Looking for a reliable and affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy A13 and A12 are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A13 generally edges out the A12 thanks to its more powerful Helio G80 chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost. While battery life is similar, the A13's improved processor and slightly newer design make 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 / 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June | 2020, November 24. Released 2020, December 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Discontinued |
| 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 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 205 g (7.23 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 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| - | Go |
| 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 | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
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, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@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, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| 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 b/g/n, 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, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | SM-A137F, SM-A137F/DSN, SM-A137F/DS | SM-A125F/DSN, SM-A125F/DS, SM-A125F, SM-A125M, SM-A125U, SM-A125U1, SM-A125N, SM-A125W |
| Price | About 180 EUR | € 78.89 / $ 60.00 / £ 69.99 |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.22 W/kg (body) | 0.67 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 123h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1363:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.4 LUFS (Below average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 107189 (v8)
GeekBench: 1034 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137)
- More powerful processor (Helio G80)
- Slightly better display
- More versatile camera system
- Modern design
- Slightly slower charging
- Can be slightly more expensive than the A12
Samsung Galaxy A12
- Exceptional battery life (123h endurance)
- Very affordable
- Proven reliability
- Less powerful processor (Helio P35)
- Slower performance
- Older design
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.5-inch displays, but the A13 typically has a slightly higher resolution (FHD+ vs HD+ on some A12 variants). The A12 boasts a high contrast ratio (1363:1) and a measured brightness of 472 nits, which is impressive for its price range. The A13's display is generally considered to be a bit more vibrant and modern.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer multiple rear cameras, but the A13 generally has a more versatile setup with a higher resolution main sensor. Image quality is decent on both, but the A13 tends to produce slightly more detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is comparable on both devices.
Performance
The A13's Helio G80 chipset is a significant upgrade over the A12's Helio P35. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and better overall responsiveness. The A13 handles multitasking and light gaming more effectively. The A12 can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The A12 is renowned for its exceptional battery life, achieving an endurance rating of 123 hours. The A13's battery life is also very good, though slightly less impressive than the A12's. Both phones support 15W wired charging, which is relatively slow.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A13? Users prioritizing smoother performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A12? Those seeking a very budget-friendly option with excellent battery life and a proven track record, and are less concerned with top-tier performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy A13 worth the extra money compared to the A12?
If performance is a priority, the A13's more powerful processor makes it worth the investment. However, if you're on a tight budget and prioritize battery life above all else, the A12 remains a compelling option.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Galaxy A13's Helio G80 chipset provides significantly better gaming performance than the A12's Helio P35. You'll experience smoother frame rates and fewer stutters on the A13.
