The Samsung Galaxy A series consistently delivers excellent value in the budget smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Galaxy A12 (specifically the India variant) and the Galaxy A13. Which one offers the best bang for your buck?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A13 edges out the A12 thanks to its significantly brighter display and impressive endurance rating. While both share the same chipset, the A13's improvements in screen quality and battery life make it the slightly better choice for most users, especially those prioritizing longevity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 12 | 2022, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 12 | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 165.1 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.5 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 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 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | - | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Black, White, Peach, Blue |
| Models | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS | SM-A135F, SM-A135F/DS, SM-A135M, SM-A135U, SM-A135U1, SM-A135N |
| Price | About 160 EUR | € 94.99 / $ 129.99 / £ 89.00 |
| SAR | 0.79 W/kg (head) | 0.49 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.37 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 114h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1324:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-29.7 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 122822 (v8), 136286 (v9)
GeekBench: 588 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.2fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- Very affordable
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Compact size
- Dim display
- Average battery life
- Basic camera system
Samsung Galaxy A13
- Bright and vibrant display
- Exceptional battery life
- Slightly more versatile camera
- Modern design
- Slightly more expensive than A12
- Performance similar to A12
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A13 boasts a noticeable advantage in display quality. Its measured 587 nits max brightness is considerably higher than what's typically seen on the A12, offering better visibility in sunlight. The 1324:1 contrast ratio, while nominal on the A13, suggests deeper blacks and richer colors. The A12's display is adequate but lacks the vibrancy and brightness of the A13.
Camera Comparison
While both are listed as 'Photo / Video', the A13 generally features a slightly more versatile camera system. The A13 often includes a higher resolution main sensor and potentially additional lenses (like a macro lens) not found on all A12 variants. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the A13 may offer slightly better low-light performance and more creative options.
Performance
Both phones utilize the Exynos 850 chipset and the same CPU configuration. Performance will be largely similar for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level performance from either device, but they're capable enough for their price range. RAM configurations (typically 4GB or 6GB) will be a more significant factor in overall responsiveness.
Battery Life
The Galaxy A13 shines in battery life. Its endurance rating of 114 hours is exceptional, indicating significantly longer usage between charges compared to the A12. This is a major selling point for users who need a phone that can last through multiple days of moderate use.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)? Those seeking a very budget-friendly option and are less concerned with display brightness or absolute battery life. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A13? Users who prioritize a vibrant display, long battery life, and a slightly more modern design, even at a slightly higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Exynos 850 chipset good enough for gaming?
The Exynos 850 is suitable for casual gaming, but don't expect to play demanding titles at high settings. It's best for lighter games and less intensive mobile gaming.
❓ What is the difference in design between the A12 and A13?
The A13 generally features a more modern, streamlined design with a flatter edge aesthetic compared to the A12's more rounded look. The camera bump design also differs.
