Choosing a budget smartphone can be tough, especially with so many options available. Today, we're pitting two contenders from Samsung against each other: the Galaxy M13 5G and the Galaxy A04. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one best fits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy M13 5G is the clear winner, offering significantly better performance thanks to its 5G connectivity and more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset. While the A04 is a more affordable option, the M13 5G provides a much smoother and future-proof 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, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 14 | 2022, August 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 23 | Available. Released 2022, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.48 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, One UI Core 4 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Aqua Green, Stardust Brown | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | SM-M136B, SM-M136B/DS | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 0.73 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.84 W/kg (head) 1.33 W/kg (body) | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy M13 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Faster Processor (Dimensity 700)
- Better Performance
- Likely Better Camera
- Larger Battery (likely)
- Higher Price
- 15W Charging (relatively slow)
Samsung Galaxy A04
- More Affordable
- Large Display
- Decent Battery Life
- Slow Processor (Helio P35)
- Lower Performance
- Less Capable Camera
- No 5G
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.6 inches, but the M13 5G likely has a slightly higher resolution and potentially a more vibrant panel. The A04's display is expected to be adequate but less impressive. Expect both to have standard refresh rates (60Hz).
Camera Comparison
The M13 5G likely boasts a more versatile camera system with a higher resolution main sensor and potentially additional lenses (ultrawide, macro). The A04's camera is expected to be adequate for basic photography, but image quality will likely be inferior, especially in low light. Expect the M13 5G to offer better video recording capabilities as well.
Performance
This is where the M13 5G shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio P35. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the M13 5G. The A04 will struggle with more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have large batteries (likely 6000mAh for the M13 5G and 5000mAh for the A04), offering all-day battery life. However, the M13 5G's more efficient chipset might give it a slight edge in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
The Galaxy M13 5G is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity, smoother performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, and a more modern experience. The Galaxy A04 is a good choice for those on a very tight budget who prioritize affordability over performance and don't need 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A04 worth buying?
The A04 is a decent option if you're on a very tight budget and don't need 5G or high performance. However, consider stretching your budget for the M13 5G for a significantly better experience.
❓ Does the Galaxy M13 5G support 5G?
Yes, the Galaxy M13 5G is designed for 5G connectivity, offering faster download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available.
