The Samsung Galaxy A13 was a popular budget-friendly option, but there were slight variations in the chipset depending on the region. This comparison dives deep into the differences between the SM-A137 model, powered by the Mediatek Helio G80, and the standard A13 featuring the Samsung Exynos 850. We'll break down which phone offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Exynos 850 variant generally edges out the Helio G80 A13 in overall performance and efficiency. While both offer a solid budget experience, the Exynos provides smoother multitasking and slightly better power management, making it the preferred 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June | 2022, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.5 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 165.1 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.5 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-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 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.2% 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 (4x2.0 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 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | 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) | 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, (wide) |
| 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 | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, compass |
| | 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, Peach, Blue |
| Models | SM-A137F, SM-A137F/DSN, SM-A137F/DS | SM-A135F, SM-A135F/DS, SM-A135M, SM-A135U, SM-A135U1, SM-A135N |
| Price | About 180 EUR | € 94.99 / $ 129.99 / £ 89.00 |
| SAR | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.22 W/kg (body) | 0.37 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 114h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1324:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-29.7 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 122822 (v8), 136286 (v9)
GeekBench: 588 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.2fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137)
- More affordable
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Large display
- Slightly lower performance than Exynos variant
- Potentially shorter battery life
- Less efficient chipset
Samsung Galaxy A13
- Smoother performance
- Better multitasking
- Slightly improved battery life
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly more expensive
- Gaming performance still limited
- Display brightness not exceptional
Display Comparison
Both Galaxy A13 models feature a large 6.6-inch FHD+ display with a 1324:1 contrast ratio. The Exynos variant boasts a measured peak brightness of 587 nits, which is slightly better than what's typically observed on the Helio G80 model, resulting in marginally better outdoor visibility. Color accuracy is generally good on both, though not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is largely similar between the two models, relying on the same sensor setup. Image quality in good lighting is comparable, but the Exynos variant might exhibit slightly better image processing and noise reduction in low-light conditions. Video recording capabilities are standard for the price range.
Performance
The Exynos 850's octa-core CPU (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) generally outperforms the Helio G80 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) in sustained workloads and multitasking. The Exynos's more modern 8nm process also contributes to better power efficiency. Gaming performance is adequate on both, but the Exynos handles more demanding titles slightly better.
Battery Life
Both models boast a large 5000mAh battery and an endurance rating of 114 hours. However, the Exynos 850's improved efficiency often translates to slightly longer real-world battery life, especially with heavier usage.
Buying Guide
Who should buy Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137)? Users prioritizing a slightly more affordable option and who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing and social media. Who should buy Samsung Galaxy A13 (Exynos 850)? Users seeking a smoother experience, better multitasking capabilities, and slightly improved battery life, even at a slightly higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What does SM-A137 signify?
SM-A137 is the model number specifically for the Samsung Galaxy A13 variant equipped with the Mediatek Helio G80 chipset. Other regions received the A13 with the Exynos 850.
❓ Is the difference in performance noticeable in everyday use?
For basic tasks like browsing and social media, the difference might be subtle. However, when multitasking or playing more demanding games, the Exynos 850 variant will feel noticeably smoother and more responsive.
