Samsung Galaxy A13 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date December 3, 2021 October 5, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 110.74 cm³ 99.11 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 3.06 "/g
Weight 195 g 209 g
Height 164.5 mm 158 mm
Width 76.5 mm 76.5 mm
Thickness 8.8 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Purple
  • Graphite
  • Mint
  • Cream
  • Indigo
  • Tangerine

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.4 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.1 % 83.2 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 403 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1450 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 109.86 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.15 mAh/cm³ 45.4 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - International
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) - International
GPU Mali-G57 MC2 Xclipse 920 - International

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 13
Maximum OS Version 14 17

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE. It's always interesting to see how different phones within the same brand stack up. I'll be breaking down the specs, focusing on what they actually mean for you, the user.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here's a detailed look at how the two phones compare across key areas, with a focus on real-world implications:

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A13 5GSamsung Galaxy S23 FEReal-World Implications
Design
Dimensions164.5 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mmA13 5G is taller and thicker, slightly bulkier in the pocket.
Weight195g209gA13 5G is lighter but only by a small margin, not a huge difference.
Display
Size6.5"6.4"Similar display sizes.
Resolution720 x 16001080 x 2340S23 FE has a significantly sharper screen; much clearer image.
Pixel Density (PPI)270403S23 FE display will look noticeably crisper.
TechnologyPLS LCDAMOLEDS23 FE has far better color vibrancy, contrast, and black levels.
Refresh Rate90Hz120HzS23 FE offers smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBoth have identical peak brightness at 0 nits
Performance
ChipsetDimensity 700 (7nm)Exynos 2200 (4nm)S23 FE's chip provides much faster app loading and smoother multitasking.
AnTuTu Score389,3001,188,176S23 FE is significantly more powerful, with a much smoother user experience.
GPUMali-G57 MC2Xclipse 920S23 FE is better for graphics-intensive tasks, including gaming.
Camera
Standard Camera50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76"50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57"S23 FE sensor has a much larger size and pixel size, better low-light.
Telephoto + PortraitNone8MP, f/2.0S23 FE offers greater zoom capabilities, plus portrait shots.
Selfie Camera5MP, f/1.910.8MP, f/2.4S23 FE captures much sharper selfies.
Portrait (Depth)2MP, f/2.4NoneA13 5G has dedicated depth camera for portrait images.
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.4NoneA13 5G has dedicated macro camera for close-up images.
Wide Angle + MacroNone13MP, f/2.2S23 FE captures much wider field of view images.
Video Recording1080p@30fps8K@24fps, 4K@60fpsS23 FE supports high-resolution and higher frame rate video recording.
Slow-MotionNoYes, 960 fpsS23 FE offers slow motion recording.
Camera DXOMark-Mobile: 127, Photo: 124, Video: 131Only S23 FE has been tested for Mobile camera.
Battery Life
Capacity5000 mAh4500 mAhA13 5G has a slightly bigger battery, may offer better endurance.
Charging15W25WS23 FE charges faster, despite smaller battery.
Battery FeaturesNon-removableReverse charging, Wireless charging (15W), Reverse Wireless charging (4.4W), Non-removableS23 FE has features like wireless charging and reverse charging.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (up to 14)Android 13 (up to 17)S23 FE provides newer OS version, more future software updates.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6S23 FE supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster speeds and better range.
Bluetooth5.05.3S23 FE has a newer version of Bluetooth, better connectivity.
Storage
Internal Storage64 GB/128 GB128 GB/256 GBS23 FE provides more storage options, especially for media enthusiasts.
RAM4GB8GBS23 FE has much higher RAM, enhancing multitasking and app performance.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone offers expandable storage.
Audio
Audio QualityBasic audio featuresDolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo SpeakersS23 FE offers a much more immersive audio experience.
Security
Fingerprint SensorSide-mountedBasicA13 5G has a side-mounted sensor, while S23 FE has a basic version.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 5S23 FE has stronger screen protection.
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtualFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeA13 5G has additional environmental sensors.

2. Key Insights

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G:

  • Strengths:

    • Budget-Friendly: Its primary appeal is its lower price point, making it accessible to more users.
    • Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery could offer slightly better endurance.
    • Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A side mounted sensor is often preferred for ergonomics.
    • Environmental Sensors: Additional environmental sensors such as Barometer.
    • Dedicated Depth & Macro Camera: Dedicated sensors help achieve better results in depth and macro shots.
  • Limitations:

    • Lower Resolution Display: The 720p screen will appear less sharp and detailed than the S23 FE.
    • Basic Performance: The Dimensity 700 chipset is slower and less efficient.
    • Less Capable Camera System: The camera system falls short in low light and overall image quality compared to the S23 FE.
    • Basic Audio: Lacks stereo speakers and other premium audio features.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:

  • Strengths:

    • Superior Display: The AMOLED panel with higher resolution and refresh rate delivers a significantly better viewing experience.
    • Powerful Performance: The Exynos 2200 chipset provides smoother operation, faster app loading, and better gaming.
    • Advanced Camera System: Larger main camera sensor, better selfie camera, telephoto lens, and wide angle lens for better photography and video quality.
    • Faster Charging: Supports faster 25W charging, and includes wireless charging capabilities.
    • Premium Features: Boasts Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, reverse charging, and a stronger screen protection.
    • Improved Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi standard, Bluetooth version.
  • Limitations:

    • Higher Price: Its premium features come at a higher price point.
    • Battery Capacity: The smaller 4500mAh battery might require more frequent charging despite its fast charging capabilities.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Samsung Galaxy A13 5G:

    • Ideal For: Budget-conscious users, students, or those needing a reliable daily driver for basic tasks.
    • Use Cases: Web browsing, social media, light gaming, media consumption, and general productivity.
    • Recommendation: If price is the primary concern, this phone offers good value for basic smartphone needs.
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:

    • Ideal For: Tech enthusiasts, photographers, gamers, or anyone who wants a high-performance phone.
    • Use Cases: High-quality photography, video recording, gaming, demanding apps, media consumption, content creation.
    • Recommendation: If budget allows, the S23 FE delivers a premium experience with significant advantages in display, performance, camera and audio.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to guide the decision-making process:

  1. What is my budget? The A13 5G is much more affordable. If budget is tight, the decision is practically made.
  2. How important is the display quality? If you watch a lot of videos or spend a lot of time looking at your phone, the S23 FE's AMOLED display is a major upgrade.
  3. How important is performance? For more demanding tasks like gaming and photography, the S23 FE will perform significantly better.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Budget-Constrained User: Opt for the Galaxy A13 5G for everyday basics.
  • Photography Enthusiast: The Galaxy S23 FE provides better image quality and more versatile shooting options.
  • Mobile Gamer: The S23 FE's faster chipset and better GPU make it the superior option for gaming.
  • General User: If you want an overall superior experience, the S23 FE is worth the extra investment.

Which would I choose?

If I were buying a phone today, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE without hesitation. Here's why:

  • Performance Matters: As someone who juggles multiple tasks, the S23 FE's powerful processor and ample RAM are crucial. I need a phone that can keep up without lagging.
  • The Display is King: I spend a lot of time consuming content, and the AMOLED screen with its high resolution and refresh rate makes a huge difference in the overall experience. It's just more enjoyable to use.
  • Photography Is a Hobby: I enjoy taking photos, especially in different conditions, and the S23 FE's advanced camera system provides superior results, especially in low light.
  • Premium Experience: The additional features like wireless charging, better audio, and enhanced connectivity elevate the user experience significantly.

While the A13 5G is a perfectly capable device at its price point, the S23 FE offers a leap in performance and features that align perfectly with my needs. The cost is higher, but in my opinion, the return on investment in the form of a superior user experience makes the S23 FE the clear winner for me.

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.