Google Pixel 6a vs Samsung Galaxy A13 5G: A Detailed Comparison
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice. Its Google Tensor chipset delivers significantly faster performance and a smoother user experience, coupled with exceptional camera capabilities. While the Galaxy A13 5G offers 5G at a lower price, the Pixel 6a’s overall refinement justifies the price difference.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy A13 5G | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada) |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 66, 77 Sub6/mmWave | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 2, 5, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77 Sub6/mmWave - SM-A136U | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 02 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 03 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.48 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 90Hz | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Virtual proximity sensing | - | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | SM-A136U, SM-A136U1, SM-A136W, SM-A136B, SM-S136DL | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | € 178.00 / $ 64.00 / £ 72.54 | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| SAR | 1.27 W/kg (head) 0.58 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Samsung Galaxy A13 5G
- Superior performance with Google Tensor chip
- Exceptional camera quality and image processing
- Faster charging with PD3.0 support
- Higher price point than the Galaxy A13 5G
- Smaller display size compared to the A13 5G
Google Pixel 6a
- More affordable price
- Larger display size
- 5G connectivity
- Significantly slower performance
- Inferior camera quality
- Slower charging speed
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 876 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the A13 5G. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. While both displays likely utilize OLED technology (based on Pixel brand history), the Pixel 6a’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio suggests superior black levels and color reproduction. The A13 5G’s larger screen size may appeal to media consumers, but the Pixel 6a’s superior brightness and contrast offer a more visually engaging experience.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s camera system is a clear standout. While specific sensor details are missing for both phones, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor chip, elevates image quality significantly. The Pixel 6a excels in low-light conditions and dynamic range. The A13 5G likely relies more on hardware limitations, and its image processing won’t match the Pixel’s sophistication. Ignoring the typical 2MP macro lens found on the A13 5G, the Pixel 6a’s image processing algorithms will deliver consistently better results for everyday photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm). The Tensor’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 cores, provides a significant performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks. The Dimensity 700, while capable for everyday use, will struggle with demanding games and multitasking. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling under sustained load. The Pixel 6a will offer a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the Pixel 6a’s 18W charging with PD3.0 support offers faster and more efficient charging compared to the A13 5G’s 15W wired charging. While neither phone offers blazing-fast charging, the Pixel 6a will replenish its battery quicker, minimizing downtime. The comparable endurance ratings suggest that despite the more powerful Tensor chip, Google has optimized power consumption effectively.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G if you absolutely need 5G connectivity on a very tight budget and prioritize a larger screen size over raw performance. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value a responsive user experience, exceptional camera quality, and long-term software support, even if it means spending a bit more.