Choosing a budget-friendly Samsung phone can be tricky. The Galaxy M21 2021 and M13 are both contenders, offering compelling features at an affordable price. But which one truly delivers the best value? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy M21 2021 generally edges out the M13 thanks to its more powerful processor and slightly better display. However, the M13 offers a more modern design and potentially better software support. It's a close call, depending on your priorities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 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 | 2021, July 21 | 2022, May 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 26 | Available. Released 2022, July 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159 x 75.1 x 9 mm (6.26 x 2.96 x 0.35 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 |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 11, One UI 3.1 Core | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@240fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (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 | FM radio, RDS, recording | No |
| 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal Black, Arctic Blue | Deep Green, Orange Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | SM-M215G, SM-M215G/DS | SM-M135F, SM-M135F/DSN |
| Price | About 130 EUR | £ 139.99 / € 135.81 |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy M21 2021
- Superior display (Super AMOLED)
- More powerful processor (Exynos 9611)
- Good value for performance
- Large 6000mAh battery
- Older design
- Slower charging (15W)
- Potentially shorter software support
Samsung Galaxy M13
- Modern design
- Potentially longer software support
- Efficient processor (Exynos 850)
- Large 6000mAh battery
- Less powerful processor
- IPS LCD display (less vibrant)
- Slightly less RAM in some configurations
Display Comparison
The M21 2021 boasts a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 1080 x 2400 resolution, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The M13 features a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a 1080 x 2408 resolution. While the M13 is slightly larger, the M21 2021's AMOLED panel provides a superior viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple-camera setup. The M21 2021 typically has a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP depth sensor. The M13 often includes a 50MP main sensor, a 5MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is comparable, but the M13's newer sensor might offer slightly better low-light performance. Both have a 13MP front camera.
Performance
The Exynos 9611 in the M21 2021 is noticeably faster than the Exynos 850 in the M13. The M21 2021's Cortex-A73 cores offer a performance boost for demanding tasks and gaming. The M13's efficiency is good, but it struggles more with heavier workloads.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 6000mAh battery, promising excellent battery life. The M13's more efficient Exynos 850 chipset might give it a slight edge in real-world usage, but both should easily last a full day.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 is ideal for users prioritizing performance and a vibrant display for media consumption. The Galaxy M13 is a good choice for those seeking a more modern aesthetic, longer software support, and a slightly more efficient processor for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 generally offers better gaming performance due to its more powerful Exynos 9611 chipset.
❓ How long will Samsung support these phones with software updates?
The Galaxy M13 is likely to receive slightly longer software support than the M21 2021, as it's a newer model. However, both will receive a limited number of updates.
