Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137)
1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 165.1 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | Moto G Power is slightly thicker; A13 is slightly wider, may affect handling in different hands, negligible difference in height. |
Weight | 206.5g | 195g | A13 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Identical screen size |
Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2408 | A13 has a much sharper display; noticeably clearer text and images; better for reading and media consumption. |
PPI | 266 | 400 | A13 provides a significantly sharper viewing experience with more detail, less pixelation. |
Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | Moto G Power may offer slightly better viewing angles due to IPS technology (although the difference can be very small and dependent on specific panels) |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both offer standard 60Hz smoothness; No difference in screen refresh rate. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits - this specification is likely missing or incorrect. A difference would impact outdoor visibility. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Helio G80 (12 nm) | A13's G80 generally offers slightly better performance for gaming and multitasking. |
AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 200,150 | A13 has marginally better performance in benchmarks, indicative of smoother performance overall. |
GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | A13's GPU is slightly better at handling graphics-intensive tasks. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life; Expect similar day-long usage. |
Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | A13 charges significantly faster reducing downtime. |
Battery Features | 10W charger in-box, Non-removable | Non-removable | Moto G Power includes a charger, A13 user will likely need to buy one separately. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera Res | 48MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.8) | A13 slightly higher resolution, Moto G Power wider aperture (should theoretically lead to marginally better low-light). |
Selfie Camera Res | 8MP (f/2.0) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Moto G Power should take slightly better low-light selfies due to wider aperture. |
Wide Angle Lens | None | 5MP (f/2.2) | A13 offers an additional wide-angle lens for landscape and group photos. |
Portrait Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Similar performance for bokeh effects. |
Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Similar performance for close-up shots. |
Video | 1080p@30/60fps EIS | 1080p@30fps | Moto G Power has 60fps option and EIS, potentially smoother video recording but lacks slow-motion capability of A13. |
Camera Features | Triple Cam, PDAF, LAF, EIS | Quad Cam, PDAF | A13 has a dedicated wide-angle lens, Moto G Power has laser autofocus which improves autofocus speed |
Software | |||
OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | A13 has a newer OS, likely to receive more updates. |
Connectivity | |||
WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support ac standard for fast WiFi |
Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | A13 supports a newer bluetooth standard, might result in slightly better battery life and pairing performance |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A13 has more comprehensive satellite system support, resulting in marginally better location accuracy |
SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | A13 allows two SIMs simultaneously; convenient for those with personal and work numbers. |
Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 32 GB or 64 GB | Not Specified | Motorola G Power provides 32GB or 64GB, Samsung A13 storage is not specified. |
RAM | 3 GB or 4GB | Not Specified | Moto G Power offers 3GB or 4GB. Samsung A13 RAM is not specified. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
Audio | |||
Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both phones are similar with basic audio output features. |
Security | |||
Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both have same style and location for fingerprint sensor, for quick unlocking and security. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A13 offers better screen protection from scratches and drops thanks to Gorilla Glass 5. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Moto G Power offers Gyroscope for more advanced motion sensing; A13 offers ultrasonic proximity, a more modern virtual solution |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Wider Aperture on Main Camera: The f/1.7 aperture should provide better low-light performance, though the difference is likely to be marginal in real world use.
- Wider Aperture on Front Camera: The f/2.0 aperture should lead to better low-light selfies.
- Gyroscope Sensor: Provides more advanced motion sensing capabilities, beneficial for certain apps and games.
- Laser Autofocus: Faster and more reliable autofocus, especially in low light.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 10W charger in the box, convenient for new buyers.
- More storage and RAM Options: Offers either 32GB/3GB or 64GB/4GB of RAM/storage.
Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper display with 1080x2408 resolution (400 PPI), providing a much better viewing experience for text, images and videos.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Wide Angle Camera: Adds a versatile extra lens for capturing more of the scene in group photos and landscapes.
- Newer Android Version: Runs Android 12 (with upgrade to 13 possible), ensuring better software and longer support.
- Lighter Weight: Slightly lighter and more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 can lead to more energy-efficient connections and better performance with compatible devices.
- Dual SIM Support: Offers Dual SIM functionality, more convenient for frequent travelers or those juggling multiple lines.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better protection against scratches and drops.
- More comprehensive satellite support: Offers more comprehensive location tracking and better GPS accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G Power (2021) sacrifices screen resolution for slightly better low light camera performance and an included charger.
- The Samsung A13 has a sharper display and faster charging, but may cost more and lacks a charger out of the box
- The A13 lacks a gyroscope.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a phone with decent battery life and acceptable camera performance at a lower price.
- Users who prioritize included accessories: Users who prefer a phone that includes a charger.
- Basic gaming or app usage: Users who will not tax the phone with high-performance gaming.
- Users who value faster autofocus: Users who appreciate quick focusing times on camera.
Use Cases for Moto G Power (2021):
- Everyday calls, texts, social media browsing.
- Casual photography in decent lighting conditions.
- Playing light mobile games.
- Longer battery life for users who are on the go all day.
Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize screen quality: Those who consume lots of videos, read on their phones, and want a sharp and clear display.
- Users who value fast charging: Those who want to minimize downtime and have the phone ready quickly.
- Users wanting wide angle flexibility: Those who like having a wider field of view for different shooting scenarios.
- Users needing Dual SIM: Those that need to use two SIMs at the same time.
- Users wanting a bit more performance: Those who want a bit more power for gaming.
- Users who prefer screen protection: Those that want extra protection against screen scratching or cracks
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137):
- Viewing multimedia content (videos, photos) on a high-resolution display.
- Frequent picture taking with the added flexibility of a wide-angle lens.
- Light mobile gaming.
- Using the phone for navigation and needing accurate GPS.
- Users who need two SIMs for personal or work use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Clarity: How important is a high-resolution screen for you? (For sharper text/images choose the A13)
- Charging Speed: How much do you value faster charging? (For faster charging choose the A13)
- Camera Versatility: Do you need a wide-angle lens? (For a wide-angle lens choose the A13)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Focused: If budget is the primary concern and basic phone functionality is adequate, then Moto G Power (2021) could be a good option. Especially if the included charger is a priority.
- Multimedia Consumption: If you primarily watch videos and browse content, the Galaxy A13's higher resolution display provides a superior experience.
- Photography: If you want flexibility in photography, the wide angle lens of the A13 is a better choice.
- Performance & Future Proofing: If you want slightly better performance and software support, then the Samsung A13 is a better option due to its newer software, faster charging and better screen protection.
Personal Decision
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would opt for the Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137). Here's why:
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution display is a significant upgrade for my daily use. I value crisp visuals, whether I'm reading articles, browsing social media or watching videos. This would lead to a better overall experience.
- Faster Charging: The 25W fast charging is a big win for me, saving significant time. I prefer a phone that can quickly get back to a full charge.
- Wide Angle Lens: I would value the versatility the wide angle lens offers, which is useful for travel photos or family gatherings.
- Newer software: I would prefer a device that has a more recent operating system since it usually comes with more features and support.
- Screen Protection The added screen protection is beneficial to me, since I do not like using additional screen protectors.
- Dual-SIM: The added functionality of Dual-SIM might come in useful during travels or if a second SIM is needed.
While the Moto G Power (2021) has an included charger and slightly better low-light apertures, the improvements offered by the Galaxy A13 outweigh these. The better overall screen quality, fast charging, wide-angle versatility, and better build quality make the Samsung A13 a better fit for my needs. While the gyroscope is a loss for the Samsung A13, I would not use it enough for it to be the main decision factor.