OnePlus 9R vs Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 9R
OnePlus 9R
Oneplus

General

Launch Date April 14, 2021 July 1, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 100.21 cm³ 111 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.47 "/g 3.38 "/g
Weight 189 g 195 g
Height 161 mm 165.1 mm
Width 74.1 mm 76.4 mm
Thickness 8.4 mm 8.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Carbon Black
  • Lake Blue
  • Black
  • Blue
  • White

Display

Screen Size 6.55 " 6.6 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2408
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 86.8 % 83.2 %
Pixel Density 402 PPI 400 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 104.89 mAh/in² 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.9 mAh/cm³ 45.05 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 650 Mali-G52 MC2

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 12
Maximum OS Version 13 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureOnePlus 9RSamsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137)Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions161 x 74.1 x 8.4 mm165.1 x 76.4 x 8.8 mmThe A13 is larger and slightly bulkier, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use.
Weight189g195gThe OnePlus 9R is a bit lighter, making it easier to handle for longer periods.
Display
Size6.55"6.6"Both have very similar screen sizes.
Resolution1080 x 24001080 x 2408Virtually identical sharpness; no practical difference.
PPI402400Both have similar pixel densities, resulting in clear and sharp images.
TechnologyAMOLEDPLS LCDAMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, making media consumption more enjoyable.
Refresh Rate120Hz60HzThe OnePlus 9R provides a much smoother user experience, with fluid scrolling and animations.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBrightness comparison unavailable; unable to ascertain outdoor visibility.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm)Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm)The Snapdragon 870 offers significantly faster performance, noticeable in demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
AnTuTu Score821,600200,150The OnePlus 9R offers much higher performance, resulting in a smoother, more responsive user experience overall.
GPUAdreno 650Mali-G52 MC2The Adreno 650 is much more powerful, providing better graphics for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks.
Camera
Main Camera48MP, f/1.750MP, f/1.8The OnePlus 9R's wider aperture (f/1.7) allows more light, improving low-light performance. Resolution difference is minimal.
Selfie Camera16MP, f/2.48MP, f/2.2The OnePlus 9R takes higher-resolution selfies with more detail and the Samsung A13 offers wider aperture for more light.
Wide Angle Lens16MP, f/2.25MP, f/2.2The OnePlus 9R's wide-angle lens captures much more detail.
Portrait Mode2MP, f/2.42MP, f/2.4Similar depth sensing capabilities.
Macro Lens5MP, f/2.42MP, f/2.4The OnePlus 9R’s macro lens can capture more detailed close-up shots.
Video Recording4K@60fps1080p@30fpsThe OnePlus 9R captures much higher-quality video, with better detail and stabilization.
Camera Features4K Video, OIS, RAWBasicThe OnePlus 9R offers more advanced features like 4K video recording, OIS for better stability and RAW capture for post processing.
Battery
Capacity4500 mAh5000 mAhThe Samsung Galaxy A13 has a larger battery, potentially resulting in longer battery life.
Charging65W Fast Charging25W Fast ChargingThe OnePlus 9R charges significantly faster, reducing downtime.
Battery TypeLi-PolymerLi-IonLi-Polymer batteries are generally more durable and have better life cycles.
Software
OSAndroid 10Android 12The Samsung Galaxy A13 has a newer OS out of the box.
Max OS versionAndroid 13Android 13Both have the same maximum OS version.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi acThe OnePlus 9R supports a newer Wi-Fi standard, which can be beneficial in compatible networks.
Bluetooth5.15.2Both phones have a similar range and speed with newer version in Samsung A13.
GPSMultiple systemsMultiple systemsThe OnePlus 9R has more satellite support for slightly better GPS accuracy in some conditions.
SIMDual SIMDual SIMBoth support dual SIM functionality.
Storage
Internal128/256 GBThe OnePlus 9R offers much more storage for apps and media, the A13 details are not provided.
RAM8/12 GBOnePlus 9R offers larger RAM for better multitasking.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone allows additional storage expansion.
Audio
QualityDolby Atmos, Stereo SpeakersBasicThe OnePlus 9R provides a superior audio experience with enhanced spatial audio and clearer sound.
Security
FingerprintBasicSide-mountedThe Samsung Galaxy A13's side-mounted sensor is generally more convenient.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass 5The Samsung Galaxy A13 has superior screen protection.
Sensors
SensorsMore sensors including GyroscopeFewer SensorsThe OnePlus 9R has additional sensors including a gyroscope suitable for gaming and advanced features.

2. Key Differences Analysis

OnePlus 9R Advantages:

  • Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset offers vastly superior speed and responsiveness.
    • Practical Implication: Faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming experience, and overall more fluid usage.
  • Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a much more vibrant and smooth visual experience.
    • Practical Implication: Better color accuracy, deeper blacks, and smoother scrolling for media consumption and general use.
  • Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution selfie and wide angle lenses, plus the ability to record 4K video with OIS, offer much better image and video quality.
    • Practical Implication: Sharper photos, better video, and more flexibility for different shooting scenarios.
  • Faster Charging: 65W charging greatly reduces the time spent plugged into the wall.
    • Practical Implication: More convenient charging that can top up battery very quickly.
  • Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos provides superior audio quality for media consumption.
    • Practical Implication: More immersive audio experience, and clearer sound.
  • More Storage and RAM: Higher storage capacity and higher RAM for better multitasking.
    • Practical Implication: More space for apps and files, less lag when switching between apps.

Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: A 5000 mAh battery potentially offers longer battery life.
    • Practical Implication: Can last longer on a single charge, convenient for users who don't want to charge often.
  • Newer Bluetooth: A newer version of Bluetooth for potentially better connectivity.
    • Practical Implication: Could offer a slightly faster connection with peripherals.
  • Newer Android OS Out of the Box: A more modern Android version out of the box.
    • Practical Implication: Could benefit from latest OS updates and security patches longer.
  • Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally more convenient to use compared to a basic fingerprint sensor.
    • Practical Implication: Faster and more natural unlocking experience.
  • Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides more durability for everyday use.
    • Practical Implication: Less prone to damage and scratches.
  • Newer device: The Samsung A13 launched later in the year offering more recent hardware and software.
    • Practical Implication: Slightly more up to date security features.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • The OnePlus 9R sacrifices battery capacity for performance, display quality, and charging speed.
  • The Samsung Galaxy A13 offers better battery life, but at the expense of performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

OnePlus 9R Ideal Users:

  • Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers and users who demand a smooth, responsive experience with resource-intensive apps.
  • Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos and enjoy vibrant, high-quality displays and audio.
  • Photography Lovers: Users who want a versatile camera system with higher quality video recording.
  • Power Users: People who need fast charging and higher storage options.

Specific Use Cases for OnePlus 9R:

  • Playing graphic-intensive mobile games smoothly and without lag.
  • Watching movies and TV shows with great picture quality and immersive audio.
  • Taking high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
  • Multitasking between many apps without any slowdowns.

Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) Ideal Users:

  • Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an affordable phone that covers the basic functions well.
  • Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for calling, texting, browsing the web, and occasional social media.
  • Battery Life Prioritizers: Those who prioritize extended battery life over performance.
  • Users who prioritize a slightly newer device: Those who are looking for a more recent version.

Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137):

  • Daily web browsing, social media use, and email.
  • Making calls and sending texts.
  • Basic photography and video recording.
  • Users who value an extended battery life above all other considerations.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • The OnePlus 9R provides a higher value for those who want a premium experience and are willing to pay a bit more.
  • The Samsung Galaxy A13 provides good value for basic smartphone needs at a lower cost.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. How important is performance to me?
    • If performance is critical (gaming, demanding apps), then the OnePlus 9R is the better choice. If you mostly use basic apps, the A13 is sufficient.
  2. What is my budget?
    • If you are on a tight budget, the Galaxy A13 is the more economical option. The OnePlus 9R provides a premium experience at a higher cost.
  3. How much do I value display quality and camera capabilities?
    • If you heavily consume media and value high quality content, the OnePlus 9R's display and camera will be much more satisfying. If you are just looking to do basic media and photos then the Samsung A13 is suitable.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Mobile gamer, media enthusiast - OnePlus 9R is the better pick due to its better performance, superior display, camera and audio features.
  • Scenario 2: Budget-conscious user, basic smartphone use - Samsung Galaxy A13 is a suitable choice as it provides the basic features at a lower cost.
  • Scenario 3: Need for extended battery life - Samsung Galaxy A13 might be better as it offers longer battery life with the tradeoff of other features.
  • Scenario 4: Casual user with some desire for good photos: The OnePlus 9R will satisfy more in the picture department.

My Choice

If I were to choose between these two phones, I would select the OnePlus 9R. My rationale is that while the Samsung Galaxy A13 has a larger battery, the OnePlus 9R provides a far superior overall experience due to its significantly better performance, superior display, enhanced camera system, faster charging, and better audio.

I value the responsiveness and fluidity provided by the Snapdragon 870 and the 120Hz AMOLED screen, as well as the enhanced camera capabilities for capturing better photos and videos. While the A13 offers a slightly newer OS out of the box, the performance and visual upgrades of the OnePlus 9R outweigh the A13's advantages for my specific needs. The additional cost is worth it for the noticeably better user experience it provides across all key aspects of smartphone usage.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.