Samsung Galaxy A13 5G vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date December 3, 2021 October 16, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 110.74 cm³ 274.06 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 2.08 "/g
Weight 195 g 523 g
Height 164.5 mm 254.3 mm
Width 76.5 mm 165.8 mm
Thickness 8.8 mm 6.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Silver
  • Gray
  • Mint
  • Lavender

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 10.9 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1440 x 2304
Aspect Ratio 20:9 16:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.1 % 81.7 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 249 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 67.33 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.15 mAh/cm³ 29.19 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 8000 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) Exynos 1380 (5 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G57 MC2 Mali-G68 MP5

Connectivity

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

Software

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

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE. These two devices cater to very different needs, so understanding their nuances is key to making the right choice.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here's a breakdown of the core specifications, along with real-world implications for each device:

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A13 5GSamsung Galaxy Tab S9 FEReal-World Implications
DESIGN
Launch Date2021-12-032023-10-16The Tab S9 FE is significantly newer, potentially offering better long-term software support.
Form FactorStandard SmartphoneStandard TabletThe A13 5G is a pocketable phone, while the Tab S9 FE is a larger device for media consumption and productivity.
Dimensions164.5 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm, 195g254.3 x 165.8 x 6.5 mm, 523gA13 5G is more portable and lighter; Tab S9 FE is larger and heavier, better for viewing but less convenient for carrying.
DISPLAY
Size6.5"10.9"Tab S9 FE provides significantly more screen real estate, making it superior for media, reading, and multitasking.
Resolution720 x 16001440 x 2304The Tab S9 FE has a much sharper display, offering clearer and more detailed visuals.
Pixel Density270 PPI249 PPIA13 5G has a slightly sharper display with more pixels crammed in.
TechnologyPLS LCDIPS LCDTab S9 FE’s IPS LCD generally provides better viewing angles and color accuracy.
Refresh Rate90Hz90HzBoth offer smooth scrolling, though the 90Hz is rather average and not as high as some competitors.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBrightness comparison is impossible.
PERFORMANCE
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm)Exynos 1380 (5nm)The Tab S9 FE’s chipset is newer and more powerful, offering better performance in gaming and heavy apps.
AnTuTu Score389,300507,000The Tab S9 FE shows faster app loading, smoother operation.
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G68 MP5Tab S9 FE's GPU is more powerful, better for demanding games and graphic-intensive tasks.
BATTERY LIFE
Capacity5000 mAh8000 mAhThe Tab S9 FE has a significantly larger battery, potentially offering much longer usage time.
Charging15W Fast Charging45W Fast ChargingThe Tab S9 FE charges much faster, reducing downtime.
FeaturesNon-RemovableBypass Charging, Non-RemovableTab S9 FE supports bypass charging, allowing use while charging without impacting battery health.
CAMERA
Main Camera50MP (f/1.8)12MP (f/2.0)A13 5G has higher resolution main camera, but the Tab S9 FE's 12MP camera could offer better low light images.
Selfie Camera5MP (f/1.9)8MPThe Tab S9 FE has higher resolution front camera.
Other Cameras2MP depth, 2MP MacroNoneA13 5G has additional depth and macro lenses for more versatility.
Video Recording1080p @ 30fps4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 30fpsThe Tab S9 FE records video at higher resolution.
SOFTWARE
OSAndroid 11 (up to 14)Android 13 (up to 17)Tab S9 FE ships with a more recent version of Android and will receive more software updates.
CONNECTIVITY
Wi-Fi802.11acWiFi 6 (802.11ax)Tab S9 FE supports newer Wi-Fi standards for faster and more reliable connections.
Bluetooth5.05.3Tab S9 FE has newer Bluetooth version, offering better connection stability, more features, and lower latency.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPSA13 5G offers more satellite system support for better location tracking.
SIMDual SIM (Nano SIM)No SIMA13 5G can use two SIMs for added flexibility.
STORAGE
Internal Storage64GB/128GB128GB/256GBTab S9 FE comes with larger storage options.
RAM4GB6GB/8GBTab S9 FE offers significantly more RAM for better multitasking and smoother performance.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither device offers expandable storage.
AUDIO
Audio QualityBasicDolby Atmos, Stereo SpeakersTab S9 FE offers superior audio with more immersive sound experiences.
SECURITY
FeaturesSide-mounted FingerprintSide-mounted FingerprintBoth have basic biometric security with a fingerprint sensor, not the most secure but convenient.
BUILD
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass 3UnknownA13 5G provides more robust screen protection with Gorilla Glass 3.
SENSORS
SensorsFingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic ProximityFingerprint, Accelerometer, ProximityA13 5G offers a wider range of sensors, enhancing functionality in various applications.

2. Key Insights

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G:

  • Strengths: Highly portable and pocketable design, versatile camera system with a macro lens and depth sensor, robust navigation with diverse satellite support, dual SIM functionality, and protected screen with Gorilla Glass 3. It's a budget-friendly, solid smartphone for everyday needs with good GPS capabilities.
  • Competitive Advantage: Portability, a slightly sharper screen, good sensor array, and dual SIM capability, make it very convenient for users who need a functional device with good navigation.
  • Trade-offs: Has a significantly less powerful processor, lower resolution display, limited storage capacity, and much slower charging compared to the Tab S9 FE. It does not offer expandable storage.
  • Limitations: Older Android version (Android 11) and limited RAM at 4 GB mean that it might start struggling with more demanding tasks and might be phased out by future apps.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE:

  • Strengths: Large, high-resolution display, very powerful performance with newer chipset, faster charging, significantly larger battery for extended usage, and superior audio quality with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers. Newer version of Android, better Bluetooth version, and more RAM.
  • Competitive Advantage: Its large display, faster performance, and superior battery life make it ideal for media consumption, productivity, and gaming.
  • Trade-offs: Heavier, less portable, not as good GPS functionality, and does not have the secondary cameras like the macro lens and depth sensor. Not designed as a multi-SIM device.
  • Limitations: The screen protection is not known and given it is a more expensive product, the lack of any protection information is worrying, also the camera is less versatile, and portability is a concern.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G is Best for:

  • Budget-conscious users: Looking for an affordable smartphone that covers all the basics.
  • Users who prioritize portability: Need a pocketable device for calls, messaging, and light browsing.
  • Travelers and commuters: Benefit from the dual SIM and comprehensive navigation features.
  • Users who do not require high-performance: Don't need to play demanding games or use heavy apps.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is Best for:

  • Media enthusiasts: Who need a large, high-quality display for movies, TV shows, and reading.
  • Productivity users: Who want to work on the go with apps and documents.
  • Gamers: Who need a powerful device to handle high-intensity games.
  • Users who prioritize battery life: Who need a device that can last through extended use.
  • Professionals who need a portable workstation: Who are looking for a portable workstation where a stylus and a large screen are advantageous.

4. Buying Decision Framework

To decide between these two devices, consider these questions:

  1. What do you prioritize more: portability or display size and performance? If portability is the key, choose A13 5G. If display size and processing power are more important, go for the Tab S9 FE.
  2. What is your typical usage scenario? If your usage is mainly calls, messaging, light browsing, then go for A13 5G. If it’s media consumption, productivity, and gaming, then Tab S9 FE is the better option.
  3. What is your budget? The A13 5G is designed for budget-conscious users, whereas the Tab S9 FE is positioned at a higher price point.

Scenario-Based Recommendations

  • Casual User (mostly calls, texting, social media): Galaxy A13 5G. It's cheaper and has the features you need, with pocketability.
  • Media Consumer (movies, TV, e-books): Galaxy Tab S9 FE. The big, high-res display is perfect, and the sound quality is great.
  • Student/Professional on the go: Galaxy Tab S9 FE. The tablet's long battery and processing power make it perfect for multitasking and accessing documents.
  • Budget Gamer: Galaxy Tab S9 FE. The superior processor and GPU make it much better for gaming.
  • Traveler: Galaxy A13 5G. The GPS functions, dual SIM and light weight makes it great for travelers.

My Choice

If I had to pick one for myself, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE. Here’s why:

As a tech journalist, I often consume a lot of media, research with a lot of open tabs, and do editing on the go. I value a large, high-quality display for media consumption, and the Tab S9 FE's screen, along with its better performance and battery life, caters to this perfectly. While it's less portable than the A13 5G, the trade-off in battery life and performance is a worthy one for my use case, where portability is not my top priority. While the lack of known screen protection is concerning, I will be buying a screen protector to counter this. The additional RAM will also come in handy for the number of apps that I have running at any given time.

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.