Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy M13 and A04 are both contenders, offering essential features without breaking the bank. But which one delivers the best value? This detailed comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy M13 edges out the A04 thanks to its significantly more powerful Exynos 850 chipset, resulting in smoother performance and better overall responsiveness. While both are budget options, the M13 provides a more satisfying user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 27 | 2022, August 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 01 | Available. Released 2022, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.33 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 | 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 4GB 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 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deep Green, Orange Copper, Light Blue | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | SM-M135F, SM-M135F/DSN | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M |
| Price | £ 139.99 / € 135.81 | About 70 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body) | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy M13
- More powerful processor (Exynos 850)
- Higher resolution display (typically FHD+)
- More versatile camera system
- Slightly more premium design
- Slower charging (15W)
- May be slightly more expensive than the A04
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Very affordable
- Large 6000mAh battery
- Large display
- Weaker processor (Helio P35)
- Lower resolution display (HD+)
- Less versatile camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.6-inch displays, but the M13 typically has a slightly higher resolution (FHD+ vs HD+ on the A04), leading to a sharper image. The M13 also often boasts a slightly better panel, potentially offering improved color accuracy and brightness.
Camera Comparison
The M13 generally has a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and additional lenses (like a macro or depth sensor). While image quality on both is decent for the price, the M13 tends to produce slightly more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is similar on both.
Performance
This is where the M13 truly shines. The Exynos 850 is a considerable upgrade over the Helio P35. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the M13. The A04 can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones offer large 6000mAh batteries, promising excellent battery life. Real-world usage will likely be comparable, easily lasting a full day for most users. However, the M13's more efficient chipset might give it a slight edge in longevity.
Buying Guide
The Galaxy M13 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a slightly more premium feel. The Galaxy A04 is a good choice for those on a very tight budget who primarily need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A04 good for gaming?
The A04 can handle basic games, but don't expect smooth performance with demanding titles. The M13 is a better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both offer excellent battery life thanks to their 6000mAh batteries. Real-world usage will likely be similar, but the M13's more efficient chipset might give it a slight edge.
