The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y21e and Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Y21e leveraging Qualcomm's efficiency and the A13 relying on MediaTek's established gaming focus. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo Y21e emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a smoother overall experience and better long-term performance than the Galaxy A13's 12nm Helio G80. While the A13 offers Samsung's brand recognition, the Y21e's superior efficiency and slightly faster charging give it the edge.
| 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, 8, 40 | 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, January 14 | 2022, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 14 | Available. Released 2022, July |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 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 | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% 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 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 12 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| 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, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Diamond Glow | Black, White, Blue |
| Models | V2140 | SM-A137F, SM-A137F/DSN, SM-A137F/DS |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.22 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y21e
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- 2.5W reverse wired charging
- Less brand recognition than Samsung
- Potentially less polished software experience
Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137)
- Samsung brand reputation and software support
- Larger display size
- Slightly better for light gaming
- Less efficient Helio G80 chipset
- Slower 15W charging
- Potential for thermal throttling
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The Galaxy A13's larger screen size is a benefit for media consumption, but the Y21e's display quality is likely comparable, and the difference in resolution isn't significant enough to be a deciding factor. Details like peak brightness and color accuracy are unavailable, but we can expect both to perform adequately in indoor environments.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a primary camera as the main selling point, with supplementary lenses of limited utility. Without detailed sensor size information, it's difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the focus should be on the main sensor's capabilities. Image processing will likely differ, with Samsung typically favoring more saturated colors and the vivo potentially aiming for a more natural look. The inclusion of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices is largely marketing fluff and shouldn't influence purchasing decisions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y21e's Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, fabricated on a 6nm process, offers a significant advantage in power efficiency over the Samsung Galaxy A13's MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm). This translates to less heat generation and sustained performance. While the Helio G80 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, offering a theoretical burst in speed, the Snapdragon 680's eight Kryo 265 cores (4x2.4 GHz Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Silver) provide a more balanced and efficient approach. The 6nm process also suggests better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during prolonged use. Gamers will find the A13 *slightly* better suited for demanding titles, but the Y21e will maintain smoother performance in everyday apps.
Battery Life
The vivo Y21e and Samsung Galaxy A13 both aim for all-day battery life. The Snapdragon 680's superior efficiency gives the Y21e an edge, potentially delivering longer screen-on time. While the A13 has a slightly larger battery capacity, the less efficient Helio G80 will consume more power. The Y21e also supports 18W wired charging, compared to the A13's 15W, resulting in faster 0-100% charge times. The Y21e also offers 2.5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the A13, allowing it to top up accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y21e if you prioritize all-day battery life, consistent performance for everyday tasks, and a more modern chipset architecture. This phone is ideal for users who stream videos, browse social media, and need a reliable device for communication. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) if you are heavily invested in the Samsung ecosystem, prefer a slightly larger display, and occasionally engage in light gaming, understanding that you may experience more thermal throttling during extended sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G80 in the Galaxy A13 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The MediaTek Helio G80 is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 680, especially during demanding tasks like gaming. While it can handle casual gaming, extended sessions with graphically intensive titles are likely to cause noticeable thermal throttling, leading to reduced performance. The 12nm process contributes to this higher heat output.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones offer limited detail and image quality. They often require ideal lighting conditions and close proximity to the subject to produce usable results. The primary camera on either device will almost always deliver superior image quality for close-up shots.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
The vivo Y21e, with its 18W charging, will likely reach 100% in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. The Samsung Galaxy A13, with its 15W charging, will take closer to 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours for a full charge. This difference is significant for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 680 in the vivo Y21e support 5G connectivity?
No, the Snapdragon 680 is a 4G-only chipset. Both the vivo Y21e and Samsung Galaxy A13 are limited to 4G LTE connectivity. If 5G is a priority, these are not the phones for you.
