The world of budget 5G phones is expanding, and the T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G and Samsung Galaxy A13 5G are two compelling contenders. Both offer 5G connectivity at an affordable price, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A13 5G edges out the REVVL V+ 5G thanks to its superior software support, slightly better camera performance, and the Samsung brand reputation. While the REVVL offers competitive specs, Samsung's polish and longer software updates give it the advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA | 2, 5, 66, 77 Sub6/mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 2, 5, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77 Sub6/mmWave - SM-A136U |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 01 | 2021, December 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 12 | Available. Released 2021, December 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 173.7 x 77.5 x 7.1 mm (6.84 x 3.05 x 0.28 in) | 164.5 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.48 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~257 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6833 Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 16 MP, (wide), AF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | Yes | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Nebula Black | Black |
| Models | - | SM-A136U, SM-A136U1, SM-A136W, SM-A136B, SM-S136DL |
| Price | About 170 EUR | € 178.00 / $ 64.00 / £ 72.54 |
| SAR | - | 1.27 W/kg (head) 0.58 W/kg (body) |
T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G
- Competitive specs for the price
- 5G connectivity
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- T-Mobile optimized
- Less polished software
- Potentially shorter software support
- Simpler camera system
- Less brand recognition
Samsung Galaxy A13 5G
- Samsung's One UI software
- Longer software support
- More versatile camera system
- Larger battery
- Strong brand reputation
- Slower charging (15W)
- Can be slightly more expensive
- Display may not be as vibrant as some competitors
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with an LCD panel and a resolution of 1080 x 2408 pixels (FHD+). The Galaxy A13 5G may offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to Samsung's display technology, though both will be adequate for everyday use. Expect similar viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy A13 5G typically boasts a more versatile camera system, often including a 50MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a macro lens. The REVVL V+ 5G's camera setup is generally simpler, potentially with a 13MP main sensor. Expect better image quality and more features from the A13 5G, especially in low light.
Performance
Both devices share the same Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset and CPU configuration. Real-world performance will be similar for most tasks, including browsing, social media, and light gaming. However, Samsung's One UI optimization might provide a slightly smoother experience.
Battery Life
The Galaxy A13 5G generally has a larger battery capacity (around 5000mAh) compared to the REVVL V+ 5G (around 4500mAh). This translates to slightly longer battery life on the A13 5G, though both should comfortably last a full day with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G is a good choice for those deeply embedded in the T-Mobile ecosystem and prioritizing raw specs at the absolute lowest price. The Samsung Galaxy A13 5G is ideal for users seeking a more reliable and feature-rich experience with longer software support and the familiarity of the Samsung brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Samsung Galaxy A13 5G generally receives longer software updates and security patches compared to the T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G.
❓ Is the REVVL V+ 5G worth it if I'm a T-Mobile customer?
It can be a good value if you're looking for the absolute cheapest 5G phone on T-Mobile and are comfortable with a less polished software experience.