Samsung Galaxy A13 5G vs Apple iPhone 16 Plus - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date December 3, 2021 September 20, 2024
Release Year 2021 2024

Physical

Volume 110.74 cm³ 97.64 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 3.37 "/g
Weight 195 g 199 g
Height 164.5 mm 160.9 mm
Width 76.5 mm 77.8 mm
Thickness 8.8 mm 7.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Black
  • White
  • Pink
  • Teal
  • Ultramarine

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.7 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1290 x 2796
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.1 % 88 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 460 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A 1000 nits
HBM Brightness N/A 2000 nits
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 104.12 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.15 mAh/cm³ 47.87 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4674 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) Apple A18 (3 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz)
GPU Mali-G57 MC2 Apple GPU (5-core graphics)

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android iOS
Initial OS Version 11 18
Maximum OS Version 14

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus. It's a classic David versus Goliath matchup, but as we know, specs don't always tell the whole story. Here's a deep dive into what makes each of these phones tick and who they're likely for.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here's a detailed look at the specs, keeping in mind how they impact the user:

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A13 5GApple iPhone 16 PlusReal-World Implications
Design
Dimensions164.5 × 76.5 × 8.8 mm160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mmThe A13 5G is taller and thicker, potentially feeling less sleek and pocketable than the iPhone 16 Plus.
Weight195g199gBoth are similarly weighted, so neither should feel drastically heavier in hand.
BuildPlastic Back, Glass Front,Glass Front and BackThe iPhone 16 Plus will likely have a more premium feel due to the use of glass on the back.
Display
Size6.5"6.7"The iPhone 16 Plus has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience.
Resolution720x16001290x2796The iPhone's display will be significantly sharper and clearer.
Pixel Density (PPI)270460The iPhone will show images and text with much greater detail and less blurriness.
TechnologyPLS LCDOLEDOLED provides much better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to LCD. The iPhone’s screen wins.
Refresh Rate90Hz60HzThe A13 5G should feel slightly smoother in daily use thanks to the higher refresh rate (but, this is a small win for the lower-end phone)
Brightness0 nits2000 nitsThe iPhone 16 Plus's much higher brightness will make it much easier to see in bright sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm)Apple A18 (3nm)The Apple A18 chip is generations ahead and significantly more powerful, translating into smoother, faster and more responsive performance.
AnTuTu Score389,3001,753,018The iPhone will be leagues faster in everything from gaming to launching apps.
GPUMali-G57 MC2Apple 5-core/6-core GPUThe iPhone's GPU will provide superior graphics for intensive tasks like gaming and video editing.
Camera
Main Camera50MP f/1.8 (1/2.76")48MP f/1.6 (1/1.3")Despite the Galaxy's higher resolution, the iPhone's larger sensor and wider aperture will allow for better low-light photos and more detailed shots.
Selfie Camera5MP f/1.912MP f/1.9The iPhone selfie camera is a big upgrade in resolution and quality.
Portrait Camera2MP f/2.4N/AA13 has a dedicated depth sensor, but portrait mode on iPhone is better without a dedicated lens.
Macro Camera2MP f/2.4N/AA13 has a dedicated macro lens, but many would prefer iPhone's ultrawide macro, if available.
Ultrawide + Macro CameraN/A12MP f/2.2 (1/2.55")iPhone's Ultrawide does double duty as a macro lens and it will be of higher quality.
Video1080p@30fps4K@60fps w/ HDR, 1080p@240fps w/HDRThe iPhone's video capabilities are far superior, with higher resolution, more frame rates, HDR and video stabilization options.
Camera FeaturesStandard SuitePro/Cinematic SuiteThe iPhone has more advanced features including cinematic mode, pro video, and night mode
Battery Life
Capacity5000 mAh4674 mAhThe A13 5G has a slightly larger battery, though real-world usage will determine the real difference in battery life.
Charging15W Fast Charging25W Fast Charging, 25W Wireless ChargingThe iPhone 16 Plus charges faster and has the added convenience of wireless charging.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (Upgradable to 14)iOS 18iOS offers a different user experience with a focus on simplicity, fluidity, privacy, and Apple ecosystem.
Connectivity
WiFiWi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)The iPhone 16 Plus has much better Wifi which means better speeds, range, and lower latency.
Bluetooth5.0 LE5.3 LEThe iPhone has newer bluetooth and has much better support for the latest tech
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1), NavIC SystemThe iPhone will have more accurate location services
Other
Storage64GB/128GB128GB/256GB/512GBThe iPhone has better storage options, with 128GB starting at base and going up to 512GB.
RAM4GB8GBThe iPhone 16 Plus will have superior multitasking performance due to larger ram
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage via microSD card.
Audio FeaturesBasicDolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphonesThe iPhone has a clear audio advantage.
SecuritySide FingerprintBasicThe Galaxy has a side fingerprint sensor, while the iPhone 16 Plus is lacking.
Build QualityGorilla Glass 3UnknownThe Galaxy has known screen protection using Gorilla Glass 3, while the iPhone is not known.
SensorsFingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic ProximityProximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, BarometerThe Galaxy has more sensors including a biometric and virtual proximity sensor, while iPhone has the main sensors.

2. Key Insights

  • Samsung Galaxy A13 5G:
    • Strengths: Affordable price, 90Hz refresh rate display, larger battery, and a fingerprint sensor. This is a budget device, and it shows, but its focus is clearly on value.
    • Competitive Advantages: It's a cost-effective option that gets the job done for essential smartphone tasks.
    • Trade-offs: Lower resolution screen, less powerful processor, and a basic camera system.
  • Apple iPhone 16 Plus:
    • Strengths: Stunning OLED display, top-tier performance with A18 chip, a superior camera system, faster charging (wired and wireless), and a polished user experience in iOS. This phone excels in every category.
    • Competitive Advantages: It offers a flagship-level experience and performance.
    • Trade-offs: Significantly higher price point, and lacks some customization options found on Android.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Samsung Galaxy A13 5G is for:

    • Budget-Conscious Users: People looking for a basic smartphone that covers the essentials without breaking the bank.
    • Users Primarily Focused on Media Consumption: The larger screen and 90hz refresh rate make basic media viewing smoother and enjoyable.
    • First-time smartphone owners: Users who don't need flagship performance, and simply want to experience a smartphone for the first time without spending too much money.
    • Simple Daily Use Users: Users who aren't focused on the latest performance and only want a smartphone for basic tasks (calling, texting, maps).
  • Apple iPhone 16 Plus is for:

    • Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers, content creators, and anyone who needs raw power and responsiveness.
    • Photography Buffs: Users who prioritize a high-quality camera system with advanced features.
    • Apple Ecosystem Loyalists: Those who prefer iOS, iMessage, iCloud, and other Apple services.
    • Users who demand a premium experience: Those who want a top-of-the-line phone that does everything well, without budget constraints.

4. Buying Decision Framework

To help you choose, consider these questions:

  1. Budget: What is your maximum spending limit? The A13 5G is much cheaper than the iPhone.
  2. Primary Use Case: Will you primarily use your phone for basic browsing, or resource intensive applications such as gaming? The iPhone has a huge advantage for resource intensive applications.
  3. Ecosystem Preference: Do you prefer Android or iOS? Both OS' are drastically different and each have their pros and cons.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Use: If your budget is limited, and you only need a phone for basic tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G is the practical and affordable choice.

  • Scenario 2: Performance & Camera are Priorities: If you require top-tier performance and a best-in-class camera, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus is the clear winner, despite its higher price.

  • Scenario 3: Balanced Experience: If you need a balance of value with decent performance, neither option is ideal. However, the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G would be the better pick since its low price is its main advantage, and can provide basic use.

My Choice

If I were to choose, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus is the clear winner, and this is what I would choose for myself. Yes, it's dramatically more expensive, but its performance, display, and camera are simply in a different league. I would have to compromise heavily on a much worse display and overall lower performance if I chose the A13. Considering the use case I put my smartphone through daily, the iPhone 16 Plus is a better fit. The extra cost is worth it to me for a seamless and powerful smartphone experience.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.