The Ulefone Note 6P and Samsung Galaxy A13 represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Ulefone aims for affordability above all else, while the Samsung A13 leverages brand recognition and a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G80 chipset, built on a 12nm process, delivers significantly improved CPU and GPU performance compared to the Ulefone Note 6P’s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. While the Ulefone is cheaper, the A13’s performance advantage justifies the price difference.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 25 | 2022, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 25 | Available. Released 2022, July |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 155.4 x 73.4 x 8.5 mm (6.12 x 2.89 x 0.33 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 | 155 g (5.47 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~80.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | 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) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | - | 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 | microUSB 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 | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 3300 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Purple, Red | Black, White, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A137F, SM-A137F/DSN, SM-A137F/DS |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.22 W/kg (body) |
Ulefone Note 6P
- Potentially lower price point
- Compact size (likely)
- Functional for basic tasks
- Significantly weaker processor
- Older 28nm chipset
- Likely slower software experience
Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137)
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G80 chipset
- 12nm fabrication process for better efficiency
- Faster 15W charging
- Larger display
- Slightly higher price
- May not be ideal for one-handed use
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, a common choice in this price bracket. However, details like peak brightness and color accuracy are unavailable. The A13’s larger screen size (typically 6.6 inches vs the Note 6P’s 6.1 inches) offers a more immersive viewing experience, though this comes at the cost of portability. The absence of high refresh rates on both devices suggests a focus on power conservation rather than visual fluidity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given both phones target the budget segment. While megapixel counts aren't specified, both will likely feature a primary sensor and several lower-resolution auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro/depth sensors). The A13’s image processing capabilities, benefiting from Mediatek’s ISP, are likely superior to the Ulefone’s. The larger processing power of the Helio G80 allows for more sophisticated noise reduction and dynamic range optimization. The Ulefone’s older chipset may struggle with complex image processing tasks.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A13’s Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Ulefone Note 6P’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Helio G80 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, providing a significant boost in single-core performance for app loading and responsiveness. The SC9863A relies on four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz, resulting in slower processing speeds. This translates to noticeable lag when multitasking or running demanding applications on the Ulefone. The 12nm fabrication process of the Helio G80 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained use.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices, but both will likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Samsung Galaxy A13 includes 15W wired charging, a modest but welcome feature. The Ulefone Note 6P’s charging speed is unknown, but it’s likely to be slower. The Helio G80’s improved efficiency may offset the A13’s potentially smaller battery capacity, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. The 15W charging on the A13 will provide a faster top-up when needed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 6P if your primary need is a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you are operating on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and a more responsive user experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G80 in the Samsung Galaxy A13 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G80 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to use lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it offers a playable experience, unlike the Ulefone Note 6P which would struggle significantly.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset in the Ulefone Note 6P sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A can handle basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and messaging. However, expect noticeable lag when switching between apps or loading complex web pages. It’s best suited for users with very light smartphone needs.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A13 support software updates for security patches and Android versions?
Samsung generally provides several years of security updates and at least one major Android version upgrade for its A-series phones. The A13 is likely to receive ongoing support, offering a more secure and up-to-date experience than the Ulefone Note 6P, which may have limited software support.
