Design-wise, these three smartphones feature distinct aesthetic approaches, influencing ergonomics and visual style. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G offers flat profiles with a set of photo sensors integrated into a rectangular plate on the back, matching the color of the shell. This model comes in black, purple and blue, offering a certain sobriety. For its part, the Nothing Phone 2a adopts a more original design with a semi-transparent shell which reveals certain internal components. Its two photo sensors are centered horizontally, in a simple but elegant layout. It is available in black and white, rather classic colors but contrasted by the transparency of the shell. Finally, the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G stands out with its glass back and minimalist style. The photo sensors seem to be simply placed there, without frame or plate. This model, with slightly rounded profiles, is offered in blue, dark blue, lilac and lime (yellow), offering a variety of more lively choices.
In terms of dimensions, the three models are very close. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G is the lightest of the three. The Nothing Phone 2a is slightly larger. As for the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G, it is the largest and heaviest.
Regarding the battery, it is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G that stands out with a capacity of 5100 mAh, potentially offering slightly greater autonomy than other models. It supports 67 watts fast charging, by far the best here, allowing for faster charging. The Nothing Phone 2a has a 5000 mAh battery, similar to the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G. However, its charging power is 45 watts, which remains respectable. Note that the Nothing Phone 2a benefits from reverse charging, which the other two do not offer. The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G, meanwhile, is a little behind with charging limited to 25 watts. None of these models offer wireless charging, which is still a rare feature in this price range.
Which is the most powerful and what configuration for photos?
In terms of power, the three smartphones have respectable processors. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, combined with 8 or 12 GB of RAM, and offers storage options of 256 or 512 GB. This model does not allow you to expand its memory via a micro SD card. The Nothing Phone 2a relies on a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro processor, optimized especially for this model, with 8 or 12 GB of RAM, and a storage capacity of 128 or 256 GB, without the possibility of expansion either. Finally, the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G uses a Samsung Exynos 1380 processor accompanied by 8 GB of RAM, but benefits from the possibility of adding up to 1 TB via a micro SD card, a significant asset for users needing more storage. In terms of raw power, the Xiaomi stands out with its more recent and powerful processor, followed by the Nothing Phone 2a, and finally the Galaxy A35 which, although efficient, is slightly behind.
When it comes to photography, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G immediately stands out with its 200-megapixel, optically stabilized main sensor, offering an impressive level of detail. It is supported by an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor and a 2-megapixel macro sensor, while the selfie sensor reaches 16 megapixels. The Nothing Phone 2a offers a different approach, with two 50-megapixel sensors on the back (standard and ultra-wide-angle), and a 32-megapixel front sensor, which puts it in a good position for selfie enthusiasts.
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G, with its stabilized 50-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor and a 5-megapixel macro sensor, offers a good compromise, but with a slightly lower resolution. For selfies, it is limited to a 13 megapixel sensor. If you are primarily looking for exceptional photo quality, the Xiaomi comes first, followed by the Nothing Phone 2a for its excellent selfie sensor, then the Galaxy A35.
What is the best screen and what connectivity?
Concerning the quality of the screens, the three models offer AMOLED panels, synonymous with bright colors and good contrasts. The Nothing Phone 2a has the largest screen, with a diagonal of 6.7 inches and a definition of 1080×2412 pixels, but a peak brightness of 1600 cd/m², slightly below the others. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G sports a 6.67-inch screen with a superior definition of 1220×2712 pixels and an impressive peak brightness of 1800 cd/m². The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G, for its part, offers a 6.6-inch screen with a definition of 1080×2340 pixels, but a more modest peak brightness of 1000 cd/m². In terms of fluidity, all of these smartphones offer 120Hz refresh, ideal for smooth browsing and video games. In conclusion, the Xiaomi screen seems the most attractive thanks to its better definition and brightness, closely followed by the Nothing Phone 2a, then the Galaxy A35.
Finally, in terms of connectivity, all three models support Wi-Fi 6 and 5G. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G and the Nothing Phone 2a also have NFC technology for contactless payments, while the Galaxy A35 has a newer version of Bluetooth, 5.3. None of these smartphones have a jack, with the exception of the Xiaomi which retains this traditional connectivity. In terms of waterproofing, the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G stands out with IP67 certification, guaranteeing complete protection against dust and temporary immersion. The other two models, Xiaomi and Nothing, only have IP54 certification, offering limited splash resistance.
