The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The BLU G71+ and Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, particularly in their core processing power and overall system design. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly more refined software experience, the Samsung Galaxy A13 emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G80 chipset, while not a powerhouse, offers a more balanced CPU configuration than the BLU G71+'s Cortex-A75 focused processor, leading to smoother multitasking and app loading.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January | 2022, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January | Available. Released 2022, July |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.2 x 76.7 x 9 mm (6.31 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 165.1 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.5 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 13 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide)
2 MP, (macro)
2 MP, (depth) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4900 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Bronze, Blue, Green, White | Black, White, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A137F, SM-A137F/DSN, SM-A137F/DS |
| Price | - | About 180 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.22 W/kg (body) |
BLU G71+
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple Android experience
- Likely large battery capacity (estimated)
- Unspecified chipset details
- Potentially less efficient CPU configuration
- Unknown camera performance
Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137)
- Balanced MediaTek Helio G80 chipset
- Samsung’s One UI software features
- Established brand reputation
- Slow 15W charging
- PLS LCD display is still budget-oriented
- Potential for software bloat
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifics regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are missing for the BLU G71+, but given the price point, it's likely a standard TFT panel. The Galaxy A13 features a larger 6.6-inch PLS LCD, a Samsung-specific LCD technology offering slightly improved viewing angles compared to standard TFT. Both will likely exhibit similar color accuracy and brightness levels, adequate for indoor use but potentially washed out in direct sunlight. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices targeting basic photography needs. The Galaxy A13’s main sensor specifications are unavailable, but Samsung typically prioritizes image processing algorithms. The BLU G71+'s camera specs are also missing. Both devices likely include a suite of secondary cameras (ultrawide, macro, depth) of limited utility. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests image quality will suffer in low-light conditions, relying heavily on software processing.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Samsung Galaxy A13’s MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm) utilizes a more balanced octa-core configuration: two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz for peak performance, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz for efficiency. This contrasts with the BLU G71+'s octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 setup. While the A75 core is powerful, relying solely on it without the efficiency of A55 cores could lead to quicker battery drain during sustained tasks. The Helio G80 also includes a Mali-G52 MC2 GPU, offering a moderate gaming experience, while the BLU G71+'s GPU is unspecified, making direct comparison difficult. The 12nm process node of the Helio G80 also contributes to better thermal efficiency than an unknown node for the BLU G71+.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the BLU G71+, but given its market segment, it's likely around 5000mAh, similar to the Samsung Galaxy A13. However, the Galaxy A13 is limited to 15W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take a considerable amount of time. The BLU G71+'s charging speed is also unknown, but a slower charging rate would be expected. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the more efficient CPU configuration of the Galaxy A13 could translate to slightly longer screen-on time.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G71+ if you prioritize a simple, uncluttered Android experience and are willing to accept potential performance limitations in demanding applications. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) if you value a more established brand reputation, a more versatile CPU configuration for everyday tasks, and the benefits of Samsung’s One UI software features, even with its 15W charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MediaTek Helio G80 in the Samsung Galaxy A13 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G80 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. It's not a gaming-focused chipset, so don't expect flagship-level performance.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A13 significantly slower than other phones?
Yes, 15W charging is relatively slow compared to the 25W or 65W charging found on many modern smartphones. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours. It's a trade-off for the lower price point.
❓ Given the lack of detailed specs for the BLU G71+, is it a risky purchase?
It does carry some risk. The limited information makes it difficult to assess its true performance capabilities. If you prioritize certainty and a well-documented experience, the Samsung Galaxy A13 is the safer bet.
❓ How does Samsung's One UI affect the performance of the Galaxy A13?
One UI is a feature-rich interface, but it can also be resource-intensive. While the Helio G80 is adequate, One UI's animations and background processes may contribute to occasional slowdowns, especially with many apps open.
