The Samsung Galaxy F series targets the value-conscious buyer, but the range offers choices. We pit the older, more affordable Galaxy F02s against the newer Galaxy F13 to determine which delivers the best experience, focusing on the core differences in their chipsets and how those translate to real-world usage.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy F13 is the superior choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset, built on an 8nm process, provides a significant performance uplift over the F02s’ Snapdragon 450, resulting in smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both charge at the same 15W, the F13’s efficiency gains are noticeable.
| 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 05 | 2022, June 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 09 | Available. Released 2022, June 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) | 165.4 x 76.9 x 9.3 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 207 g (7.30 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ceramic Blue, Ceramic White, Ceramic Black | Waterfall Blue, Sunrise Copper, Nightsky Green |
| Models | SM-E025F, SM-E025F/DS | SM-E135F, SM-E135F/DS |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | 0.52 W/kg (head) | 0.55 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy F02s
- Lower price point makes it very accessible.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the F13.
- Less efficient chipset leads to shorter battery life.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy F13
- Faster and more efficient Exynos 850 chipset.
- Improved multitasking and app loading times.
- Potentially better camera image processing.
- Higher price compared to the F02s.
- 15W charging is relatively slow.
- May still struggle with very demanding games.
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature LCD panels, a common trait in this price segment. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing. The F13’s advantage lies in its chipset’s ability to drive a potentially higher resolution or refresh rate display more efficiently. The Snapdragon 450 in the F02s will struggle with anything beyond basic display tasks, impacting smoothness during scrolling and video playback.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the F13’s more powerful chipset allows for more sophisticated image processing. This could result in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, even with similar sensor sizes. The F02s’ Snapdragon 450 will be limited in its ability to process complex camera algorithms. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy F13’s Exynos 850 (8nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Galaxy F02s’ Snapdragon 450 (14nm). The 8nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency. While both are octa-core, the Exynos 850 utilizes Cortex-A55 cores across all eight, offering improved single-core performance compared to the F02s’ Cortex-A53 cores. This translates to faster app loading times and a more responsive UI. The F13 will handle multitasking and moderately demanding apps with significantly less lag.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 15W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds. However, the Exynos 850’s superior power efficiency in the F13 means it will likely deliver longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity battery (spec not provided). The 8nm process reduces power consumption during both active use and standby, extending the time between charges. The F02s’ Snapdragon 450, being less efficient, will drain the battery faster under similar usage conditions.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy F02s if you absolutely need the lowest possible price point and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a functional device for minimal demands. Buy the Samsung Galaxy F13 if you prioritize a smoother, more capable experience for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and future-proofing, even if it means spending a bit more. The F13 offers a tangible performance improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the F13 get hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 850 is more powerful, it's not a high-end gaming chip. It will likely experience some thermal throttling during prolonged, graphically intensive gaming. However, the 8nm process helps manage heat better than the F02s’ Snapdragon 450, resulting in more sustained performance before throttling occurs.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited practical benefit. The image quality is often poor, lacking detail and sharpness. They are primarily a marketing feature and are unlikely to produce satisfying macro photographs. Stick to the main camera for better results.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy F13 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The F13 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a smooth experience. Expect some occasional frame drops during intense action. The F02s will struggle significantly with PUBG Mobile, likely requiring the lowest possible settings and still experiencing noticeable lag.
❓ How much faster is the app loading time on the F13 compared to the F02s?
App loading times on the F13 will be noticeably faster, potentially 30-50% quicker for many apps. This is due to the Exynos 850’s more powerful CPU cores and improved memory bandwidth. The F02s’ Snapdragon 450 will feel sluggish when launching and switching between apps.
