Samsung's Galaxy M series consistently delivers impressive value. But with multiple models available, choosing the right one can be tricky. Today, we're pitting the Galaxy M13 against the M23 to see which budget champion reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy M23 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 750G chipset, faster charging, and improved camera capabilities. While the M13 offers a slightly lower price point, the M23's overall performance and features justify the extra cost.
| 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, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 27 | 2022, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 01 | Available. Released 2022, April 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | 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) | 165.5 x 77 x 8.4 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 198 g (6.98 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 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | TFT LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| 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) | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@480fps |
| 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 |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, recording |
| 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, 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 | Deep Green, Light Blue, Orange Copper |
| Models | SM-M135F, SM-M135F/DSN | SM-M236B, SM-M236B/DS, SM-M236L |
| Price | £ 139.99 / € 135.81 | £ 195.34 |
| SAR EU | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body) | 0.78 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy M13
- Affordable price
- Large 6000mAh battery
- Decent display
- Expandable storage (microSD card slot)
- Slower performance
- Slow charging (15W)
- Less impressive camera
- 60Hz display
Samsung Galaxy M23
- Faster Snapdragon 750G chipset
- 120Hz display
- Faster charging (25W)
- Improved camera system
- 5G connectivity
- Slightly higher price
- No significant design upgrades over M13
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a large 6.6-inch display, but the M23 typically boasts a slightly higher refresh rate (120Hz vs 60Hz on the M13), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. The M23 also often has a brighter display, improving outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
The M23 generally offers a more versatile and higher-quality camera system. While both have a main 50MP sensor, the M23 often includes additional features like OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and improved image processing algorithms, leading to better low-light performance and sharper photos. The M23 also typically has a better front-facing camera.
Performance
This is where the M23 truly shines. The Snapdragon 750G is a substantial upgrade over the Exynos 850. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the M23. The M13 can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a large 6000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the M23's faster 25W charging means it will recharge significantly quicker than the M13's 15W charging.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy M13 is a good choice for users on a very tight budget who prioritize affordability over raw performance. The Galaxy M23 is ideal for those seeking a smoother experience, better camera quality, and 5G connectivity without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy M23 worth the extra money compared to the M13?
Yes, the M23's improved performance, faster charging, and better camera make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you value a smoother user experience and future-proof features like 5G.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy M13 handle gaming?
The M13 can handle basic games, but demanding titles may experience lag and stuttering. The M23 is significantly better suited for gaming due to its more powerful chipset.