The Samsung Galaxy M13 series offers budget-friendly options, but choosing between the 5G and non-5G variants can be tricky. Both phones aim to deliver a solid experience, but key differences in their chipsets and connectivity make them suitable for different users. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy M13 5G offers a noticeable performance boost thanks to its Dimensity 700 chipset and 5G connectivity. However, the Exynos 850 in the standard M13 provides efficient power management and a slightly more refined experience for everyday tasks. Ultimately, the M13 5G wins for future-proofing and speed.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 14 | 2022, May 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 23 | Available. Released 2022, July 01 |
| 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) | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) |
| 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) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% 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 (4x2.0 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 12, One UI Core 4 | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| 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 | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | - | 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 | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Aqua Green, Stardust Brown | Deep Green, Orange Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | SM-M136B, SM-M136B/DS | SM-M135F, SM-M135F/DSN |
| Price | About 180 EUR | £ 139.99 / € 135.81 |
| SAR | 0.73 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.84 W/kg (head) 1.33 W/kg (body) | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy M13 5G
- Faster Performance (Dimensity 700)
- 5G Connectivity
- Slightly Better Image Processing
- Future-Proofing
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life
- May be slightly more expensive
Samsung Galaxy M13
- Excellent Battery Life
- Efficient Performance for Everyday Tasks
- Potentially Lower Price
- Refined Software Experience
- Slower Performance
- No 5G Connectivity
- Less Powerful for Gaming
Display Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 6.6-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering a decent viewing experience. Color accuracy and brightness are adequate for the price range, but don't expect flagship-level quality. The M13 5G might have slightly better color calibration due to chipset optimizations, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
Both phones usually feature a triple-camera setup, typically including a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions. The M13 5G's chipset might offer slightly better image processing capabilities, resulting in marginally better dynamic range and detail, but both are adequate for casual photography.
Performance
This is where the biggest difference lies. The Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the M13 5G is significantly faster than the Exynos 850 in the standard M13. Expect smoother app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the 5G model. The Exynos 850 is still capable, but it will show its limitations with demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones typically pack a 6000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. The Exynos 850 in the standard M13 is generally more power-efficient, potentially offering slightly longer battery life under moderate usage. However, the difference is unlikely to be substantial.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy M13 5G is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity and a smoother experience for gaming and multitasking. The Samsung Galaxy M13 is a great choice for those prioritizing battery life and a more balanced, efficient performance for everyday use, especially if 5G isn't a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy M13 5G worth the extra cost?
If 5G connectivity and faster performance are important to you, then yes. Otherwise, the standard M13 offers excellent value for money.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Samsung Galaxy M13 5G has significantly better gaming performance due to its more powerful chipset.