Samsung Galaxy A13 review

Introduction

The Galaxy A13 is one of the newest entry-level phones joining the Galaxy A family. We have the 4G version for review, which is already selling in India and Europe. There is a Galaxy A13 5G as well, which upgrades to a 90Hz screen and a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, but is otherwise quite similar to our 4G version.

It should be noted that the Galaxy A13 is actually not the lowest entry into the Galaxy A family, as it still sits above the Galaxy A03. Samsung has really been fleshing out its lineup lately. Unfortunately, that also means we end up with a large number of very similar devices.

The Galaxy A13's body is nearly identical to the A13 5G, though it does get Gorilla Glass 5 display protection like the Galaxy A23. Also the same size 6.6" PLS LCD, though at 60Hz, unlike the A13 5G and A23, both of which can do 90Hz.

Samsung Galaxy A13 specs at a glance:

• Body: 165.1x76.4x8.8mm, 195g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back.
• Display: 6.60" PLS LCD, 1080x2408px resolution, 20.07:9 aspect ratio, 400ppi.
• Chipset: Exynos 850 (8nm): Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G52.
• Memory: 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM; eMMC 5.1; microSDXC (dedicated slot).
• OS/Software: Android 12, One UI 4.1.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 50 MP, f/1.8, PDAF; Ultra wide angle: 5 MP, f/2.2, 123-degree, 1/5", 1.12µm; Macro: 2 MP, f/2.4; Depth: 2 MP, f/2.4.
• Front camera: 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide).
• Video capture: Rear camera: 1080p@30fps; Front camera: 1080p@30fps.
• Battery: 5000mAh; Fast charging 15W.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (side-mounted); 3.5mm jack; Virtual proximity sensing.

The camera setup on the A13 is nearly identical to that on the A23, except for the lack of OIS on the main camera and the unfortunate 1080p video capture limitation imposed by the 8nm Exynos 850 chipset. The Galaxy A13 5G gets the MediaTek Dimensity 700, whereas the A23 is based on the Snapdragon 680 chip and they can both capture 4K video too.

All three phones have 5,000 mAh batteries, but the A13 pair is limited to 15W charging, while the Galaxy A23 can charge at up to 25W. Like we said - subtle difference in these parts of Samsung's lineup.

Unboxing

Before we get into the actual review, let's check out the retail package. Unfortunately, there isn't much to go over here. Samsung has really slimmed down the accessory bundle. In fact, there are no accessories to speak of unless you count the Type-C to Type-C USB cable. We gave it a quick test, and it seems to be a simple passive cable without an e-marker chip. Then again, it just needs to handle 15W of charging and USB 2.0 data transfer speeds (480Mbps).

This means that you'll have to pick up a charger separately. Any decent PD unit or one of Samsung's older-style Adaptive Fast Charging adapters should work since the A13 can't use more than 15W.

While the lack of a charger in the box is a bit unfortunate, there is the ecological angle to consider. Indeed, shipping fewer chargers likely means fewer will eventually end up in a landfill. Also, the entire packaging of the Galaxy A13 is made from non-corrugated fiberboard (paperboard), also marked as 21 PAP. It is made of cellulose fibers that are recyclable and biodegradable (compostable).