Samsung's budget phone lineup is always a hot topic, and the Galaxy M13 and A14 are two contenders vying for your attention. Both offer compelling features at an affordable price, but which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A14 edges out the M13 thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and improved display. While both offer solid value, the A14's performance and screen make it the better overall choice for most users, especially considering similar pricing.
| 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 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 01 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| 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) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~80.2% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| 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 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | 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, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | SM-M135F, SM-M135F/DSN | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | £ 139.99 / € 135.81 | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body) | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy M13
- Excellent battery life
- Large display
- Familiar Samsung UI
- Affordable price
- 60Hz display
- Slower processor
- Slow charging
- Plastic build
Samsung Galaxy A14
- 90Hz display
- Better performance (Helio G80)
- Slightly improved camera
- Modern design
- Plastic build
- Slow charging
- Can still feel budget-oriented
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A14 boasts a 6.6-inch FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering a noticeably smoother scrolling experience compared to the M13's standard 60Hz panel. Both have similar resolutions and LCD technology, but the A14's higher refresh rate is a significant advantage.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple-camera setup, typically including a 50MP main sensor, ultrawide, and macro lens. Image quality is comparable in good lighting conditions, but the A14 often produces slightly more vibrant and detailed photos. Low-light performance is similar on both.
Performance
The A14's Mediatek Helio G80 chipset generally outperforms the M13's Exynos 850. The G80's dual Cortex-A75 cores provide a boost in processing power, resulting in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both are adequate for everyday tasks, the A14 handles more demanding applications better.
Battery Life
Both devices typically offer a 6000mAh battery, providing excellent all-day battery life. Charging speeds are identical at 15W wired, which is relatively slow by modern standards.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy M13? Users prioritizing a large battery and a familiar Samsung experience on a tight budget. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A14? Those seeking a smoother performance, a slightly better display, and a more modern design, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy M13 good for gaming?
The M13 can handle basic games, but demanding titles may experience lag. The A14 offers a slightly better gaming experience due to its more powerful processor.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Both phones will receive software updates from Samsung, but the A14 might receive updates for a slightly longer period due to its newer release date.
❓ Are the cameras on these phones any good?
Both cameras are decent for the price, producing acceptable photos in good lighting. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but they're suitable for casual photography.