Samsung's A-series continues to dominate the budget smartphone space, but choosing between models can be tricky. The Galaxy A22 5G and A13 represent compelling options, each prioritizing different strengths. The A22 5G brings 5G connectivity and a more powerful processor to the table, while the A13 focuses on a brighter display and a slightly longer battery endurance rating. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a 7nm process, delivers noticeably better performance than the A13’s Exynos 850 (8nm). While the A13 boasts a brighter screen, the A22 5G’s 5G capability and superior processing power offer a more future-proof and responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 03 | 2022, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 24 | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.2 x 76.4 x 9 mm (6.58 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 | 203 g (7.16 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD |
| 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 13, One UI core 5 | 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, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | 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/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1152p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| 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 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, White, Mint, Violet | Black, White, Peach, Blue |
| Models | SM-A226B, SM-A226B/DS, SM-A226B/DSN, SM-A226BR, SM-A226BR/N, SM-A226L, SC-56B | SM-A135F, SM-A135F/DS, SM-A135M, SM-A135U, SM-A135U1, SM-A135N |
| Price | £ 92.00 / € 125.99 | € 94.99 / $ 129.99 / £ 89.00 |
| SAR | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.73 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) | 0.37 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 118h
|
Endurance rating 114h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1631:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1324:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.5 LUFS (Average)
|
-29.7 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 242155 (v8), 223188 (v9)
GeekBench: 6913 (v4.4), 1719 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 122822 (v8), 136286 (v9)
GeekBench: 588 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.2fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A22 5G
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- 5G connectivity for future-proof networking
- Slightly better battery endurance
- Dimmer display compared to the A13
- May be slightly more expensive
Samsung Galaxy A13
- Significantly brighter display for outdoor use
- Potentially lower price point
- Slightly longer battery endurance rating
- Less powerful processor
- No 5G connectivity
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A13’s display is the clear winner in terms of brightness, achieving a measured 587 nits compared to the A22 5G’s 385 nits. This makes the A13 significantly more usable in direct sunlight. However, the A22 5G’s contrast ratio of 1631:1 is slightly better than the A13’s 1324:1, suggesting deeper blacks. Both displays utilize a nominal contrast ratio, indicating they aren't employing advanced panel technologies like AMOLED. The A13’s higher brightness is a boon for outdoor visibility, but the A22 5G’s slightly better contrast contributes to a more visually appealing image indoors.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 'Photo / Video' camera setup, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics on sensor size or aperture, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the market positioning, it’s likely both rely on similar budget sensors. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Image processing will likely be the differentiating factor, and Samsung’s software optimizations could provide a slight edge to either device.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Galaxy A22 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700, fabricated on a 7nm process, offers a significant advantage over the A13’s Exynos 850 (8nm). The Dimensity 700’s octa-core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) is more powerful than the A13’s (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the A22 5G. The 8nm process of the Exynos 850 also implies lower efficiency, potentially leading to more heat generation under sustained load.
Battery Life
The Galaxy A22 5G boasts an endurance rating of 118 hours, slightly exceeding the A13’s 114 hours. While the difference is marginal, it suggests the more efficient Dimensity 700 chipset contributes to better battery life despite the 5G radio. Both phones support 15W wired charging, meaning 0-100% charge times will be comparable – likely exceeding 2 hours. The A13’s slightly lower endurance rating is likely due to the less efficient Exynos 850 and the higher power draw of its brighter display.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G if you need 5G connectivity, prioritize smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, and value a more efficient processor. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A13 if you primarily consume media outdoors and require a significantly brighter display, and 5G isn't a priority. The A13 is also a good option if you're looking for the absolute lowest price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the A13 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850, being built on an 8nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling than the A22 5G’s Dimensity 700 (7nm). While it won’t likely shut down, expect performance to decrease after extended gaming, leading to dropped frames and a less smooth experience.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the A22 5G actually useful, or is it just a marketing feature?
The usefulness of 5G depends on your location and carrier coverage. However, even if 5G isn’t readily available, the A22 5G will fall back to 4G LTE. The inclusion of 5G future-proofs the device, ensuring compatibility with evolving networks.
❓ Are the camera differences between these two phones noticeable in everyday photos?
Without detailed sensor specifications, it's hard to say definitively. However, the A13's brighter screen may make framing shots easier in sunlight. Expect similar image quality in good lighting conditions, but the A22 5G might perform slightly better in low-light scenarios due to its more powerful image signal processor.
