Samsung's Galaxy M and A series often overlap in price and features, creating confusion for budget-conscious buyers. We're pitting the India-specific Galaxy M13 against the globally available Galaxy A23 5G to determine which offers the best value, focusing on performance, battery life, and display quality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 695 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, delivers better performance and thermal management than the M13’s Exynos 850. The A23 5G also boasts faster 25W charging, a significant advantage for convenience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 2, 5, 30, 66, 77 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 14 | 2022, August 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 23 | Available. Released 2022, September 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 9.3 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.37 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, One UI Core 4 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS
5 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| 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) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm - USA
8 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm - International |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (USA only) |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Aqua Green, Stardust Brown | Black, White, Peach, Blue |
| Models | SM-M135FU, SM-M135FU/DS | SM-A236U, SM-A236U1, SM-A236B, SM-A236B/DS, SM-A236B/DSN, SM-A236E, SM-S236DL |
| Price | About 150 EUR | $ 84.44 / £ 129.00 / € 125.28 / ₹ 21,000 |
| SAR | 0.56 W/kg (head) | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.49 W/kg (head) 1.25 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 138h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1328:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.9 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 318821 (v9)
GeekBench: 1940 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy M13 (India)
- Faster Snapdragon 695 processor
- 25W fast charging
- Brighter display (508 nits)
- Potentially higher price
- May not be available in all markets (India)
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
- Lower price point
- Widely available in India
- Similar battery endurance
- Slower Exynos 850 processor
- Slower 15W charging
- Less efficient chipset
Display Comparison
Both phones share a similar contrast ratio of 1328:1, suggesting comparable color reproduction. However, the Galaxy A23 5G edges out the M13 with a measured peak brightness of 508 nits, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. While neither display is exceptional, the A23 5G’s slightly brighter panel provides a more pleasant viewing experience. Details regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) are missing, but both likely utilize IPS technology given the contrast ratio.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but specific details are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given Samsung’s typical segmentation, the A23 5G likely features a more capable primary sensor. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t be a deciding factor for most users. Image processing algorithms will also differ, potentially leading to variations in color accuracy and dynamic range.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Galaxy A23 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the Galaxy M13’s Exynos 850 (8nm). The 6nm process node translates to improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation, meaning the A23 5G is less likely to throttle under sustained load. The Snapdragon 695’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver – also offers a performance advantage over the Exynos 850’s homogenous octa-core setup of 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. This will be noticeable in app loading times and multitasking.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 138 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, the Galaxy A23 5G’s 25W wired charging is a significant advantage over the M13’s 15W charging. This translates to a much faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime. While the battery capacity isn't specified, the Snapdragon 695’s efficiency helps offset any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M13 (India) if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G if you want a more future-proof device with 5G connectivity, better performance for gaming and multitasking, and faster charging speeds, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy M13 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is prone to throttling under sustained load. While it can handle casual gaming, demanding titles will likely experience frame drops and increased heat, impacting the gaming experience. The A23 5G's Snapdragon 695 is better equipped to handle these scenarios.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Galaxy A23 5G actually useful in India?
5G availability in India is rapidly expanding. While coverage isn't universal, investing in a 5G-capable device like the A23 5G future-proofs your purchase. Even if 5G isn't immediately available in your area, the phone will still function on 4G networks.
❓ Are the 2MP macro cameras on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras offer limited image quality. They often lack detail and struggle in low-light conditions. They are primarily a marketing feature and shouldn't be a major consideration when choosing between these phones.
❓ What kind of storage and RAM options are available for these phones?
Specific storage and RAM configurations vary by region. However, both the A23 5G and M13 are typically available with options ranging from 4GB to 6GB of RAM and 64GB to 128GB of storage. Check local retailer listings for specific availability.
