Samsung Galaxy A13 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date December 3, 2021 February 25, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 110.74 cm³ 113.22 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 2.98 "/g
Weight 195 g 228 g
Height 164.5 mm 163.3 mm
Width 76.5 mm 77.9 mm
Thickness 8.8 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • White
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Sky Blue
  • Bora Purple
  • Burgundy

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.8 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1440 x 3088
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.1 % 89.8 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 500 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1750 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 108.13 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.15 mAh/cm³ 44.16 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - Europe
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) - Europe
GPU Mali-G57 MC2 Xclipse 920 - Europe

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 3.2, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 12
Maximum OS Version 14 16

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive deep into the comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G and the S22 Ultra 5G. It's a classic David vs. Goliath scenario, where we see a budget-friendly contender squaring off against a flagship powerhouse. But, as always, the devil's in the details, so let's get started.

1. Specifications Breakdown

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A13 5GSamsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5GReal-World Implications
Design
Launch Date2021-12-032022-02-25The S22 Ultra is about 2.5 months newer, benefiting from slightly more recent tech
Size (mm)164.5 x 76.5 x 8.8163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9Similar size overall. The A13 is slightly taller, while the S22 Ultra is wider; both share a similar thickness.
Weight (g)195228The A13 is considerably lighter, making it easier to handle for extended periods.
Display
Size (inches)6.56.8The S22 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption.
Resolution720x16001440x3088The S22 Ultra's display is much sharper, leading to clearer text, sharper images and more detail.
Pixel Density (PPI)270500The S22 Ultra has significantly better display clarity, reducing pixelation and offering greater detail and sharpness.
TechnologyPLS LCDAMOLEDAMOLED technology in the S22 Ultra provides deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colours, significantly impacting visual fidelity and power efficiency (especially for dark themes).
Refresh Rate90Hz120HzThe S22 Ultra has smoother animations and scrolling due to the higher refresh rate.
Brightness (nits)01750The S22 Ultra's screen is much brighter, making it clearly visible in direct sunlight.
Performance
Chipset (EU)MediaTek Dimensity 700Exynos 2200 (4nm)The S22 Ultra's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster overall performance, better gaming, and more efficient multitasking.
AnTuTu Score389,3001,023,311The S22 Ultra has more than double the benchmark score, meaning it's significantly faster and capable of handling intensive tasks.
GPU (EU)Mali-G57 MC2Xclipse 920The S22 Ultra's GPU delivers superior graphical performance, enhancing gaming and graphics-intensive applications.
Camera
Main Camera50MP, f/1.8108MP, f/1.8The S22 Ultra's main camera has far higher resolution and a larger sensor, resulting in much more detail, better low-light performance and superior image quality overall.
Telephoto + PortraitNone12MP, f/2.4The S22 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom and portraits, offering superior versatility.
Selfie Camera5MP, f/1.940MP, f/2.2The S22 Ultra has a much higher resolution selfie camera, providing far more detail and sharper images.
Telephoto LensNone12MP, f/4.9The S22 Ultra has a second dedicated telephoto lens for zoom capabilities.
Wide Angle LensNone12.2MP, f/2.2The S22 Ultra has an ultra-wide lens for capturing more of the scene, lacking on the A13.
Portrait Mode (Depth)2MP, f/2.4NoneThe A13 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, this is done through software on the S22 Ultra
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.4NoneThe A13 has a dedicated macro lens for close up shots, lacking on the S22 Ultra.
Video Recording1080p@30fps8K@24fps, 4K@60fpsThe S22 Ultra can record in far higher resolution and frame rates, with better stabilization and features such as HDR and stereo sound, significantly enhancing video quality.
DXoMarkNot TestedMobile: 131, Selfie: 135The S22 Ultra achieves a far superior DxOMark, indicating a high-quality camera experience.
FeaturesTriple, PDAFQuadruple, OIS, LAF, RAWThe S22 Ultra has more advanced features, including optical zoom, stabilization, and laser autofocus for better low light performance and image quality.
Battery Life
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhBoth have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life under average conditions.
Charging15W Fast Charging45W Fast ChargingThe S22 Ultra charges much faster, getting you back up and running quicker.
FeaturesNon-removableBypass, Wireless, ReverseThe S22 Ultra has many more battery features, offering more flexibility and options for powering your phone, including wireless and reverse wireless charging, and bypass charging for less wear and tear on the battery while gaming.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (max 14)Android 12 (max 16)The S22 Ultra ships with a newer version of Android and will receive more future upgrades.
Connectivity
Wi-Fiacax (WiFi 6)The S22 Ultra supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering faster speeds and better performance on modern networks, additionally providing dual-band support, wifi direct, display and MiMO.
Bluetooth5.05.2The S22 Ultra supports a newer Bluetooth version with improved range and connectivity and additional audio codecs such as LDAC, AAC and SBC.
GPSStandardL1+L5, GLONASS L1, etcThe S22 Ultra supports more precise and accurate location tracking due to its additional satellite system support.
SIMDual Nano SIMDual Nano SIM + eSIMThe S22 Ultra offers flexibility with an eSIM option for digital carrier switching, the A13 can use two physical sims at the same time.
Storage
Internal64/128GB128/256/512/1024 GBThe S22 Ultra has more storage options, catering to users who need more space for media, applications, and files.
RAM4GB8GB/12GBThe S22 Ultra has significantly more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding applications and games.
ExpandableNoNoNeither of these devices supports expandable storage, so you must chose the correct storage option at purchase.
Audio
QualityBasicDolby Atmos, Hi-Res, StereoThe S22 Ultra offers a premium audio experience with enhanced spatial audio, higher fidelity playback, noise cancellation and stereo speakers.
Security
FeaturesSide-Mounted fingerprint sensorBasic fingerprint sensorThe A13 uses a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor and both offer a basic level of biometric security.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass 3Gorilla Glass Victus+The S22 Ultra has much better screen protection, making it more resistant to scratches and drops.
Sensors
SensorsUltrasonic Virtual Proximity SensorProximity sensor, Geomagnetic, Hall SensorThe A13 has an ultrasonic virtual proximity sensor, the S22 Ultra contains a standard proximity sensor, with additional sensors for features and performance.

2. Key Insights

  • Samsung Galaxy A13 5G: This phone is all about providing a smooth experience on a budget. Its key strengths are a lightweight design, acceptable 90Hz display, and a very capable main camera. It's designed for users who want a reliable smartphone for day-to-day tasks without breaking the bank. However, it has a low resolution display, a basic audio experience, and less computational power.

  • Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G: This phone is a technological marvel designed for power users who demand the absolute best. It has a top-tier AMOLED display, industry-leading chipset, versatile camera system with telephoto lenses, and extensive premium features. It’s designed for those who value performance, display quality, and a high end camera experience, but it is heavy, thicker and far more costly.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Galaxy A13 5G:

    • Best for: Budget-conscious users, first-time smartphone buyers, students, or anyone needing a reliable phone for everyday tasks.
    • Use Cases: Browsing social media, streaming videos, taking casual photos, staying connected through messaging and basic apps.
  • Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G:

    • Best for: Tech enthusiasts, content creators, gamers, photographers, and business professionals who demand uncompromising performance and the best possible experience.
    • Use Cases: High-quality photography and videography, running demanding apps and games, multitasking, editing content, enjoying multimedia content with high visual and audio fidelity, and leveraging advanced features.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:

  1. What is Your Budget? The A13 is significantly more affordable than the S22 Ultra. If price is a primary concern, the A13 is the clear choice.
  2. What Do You Value Most? If you prioritize top-tier performance, display, and camera quality, the S22 Ultra is the way to go. If you just want a reliable and functional device for basic usage, the A13 is more than adequate.
  3. What Are Your Primary Use Cases? For heavy tasks like gaming, content creation, or professional photography, the S22 Ultra is far superior. For casual usage and basic functions, the A13 will be sufficient for most users.
  • Scenario 1: Daily Driver on a Budget: You want a reliable phone for calls, emails, and social media, and you don’t want to spend a fortune. The Galaxy A13 5G is the ideal choice.
  • Scenario 2: Flagship Power User: You need top-tier performance, the best camera capabilities, and you don't mind paying the premium for it. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is the device for you.
  • Scenario 3: Photography and Videography Enthusiast: If mobile photography is a big thing for you, you'll get much better results and capabilities from the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G thanks to the zoom lenses, large sensor and high quality video.

My Choice

If I was choosing between these two devices, I would have to pick the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. While the Galaxy A13 5G is a great device at a lower price point, the sheer power, performance and functionality of the S22 Ultra is hard to ignore. As someone who uses their phone for more than just social media, having access to high end performance, a stellar camera and a fantastic display is a game changer. The higher quality build with improved screen protection, and the latest connectivity standards further cement the S22 Ultra as the ideal phone for my use case.

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.