The Samsung Galaxy A series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with features. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Galaxy A20s and the newer Galaxy A13. Both aim to provide excellent value, but which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A13 generally wins thanks to its more powerful Helio G80 chipset, improved display, and slightly better camera capabilities. While the A20s remains a decent option, the A13 offers a more modern and smoother experience for a similar price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - SM-A207F/DS | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - SM-A207F/DS | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - SM-A207M/DS | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September 24. Released 2019, October 05 | 2022, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, July |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 77.5 x 8 mm (6.43 x 3.05 x 0.31 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 | 183 g (6.46 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB 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 | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 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 | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red, Green | Black, White, Blue |
| Models | SM-A207F, SM-A207M, SM-A2070 | SM-A137F, SM-A137F/DSN, SM-A137F/DS |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | 0.69 W/kg (head) 1.43 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.22 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A20s
- Larger Screen (6.5 inch)
- Very Affordable
- Decent Battery Life
- Outdated Chipset
- Lower Resolution Display
- Slower Performance
Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137)
- Faster Processor (Helio G80)
- FHD+ Display
- Improved Camera
- Modern Design
- Slightly Higher Price
- No Headphone Jack (often)
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A13 boasts a 6.6-inch FHD+ display, offering a noticeable upgrade in resolution and clarity compared to the A20s's 6.5-inch HD+ display. Colors are more vibrant on the A13, and the overall viewing experience is superior. The A13 also often features a 90Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and animations.
Camera Comparison
The A13 generally offers a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. While both phones offer decent image quality in good lighting, the A13 performs better in low-light conditions and captures more detail. The A20s's camera is adequate but lacks the refinement of the A13.
Performance
Here's where the A13 truly shines. The Helio G80 chipset is significantly faster than the Snapdragon 450 in the A20s. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the A13. The A20s can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones feature a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the A13's more efficient chipset allows it to stretch that battery life a bit further, especially with heavy usage. Charging speeds are identical at 15W wired.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A20s? Users prioritizing a slightly larger screen and a very budget-friendly price. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137)? Those seeking better performance, a more modern design, and a more capable camera, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy A20s still worth buying?
The A20s can be a good option if you're on a very tight budget and primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing. However, the A13 offers a significantly better overall experience for a small price increase.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Galaxy A13, thanks to its Helio G80 chipset, provides a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience compared to the A20s's Snapdragon 450.