Looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank? The Samsung Galaxy A13 and A04s are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A04s edges out the A13 thanks to its more efficient Exynos chipset and impressive battery life (114h endurance rating). While the A13 boasts a slightly more powerful CPU, the A04s' overall package provides better longevity and a smoother experience for everyday tasks.
| 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June | 2022, August 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Available. Released 2022, September 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.5 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 | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 12, 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 | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | 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 | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 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 | 8 MP, f/2.2, (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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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, compass | 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, White, Blue | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | SM-A137F, SM-A137F/DSN, SM-A137F/DS | SM-A047F, SM-A047F/DS, SM-A047F/DSN, SM-A047M |
| Price | About 180 EUR | € 133.89 |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.22 W/kg (body) | 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 (SM-A137)
- Slightly more powerful CPU
- Larger user base for support
- Lower battery life
- Less efficient chipset
- Potentially dimmer display
Samsung Galaxy A04s
- Exceptional battery life (114h endurance)
- More efficient chipset
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Generally smoother performance
- Slightly less powerful CPU than A13
- Camera performance needs further testing
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, but the A04s boasts a measured 389 nits max brightness and a 1614:1 contrast ratio, suggesting a slightly more vibrant and visible screen, particularly in bright conditions. The A13's display is adequate but lacks the same level of brightness and contrast.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are not fully detailed for either device, but both are advertised as 'Photo / Video' capable. The A04s likely has a slightly better camera system due to the Exynos 850's image signal processor (ISP) capabilities, potentially resulting in better image processing and low-light performance. Further testing would be needed for a definitive comparison.
Performance
The A13 utilizes a Mediatek Helio G80 chipset with a dual-core Cortex-A75 setup, potentially offering a slight edge in raw processing power. However, the A04s' Exynos 850, built on a more efficient 8nm process, often translates to better real-world performance and less power consumption, mitigating the A13's CPU advantage. Gaming performance is generally comparable.
Battery Life
The A04s shines in this category with an impressive endurance rating of 114 hours. This significantly surpasses what we'd expect from the A13, indicating substantially longer battery life on a single charge. This is a major advantage for users who need a phone that can last through a full day of heavy use.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A13 is ideal for users who prioritize a slightly faster processor for occasional gaming or demanding apps. The Galaxy A04s is a better choice for those who value long battery life, a vibrant display, and a generally smoother user experience, especially if you're a heavy user.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The A13's slightly more powerful CPU might offer a marginal advantage in demanding games, but the A04s' efficient chipset and ample RAM ensure a smooth experience for most mobile games.
❓ Is the A04s worth the extra cost (if any)?
Generally, yes. The A04s' superior battery life and display make it a more compelling choice for most users, especially those prioritizing longevity and a better viewing experience.
