Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2 vs. Apple iPhone 13: A Detailed Performance and Security Showdown

The Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2 and Apple iPhone 13 represent distinct approaches to the smartphone market. The Quantum 2, released with a focus on security via its QRNG chipset, utilizes the older Snapdragon 855+ platform. Conversely, the iPhone 13, while now a generation behind, boasts Apple’s powerful A15 Bionic and a tightly integrated ecosystem. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses, helping you determine which device offers the best value in today’s market.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing long-term software support, a superior camera experience, and a smoother overall user interface, the Apple iPhone 13 is the better choice. However, the Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2 offers a compelling value proposition for security-conscious users and those seeking a capable device at a potentially lower price point.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2 Apple iPhone 13
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66 - A2633, A2634, A2635
5G bands78 Sub61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 Sub6/mmWave - A2633
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2634, A2635
Launch
Announced2021, April 132021, September 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, April 23Available. Released 2021, September 24
Body
Build-Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions161.9 x 73.8 x 8.1 mm (6.37 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm (5.78 x 2.81 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight176 g (6.21 oz)174 g (6.14 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 min) Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified)
Display
Protection-Ceramic Shield glass
Resolution1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~524 ppi density)1170 x 2532 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~90.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeDynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak)Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak)
 120Hz@FHD / 60Hz@QHD refresh rate-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)Hexa-core (2x3.23 GHz Avalanche + 4x1.82 GHz Blizzard)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm), QRNG security chipsetApple A15 Bionic (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 640 (700 MHz)Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
OSAndroid 11, One UI 3.1iOS 15, upgradable to iOS 26.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 512GB 4GB RAM
 -NVMe
Main Camera
Dual-12 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/1.9", 1.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama)
Single-12 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6" SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 5 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps; gyro-EIS4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), stereo sound rec.
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single10 MP, f/2.2, (wide)12 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Video1080p@30fps4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGLightning, USB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFace ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging25W wiredWired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless (MagSafe) 15W wireless (Qi2) - requires iOS 17.2 update
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Ion 3240 mAh (12.41 Wh)
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, VioletStarlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink, Red, Green
ModelsSM-A826SA2633, A2482, A2631, A2634, A2635, iphone14,5
PriceAbout 520 EUR€ 304.00 / $ 249.97 / £ 248.00
SAR-1.18 W/kg (head)     1.19 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.99 W/kg (head)     0.98 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 89h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.5 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 775519 (v9) GeekBench: 4645 (v5.1) GFXBench: 59fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2

  • Integrated QRNG security chipset for enhanced privacy.
  • Potentially lower price point compared to the iPhone 13.
  • Android’s customization options and open ecosystem.

  • Older Snapdragon 855+ processor offers lower performance.
  • Likely to receive fewer software updates compared to the iPhone 13.
  • Camera system likely less refined than the iPhone 13.

Apple iPhone 13

  • Powerful A15 Bionic chip delivers superior performance.
  • Excellent camera system with advanced image processing.
  • Long-term software support and ecosystem integration.

  • Higher price point compared to the Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2.
  • Less customization options compared to Android.
  • Reliance on the Apple ecosystem.

Display Comparison

The iPhone 13’s display achieves a measured peak brightness of 802 nits, offering excellent visibility in outdoor conditions. While the Quantum 2’s display specifications aren’t provided, Samsung typically excels in display technology. However, the iPhone 13’s infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, characteristic of OLED panels, delivers deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. The lack of LTPO technology in either device means refresh rates are capped at 60Hz, impacting smoothness compared to newer models. Bezels are comparable, but the iPhone 13 benefits from Apple’s color calibration for more accurate visuals.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but the iPhone 13 likely holds an edge in overall image quality. While both are described as capable of Photo/Video, the iPhone 13 benefits from Apple’s advanced image processing algorithms and computational photography. Sensor sizes aren’t specified for the Quantum 2, but the iPhone 13’s larger sensor and wider aperture lens capture more light, resulting in better low-light performance. The Quantum 2’s camera system is likely competent, but lacks the refinement and consistency of Apple’s offering. The absence of detailed camera specs for the Quantum 2 makes a precise comparison difficult, but Apple’s reputation for camera excellence is well-established.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. Apple’s A15 Bionic, fabricated on a 5nm process, significantly outperforms the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ (7nm) found in the Quantum 2. The A15’s hexa-core CPU (2x3.23 GHz Avalanche + 4x1.82 GHz Blizzard) delivers superior single-core and multi-core performance. While the Snapdragon 855+’s octa-core configuration (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) is respectable, it lags behind in both raw power and efficiency. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better sustained performance in demanding games on the iPhone 13. The Quantum 2’s QRNG chipset doesn’t directly impact general performance but enhances security-related tasks.

Battery Life

Both the Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2 and the iPhone 13 achieve an endurance rating of 89 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. However, charging speeds differ significantly. The iPhone 13 supports 25W wired charging (50% in 30 minutes), 15W MagSafe wireless charging, and 15W Qi2 wireless charging (with iOS 17.2 update). The Quantum 2 is limited to 25W wired charging. While the endurance ratings are identical, the iPhone 13’s wireless charging options and potentially faster overall charging cycle provide greater convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2 if you prioritize on-device security with its QRNG chipset and are comfortable with an older, but still capable, processor. This phone is ideal for users who handle sensitive data and prefer Android’s customization options. Buy the Apple iPhone 13 if you value a seamless user experience, a consistently excellent camera, and guaranteed software updates for years to come. It’s the better choice for those deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and prioritize ease of use.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How does the Quantum 2’s QRNG chipset improve security compared to traditional random number generators?
Traditional random number generators rely on algorithms, making them potentially predictable. The Quantum 2’s QRNG utilizes quantum physics to generate truly random numbers, making it significantly more secure for tasks like encryption and secure key generation. This is particularly beneficial for users handling sensitive data.
❓ Will the Snapdragon 855+ in the Quantum 2 struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 855+ is still a capable processor, it will likely require lower graphics settings and may exhibit some frame rate drops in graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile compared to the iPhone 13’s A15 Bionic. The A15’s superior GPU and thermal management provide a smoother gaming experience.
❓ Does the iPhone 13’s battery health degrade significantly over time, and what steps can Apple users take to mitigate this?
Like all lithium-ion batteries, the iPhone 13’s battery health will degrade over time with usage. Apple provides optimized battery charging features within iOS to slow down this degradation. Users can also manage background app refresh and screen brightness to further extend battery life.
❓ Is the lack of a high refresh rate display (90Hz or 120Hz) on either device a significant drawback?
For users accustomed to higher refresh rate displays, the 60Hz panels on both devices may feel less smooth. However, the difference is not drastic, and many users won’t notice it significantly. The benefits of battery life and potentially lower cost outweigh the lack of a high refresh rate for many.