Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137)
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 165.1 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm | S21+ is slightly smaller and thinner, making it easier to handle for some. A13 is taller and thicker, may feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 195g | The A13 is slightly lighter, but the difference is likely not noticeable. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Screen) | S21+ offers better scratch resistance and durability with newer Gorilla Glass technology. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | S21+ has a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2408 | Both offer very similar sharpness levels, so visual differences are minimal. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 400 PPI | Negligible difference in sharpness; both displays are considered sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | S21+ has superior display with deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better contrast, enhancing visual quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21+ provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (Unspecified) | S21+ offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, A13 brightness is unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | S21+ has a significantly more powerful chipset, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 200,150 | S21+ demonstrates significantly higher performance, indicating a smoother, more responsive experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The S21+ has a more powerful GPU, better for graphically demanding games and tasks. |
| RAM | 8 GB | Unspecified | S21+ has more RAM, making multitasking and app management smoother. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sony IMX555 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A13 has a higher resolution sensor, but the S21+ has larger pixels on a sensor, potentially capturing better low-light images. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" Samsung Bright S5KGW2 | Not Available | S21+ provides optical zoom and improved portrait photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" Sony IMX374 | 8MP, f/2.2 | S21+ offers slightly better resolution for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sony IMX563 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A13 has a dedicated wide angle camera that might come handy for photos with wide field of view. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | A13 has a dedicated macro lens that might be useful for close-up photos. |
| Depth Sensor | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | A13 has a dedicated depth sensor to enhance portrait mode photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21+ offers significantly higher video recording capabilities, including 8K resolution and more frame rate options. |
| Video Stabilisation | Yes | No | S21+ offers better image and video stabilization for smoother recordings. |
| Slow-motion | Yes, 960 fps | No, 30 fps | S21+ has greater slow-motion recording capabilities |
| DxOMark Score | 111 (Mobile) | Not Available | S21+ has been tested by DxOMark with a mobile score of 111, indicating it has superior camera performance. |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, Optical zoom, RAW, Night Mode | Quadruple camera | S21+ offers significantly more advanced camera features including OIS and RAW capturing capabilities. A13 has a dedicated Quad camera, offering more flexibility in terms of lenses. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | A13 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support 25W fast charging; charging times are likely comparable. |
| Battery Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | Non-removable | S21+ offers more convenience with wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | S21+ will receive software updates for a longer time. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21+ supports newer WiFi standard, offering faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | A13 has a newer Bluetooth version, possibly with improved efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S21+ offers more accurate GPS due to additional satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | S21+ supports eSIM for more flexible carrier options. |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB | Unspecified | S21+ has more built-in storage capacity, beneficial for storing media files. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for storage expansion. |
Audio, Security and Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | S21+ provides superior audio playback quality, with immersive audio experience |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A13 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Light sensor, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Accelerometer, Compass | Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Accelerometer, Compass | S21+ has more sensors, enabling advanced features, improved gaming experience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate, significantly higher brightness, providing a smoother, more vibrant viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset delivers vastly superior performance for all tasks, from gaming to multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes telephoto lens with optical zoom, better video recording capabilities (up to 8K), OIS and more advanced software features.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus, providing better protection and potentially higher durability.
- Wireless Charging: Includes 15W wireless and reverse wireless charging, adding convenience.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos for a more immersive audio experience.
- More RAM and Internal Storage: 8GB of RAM and 128GB/256GB of internal storage.
- More sensors: Includes Gyroscope, Barometer and Hall sensors for improved gaming experience and additional functionality.
Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000 mAh battery, potentially offering slightly better battery life (although real world usage might vary due to efficiency differences).
- Newer Bluetooth: Comes with Bluetooth 5.2, although its practical impact is not significant in most day to day usage.
- Quadruple Camera System: Includes Macro, Wide Angle and Depth sensors for more flexibility while taking photos.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and potentially faster than a basic fingerprint sensor.
- Lower price point: Likely available at a much lower price point.
Trade-offs:
- S21+: The main tradeoff is the higher price point.
- A13: The main trade-offs are significantly lower performance, inferior display, basic cameras without OIS, and lacking premium features such as wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand high performance for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive applications.
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos or use their phone for entertainment, benefit from a high-quality display and stereo speakers.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system, including telephoto and advanced video capabilities, OIS and RAW capturing support.
- Tech Enthusiasts: People who appreciate cutting-edge tech and premium features.
- Users who seek longevity: S21+ has better update support.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-fidelity mobile gaming.
- Professional video recording.
- Enjoying HDR content.
- Smooth, responsive multitasking.
- Taking high quality photos in various conditions including low light.
Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who prioritize affordability over top-tier features.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Users who value longer battery life: A13 might have better battery life.
- Users who need Macro lens: A13 has macro lens for close-up shots.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing and social media.
- Daily communication and calling.
- Casual photography where the focus is on the versatility of having a wide angle and macro lens and not on overall image quality.
- Longer battery life for basic tasks.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21+: Offers a significantly higher performance and feature set, justifying the higher price for those who require it.
- A13: Provides a more accessible entry point to the smartphone market, focusing on essential features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If budget is a primary concern, the A13 will be much more affordable.
- How important is performance? If you need high performance for gaming or heavy multitasking, the S21+ is the clear choice.
- What are my display requirements? If you value vibrant colors, smoothness, and brightness, especially for outdoor use, the S21+ is superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance-Focused User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Its powerful processor, superior display, and advanced camera system will provide the best experience for demanding users.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Buyer
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137). It will offer basic functionality at a much lower price.
- Scenario 3: Casual User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137). Provides necessary everyday features and potentially good battery life for general use cases.
- Scenario 4: Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. The telephoto camera, OIS, RAW support, and better video recording will result in superior photo and video quality.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Galaxy A13 has a newer Bluetooth version, a slightly larger battery and a more practical fingerprint sensor placement, it cannot compete with the performance, screen quality and camera capabilities of the S21+. The significantly faster processor, superior display technology and the far more advanced camera with OIS and optical zoom are compelling reasons to choose the S21+ if the budget allows it. I also value having a more fluid and responsive user experience as well as having access to a better camera and I am willing to pay more to achieve that. I also find the wireless charging feature very convenient for daily usage, something that the A13 doesn't offer. While the price difference is significant, the user experience and quality of the S21+ is clearly superior in all the important aspects.
