Choosing between a smartphone and a tablet can be tough, especially when considering older models. We're pitting the Samsung Galaxy F13, a budget-friendly smartphone, against the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Plus 10.1, a tablet released in 2014, to see which offers the best value and performance in today's market.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy F13 is the clear winner for most users. Its modern chipset, better camera, and faster charging outweigh the Tab 3 Plus's larger screen. However, if you prioritize a larger display for media consumption and don't need cutting-edge performance, the Tab 3 Plus might still be a viable option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 22 | Not officially announced yet |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 29 | Cancelled |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 9.3 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.37 in) | - |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Yes |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 2 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~299 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~58.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | - |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5 | Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | Yes |
| Triple | 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 | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | Yes |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | TV-out |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Ion, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Waterfall Blue, Sunrise Copper, Nightsky Green | Silver |
| Models | SM-E135F, SM-E135F/DS | GT-P8220 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | - |
| SAR | 0.55 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy F13
- Modern Chipset
- Better Performance
- Improved Camera
- Fast Charging
- More Recent Software Updates
- Smaller Screen
- Potentially Less Battery Capacity (compared to Tab 3 Plus)
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Plus 10.1 P8220
- Larger Display
- Potentially Longer Battery Life (due to larger capacity)
- Outdated Processor
- Poor Performance
- Low-Resolution Display
- No Fast Charging
- Limited Software Support
- Older Camera Technology
Display Comparison
The Galaxy Tab 3 Plus boasts a 10.1-inch display, significantly larger than the F13's likely 6.6-inch screen. While the Tab 3 Plus's resolution is lower (likely 1920x1200) and the panel technology is older (likely LCD), the sheer size makes it better for media consumption. The F13 will likely have a more modern display with better color accuracy and potentially a higher resolution.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy F13 is expected to have a significantly better camera system. While the Tab 3 Plus has a basic camera setup, the F13 likely features a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing capabilities. Expect better low-light performance and overall image quality from the F13.
Performance
Here's where the F13 shines. Its Exynos 850 chipset and Octa-core CPU offer a substantial performance advantage over the Tab 3 Plus's older, Quad-core processor. The F13 will handle multitasking and demanding apps much more smoothly. The Tab 3 Plus will likely struggle with modern apps and games.
Battery Life
The Tab 3 Plus likely has a larger battery capacity (around 9000 mAh) than the F13 (likely around 6000 mAh). However, the F13's more efficient chipset may result in comparable or even better battery life in real-world usage. The F13 also supports 15W fast charging, a feature absent in the Tab 3 Plus.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy F13 is ideal for users seeking a reliable, affordable smartphone for everyday tasks, social media, and basic photography. The Galaxy Tab 3 Plus 10.1 is best suited for those who primarily want a larger screen for reading, watching videos, or light gaming, and are comfortable with an older device and its limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Tab 3 Plus still worth buying in 2024?
Only if you absolutely need a large screen for basic tasks like reading and watching videos and are on a very tight budget. Be aware of its limitations and lack of software support.
❓ Can the Galaxy F13 run demanding games?
The Galaxy F13 can handle many games, but don't expect to play the latest AAA titles at high settings. It's suitable for casual and mid-range games.
