Samsung's budget phone lineup can be confusing. The Galaxy M13 and A13 are often compared, offering similar specs at competitive prices. But which one truly delivers the best value? Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A13 edges out the M13 thanks to its slightly brighter display and consistently excellent battery life. While both share the same chipset, the A13's overall package feels a bit more polished, making it the preferred choice for most users.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 27 | 2022, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 01 | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 165.1 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.5 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | 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 (~83.2% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 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 | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | 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 | Deep Green, Orange Copper, Light Blue | Black, White, Peach, Blue |
| Models | SM-M135F, SM-M135F/DSN | SM-A135F, SM-A135F/DS, SM-A135M, SM-A135U, SM-A135U1, SM-A135N |
| Price | £ 139.99 / € 135.81 | € 94.99 / $ 129.99 / £ 89.00 |
| SAR | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body) | 0.37 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 114h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1324:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-29.7 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 122822 (v8), 136286 (v9)
GeekBench: 588 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.2fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy M13
- Brighter Display
- Excellent Battery Life
- Slightly More Refined Software
- Good Value
- Slow Charging (15W)
- Plastic Build
- Average Camera Performance
Samsung Galaxy A13
- Compact Design
- Potentially Lower Price
- Decent Performance
- Good Battery Life
- Less Bright Display
- Slow Charging (15W)
- Average Camera Performance
- Plastic Build
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A13 boasts a measured peak brightness of 587 nits, noticeably brighter than the M13. Both offer a 1324:1 contrast ratio, ensuring deep blacks and vibrant colors. While both use similar LCD panels, the A13's brightness advantage makes it more usable outdoors. The M13's screen is perfectly adequate, but the A13's is superior.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are similar across both devices, featuring a main sensor and supporting lenses. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is likely to be average on both. The A13 might have slightly better image processing due to potential software refinements.
Performance
Both phones are powered by the Exynos 850 chipset and Octa-core CPU, so performance will be largely similar. Expect smooth everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Demanding games may struggle, but both phones are capable of handling casual gaming. Differences in software optimization could slightly impact perceived speed.
Battery Life
The Galaxy A13 shines in battery life, achieving an impressive endurance rating of 114 hours. While the M13 also offers good battery life, the A13 consistently outperforms it. Both support 15W wired charging, which is relatively slow by modern standards.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy M13? Users prioritizing a slightly more compact design and potentially a lower price point (depending on retailer). Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A13? Those seeking a brighter display, longer battery life, and a more refined user experience, even if it means spending a few extra dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are the Samsung Galaxy M13 and A13 the same phone?
No, while they share the same chipset and some core features, the A13 generally offers a slightly better display and battery life. The M13 might be slightly more compact and potentially cheaper.
❓ Which Samsung phone has better battery life?
The Samsung Galaxy A13 consistently demonstrates better battery life, achieving an endurance rating of 114 hours.
