Choosing a budget smartphone can be tough. The Samsung Galaxy M13 and A23 are both strong contenders, offering compelling features at affordable prices. But which one truly delivers the best experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A23 edges out the M13 thanks to its superior Snapdragon chipset, faster charging, and slightly better display. While the M13 offers decent value, the A23's overall performance and features make it the more compelling 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 25 |
| 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) | 165.4 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 | 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 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 610 |
| 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB 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, OIS
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 | FM radio |
| 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, gyro, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 25W 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-A235F, SM-A235F/DS, SM-A235F/DSN, SM-A235M, SM-A235M/DS, SM-A235N |
| Price | £ 139.99 / € 135.81 | £ 99.00 / ₹ 14,999 |
| SAR | - | 0.48 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body) | 0.36 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 130h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1241:1 |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.6 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 273554 (v9)
GeekBench: 1632 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 6.7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy M13
- Faster Snapdragon 680 Chipset
- 25W Fast Charging
- Brighter Display
- Likely better camera performance
- More modern design
- Slightly higher price
- May have slightly less RAM in some configurations
Samsung Galaxy A23
- Lower price point
- Large battery (shared with A23)
- Decent display
- Slower Exynos 850 Chipset
- 15W Slow Charging
- Less powerful overall
- Likely less impressive camera
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A23 boasts a brighter display (464 nits vs M13's likely lower brightness) and a similar impressive contrast ratio (1241:1). Both offer a large screen size, but the A23's improved brightness makes it more enjoyable in various lighting conditions. The A23 also likely has better color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
While both offer capable cameras, the A23 likely has a more versatile camera system with potentially better image processing. Details on the M13's camera are less readily available, but the A23's generally receives positive reviews for its camera performance. Expect better low-light performance on the A23.
Performance
Here, the A23 takes a clear lead. The Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is significantly more efficient and powerful than the Exynos 850 (8nm). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the A23. The A23's CPU architecture is also more modern.
Battery Life
Both phones share an impressive endurance rating of 130 hours, indicating excellent battery life. However, the A23's 25W charging is considerably faster than the M13's 15W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy M13? Users prioritizing a slightly lower price point and are less concerned with top-tier performance. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A23? Those seeking a smoother experience, faster charging, and a more modern chipset, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy M13 good for gaming?
The M13 can handle basic games, but demanding titles will likely suffer from lag and reduced frame rates due to its less powerful chipset. The A23 is a better choice for gaming.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Both phones will receive regular software updates from Samsung, but the A23, being a slightly newer model, may receive updates for a longer period.
