Samsung's budget phone lineup is packed with options, making it tough to choose. The Galaxy M32 5G and A13 are two popular contenders, each offering a compelling blend of features and affordability. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to see which one reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy M32 5G edges out the A13 thanks to its 5G connectivity and more powerful Dimensity 720 chipset. While the A13 boasts impressive battery life and a bright display, the M32 5G's performance advantage makes it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 25 | 2022, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 02 | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.36 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 | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 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, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Slate Black, Sky Blue | Black, White, Peach, Blue |
| Models | SM-M326B, SM-M326B/DS | SM-A135F, SM-A135F/DS, SM-A135M, SM-A135U, SM-A135U1, SM-A135N |
| Price | About 220 EUR | € 94.99 / $ 129.99 / £ 89.00 |
| SAR | 0.48 W/kg (head) | 0.49 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 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 M32 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Faster Performance (Dimensity 720)
- Slightly Better Camera Quality
- Modern Chipset
- Slower Charging (15W)
- Potentially Lower Battery Life than A13
- LCD Display
Samsung Galaxy A13
- Exceptional Battery Life
- Brighter Display
- Affordable Price
- Large Display
- Slower Performance (Exynos 850)
- Older Chipset
- Slower Charging (15W)
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A13 features a slightly brighter display (587 nits vs. M32 5G's estimated 450 nits) and a high contrast ratio of 1324:1. Both phones offer a large 6.6-inch display, but the A13's brightness gives it a slight edge in outdoor visibility. Both use an LCD panel, so don't expect OLED-level colors.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer versatile camera setups, but the M32 5G generally produces slightly better image quality, especially in well-lit conditions. The A13's camera is still capable, but the M32 5G's processing tends to be more refined. Specific camera specs are not fully detailed, but both offer a main lens, ultrawide, and macro.
Performance
Here's where the M32 5G shines. Its Mediatek Dimensity 720 chipset with Cortex-A76 cores provides a noticeable performance boost over the A13's Exynos 850. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the M32 5G.
Battery Life
The Galaxy A13 truly excels in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 114 hours. While the M32 5G also offers good battery life, it doesn't quite match the A13's longevity. Both phones share the same 15W charging speed, which is relatively slow.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy M32 5G is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity and a smoother overall experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. The Samsung Galaxy A13 is a great pick for those prioritizing exceptional battery life and a bright, vibrant display, and who don't need 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy M32 5G worth the extra money?
If 5G connectivity and better performance are important to you, then yes. The M32 5G offers a noticeable upgrade over the A13 in these areas.
❓ Which phone has the better battery life?
The Samsung Galaxy A13 has significantly better battery life, offering an endurance rating of 114 hours compared to the M32 5G's lower rating.