The Ulefone Note 12 and Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in the chipset and charging capabilities. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A13 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G80 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Ulefone Note 12’s quad-core Unisoc Tiger T310. The 15W charging also offers a faster replenishment rate, making it more convenient for daily use.
| 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, 19, 20, 26, 66 | 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 | 2022, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Available. Released 2022, July |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 173.6 x 79.1 x 10.2 mm (6.83 x 3.11 x 0.40 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 | 237 g (8.36 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T310 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | 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 | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 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 | 4.2, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | 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, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Blue | Black, White, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A137F, SM-A137F/DSN, SM-A137F/DS |
| Price | - | About 180 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.22 W/kg (body) |
Ulefone Note 12
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Acceptable battery life
- Significantly weaker processor
- Slower 10W charging
- Less responsive user experience
Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137)
- More powerful Helio G80 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Smoother multitasking and app performance
- Likely slightly higher price
- May not include all accessories in the box
- Still a budget device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, common in this price bracket. While specific details like peak brightness and color accuracy are unavailable, the focus here is on core performance, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, prioritizing cost reduction over an immersive viewing experience. The absence of high refresh rates is also standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices relying on budget sensors and image processing. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the A13’s more powerful chipset may allow for slightly faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A13’s Mediatek Helio G80 is an octa-core processor (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55), offering significantly more processing power than the Ulefone Note 12’s Unisoc Tiger T310, which is a quad-core configuration (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the A13. While both utilize the same Cortex-A75 and A55 core designs, the doubling of cores on the A13 provides a clear advantage. The Helio G80 also benefits from a more mature software ecosystem and optimization, further enhancing its performance.
Battery Life
Both phones will likely offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the Samsung Galaxy A13’s 15W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Ulefone Note 12’s 10W charging. This means the A13 will replenish its battery faster, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed is a tangible benefit for users who frequently need to top up their devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 12 if your primary need is a functional smartphone for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you prioritize absolute lowest cost. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday use, including moderate multitasking and occasional gaming, and value faster charging for less downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G80 in the Samsung Galaxy A13 struggle with demanding games like PUBG?
While the Helio G80 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering, especially in intense scenes. The Ulefone Note 12’s Tiger T310 will likely struggle significantly more with the same game.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Ulefone Note 12 noticeably slow compared to the 15W on the A13?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. 10W charging will take considerably longer to fully charge the device, potentially requiring several hours. 15W charging on the A13 will significantly reduce charging times, making it more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging standards like Power Delivery or Quick Charge?
Neither device is expected to support advanced fast charging standards like Power Delivery or Quick Charge. Both utilize standard USB charging, and the 15W on the A13 is the maximum supported rate.
❓ How does the Unisoc Tiger T310 compare to other chipsets in the same price range?
The Unisoc Tiger T310 is generally considered to be an entry-level chipset, performing below the Mediatek Helio G80 and other comparable options. It prioritizes power efficiency over raw performance, making it suitable for very basic tasks but struggling with more demanding applications.
