Samsung Galaxy A13 5G vs Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023): A Detailed Comparison

The sub-$300 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Samsung Galaxy A13 5G, a mainstay in Samsung’s budget lineup, faces a strong challenger in the newly released Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). This comparison dives deep into the core differences – chipset architecture, charging speeds, and real-world performance – to determine which device delivers the most bang for your buck.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, built on a more efficient 4nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and improved thermal management over the Galaxy A13 5G’s Dimensity 700. The faster 20W charging is also a significant benefit.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71
5G bands2, 5, 66, 77 Sub6/mmWave1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 2, 5, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77 Sub6/mmWave - SM-A136U-
Launch
Announced2021, December 022023, May 30
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, December 03Available. Released 2023, June 02
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.5 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.48 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 mm (6.41 x 2.91 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)202 g (7.13 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypePLS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 710
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single5 MP, f/2.0, (wide)-
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single5 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack Yes-
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GALILEO
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 Virtual proximity sensing-
Battery
Charging15W wired20W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackCosmic Black, Rose Champagne
ModelsSM-A136U, SM-A136U1, SM-A136W, SM-A136B, SM-S136DLXT2315-1, XT2315-4
Price€ 178.00 / $ 64.00 / £ 72.54$ 93.43
SAR1.27 W/kg (head)     0.58 W/kg (body)-

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G

  • Established Brand Reputation
  • Potentially Wider Carrier Compatibility
  • Generally Lower Price Point (depending on retailer)

  • Older Chipset Architecture
  • Slower 15W Charging
  • Potential for Thermal Throttling

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)

  • More Efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 Chipset
  • Faster 20W Charging
  • Integrated Stylus for Enhanced Productivity

  • Motorola’s Software Update History Can Be Spotty
  • May Not Be Available Through All Carriers

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. While specific brightness data isn't provided, the A13 5G's display is likely adequate for indoor use, but may struggle in direct sunlight. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) doesn't specify any display enhancements either, suggesting a similar experience. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, contributing to a less immersive viewing experience compared to higher-end devices.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both phones will rely on primary sensors around the 50MP mark. The Motorola’s image processing is likely tuned for vibrant colors, while Samsung often aims for a more natural look. The presence of a stylus on the Motorola suggests a focus on creative tasks, potentially benefiting from software optimizations for note-taking and sketching. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) utilizes the Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm), featuring four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz alongside four Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture represents a significant step up from the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm), which employs two Cortex-A76 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores. The 4nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling, meaning sustained performance will be higher. While both have octa-core CPUs, the A78 cores in the Snapdragon offer a performance boost over the A76 cores in the Dimensity 700. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) will likely handle multitasking and demanding apps more smoothly.

Battery Life

Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While mAh capacity isn't specified, both phones likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range. However, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) gains a significant advantage with its 20W wired charging, allowing for a much faster 0-100% charge time compared to the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G’s 15W charging. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s improved efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life under sustained load.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G if you prioritize brand recognition and a potentially wider carrier compatibility, and are comfortable with slightly slower performance and charging. Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) if you value a more modern chipset architecture, faster charging, and a smoother overall user experience, especially for multitasking and light gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the Galaxy A13 5G overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 700, built on a 7nm process, is prone to thermal throttling under sustained load. While it can handle casual gaming, demanding titles may experience frame drops and reduced performance after prolonged play. The Motorola’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, with its 4nm process, manages heat more effectively, offering a smoother gaming experience.
❓ Is the stylus on the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) just a gimmick, or is it genuinely useful?
The stylus is a genuine productivity tool. It allows for precise note-taking, sketching, and navigation. Motorola’s software includes features optimized for stylus input, making it useful for students, artists, and anyone who prefers handwriting over typing. It's a key differentiator for this device.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
With 15W charging, the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G will likely take around 2.5 to 3 hours for a full charge. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023), with its 20W charging, should complete a full charge in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, offering a significant time saving.