Gadgets and Reviews

Realme Vs Samsung Budget Phone Review: Which Affordable Star Should You Buy?

realme vs samsung budget phone review
Written by Rabia Alam

Looking for the best value smartphone in 2025? You’re not alone—budget phones are now more powerful than ever, and it’s no surprise that two major players, Realme and Samsung, are leading the charge. But if you’re stuck between the Samsung Galaxy A05s and the Realme 13 4G, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

In this Realme vs Samsung budget phone review, we’ll break things down in a simple, no-nonsense way. From display to performance and battery life, we’ll help you figure out which phone gives you more bang for your buck. Let’s get started!

Overview: Meet the Two Budget Rivals

overview meet the two budget rivals

Let’s start by getting to know the devices you’re comparing:

Samsung Galaxy A05s

  • Released: September 25, 2023
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680
  • Display: 6.7-inch PLS LCD
  • Battery: 5000mAh with 25W fast charging
  • Main Camera: 50MP + 2MP + 2MP
  • Front Camera: 13MP
  • Software: Android 13 (One UI Core 5)
  • Starting Price: Approx. $130

Realme 13 4G

  • Released: July 2024
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 685
  • Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED
  • Battery: 5000mAh with 33W SuperVOOC charging
  • Main Camera: 108MP + 2MP
  • Front Camera: 16MP
  • Software: Android 14 (Realme UI 5.0)
  • Starting Price: Approx. $150

Display & Design: Realme Adds More Style

The Samsung Galaxy A05s sports a 6.7-inch PLS LCD display with a basic 60Hz refresh rate. It’s big, bright, and suitable for most daily tasks. However, colors are somewhat flat, and you might find it lacking in vibrancy when watching videos or playing games.

Now, compare that to the Realme 13 4G, which features a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with richer colors, higher contrast, and a more premium visual feel. Whether you’re watching YouTube, scrolling Instagram, or gaming, the AMOLED display simply looks better. Plus, it’s easier to see outdoors in sunlight.

In terms of design, both phones use plastic builds, but Realme adds a more refined finish, slimmer bezels, and better tactile buttons. Overall, Realme wins the design and display round hands down.

Performance & Software: Snapdragon Speed Test

Both phones run on Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets, but Realme’s is slightly more advanced.

  • Samsung A05s: Snapdragon 680 – reliable, but now a bit dated.
  • Realme 13 4G: Snapdragon 685 – newer, slightly faster, and more efficient.

For daily tasks like messaging, calling, browsing, and light gaming, both devices perform well. However, Realme edges out Samsung with smoother multitasking and quicker app loads thanks to the Snapdragon 685.

Software-wise:

  • Samsung comes with One UI Core 5 on Android 13. One UI is clean and well-optimized but slightly heavier.
  • Realme comes with Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14, giving you a fresher interface, newer features, and more frequent updates.

Verdict: Realme takes a slight lead in performance and software with newer hardware and the latest Android experience.

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Camera Showdown: Realme Wins the Details

If you love capturing life’s little moments, camera quality matters—even on a budget phone.

Samsung Galaxy A05s Camera:

  • 50MP Main Sensor
  • 2MP Macro
  • 2MP Depth
  • 13MP Front Camera

Realme 13 4G Camera:

  • 108MP Main Sensor
  • 2MP Macro
  • 16MP Front Camera

In daylight, both phones take decent photos. But the Realme 13 4G’s 108MP camera captures more detail, better dynamic range, and richer colors. In low-light scenarios, Realme also holds up better with less noise and improved sharpness.

The front camera on Realme (16MP) also beats Samsung’s 13MP for selfies, video calls, and social media stories.

So, if camera quality is a priority, Realme is the clear winner.

Battery Life & Charging: Faster with Realme

battery life & charging faster with realme

When it comes to battery life, both devices are well-matched:

  • 5000mAh battery on both phones ensures a full day of regular use.

But charging speed tells a different story:

  • Samsung Galaxy A05s: 25W fast charging
  • Realme 13 4G: 33W SuperVOOC charging

Realme charges noticeably quicker—getting from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes. Samsung takes a bit longer, which might not be ideal if you’re always in a rush.

Price vs Value: Where Should You Spend?

  • Samsung Galaxy A05s: Approx. $130
  • Realme 13 4G: Approx. $150

Yes, Samsung is cheaper by around $20, but what you get with Realme is:

  • AMOLED display
  • Better cameras
  • Faster charging
  • Android 14
  • Better chipset

For just a small extra cost, Realme gives you a much more complete package. That said, Samsung still holds strong appeal if you prefer the brand or want a more streamlined user interface.

Buyer’s Guide Summary: Realme vs Samsung Budget Phones in a Nutshell

If you’re still undecided between the Realme 13 4G and the Samsung Galaxy A05s, here’s a simplified summary to help you choose based on what you care about most:

What You Care AboutBest Choice
Display QualityRealme 13 4G (AMOLED is miles ahead)
Camera PerformanceRealme 13 4G (108MP is a clear winner)
Performance & SpeedRealme 13 4G (Newer Snapdragon 685)
Charging SpeedRealme 13 4G (33W SuperVOOC)
Latest SoftwareRealme 13 4G (Android 14 out of the box)
Brand ReliabilitySamsung Galaxy A05s
Simplicity & Clean UISamsung Galaxy A05s
Lower PriceSamsung Galaxy A05s

So if you’re looking for a modern all-rounder and can spend just a little more, Realme 13 4G clearly delivers better value. But if you’re brand-conscious or on a tight budget, the Galaxy A05s is still a good pick that won’t let you down.

Expert Advice: How to Choose a Budget Smartphone in 2025

Choosing between Realme and Samsung—or any other budget smartphone brand—can feel overwhelming. But if you know what features matter most to you, the decision becomes much easier.

Here are a few expert tips to guide your decision:

1. Know Your Priorities

Are you more into watching videos, gaming, photography, or just using your phone for calls and WhatsApp? If you’re all about visuals and photography, Realme 13 4G is a better match. If you’re after brand trust and simplicity, Samsung might suit you more.

2. Consider Software Support

Samsung usually offers longer-term software and security updates compared to Realme, which can be important if you plan to use the phone for 2–3 years without upgrading.

3. Battery & Charging Speed

Almost all phones now offer 5000mAh batteries, but charging speed is a game-changer. Realme’s 33W SuperVOOC charging gets you back on track faster than Samsung’s 25W.

4. Don’t Just Look at Megapixels

While Realme’s 108MP sounds superior (and in most cases, it is), remember that software optimization and sensor quality matter too. Fortunately, in this case, Realme’s camera not only boasts bigger numbers but delivers real-life performance improvements.

Real-World User Experience: What Are People Saying?

Sometimes, tech specs don’t tell the full story. So, we looked at real-world user reviews and feedback from forums, social media, and early buyers to give you a more human perspective.

Realme 13 4G Users Say:

  • “The AMOLED screen is stunning. I didn’t expect this quality at this price.”
  • “It charges so fast, I almost never worry about battery life.”
  • “Camera quality in daylight is comparable to some mid-range phones.”

Samsung Galaxy A05s Users Say:

  • “Solid, dependable phone. No frills, but it gets the job done.”
  • “Samsung’s UI feels very familiar and stable.”
  • “Wish the screen had more punch, but I trust the brand and it works.”

Bottom line: Users love Realme’s bold approach to features, while Samsung fans appreciate the brand’s consistency and software stability.

Ecosystem & Apps: Samsung vs Realme

If you already use Samsung products—like a Galaxy tablet, smartwatch, or SmartThings-enabled home—then the Galaxy A05s gives you a seamless ecosystem experience.

Samsung’s One UI Core is also popular for its:

  • Easy navigation
  • Customization options
  • Timely security patches

On the other hand, Realme UI 5.0 is lighter, faster, and closer to stock Android, meaning:

  • Less bloatware
  • Smoother transitions
  • More space-saving features

If you prefer a clean, minimal interface, Realme will feel more intuitive and snappy.

Accessories & Extras: What’s in the Box?

ItemSamsung Galaxy A05sRealme 13 4G
Charger25W Fast Charger33W SuperVOOC Charger
USB CableType-CType-C
CaseNot includedIncluded in box
Screen ProtectorNot includedPre-applied
HeadphonesNot includedNot included

Realme adds more value straight out of the box—a protective case and screen protector can save you extra money and effort.

Warranty and After-Sales Support

Both brands offer a 1-year standard warranty, but here’s what to know:

  • Samsung has an edge when it comes to global service centers and customer support reach.
  • Realme has improved its after-sales service in recent years, especially in Asian markets like India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In urban areas, support centers are responsive and turnaround time is decent.

If service availability in your region matters, Samsung is still the safer choice. But Realme is catching up fast and offers online chat-based support, which is great for quick resolutions.

Conclusion

After a detailed Realme vs Samsung budget phone review, one thing is clear—2025’s budget phone battle is tighter than ever. Both the Realme 13 4G and the Samsung Galaxy A05s bring impressive features to the table, but they cater to slightly different needs.

If you’re looking for a smartphone with a vibrant AMOLED display, powerful 108MP camera, faster charging, and smoother performance, the Realme 13 4G offers unbeatable value for just a little more money. It’s ideal for users who want modern specs without stepping into the mid-range price category.

Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy A05s remains a solid option in the budget segment—especially for those who prefer a trusted brand, a clean and stable user interface, and widespread after-sales support. If your focus is reliability and affordability, Samsung still delivers a dependable experience.

To wrap up this Realme vs Samsung budget phone review:

  • Choose Realme 13 4G if you want the best value, enhanced features, and a future-ready device.
  • Choose Samsung Galaxy A05s if you prioritize brand reliability, simplicity, and a slightly lower price.

Whichever device you choose, you’re getting excellent features without breaking the bank. And that’s what makes this Realme vs Samsung budget phone review so relevant—you now have the power to pick smart, save money, and still enjoy premium-like features.

FAQs

Q1: Which phone has the better display—Realme 13 4G or Samsung Galaxy A05s?

In the Realme vs Samsung budget phone review, the Realme 13 4G clearly wins in display quality. It offers a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen, which provides deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better outdoor visibility compared to the PLS LCD panel on the Samsung Galaxy A05s.

Q2: Which is faster—Samsung Galaxy A05s or Realme 13 4G?

Based on performance tests in our Realme vs Samsung budget phone review, the Realme 13 4G is faster thanks to its newer Snapdragon 685 processor. It handles multitasking, gaming, and daily tasks more smoothly than Samsung’s Snapdragon 680 chipset.

Q3: Which phone takes better photos?

In terms of camera quality, the Realme 13 4G stands out with its 108MP main sensor and 16MP front camera. The Samsung Galaxy A05s offers a 50MP main camera and 13MP front camera, but Realme provides more detail, sharper images, and better low-light performance overall.

Q4: Which phone has better battery performance?

Both phones come with a 5000mAh battery and easily last a full day of usage. However, the Realme 13 4G charges faster with its 33W SuperVOOC charging, compared to Samsung’s 25W fast charging. This gives Realme an edge in convenience.

Q5: Does Realme 13 4G support Android 14?

Yes. The Realme 13 4G runs on Android 14 with Realme UI 5.0 out of the box. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A05s ships with Android 13 and may receive updates later.

About the author

Rabia Alam

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