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

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date December 3, 2021 February 17, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 110.74 cm³ 91.39 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 3.37 "/g
Weight 195 g 196 g
Height 164.5 mm 157.8 mm
Width 76.5 mm 76.2 mm
Thickness 8.8 mm 7.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Lime

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.6 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.1 % 88.9 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 393 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1200 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 1750 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 107.90 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.15 mAh/cm³ 51.43 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4700 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Mali-G57 MC2 Adreno 740

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 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+. It's a classic David versus Goliath match-up, pitting a budget-friendly contender against a premium flagship. I'll break down the specs, translate the tech jargon into real-world scenarios, and help you decide which phone might be the best fit for you.

1. Specifications Breakdown

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A13 5GSamsung Galaxy S23+Real-World Implications
Design
Dimensions164.5 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mmS23+ is noticeably slimmer and slightly shorter, likely feeling more premium and pocketable. A13 5G is a bit bulkier.
Weight195g196gBoth feel similar in hand, weight difference is negligible.
BuildPlastic frame and backAluminum frame, Glass backS23+ feels more premium due to the materials. The A13 is practical but feels less luxurious.
Display
Size6.5"6.6"Both have similar-sized screens; a minor difference that isn't noticeable in most situations.
Resolution720x16001080x2340S23+ has significantly sharper display, images and text will appear much clearer.
PPI270393S23+ has a much higher pixel density, resulting in a crisper image. Reading, viewing images and videos will have more detail.
TechnologyPLS LCDAMOLEDS23+ display will have much deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and is more energy-efficient for dark themes.
Refresh Rate90Hz120HzS23+ will feel smoother and more fluid in scrolling and animations.
Brightness0 nits1750 nitsS23+ is dramatically brighter and more legible in bright sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700Snapdragon 8 Gen 2S23+ has vastly superior processing power, leading to much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
AnTuTu Score389,3001,508,732S23+ offers a massive performance boost, handling demanding apps with ease. A13 will be limited with intensive tasks.
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 740S23+ will have a much better graphics performance, which is more important when gaming, or video editing.
Camera
Main Camera50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76"50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57"S23+ has a larger sensor for better low-light performance and better image quality overall.
Selfie Camera5MP, f/1.912MP, f/2.2S23+ will have sharper and more detailed selfies.
Telephoto LensNone10MP, f/2.4S23+ offers optical zoom capabilities.
Wide Angle LensNone12.2MP, f/2.2S23+ lets you capture more expansive scenes with its wide-angle lens.
Portrait Lens2MP, f/2.4NoneA13 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, but the S23+ may produce better portraits using software enhancements.
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.4NoneA13 can take close-up photos with a dedicated macro lens, which S23+ lacks, but is likely less important to many users.
Video1080p@30fpsUp to 8K@24/30fpsS23+ is capable of significantly higher video resolutions and better video stabilization, resulting in professional-quality footage.
DxOMark (Mobile)None133The S23+ has significantly superior camera performance compared to A13.
FeaturesBasicAdvanced (OIS, RAW, etc)S23+ provides far more advanced camera features, including optical zoom, image stabilization, and more manual control settings.
Battery Life
Capacity5000mAh4700mAhA13 has a slightly larger battery, though with a less powerful chip, actual battery life may not be significantly different.
Charging15W45WS23+ has significantly faster charging which charges the battery much faster.
FeaturesNon-removable10W wireless, reverse chargingS23+ offers wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly, which the A13 does not have.
Software
OSAndroid 11Android 13S23+ ships with a more recent version of Android and will get more future software updates.
Connectivity
WiFi802.11acWiFi 6 (802.11ax)S23+ supports newer WiFi standard, offering faster speeds, lower latency.
Bluetooth5.0 LE5.3 LES23+ has a newer Bluetooth version, likely offering slightly better efficiency and features
GPSStandardDual-band GPSS23+ provides more accurate location services, especially in urban environments.
SIMDual SIMDual SIM (eSIM + Nano)S23+ supports eSIM, offering greater flexibility in managing multiple phone numbers.
Storage
Internal64/128GB256/512GBS23+ has much more storage capacity which means you can keep many more photos, videos and files on the device.
RAM4GB8GBS23+ has more RAM, leading to much smoother multitasking.
ExpandableNoNoNeither device allows adding additional storage.
Audio
QualityBasicDolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo SpeakersS23+ has better speakers and enhanced audio capabilities.
Security
FeaturesSide-mounted fingerprint sensorBasic fingerprint sensorA13 has a side mounted fingerprint sensor while the S23+ has a basic fingerprint sensor.
Build Quality
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2S23+ has much better screen protection, making it more resistant to scratches and drops.
Sensors
FeaturesUltrasonic proximity virtualProximity, Hall, Geomagnetic, etcS23+ has a slightly more comprehensive sensor suite.

2. Key Insights

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G

Strengths:

  • Affordable Price: The most significant advantage is its lower cost, making it accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
  • Good Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery should easily last a full day with moderate use.
  • Decent Screen: The 90Hz refresh rate is a nice touch at this price point.

Limitations:

  • Weak Processor: The Mediatek Dimensity 700 struggles with demanding apps and multitasking.
  • Low-Resolution Display: The 720p screen looks noticeably less sharp than higher-resolution displays.
  • Basic Camera: The camera takes decent photos in good lighting but is not ideal for low-light conditions.
  • Slower Charging: The 15W charging is significantly slower than most of the competition.

Samsung Galaxy S23+

Strengths:

  • Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is one of the fastest mobile processors available, ensuring smooth and responsive performance in all tasks.
  • Superior Display: The AMOLED panel is sharp, vibrant, and incredibly bright, making it a joy to use in any lighting condition.
  • Excellent Camera System: Offers a versatile set of lenses for excellent photos and videos.
  • Fast Charging & Wireless Charging: Supports fast wired charging and has the convenience of wireless charging.
  • Premium Build Quality: The use of premium materials creates a much more luxurious feel in the hand.

Limitations:

  • Price: The biggest drawback is the higher price, which puts it out of reach for some users.
  • No Expandable Storage: The lack of expandable storage means you are locked into the storage configuration you purchase.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G

  • Best For:

    • Budget-conscious users who need a functional smartphone for everyday tasks.
    • Users who prioritize long battery life.
    • Those who only need basic photography and social media use.
  • Use Cases:

    • Basic web browsing and social media.
    • Calling and texting.
    • Watching videos on a smaller scale.
    • Ideal for first-time smartphone buyers or users looking for a secondary device.

Samsung Galaxy S23+

  • Best For:
    • Power users who demand the best possible performance.
    • Users who value excellent camera quality for photos and videos.
    • Those who want the most premium smartphone experience.
  • Use Cases:
    • Gaming and demanding mobile apps.
    • Creating high-quality photo and video content.
    • Anyone who wants a premium device with top-tier features.
    • Those who need excellent display quality for multimedia consumption.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three practical questions to help you decide between these two phones:

  1. What is your budget? If you need to stay within a strict budget, the A13 5G is the more affordable choice. However, if your budget has more flexibility, the S23+ offers much better features.
  2. What do you prioritize in your smartphone experience? If you primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and basic social media browsing, the A13 5G will suffice. If you value performance, a high-quality display, and excellent camera, the S23+ is a better option.
  3. How often will you use demanding applications? If you play graphics intensive games, do video editing, or require heavy multitasking, the S23+ is the better option because the A13 will struggle and slow down.

Scenario-Based Recommendations

  • Scenario 1: The Everyday User

    • Needs: A phone that handles basic tasks, has good battery life, and is easy to use.
    • Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A13 5G. Its affordability and battery life make it suitable for most everyday tasks.
  • Scenario 2: The Content Creator/Power User

    • Needs: A phone with high-end performance, great camera, and premium display.
    • Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S23+. The S23+ is the perfect device for those wanting to do more with their smartphone.
  • Scenario 3: The Casual Gamer

    • Needs: A phone that can handle most basic games and is a good daily driver.
    • Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S23+. Although more expensive, the graphics processing power will be much better on the S23+ and will ensure you can run nearly any mobile game on the app store.

My Choice

If I were choosing, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy S23+. While the A13 5G is a capable budget device, the S23+ offers a much more compelling and enjoyable user experience. The jump in processing power, display quality, and camera capabilities is significant. As a tech journalist who pushes my devices to their limits, I need the power and reliability that the S23+ provides. I also rely on my phone for photography and the S23+ offers much better image quality with more versatile features. While the price is higher, the S23+ justifies the investment with its superior performance and premium experience. In the long run, the S23+ is more future-proof, ensuring that it will continue to deliver optimal performance for years to come.

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.