As we delve into the competitive world of budget smartphones for 2024, battery life remains a pivotal factor for consumers juggling cost and functionality. This year, we turn our focus to notable contenders like the Samsung Galaxy A15, Motorola Moto G24, Xiaomi Redmi A3, Xiaomi Redmi 13C, and Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 4G —all boasting a hefty 5000mAh battery capacity. This means they can all store the same amount of electrical energy. Although they share this spec, actual battery life can vary based on how each phone's hardware and software manage power. So, while they all promise extensive usage times, your experience might differ depending on your chosen smartphone. The best performer will depend on how each brand has fine-tuned its device.
Best Budget Smartphone
ViserMark’s extensive testing provides a clear snapshot of each model's battery performance, shedding light on their battery life, efficiency and consumption in real-world scenarios. Our analysis identified the best-performing smartphone and offered crucial insights for those looking to get the most out of their smartphone investment without breaking the bank.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 4G - from 199,90€
It raises the bar for Mid Tier smartphones by delivering robust battery performance, supporting 33W fast charging to ensure over two days of usage. This model sports a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, encased in a flat plastic frame with a glossy finish for aesthetic appeal and is IP54 rated for dust and splash resistance. It doesn't fall short on multimedia needs either, equipped with a 108MP main camera and stereo speakers. The device runs on Android 13 with MIUI 14, offering comprehensive connectivity options including dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, and USB Type-C, with a ViserMark battery performance score of 48 out of 100.
Xiaomi Redmi 13C - 159,90€
It stands out with a ViserMark score of 52 within the Entry Tier, suggesting superior battery management of 2.5 days of use. Its design is pragmatic with a moderate display size and budget-conscious hardware capable of handling basic tasks and light gaming. The Redmi 13C, running MIUI 14 based on Android 13, is designed with entry-level users in mind, emphasising usability and cost-effectiveness.
Xiaomi Redmi A3 - 129,90€
This smartphone represents the more economical spectrum within the Entry Tier, focusing on basic functionality suitable for users with minimal demands. It ranks lower in performance and efficiency, reflecting its focus on cost reduction. Despite the lower rank in battery performance, it maintains the use of MIUI, which may include pre-installed apps and ads, potentially affecting the user experience.
Motorola Moto G24 - 149,00€
The Moto G24 excels in the Entry Tier with a ViserMark battery performance score of 55 out of 100, indicating efficient power management. It offers a remarkable 61 hours of battery life on a single charge. The device features a 6.56-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visual performance. Equipped with a 50MP primary camera and running Android 14 powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 processor, it can handle daily tasks and moderate gaming. Additional features include dual SIM support, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and up to 1TB of expandable memory via microSD card, making it highly versatile.
Samsung Galaxy A15 - 199,00€
This device delivers exceptional battery performance, providing up to two days of use or 52 hours per charge, earning a score of 49 out of 100 in ViserMark's Mid Tier. It boasts a Super AMOLED display that ensures vibrant visuals and is equipped with a multi-lens camera setup for versatile photography options. Running on Android and enhanced with Samsung’s One UI, the device seamlessly integrates everyday app functionality with robust security features through Samsung Knox. Additional conveniences include fast charging and water resistance, making it a well-rounded choice for daily use.
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In the chart below the Motorola Moto G24 excels in energy efficiency across the board, demonstrating low current consumption in activities like social media, web browsing, and communication, making it ideal for users who value long battery life for everyday tasks. The Samsung Galaxy A15 performs strongly in camera and YouTube browsing, suggesting it's well-suited for users who engage heavily in these areas without frequent recharges. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 4G handles gaming and media player activities efficiently, perfect for gaming enthusiasts and video viewers. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C is a well-rounded performer with efficient gaming and general application capabilities, making it a versatile option for a wide range of activities. Lastly, the Xiaomi Redmi A3, despite its higher power consumption in some areas, still offers solid performance in web browsing and media player, aligning well with the needs of casual users looking for an economical smartphone option.
Larger screens, like those on the Redmi 13C (6.74 inches), the Redmi A3 (6.71) and the Redmi Note 13 4G (6.67 inches), generally result in higher battery consumption due to the increased area that needs to be illuminated, especially during activities such as camera and YouTube browsing. In contrast, smaller screens, such as the Galaxy A15 (6.4 inches) and Motorola Moto G24 (6.56 inches), naturally draw less power, contributing to better battery life overall.
Comparing the display technologies, the Redmi Note 13 4G and Samsung Galaxy A15 use AMOLED and Super AMOLED screens, respectively, which are known for their power efficiency when displaying dark content due to their ability to turn off individual pixels. However, these screens can consume more power with bright, colourful visuals. On the other hand, the Redmi 13C, Redmi A3, and Moto G24 use LCD technology, which typically consumes more power overall, especially when displaying bright or white backgrounds.
The Motorola Moto G24's 90Hz refresh rate offers smoother visuals but increases power consumption compared to standard 60Hz screens. Effective optimisation helps mitigate these effects, balancing performance and battery life. For instance, the device can dynamically switch between 90Hz and 60Hz depending on the activity, conserving battery life when higher refresh rates are unnecessary. Additionally, the Moto G24 utilises RAM Boost, which temporarily converts storage into virtual RAM, enhancing multitasking efficiency and reducing strain on the processor, indirectly improving battery performance. The device also incorporates a power-efficient octa-core processor and software optimisations within the Android 14 operating system, such as adaptive battery management and background activity control, further extending battery life. Moreover, the Moto G24 includes Auto Night Vision, an AI-driven feature that optimises camera settings based on ambient lighting conditions to enhance low-light performance without significantly draining the battery. The device also benefits from a clean, almost stock version of Android, avoiding the additional battery drain often caused by heavy manufacturer skins and bloatware.
Analysing the chart above, the comparison between the Entry Tier average and the Moto G24, Redmi 13C, and Redmi A3, which belong to the Entry Tier models, shows that the Motorola Moto G24 stands out for its exceptional energy efficiency, consistently using less power across all activities compared to the average. This efficiency makes it ideal for extended use without frequent recharging. The Redmi Note A3 and Redmi 13C generally align with the Entry Tier average, indicating typical power consumption for its class. The Xiaomi models consume more power, particularly in social media browsing and emailing.
Both in the Mid Tier, the Redmi Note 13 4G and Galaxy A15 generally demonstrate higher current consumption than the Mid Tier average, indicating inferior energy efficiency but superior features at the cost of higher battery usage. The Galaxy A15 excels in data-intensive tasks like downloads and uploads, suggesting it is optimised for such high-demand activities. Meanwhile, the Redmi Note 13 4G performs efficiently in gaming and media player, making it suitable for users who frequently engage in these activities. For multimedia use, including camera and YouTube, the Galaxy A15 shows better energy management compared to the Redmi Note 13 4G.
When evaluating the budget smartphones based on ViserMark's battery performance test results, the Motorola Moto G24 emerges as the top performer. It leads with the highest battery performance score of 55, offers the longest battery life at 2.5 days or 61 hours, and boasts the best power efficiency rating. Its efficient power management and lower annual energy consumption of 2.7 kWh further underscore its superiority, making it an ideal choice for users seeking prolonged battery life and efficient energy use.
The Xiaomi Redmi 13C also stands out with a strong battery performance score of 52, matching the G24 with 2.5 days of battery life or 57 hours of use. It maintains good power efficiency and relatively low 2.8 kWh annual energy consumption, positioning it as a strong contender for budget-conscious users who still demand good battery performance.
The Samsung Galaxy A15 offers a competitive battery performance score of 49 and sustains 2 days or 52 hours of use, which is respectable. Its power efficiency is good, and it benefits from a quick charging time, making it a solid choice for users who value performance and convenience, despite its slightly higher 3.1 kWh annual energy consumption.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 4G scores 48 in battery performance and provides 2 days or 51 hours of battery life. It charges the fastest among the group, thanks to its 33W fast charging support, but its power efficiency is lower, reflected in a higher annual energy consumption of 3.2 kWh.
Finally, the Xiaomi Redmi A3 has the lowest battery performance score of 39, offering only 1.5 days or 44 hours of battery life. Its power efficiency is the least favourable, and it has the highest annual energy consumption at 3.7 kWh, making it less suitable for users who prioritise battery life and efficiency.
The Motorola Moto G24 excels in all test results, demonstrating exceptional battery performance, life, efficiency, and lower energy consumption, making it the standout choice. The Xiaomi Redmi 13C also performs well, surpassing the average in most categories, making it a strong contender for users seeking good battery performance in the Entry Tier. Conversely, the Xiaomi Redmi A3 falls short in most results compared to the average, indicating it may not be the best option for users prioritising battery efficiency and performance.
Analysing the chart below, the Samsung Galaxy A15 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 4G outperform the Mid Tier average in various aspects. The Galaxy A15 shows superior battery performance, life, and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for users seeking reliable battery management. The Redmi Note 13 4G also demonstrates strong battery life and the fastest charging time, offering a balanced option for users.
Conclusion
ViserMark’s extensive testing highlights the Motorola Moto G24 as the best battery-performant budget smartphone, with a leading battery performance score and exceptional efficiency, making it ideal for users needing long-lasting power. The Xiaomi Redmi 13C also has an impressive battery life and efficiency, offering great value for budget-conscious consumers. The Samsung Galaxy A15, while slightly less efficient, provides robust performance and fast charging capabilities, making it a solid choice for users who value convenience and multimedia capabilities. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 4G, with its fast charging and balanced performance in gaming and media, appeals to users with specific multimedia needs. However, the Xiaomi Redmi A3 falls short in efficiency and battery life, making it less suitable for those prioritising these aspects.
Written By:
Marcella Frattari is the Digital Communications Manager at SmartViser, primarily responsible for ViserMark content creation and social media management. She holds a journalism background and is pursuing a master's degree in digital communications and marketing.
Marcella brings a dynamic and creative approach to her work, consistently striving to enhance the company's online presence and engagement.
Press Contact:
Debbie Bouffler: Contact@visermark.com
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