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 343.94 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 1.98 "/g
Weight 195 g 627 g
Height 164.5 mm 285.4 mm
Width 76.5 mm 185.4 mm
Thickness 8.8 mm 6.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Silver
  • Gray
  • Mint
  • Lavender

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 12.4 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1600 x 2560
Aspect Ratio 20:9 16:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.1 % 84.3 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 243 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 65.62 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.15 mAh/cm³ 29.34 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 10090 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

Okay, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. This isn't just a spec-sheet showdown; it's a look at how these devices fit into your daily life. I'll blend the technical with the practical, giving you the insights you need.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here’s a detailed table comparing the technical specifications of the two devices, focusing on real-world implications:

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A13 5GSamsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+Real-World Implications
Design
Launch Date2021-12-032023-10-16The Tab S9 FE+ is a much newer device, benefiting from more recent tech.
Form FactorStandard SmartphoneStandard TabletDifferent form factors cater to different uses: phone for portability, tablet for larger screen experiences.
Dimensions164.5 × 76.5 × 8.8 mm285.4 × 185.4 × 6.5 mmTab S9 FE+ is significantly larger, less portable; A13 5G is more pocketable but has a smaller screen.
Weight195g627gA13 5G is much lighter and easier to hold for long periods, while the Tab S9 FE+ will require a more stable grip.
Display
Size6.5"12.4"Tab S9 FE+ offers a much more expansive visual experience, better for media consumption, productivity, and gaming.
Resolution720x16001600x2560Tab S9 FE+ has a sharper display with more detail; the A13 5G screen is less detailed but more than sufficient for daily use.
Pixel Density (PPI)270243A13 5G has a slightly sharper image, but the difference is negligible and offset by the larger size of the tablet screen.
TechnologyPLS LCDIPS LCDTab S9 FE+ has a more advanced display that offers better viewing angles, color reproduction, and overall visual clarity.
Refresh Rate90Hz90HzBoth screens offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsThe stated brightness of both devices is listed as zero. This is either an error or a sign of lacking information.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm)Exynos 1380 (5nm)Tab S9 FE+ chipset is more powerful and efficient, resulting in smoother performance, faster app loading, and better gaming.
AnTuTu Score389,300507,000Tab S9 FE+ has significantly better overall performance in benchmark scores.
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G68 MP5Tab S9 FE+ has a more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics performance in apps, games and media.
Battery Life
Capacity5000mAh10090mAhTab S9 FE+ has a much larger battery, likely offering significantly longer usage time between charges.
Charging15W fast charging45W fast chargingTab S9 FE+ charges much faster, reducing downtime. A13 5G charging is quite slow by comparison.
FeaturesNon-removableBypass Charging, Non-removableBoth batteries are not user-removable; Tab S9 FE+ can bypass charging to reduce heat during heavy tasks.
Camera
Standard Camera50MP, f/1.812MP, f/2.0A13 5G has a higher resolution sensor and wider aperture, better for detailed shots in lower light.
Selfie Camera5MP, f/1.98MPTab S9 FE+ takes sharper selfies with more detail.
Wide Angle LensN/A8MP, f/2.2Tab S9 FE+ includes an ultrawide lens, beneficial for group photos and expansive landscapes.
Portrait Mode2MP, f/2.4N/AA13 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode photos with background blur.
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.4N/AA13 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photos.
Video Recording1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fpsTab S9 FE+ shoots higher-quality video; the A13 5G is limited to 1080p.
Slow MotionNoYes, 60fpsTab S9 FE+ can record slow-motion videos, adding creative options.
Camera FeaturesPDAF, Triple CameraDual CameraA13 5G has more camera features but the tablet has more modern video capabilities.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (up to 14)Android 13 (up to 17)Tab S9 FE+ has a newer Android version and is likely to receive more future updates, keeping it current longer.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6Tab S9 FE+ supports faster Wi-Fi for quicker downloads and smoother streaming.
Bluetooth5.05.3Tab S9 FE+ has the latest Bluetooth version, offering faster connections and better power efficiency.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPSA13 5G supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy in more places.
SIMDual SIM, Nano SIMN/AA13 5G can use two SIM cards simultaneously, great for travel or separating work and personal numbers.
Storage
Internal Storage64GB/128GB128GB/256GBTab S9 FE+ offers more built-in storage for apps, media, and files.
RAM4GB8GB/12GBTab S9 FE+ has significantly more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither device supports expandable storage, so choose carefully.
Audio
Audio QualityBasic FeaturesDolby Atmos, Stereo SpeakersTab S9 FE+ provides superior sound quality with enhanced immersive audio.
Security
BiometricsSide-mounted fingerprintSide-mounted fingerprintBoth phones have a basic level of biometric security.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass 3UnknownA13 5G's display has added screen protection.
Sensors
SensorsMore sensorsLess sensorsA13 5G has more sensors for more features.

2. Key Insights

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Strengths:

  • Portability: It's lightweight and pocketable, making it ideal for on-the-go use.
  • Camera System: Offers a higher-resolution main camera and dedicated macro/depth sensors.
  • GPS & SIM: Dual SIM support and more satellite systems enhance its functionality for travel.
  • Screen Protection: The screen uses Gorilla Glass 3 for added durability.
  • Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Offers a lot of sensors for environmental data and gaming.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Strengths:

  • Display: Large, high-resolution IPS LCD screen, excellent for media, productivity, and gaming.
  • Performance: More powerful processor and GPU, handling demanding tasks more smoothly.
  • Battery: Larger battery for extended usage time, paired with faster charging.
  • Audio: Superior sound with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for an immersive experience.
  • Video: Shoots high-quality 4K videos and supports slow-motion capture.
  • Software: Comes with a newer Android version with better long term support.
  • Connectivity: Supports faster Wi-Fi and more current Bluetooth version
  • Bypass Charging: Reduces heat when used heavily while charging.

Trade-offs:

  • A13 5G: Smaller screen, slower performance, basic audio, and camera.
  • Tab S9 FE+: Less portable, no SIM, larger, more expensive, and fewer camera sensors.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G is ideal for:

  • Budget-conscious users: Those who need basic smartphone functionality at a lower cost.
  • On-the-go users: People who prioritize portability and single-hand usability.
  • Travelers: The dual-SIM and multiple satellite GPS is useful in various places.
  • Casual Photographers: Users who want a versatile camera setup for everyday use.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is ideal for:

  • Media Enthusiasts: Those who want a large, high-quality screen for movies, shows, and games.
  • Productivity-focused individuals: Users who need a larger display for multitasking, note-taking, or content creation.
  • Students or professionals: People who need a versatile device that can handle work and entertainment.
  • Creative users: Those who take notes or sketch on their device.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to guide your decision:

  1. Portability vs. Screen Size: Do you prioritize having a device that fits in your pocket or a larger screen for media and productivity?
  2. Performance Needs: Do you need a device for demanding tasks or will basic functionality suffice?
  3. Budget: What's your budget, and how do you balance cost with features?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Frequent Commuter: If you often travel on a bus or train, the A13 5G is easier to carry and use on the go.
  • Scenario 2: Home Entertainment: If you primarily use your device at home for watching videos and browsing, the Tab S9 FE+ is superior.
  • Scenario 3: Content Creator: If you want to edit videos, take high-quality videos, and have a large screen for productivity, the Tab S9 FE+ is the choice.
  • Scenario 4: Budget Shopper: If you need a functional smartphone at a lower price point, the A13 5G is the better value.

My Pick

If I were choosing between these two devices for my own personal use, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.

Here’s why:

  • Versatility: While the A13 5G is a competent smartphone, the Tab S9 FE+ offers the flexibility of a larger screen for work and play. I often find myself wanting a larger display for reading articles, watching videos, and multitasking across different apps, things the tablet is perfect for.
  • Performance and Audio: The superior processor, graphics, battery, and audio system on the Tab S9 FE+ provide a much better user experience. For me, smoother multitasking and media consumption are worth the size tradeoff.
  • Future Proofing: The newer operating system (Android 13) and better hardware means it will likely receive updates longer than the older A13 5G.
  • Content Creation: While I wouldn't be using it for professional photography, the Tab S9 FE+ excels at video creation and editing, which is something I enjoy doing.

While the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G is a solid device for basic smartphone needs, the Tab S9 FE+ offers a more versatile and immersive experience that aligns better with my personal usage habits.

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.