Samsung's Galaxy A series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with features. The A13 5G and A04s are two popular contenders in the budget segment, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A13 5G edges out the A04s thanks to its significantly faster processor and 5G connectivity. While the A04s boasts impressive battery life, the A13 5G's performance advantage makes it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 66, 77 Sub6/mmWave | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 5, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77 Sub6/mmWave - SM-A136U | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 02 | 2022, August 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 03 | Available. Released 2022, September 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.48 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 | 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@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 | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual Proximity Sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | SM-A136U, SM-A136U1, SM-A136W, SM-A136B, SM-S136DL | SM-A047F, SM-A047F/DS, SM-A047F/DSN, SM-A047M |
| Price | € 178.00 / $ 64.00 / £ 72.54 | € 133.89 |
| SAR | 1.27 W/kg (head) 0.58 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 114h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1614:1 |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.3 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 145123(v9)
GeekBench: 1100 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 11fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A13 5G
- Faster Processor
- 5G Connectivity
- Potentially Better Camera
- More Versatile Software Features
- Shorter Battery Life than A04s
- Display Not as Bright as A04s
- Charging Speed is Average
Samsung Galaxy A04s
- Exceptional Battery Life
- Slightly Brighter Display
- Budget-Friendly Price
- Slower Processor
- No 5G
- Less Powerful Camera
- Limited Performance for Demanding Apps
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays with a 1614:1 contrast ratio, promising deep blacks. However, the A04s measures a slightly brighter 389 nits, potentially offering better visibility in direct sunlight. The A13 5G's display is generally considered adequate but not exceptional, while the A04s's brightness gives it a slight edge in outdoor usability. Resolution is likely similar, around 720+ HD.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are not fully detailed, but both offer Photo/Video capabilities. The A13 5G likely has a more versatile camera system with potentially more lenses and features. The A04s may compensate with software optimization, but the A13 5G is expected to deliver better image quality, especially in low light. Expect both to offer decent results for casual photography.
Performance
This is where the A13 5G shines. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset and octa-core CPU (with Cortex-A76 cores) provide a noticeable performance boost compared to the A04s's Exynos 850. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the A13 5G. The A04s's Exynos 850 is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The A04s truly excels here. Its endurance rating of 114 hours is exceptional, suggesting significantly longer battery life than the A13 5G. While the A13 5G's battery is respectable, the A04s is the clear winner for users who prioritize all-day (or multi-day) battery performance.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A13 5G is ideal for users who prioritize speed, future-proofing with 5G, and a smoother overall experience. The Samsung Galaxy A04s is a great option for those primarily focused on long battery life and a budget-friendly price, and who don't heavily rely on demanding apps or games.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G worth the extra money?
If you value performance and 5G connectivity, then yes. The A13 5G offers a significantly smoother experience. However, if battery life is your top priority and you're on a tight budget, the A04s is a compelling alternative.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Samsung Galaxy A13 5G is the clear winner for gaming due to its more powerful processor. It will handle games more smoothly and with better graphics settings.
