sometimes omits FM radio in specs depending on region). When it comes to speakers, the Galaxy A05 and Redmi 13C have single bottom-firing speakers, while the Realme Narzo 70x boasts stereo speakers. The Narzo’s dual speakers (earpiece + bottom speaker) with Dolby Atmos support give it a louder, richer sound – it can actually output stereo separation and doesn’t distort at high volume. In comparison, the Redmi 13C’s mono speaker was noted to be relatively quiet and easy to muffle; Tech Advisor mentioned the 13C’s audio is mono and the volume is “relatively low”. The Galaxy A05’s speaker is serviceable for calls and occasional video watching, but nothing special (and no Dolby support on that one). If you frequently play music or videos out loud, the Narzo 70x has a clear advantage here. For DRM, as mentioned, the Narzo supports Widevine L1 for HD streaming; the Redmi 13C likely also supports L1 in global units (Xiaomi typically does), and Samsung A05 should as well – so Netflix/Amazon Prime will stream in at least 720p/1080p as allowed by the screen.
Sensors and Extras: Budget phones sometimes skip certain sensors. All three have the basics: accelerometer and ambient light sensor. The Galaxy A05 and Narzo 70x include a proximity sensor (so the screen turns off on calls), whereas interestingly the Redmi 13C uses a “virtual” proximity sensor – Xiaomi in some models relies on software and the accelerometer to guess when the phone is against your ear, which can be less reliable (users have complained in past Xiaomi models about screen not shutting off properly during calls). In practice, the 13C’s approach is decent but not perfect. For gyroscope (used for VR apps, some games, stabilization): the Narzo 70x does list a gyro sensor smartprix.com, the Galaxy A05 likely does not have a hardware gyro (and relies on basic orientation sensor), and the Redmi 13C specification did not list a gyroscope either (it has an “Electronic compass” i.e. magnetometer for direction, and possibly uses the accelerometer for basic gyro functions). This means if you use apps like Google Sky or VR, the Narzo will handle them better. All three have GPS, GLONASS, Beidou support for navigation satellites, and the Narzo 70x likely also supports NavIC (India’s system) thanks to the Dimensity chip. One big differentiator: Fingerprint sensor. The Redmi 13C and Realme Narzo 70x both have a fast side-mounted fingerprint reader in the power button for secure unlocking smartprix.com. The Galaxy A05 has no fingerprint scanner at all, which is a notable omission – you’ll have to rely on PIN/pattern or the 2D face unlock via selfie camera (which the others have too). Face unlock on these is not as secure as a fingerprint (it can sometimes be fooled by a photo), and it fails in dark environments. So, if unlocking convenience matters, Xiaomi and Realme have the edge by including a fingerprint sensor that works instantly with your thumb on the side. Samsung likely reserved the fingerprint feature for the slightly higher A05s model.
NFC and Infrared: The Redmi 13C (Global) supports NFC for contactless payments (though this may vary by market – e.g., the NFC module might be absent on some Asian units, but in Europe it’s present). This means you can use Google Pay or other NFC services if enabled. The Galaxy A05 in most regions does not have NFC (no Samsung Pay on this one). The Realme Narzo 70x also is not advertised with NFC (Realme typically omits NFC in their Narzo series for India, though if this phone or its rebranded variant sells in other countries, that may differ). Additionally, the Redmi 13C has an IR blaster on the top, letting it function as a universal remote – a quirky but sometimes handy Xiaomi signature feature (control your TV, AC, etc., via the Mi Remote app). Neither Samsung nor Realme include IR blasters on these models.
Port and Charging: All three use USB Type-C ports for charging and data. They support USB 2.0 speeds (no video output or anything fancy). OTG is supported on Redmi 13C and Narzo 70x for plugging in USB drives. The Galaxy A05’s phonebunch spec indicated USB OTG “Not Supported”, which is odd – likely it does support OTG, as virtually all Androids do, but maybe Samsung disabled it on this core model. If true, that’d mean you cannot plug in a thumb drive to the A05, but this is a minor use case.

Overall, in connectivity and extras, the Realme Narzo 70x stands out by offering 5G support, stereo speakers, and a full array of sensors (including fingerprint and gyro) – making it the most feature-complete device here for a tech-savvy user smartprix.com. The Redmi 13C isn’t far behind: it has a fingerprint sensor, NFC (in many markets), an IR blaster, and all basic connectivity except 5G. Its main drawbacks are the mono speaker and possibly the virtual proximity sensor’s quirks. The Galaxy A05 covers fundamental connectivity (4G, dual SIM, dedicated SD, Bluetooth 5.3, etc.) but misses on some now-common features – notably no fingerprint scanner and no 5G. Samsung’s decision to omit those might be deal-breakers for some, but if neither 5G nor fingerprint unlock matter to you, the A05 still provides a solid basic connectivity experience with likely the least “hassle” (no random ads, etc., in things like NFC or IR that you may not use). For most users in 2025, though, having 5G and a fingerprint sensor are big pluses, which gives Narzo 70x a real edge in future-proofing and daily convenience.

Pricing and Availability in Major Markets

One of the biggest selling points of these phones is their aggressive pricing. They are among the most affordable offerings from their brands. Here’s a breakdown of how they’re priced and where you can buy them (as of 2024-2025):

India: All three models (or their close siblings) have been released in the Indian market, given its importance for budget smartphones. Samsung Galaxy A05 launched in India in October 2023 with an MRP of ₹9,999 for the 4GB+64GB variant and ₹12,499 for the 6GB+128GB model. It has been available via Samsung’s online store, retail outlets, and e-commerce sites like Flipkart. Over time, the A05 saw some price cuts; for instance, Samsung later offered it around ₹10,999 for the higher variant after a Rs 1,500 cut. Street prices as of mid-2025 hover around ₹8,000–₹9,000 for the base model (it’s often on discount, making it one of the cheapest big-brand smartphones). Xiaomi Redmi 13C surprisingly did not get a high-profile launch in India for the 4G version – Xiaomi India focused on the earlier Redmi 12C (launched at ~₹8,500) and then jumped to the Redmi 14 series for 2024. However, the Redmi 13C 5G variant was slated for an India release: Xiaomi confirmed a global debut on 6th January 2025 for the Redmi 13C 5G in India and other markets. That model, with Dimensity 6100+, is expected to be priced around ₹11,000-₹12,000 to compete with other budget 5G phones. The Redmi 13C (4G) could still be found via third-party sellers or offline stores, roughly around the ₹9,000-₹10,000 range if imported, but it wasn’t a mainline launch. Realme Narzo 70x 5G is India-exclusive (at launch) and was released in September 2024. Its official price starts at ₹11,999 for the base 4GB+128GB variant and around ₹12,999 for the 6GB+128GB model. Realme positioned it under ₹15K to qualify as a budget 5G king. It’s sold via Amazon India and Realme’s own store, and has seen occasional discounts (₹11,799 during sales for base version). In terms of value, Indian consumers can find the Narzo 70x a bit pricier than the Galaxy A05, but it offers 5G and better specs to justify that difference.
Southeast Asia: These phones (or their equivalents) are widely available across Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines – markets where budget Android phones thrive. Samsung Galaxy A05 is sold in SEA (e.g., Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia) often via online channels and carriers. In the Philippines, it was priced around PHP 5,000–6,000 (roughly $90-100). In Indonesia, the A05 launched for around IDR 1.5–1.8 million ($100-120). Stocks might vary as Samsung updates its A-series yearly; by 2025 the A05 might be succeeded by A06/A07, but it can still be found as an entry model, often under carrier bundles. Xiaomi Redmi 13C had its global unveiling in late 2023 and was officially released in markets like Indonesia and China around Dec 2023. In Indonesia, the Redmi 13C 4G variant started around IDR 1.4 million for 4+128GB and IDR 1.6m for 6+128GB ($95 and $110 respectively). The Redmi 13C 5G (with 8+256GB) was positioned higher, likely around IDR 2.2–2.5 million. Xiaomi also launched the Redmi 14C in Vietnam/Indonesia in late 2024, which kind of overlapped/replaced the 13C in lineup. So the 13C (4G) might see clearance pricing in some places by 2025. Realme Narzo 70x as a named model was primarily for India, but Realme often rebrands Narzo models for other regions. For example, the Narzo 70x’s hardware is very similar to the Realme 12 5G or Realme 12x which launched in some Asian markets. If buying in Southeast Asia: in Indonesia, Narzo 70x (if imported) is roughly Rp 2.2 – 2.5 million (~$140-160) for the 6+128GB by early 2025. In Malaysia or Thailand, it might not be officially sold as “Narzo 70x”, but an equivalent Realme device (Realme 11x or 12 series) with the same specs would be priced around MYR 700 or THB 4,500. Generally, Realme’s presence in SEA is strong, so consumers can find a model close to Narzo 70x’s spec in that ~$150 range.
Europe: In Europe, prices include VAT, so these phones cost a bit more than their direct currency conversions. Samsung Galaxy A05 was made available in select European markets (mostly Eastern Europe and some EU online stores) around late 2023. For instance, in Poland, it was listed roughly at PLN 549-599 for the base model (~€120). In Spain or Germany, Samsung’s official channels leaned towards selling the Galaxy A04/A05s, but some retailers carried the A05 around €100-130. It’s one of Samsung’s cheapest offerings – often marketed toward prepaid customers or as a first smartphone. Xiaomi Redmi 13C did launch in Europe: In the UK, it went on sale for £129 (for 4GB+128GB), making it “one of the most affordable phones tested all year” according to Tech Advisor. In the EU (e.g., France, Italy) its price was around €129-139 for the base model. Xiaomi’s official European store also had an 8GB+256GB variant around €169. It’s readily available via Amazon EU and Mi Stores, except notably not in the US (Xiaomi doesn’t sell phones in the U.S. market). Realme Narzo 70x 5G was not directly launched in Western Europe, as Realme usually brings its number series and GT series there instead. However, the same hardware under a different name might appear – e.g., Realme could introduce it as a “Realme 12 5G” in some European regions. Indeed, a Realme 11x 5G (6+128GB) launched in late 2023 in certain markets at around €169, which is similar spec. By 2025, Realme’s budget 5G offerings in Europe (if any) would likely hover in the €150-180 bracket. If someone in Europe wants the Narzo 70x specifically, they might import it, but considering local alternatives: e.g., Motorola G62 5G, Samsung Galaxy F15/M14 5G, or Poco M6 Pro 5G were mentioned as competitors around similar price. So, while Narzo 70x itself isn’t on European shelves, the value it represents (~€150 for a 5G phone with 120Hz display) can be found in other models that are available.
Other regions: None of these phones are officially sold in North America (US/Canada). In Latin America, Samsung often releases similar models (the A05 might be sold as is, or there’s a Galaxy M05 in some places which is essentially the same) at low prices. Xiaomi’s Redmi 13C might not be in LATAM officially; instead Poco devices fill that slot (there were rumors of Redmi 13C being rebranded as Poco C65 for some markets). Realme hasn’t had much presence in the Americas, but in markets like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, etc., the Narzo 70x or its twin models do sell, usually equivalent to about ~$150 USD in local currency. For example, in Pakistan the Narzo 70x (if launched) would be around PKR 35,000-40,000.

Value for Money: In terms of pure specs per dollar, the Redmi 13C and Narzo 70x offer more (the Redmi being extremely cheap for a 50MP camera phone, and the Narzo offering 5G + 120Hz at a slightly higher cost). The Galaxy A05 leans on Samsung’s brand trust and software support to justify its price. At launch in India, some reviewers felt the A05 was a bit pricey at ₹12.5k for what it offered, given you could get a 5G phone or at least a 90Hz display from others around ₹10-12k. Samsung has since adjusted pricing, and if you find the A05 around ₹8-9k, it’s a solid deal as a reliable basic smartphone. The Redmi 13C was launched in the UK for £129, but the reviewer’s advice was “spend just a bit extra to get a much better phone”, indicating that while cheap, it undercuts some critical features. Realme Narzo 70x at ~₹12k was considered “an acceptable price for a smartphone that covers the basics”, delivering good performance and display for the money.

In conclusion, pricing in major markets (rough figures):

Galaxy A05 – ~₹9-10k in India; ~$100-120 in SEA; ~£100/€120 in Europe.
Redmi 13C – ~£129 in UK; expected ~$100 equivalent in Asian markets (if 4G version); 5G version ~$130-140.
Realme Narzo 70x – ₹12k in India; ~$140-150 in markets where available.

All are very affordable, but Narzo asks a bit more for its higher-end features. Availability is broad in Asia; in Europe you can easily get Samsung and Xiaomi, whereas Realme’s equivalent might come under a different model name. In India, all three (or their series successors) are readily available both online and offline.

User and Expert Opinions

What are real users and tech experts saying about these phones? Let’s take a look at the praise and criticisms each has received:

Samsung Galaxy A05 – “Balanced Basics but Missing Modern Touches”: Tech reviewers generally acknowledge the Galaxy A05 as a good ultra-budget option for Samsung loyalists or first-time smartphone users. Tech X Reviews noted that “when compared to competitors in the same price bracket, the Galaxy A05 holds its ground with a few standout features”, specifically citing its large display, decent Helio G85 processor, and Samsung’s promise of software updates (a rarity in this segment). Those aspects give it an edge in longevity and day-to-day usability. However, experts also pointed out that the A05 “has some drawbacks, such as the lack of a high refresh rate display and a fingerprint scanner, features that are becoming increasingly common in budget smartphones.” This critique shows Samsung may have cut one corner too many – even sub-$150 phones now often have 90Hz screens or fingerprint sensors, so the A05 feels behind in those areas. On camera, reviewers were mildly positive: the 50MP main lens can take good photos in the right conditions, “which is impressive for a phone at this price point”. Many users appreciate Samsung’s clean One UI software and the brand’s reliability – “It does the basics well without fuss” is a common sentiment on forums. That said, some power users or younger buyers have found the A05 too slow for their liking – one Reddit user commented that the interface felt “far too slow for a normal relatively young tech user… [and] the camera is absolutely [subpar]” for anything beyond casual shots. There were also early complaints about touchscreen responsiveness issues on some units, though software updates have attempted to fix this. Overall, the Galaxy A05 is seen as a safe, if unexciting, choice – great battery life, simple UI, and assured updates are its plus points, while missing features and average performance are its downsides. It’s often recommended for older relatives or those who just need a smartphone for WhatsApp and calls, rather than for tech enthusiasts.
Xiaomi Redmi 13C – “Ultra-Cheap but Compromised”: The Redmi 13C has gotten mixed to negative reviews from tech experts. Tech Advisor’s review was quite blunt, stating “Xiaomi does not reach an acceptable level with the Redmi 13C in any area except battery life, which is still just okay.” The reviewer cited that “overly complex software prevents an otherwise acceptable chipset from keeping up and providing a smooth experience, while many other details fall short.” They ultimately advised that instead of getting this, consumers should “spend just a bit extra to get a much better phone”. This is a damning verdict, highlighting issues in performance (laggy UI due to MIUI bloat), display (described as pale and not very bright), and design (big and heavy). On the positive side, the design was called “attractive” for its price and the phone is “very affordable”, undercutting many rivals. Real-world user feedback echoes some of these points: On a Reddit thread, a user mentioned their mother bought a Redmi 13C but “switched to a Motorola because the phone was very fragile, laggy and [had an] unresponsive system”. It appears build quality (perhaps the plastic frame) and software optimization were pain points for that user. On the other hand, some users in the Xiaomi community have had good experiences, saying it’s “a good enough buy if you’re strapped for cash and just need the basic features and good battery life.” Indeed, the battery life is one area where Redmi 13C consistently gets praise – it lasts long, and “battery endurance is great” for many owners, aligning with Xiaomi’s battery-first reputation. The camera receives a lukewarm reception: “not bad in daylight, but forget about low-light” is a common refrain, which matches expert reviews noting decent 50MP performance in good light but poor night results. Overall, the Redmi 13C is appreciated for its ultra-low price and big battery, but criticized for its slow performance and Xiaomi’s heavy-handed MIUI software. It’s a phone that really pushes the limit of how low you can go – but as Tech Advisor implied, Xiaomi perhaps pushed a bit too far, resulting in too many compromises.
Realme Narzo 70x – “Budget All-Rounder with Minor Flaws”: The Narzo 70x has garnered mostly positive feedback, being seen as a device that delivers a lot for its price point. Cashify in its long-term review called it “an affordable 5G phone that gets two significant aspects right: price and performance.” For under ₹15k, they highlighted that it “offers smooth performance and a large display with a 120Hz refresh rate.” They also noted the 50MP camera might not win awards but is good enough for social media photos, and the 5,000mAh battery easily lasts a day with 45W fast charging as a bonus. The only downsides mentioned were the “many pre-loaded apps” and the Hot Apps/Games bloat folders, plus the acknowledgment that its camera and design are adequate but not class-leading. 91mobiles rated it 75%, commenting that “while its cameras may not excel, they are adequate for daylight… the design lacks flair. Be that as it may, with its feature-rich software and sizable battery supporting fast charging, the Narzo 70x presents a competitive option in its price segment.” This sums up the general expert stance: the Narzo 70x doesn’t have any deal-breaking weakness; it covers the basics and even exceeds in areas like display and charging, making it a strong contender in the budget range. User sentiment in online forums (and Realme’s community) has been upbeat. Many appreciate finally getting 5G and 120Hz in a phone at this price. A Reddit user in r/TechPop raved that “The Realme Narzo 70x 5G strikes a perfect balance between affordability and features. It offers a stunning display, capable performance, long battery life…”. Another user mentioned the Dimensity 6100+ chipset “handles multitasking like a champ” and that they’re really happy with the phone’s snappy feel. Of course, not everything is perfect: camera is one area where Narzo 70x gets an average score – “good in day, weak at night” as we discussed, and lacking an ultrawide lens did come up as a minor complaint among some reviewers. But considering the target audience, this wasn’t a huge issue. The inclusion of 45W charging has been very well-received; users love that it charges to 100% in an hour, which is something even some mid-range phones can’t do. Build quality and design, while plain, haven’t drawn much ire – the phone is slim and sturdy, and “doesn’t look like a budget phone” when seen from a distance, especially in the Ice Blue color which many found appealing (despite its slight purple tone). In essence, Narzo 70x is living up to its tagline as a “budget all-rounder.” It’s often recommended by tech reviewers as one of the best choices under ₹12-13k if you want 5G and a great display without breaking the bank.

To encapsulate, user and expert opinions suggest:

The Galaxy A05 is reliable and well-supported software-wise, but feels a bit outdated in features (no fingerprint, 60Hz screen). It’s praised for offering the Samsung experience and updates cheap, yet panned by some for slow performance in heavier use.
The Redmi 13C is extremely affordable and has strong battery life, but it “falls by the wayside” in delivering a smooth experience. Reviewers used words like “questionable performance” and even users called it laggy and fragile. It’s a classic case of you get what you pay for – and Xiaomi aimed for lowest cost, perhaps at the expense of overall quality.
The Realme Narzo 70x is viewed as one of the best bang-for-buck phones in its range, “a good choice for those looking for a decent-performing phone without burning a hole in their wallet,” as Cashify concluded. Minor flaws like bloatware and average cameras are noted, but they don’t overshadow the excellent value of 5G, 120Hz, and fast charging it brings. Users generally have been happy with it, often recommending it over other devices like Samsung’s M14 or Xiaomi’s Poco variants at similar prices.

Current News and Updates

Staying updated is crucial in the fast-moving smartphone world. Here are some recent developments and newsworthy updates related to these models (as of late 2024 and 2025):

Samsung Galaxy A05 Updates: Samsung has been rolling out updates to keep the A05 up-to-date. In late 2024, the A05 received its Android 14 (One UI Core 6.0/6.1) update, bringing visual tweaks and security enhancements. By April 2025, Samsung’s official firmware tracker showed the A05 on Android 14 (One UI 6.1) with the latest security patches. Looking ahead, the A05 is confirmed to get Android 15 in 2025 as its last major update, in line with Samsung’s 2 OS update policy for this device. Another piece of news: Samsung faced some criticism in early 2024 for touchscreen issues on the A05/M05 series (users in some regions reported ghost touches or unresponsive screen edges). Samsung acknowledged this and has since pushed firmware fixes to improve touch stability. Meanwhile, Samsung quietly launched the Galaxy A06 in August 2024 as the successor to the A05. Notably, the A06 wasn’t a huge overhaul – it still uses a Helio G85 chipset and 5000mAh battery, but adds a 90Hz HD+ display and a side fingerprint scanner, essentially what the A05 lacked. It came with Android 14 out of the box and Samsung is marketing its improved screen and security (Samsung even had a promotion bundling a free 25W charger with the A06 launch, highlighting the charging feature that A05 also has). For A05 users, this means Samsung identified the gaps (display and fingerprint) and addressed them in A06. However, the A05 remains on sale in many markets at a reduced price, and Samsung has been pushing security patch updates (it recently got a One UI 6.1 Core stability update with bug fixes in mid-2025). There’s also community chatter about Android 15 beta testing for Galaxy A series – if Samsung extends an Android 15 One UI 7.0 beta to devices like A05 or A06 later in 2025, that could be interesting, but that’s speculative for now.
Xiaomi Redmi 13C and Xiaomi’s Shifts: For Redmi 13C, Xiaomi’s biggest change was the introduction of HyperOS in late 2023. By early 2024, Redmi 13C units in China and some global markets were updated from MIUI 14 to HyperOS 14 (Android 14), aligning with Xiaomi’s new OS strategy (HyperOS replaces MIUI on new models starting with Xiaomi 14 series). This update improved system smoothness a bit and unified the software with newer Xiaomi phones, which is good news for 13C users. However, Xiaomi has confirmed that the 13C will only get Android 15 as its next (and likely last) major update, so after that it might only get security fixes. In other news, Xiaomi has already launched the Redmi 14C in China in August 2024 – interestingly, the 14C got notable upgrades: it runs on a MediaTek Helio G88 (or branded as “G81 Ultra”) which is slightly faster, has a 6.88-inch 720p display at 120Hz, and a bigger 5160mAh battery. Yes, Xiaomi even put a 120Hz refresh rate in a C-series phone (Redmi 14C), perhaps responding to Realme/Narzo. It launched with Android 14 + HyperOS out of the box, and Xiaomi promised longer support for it. The Redmi 14C is basically the spiritual successor of 13C, and it even got an OLED display according to some sources (albeit still 720p) – a surprising move to use OLED in a budget phone. For those who liked the idea of Redmi 13C but wanted a bit more, the Redmi 14C global launch is scheduled for January 6, 2025 (including a 5G version). Xiaomi has confirmed the Redmi 14C 5G is coming to India and other markets in early 2025, bringing affordable 5G to the C-series. It likely uses a Snapdragon 4 Gen2 or a Dimensity 6080 chip. Essentially, Xiaomi is rapidly iterating in this segment – the 13C might be superseded by 14C within a year. Current owners of 13C can expect at least one more year of security updates, but Xiaomi’s focus has moved to the 14C series. This is something to note if you’re considering a 13C in 2025 – a newer model with significantly better specs (120Hz, bigger battery, etc.) is available at a similar price, which might depreciate the 13C’s relevance.
Realme Narzo 70x and the Narzo Family: Realme has been active with the Narzo line. The Narzo 70x 5G itself has been getting regular security patches and some feature updates in Realme UI. Since it launched with Android 14, Realme will likely update it to Android 15 (Realme UI 6.0) sometime in 2025. In fact, Realme’s CEO Madhav Sheth (before his transition) had mentioned trying to bring at least 2 Android updates to Narzo models, but we’ll see. Meanwhile, Realme introduced the Narzo 80 series in late 2024. Yes, just a few months after 70x, the Narzo 80x 5G and Narzo 80 Pro 5G were announced (initially in some markets like the Philippines and potentially India). According to leaks and reports, the Narzo 80x 5G continues with a similar formula: it reportedly features a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ or a new Dimensity 6400 chipset, retains a 120Hz display, and interestingly bumps the battery to 6000mAh while still supporting 45W fast charge. Moneycontrol reported the Narzo 80x starts at Rs 13,999 and runs Realme UI 6 (Android 15) out of the box. Realme seems to be positioning it as a slightly higher-tier budget device, possibly using the same chip (some confusion exists whether it’s the same 6100+ or a marginally upgraded one). The Narzo 80 Pro was also launched, likely with a more powerful SoC (some rumors say a Dimensity 7050 or Snapdragon in the Pro) and maybe an AMOLED screen. For Narzo 70x owners, this means Realme isn’t standing still – newer Narzos are coming with incremental upgrades like a bigger battery and updated software. The Narzo 70x, however, remains a strong offering in its price – Realme did not drastically change the formula with 80x, indicating the 70x hit a sweet spot. Realme also rebranded the 70x in some markets as part of its main number series (e.g., a variant of Realme 12 or 12x as mentioned). So far, no major bug complaints have come for the 70x; Realme’s community posts are generally about tips and camera samples, which is a good sign.
Broader Context: In this price segment, competition is heating up. For instance, Motorola launched the Moto G14 and G54 in some markets, and Samsung launched Galaxy M14/F14 5G (which are basically an A14 with Exynos 5G chip) to compete around $150. Our three phones are contending with those as well. Samsung’s Galaxy M14 5G (with Exynos 1330) is an interesting alternative to Narzo for around ₹13k – offering 5G and a 6000mAh battery, though with an LCD 90Hz display. Xiaomi/Poco introduced devices like Poco M6 Pro 5G (Snapdragon 4 Gen2, 90Hz FHD, around ₹10k) which was mentioned by reviewers as an alternative to Narzo 70x. And Xiaomi’s own Redmi Note series has shifted down in price – e.g., a Redmi Note 12 4G can sometimes be found near ₹12k, offering a Snapdragon 685 and 120Hz AMOLED. This means consumers have a lot of choice. The current news indicates each company’s strategy: Samsung doubling down on software and steady improvements (A06, A07 soon); Xiaomi rapidly refreshing hardware (13C to 14C in a year, moving to HyperOS); Realme packing higher-end features into budget (120Hz, 45W, etc.) and iterating (Narzo 80x).

To highlight a specific interesting leak: Samsung Galaxy A07 (the likely 2025 successor to A06/A05) has been rumored to bring a notable performance jump by using a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, which could be about 40% faster than the G85 in the current A05. Even more intriguing, a leaked poster for A07 claims Samsung might offer extended update support – possibly up to 4 years OS and 6 years security (some sources misinterpreted it as 6 OS updates to Android 21, which seems highly unlikely for a budget phone). But if Samsung even goes to 3 OS updates on A07, that would be groundbreaking for the segment. The A07 is also expected to refine design (slimmer profile, maybe new camera layout). Samsung’s proactive moves here will put pressure on Xiaomi and Realme to also offer longer support or better specs for their next gen (Redmi 15C? Realme Narzo 90x?).

In summary, current news shows:

The Galaxy A05 is staying relevant through updates, but Samsung already has the A06 out and A07 in pipeline with improvements (90Hz, fingerprint in A06; likely faster chip in A07).
The Redmi 13C is somewhat short-lived with Redmi 14C already on scene boasting Android 14 and 120Hz – Xiaomi is upping the ante for 2025’s budget phones. Redmi 13C owners should get Android 15 but might feel the hardware aging as Xiaomi has moved on.
The Narzo 70x is faring well and continues to be updated, but the Narzo 80x shows Realme’s intention to refine the series (bigger battery, latest Android). For now, Narzo 70x remains one of Realme’s best budget 5G devices, and will likely get its Android 15 update alongside the newer Narzo models.

All told, it’s an exciting time in the budget segment – features like high-refresh screens, fast charging, and long software support that used to be unheard of in cheap phones are now becoming standard due to this fierce competition.

Future Outlook: Rumors and Upcoming Models

Looking ahead, each of these phone series is expected to continue with new releases. Here’s a peek at rumored or upcoming models that will succeed or complement the Galaxy A05, Redmi 13C, and Narzo 70x:

Samsung Galaxy A06 and A07: Samsung has already launched the Galaxy A06 (2024) as a minor upgrade to the A05, and it’s working on the Galaxy A07 (2025). The A06, released quietly in H2 2024, added features that A05 lacked – a 90Hz IPS display, Full HD+ resolution, and a side fingerprint sensor – while keeping a similar design and the same Helio G85 processor. It came with Android 14 out of the box (One UI Core 6.0) and Samsung committed to two OS upgrades (so it should get up to Android 16). The Galaxy A07, expected in late 2024 or early 2025, is rumored to bring a more significant performance leap. Leaks suggest the A07 will be powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, which is about 40% faster than the G85 in CPU performance. That will make the A07 much more competitive speed-wise. Renders show a refined design with a slightly slimmer body and a new camera layout (vertical bar housing the cameras), though still a plastic build. Interestingly, a leaked poster for A07 claims Samsung will offer six years of updates – likely meaning 4 years of major Android OS updates and 6 years of security patches (which would be unprecedented in this class). If true, the A07 could launch with Android 15 and go all the way to Android 19 or 20, which would be a huge selling point. This rumor aligns with Samsung’s broader strategy of extending support across its lineup, but we should take “six major OS updates” with a grain of salt until officially confirmed. In any case, the A07 (4G) will still target the entry-level crowd who don’t need 5G but want a reliable phone. There’s also talk that Samsung might re-introduce a fingerprint sensor in the A07 if it wasn’t in A06 (though A06 likely has it since A05s did). We might also see camera improvements – perhaps bumping the selfie camera from 8MP to 13MP, or adding better low-light software. For those eyeing Samsung, the A06 is already available in some regions (at roughly ₹11k/€130), and the A07 looks to modernize the series further with that faster chip and long-term support.
Xiaomi Redmi 14C and 14C 5G (and even Redmi 15C): Xiaomi is not sitting idle. The Redmi 14C was officially unveiled in China on Aug 30, 2024, just 8-9 months after the 13C. It features a 6.88-inch IPS display, 720×1640 resolution, but importantly a 120Hz refresh rate (so Xiaomi finally embraced high refresh on their cheapest phone). It runs on an unusual “Helio G81 Ultra” chip – which appears to be a variant of Helio G85/G88 with slight tweaks (Mali-G52 MC2 GPU still). The battery got a minor bump to 5160mAh and it supports the same 18W charging (with 10W charger in box). One big surprise: some sources claim the Redmi 14C uses an OLED display (720p @ 120Hz). If true, that gives it infinite contrast and vibrant colors rarely seen at this level (though at 720p, an OLED Pentile matrix might not be super sharp). It launched with Android 14 + Xiaomi’s new HyperOS from day one, and Xiaomi indicated it’ll receive at least Android 15 and possibly Android 16 (since it’s part of the new wave of HyperOS devices). Xiaomi’s also introducing a Redmi 14C 5G – set to launch globally (especially in India) on January 6, 2025. This Redmi 14C 5G will be one of the most affordable 5G phones, likely using a MediaTek Dimensity 6020 or 6100+ (one rumor suggests Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, but since Redmi 13C 5G was Dimensity, they might stick to MediaTek). The pricing is expected around ₹9k-₹10k in India for the 4+128GB, which is really aggressive for 5G. Essentially, Xiaomi is aiming to take the fight to Realme’s Narzo in the low-end 5G space. By 2025, the Redmi 13C will be two generations old; Xiaomi likely will phase it out in favor of 14C and upcoming Redmi 15C. Speaking of which, by late 2025 we might hear of Redmi 15C, presumably with further improvements like a 1080p display or a new entry 5G chipset to completely discontinue 4G in this range. Xiaomi also tends to rebrand these for different markets: e.g., Redmi 13C 5G may come to some countries as Poco C65 (there were firmware sightings referencing Poco C65 for Indonesia). So, a Poco version might appear with identical specs. Bottom line: Xiaomi’s next budget models are doubling down on high refresh displays and bringing 5G to the masses, while continuing to offer big batteries. Keep an eye on Redmi 14C/14C 5G in early 2025, and perhaps Redmi 15C by late 2025 as the cycle continues.
Realme Narzo 80x, 80 Pro, and the future Narzo 90 series: Realme has already expanded the Narzo lineup. The Narzo 70 series (70 and 70x) came in mid-late 2024, and by end of 2024 Realme introduced the Narzo 80 series. The Narzo 80x 5G (the successor to 70x) appears to focus on two main improvements: larger battery (6000mAh) and launching with Android 15/Realme UI 6. It maintains 45W fast charging and a 120Hz display, and one source claims it uses a Dimensity 6400 SoC. However, another source (Moneycontrol) said it still has Dimensity 6100+ and starts at ₹13,999. This discrepancy might mean the chipset is only mildly refreshed or that perhaps the Narzo 80 Pro gets the Dimensity 6400 while 80x stays on 6100+. The Narzo 80 Pro 5G launched alongside it, reportedly with a higher-end Dimensity chip (like Dimensity 6100+ for 80x vs 7050 for 80 Pro, or something along those lines) and possibly an AMOLED screen plus a higher-res camera (some leaks hinted at a 50MP on 80x vs 64MP or 108MP on 80 Pro). Both Narzo 80x and 80 Pro are said to run Realme UI 6 (Android 15) right out of the gate, which is great for new buyers. Realme is likely to continue this rapid iteration, so by late 2025, we could see a Narzo 90x 5G. If trends continue, Narzo 90x might break further ground – perhaps by using a new budget 5G chip like a Dimensity 6100+ successor or a Snapdragon equivalent, and possibly adopting an AMOLED 120Hz display to keep up with Xiaomi’s moves. Also, Realme might push charging even further (they already have 67W in some midrange – maybe a Narzo could get 67W if costs drop). For now, Narzo 80x is official and available in some regions (like the Philippines, Bangladesh) and expected in India in 2025. It’s positioned a tad above the 70x in price. The Narzo brand seems to remain focused online and at budget-conscious youth, so Realme will likely bring features like virtual RAM expansion up to 18GB (as one promo said for 80x), and trendy design (the 80x has a “Speedwave” pattern and new colors like Sunlit Gold). If you own a Narzo 70x, know that the 80x is an incremental upgrade, not a radical one – mainly a bigger battery and newer software. It suggests Realme is confident in the core specs they set with the 70x (Dimensity 6100+, 120Hz FHD+ LCD, 50MP cam) and is refining around the edges.
Others to watch: It’s worth mentioning, outside of these specific lineages, the competition and alternatives are evolving too. Samsung’s budget F and M series are basically rebrands – e.g., Galaxy F15/M15 might come, likely akin to A05s/A06s with 5G (Samsung did launch a Galaxy F14/M14 5G in 2023 with Exynos 1330 that offered 90Hz FHD and a huge battery at around ₹12k). Xiaomi’s Poco brand will probably continue repackaging Redmi hardware to different markets (a Poco C6 series may show up, or a Poco M7 that rivals Narzo with Snapdragon new chips). Nokia, Moto, Transsion (Tecno/Infinix) are also pushing budget 5G phones. For instance, Moto G54 and G84 came at slightly higher budgets but offering 256GB storage and near-stock Android, which some might prefer.

In essence, the budget phone war in 2025 will bring features from 2023’s mid-rangers down to the entry level. We’re expecting faster chips (Helio G99, new Dimensity 6000-series, Snapdragon 4 Gen2/Gen3), more phones with 90Hz or 120Hz displays (even OLEDs), and widespread adoption of 5G in sub-$150 phones. Also, brands like Samsung and Xiaomi are extending software update commitments as a selling point – Samsung potentially offering 4 years updates on a $100 phone if A07 rumors hold true, and Xiaomi transitioning to HyperOS for a unified experience across devices. Realme/Narzo will likely keep up by ensuring at least 2 Android versions on their budget devices and maybe matching the 3-4 year security promise.

For a consumer, the upcoming models like Galaxy A07, Redmi 14C/15C, and Narzo 80x/90x mean even better value is on the horizon. If you’re buying now, you know what each brand’s roadmap looks like:

Samsung will polish the basics and longevity (A07 with better chip, long support).
Xiaomi will pack specs like high refresh and maybe AMOLED at rock-bottom prices (14C, 15C).
Realme will bring premium-esque features (fast charging, design) to budget 5G (80x, next Narzo).
It’s an exciting trajectory where yesterday’s premium features rapidly trickle down.

Conclusion: The Samsung Galaxy A05, Xiaomi Redmi 13C, and Realme Narzo 70x each carved out a niche in the 2023-24 budget market – the A05 for trusted simplicity, the 13C for extreme affordability, and the Narzo 70x for a rich feature set on a budget. As we’ve seen, in every aspect – be it performance, display, camera, or battery – the Narzo 70x tends to have the upper hand among the three, thanks to its newer tech and 5G capability. The Galaxy A05 offers a balanced, if plain, experience with the promise of reliable updates, and the Redmi 13C pushes the price as low as possible but with evident compromises in user experience. Moving into 2025 and beyond, upcoming models like the Galaxy A07, Redmi 14C/5G, and Narzo 80x are poised to raise the bar even higher for what entry-level smartphones can deliver. For consumers, that’s great news – it means more choices and better tech at lower prices.

Whether you prioritize longevity (go Samsung), raw value (Xiaomi), or cutting-edge features (Realme), the budget segment is no longer about making huge sacrifices. These three phones and their successors prove that you can get a smooth display, all-day battery, decent cameras, and even 5G and fast charging without breaking the bank. As one expert aptly put it regarding the Narzo 70x: it “presents a competitive option in its price segment”, and that sentiment really applies to all – each is competitive in the niche it targets. The real winners of this battle are the consumers, who have an abundance of capable, affordable smartphones to choose from in 2025.

Sources:

Samsung Galaxy A05 specifications and update policy
Xiaomi Redmi 13C official specs and Tech Advisor review
Realme Narzo 70x review (Cashify, 91mobiles) and Realme official specs
Expert quotes on performance and features
Pricing information from Gadgets360, 91mobiles, and regional launches
User feedback from forums and reddit
Current news on firmware updates and upcoming models from SamMobile, Notebookcheck, etc.

Best Budget Phones (Summer 2025) | Top 10 Reviewed

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