Google Pixel 6a vs Samsung Galaxy M13 5G: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice. Its Google Tensor chipset delivers significantly faster performance and a smoother user experience, coupled with exceptional camera capabilities. While the Galaxy M13 5G offers 5G connectivity at a lower price, it compromises heavily on processing power and overall refinement.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy M13 5G | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada) |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 14 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 23 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.48 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 12, One UI Core 4 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Virtual proximity sensing | - | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Aqua Green, Stardust Brown | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | SM-M136B, SM-M136B/DS | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 180 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| SAR | 0.73 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.84 W/kg (head) 1.33 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Samsung Galaxy M13 5G
- Significantly faster performance with Google Tensor
- Exceptional camera quality and image processing
- Faster charging with PD3.0 support
- Higher price point than the Galaxy M13 5G
- May not have expandable storage
Google Pixel 6a
- More affordable price
- 5G connectivity
- Potentially longer battery life due to less demanding chipset
- Slower performance with Mediatek Dimensity 700
- Inferior camera quality
- Slower charging speed
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 876 nits, compared to an assumed lower brightness on the M13 5G (Samsung doesn't publish this data). This makes the Pixel 6a far more usable outdoors in direct sunlight. While both likely utilize OLED panels, the Pixel 6a’s ‘infinite’ contrast ratio suggests superior black levels and a more vibrant image. The M13 5G’s display specs are less defined, suggesting a more budget-oriented panel with potentially wider bezels and less accurate color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s camera system is a clear winner, leveraging Google’s renowned computational photography. While specific sensor sizes aren’t provided, the Pixel’s image processing excels in dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance. The Galaxy M13 5G likely features a more basic camera setup, prioritizing quantity of lenses over quality. Ignoring the likely inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on the M13 5G, the Pixel 6a’s superior processing and potentially larger main sensor will deliver consistently better photos and videos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy M13 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm). The Tensor’s Cortex-X1 prime core, clocked at 2.80 GHz, provides a significant performance boost in demanding tasks. The Dimensity 700, while capable for everyday use, will struggle with heavier applications and multitasking. The Tensor’s 5nm fabrication process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The Pixel 6a will offer a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating similar overall battery life despite differing approaches. The Pixel 6a’s 18W charging with PD3.0 support offers faster and more efficient charging than the M13 5G’s 15W wired charging. While neither phone offers exceptionally fast charging, the Pixel 6a will reach a full charge slightly quicker and benefit from the efficiency of the PD3.0 standard.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M13 5G if your primary need is affordable 5G access and you prioritize battery life over raw performance. It’s a solid option for basic tasks and streaming. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value a responsive user experience, exceptional camera quality, and long-term software support, even if it means spending a bit more.