The Tecno Spark 9 and Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a price point that won't break the bank, but they achieve this with different approaches to chipset selection and feature prioritization. This comparison dives deep into the core differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall efficiency and a slightly smoother experience, the Samsung Galaxy A13 is the better choice. While the Tecno Spark 9 offers a competitive price, the Galaxy A13’s Helio G80 chipset, with its Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance advantage in everyday tasks and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 18 | 2022, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 15 | Available. Released 2022, July |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.35 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 | - | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 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 | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Infinity Black, Sky Mirror | Black, White, Blue |
| Models | KG5p | SM-A137F, SM-A137F/DSN, SM-A137F/DS |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.22 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 9
- Potentially lower price point
- Large battery capacity (likely 5000mAh)
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G37)
- Less efficient CPU architecture
- Potentially slower software updates
Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137)
- More powerful chipset (Helio G80)
- More efficient CPU architecture (Cortex-A75)
- 15W fast charging support
- Samsung brand recognition and software support
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially similar battery life to Spark 9 despite efficiency gains
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on functionality. Without specific brightness data, it's reasonable to assume both offer adequate outdoor visibility under moderate sunlight. Bezels are likely similar, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics. Color accuracy will be standard for budget phones, leaning towards vibrant but not necessarily color-accurate.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance will be heavily reliant on software processing. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside supporting lenses (potentially including a 2MP macro on the A13). Without specific sensor size information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, Samsung’s image processing algorithms generally offer more refined results, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on the A13 is largely a marketing feature, offering limited practical benefit due to its low resolution. The A13's image processing will likely prioritize detail and dynamic range, while the Spark 9 may lean towards more saturated colors.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A13’s Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm) features a dual-core Cortex-A75 setup clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. This architecture provides a significant advantage over the Tecno Spark 9’s Helio G37 (12nm), which utilizes four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. The A75 cores in the G80 offer substantially higher single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While the Spark 9’s higher clock speed on the A53 cores might show a slight edge in certain multi-threaded tasks, the G80’s architecture is more efficient for typical smartphone workloads. The A13 also benefits from 15W charging, suggesting a slightly more refined power management system.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range, typical for this segment. The real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns and software optimization. The Samsung Galaxy A13’s 15W charging, while not fast by modern standards, offers a more convenient charging experience than what is typically found on Tecno devices in this price range. The G80’s more efficient architecture also contributes to potentially longer battery life under similar usage scenarios.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 9 if you need a phone primarily for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and are extremely price-sensitive. Its Helio G37 is sufficient for these tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) if you prefer a more responsive user experience, occasionally play mobile games, or value the Samsung brand ecosystem and its associated software features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio G80 in the Samsung Galaxy A13 get noticeably warm during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G80 is a relatively efficient chipset. While it will generate heat during prolonged gaming, the thermal throttling is generally well-managed, preventing significant performance drops. It's unlikely to overheat to the point of discomfort, but extended sessions with demanding titles may lead to a warm back panel.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A13 worth using, or is it just a marketing gimmick?
The 2MP macro camera is largely a marketing feature. Its low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. While it can be used for close-up shots, the results are generally underwhelming compared to using the main camera with digital zoom. It's best to consider it a secondary feature rather than a primary reason to choose the A13.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A13 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at acceptable frame rates?
The Samsung Galaxy A13 can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve consistently smooth frame rates. Expect around 30-40 FPS with these settings. The Helio G80 is capable, but it's not a gaming powerhouse.
❓ How long does it typically take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A13 with the included 15W charger?
With the included 15W charger, a full charge from 0% to 100% on the Samsung Galaxy A13 will typically take around 2.5 to 3 hours. While not the fastest charging speed available, it's a reasonable charging time for a phone in this price range.
