Galaxy A13 Vs Galaxy S22+ 5G

Galaxy A13
Galaxy A13
Starting at

Refurbished price:£73.00

Versus £249.00 new

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Galaxy S22+ 5G
Galaxy S22+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£167.00

Versus £1,174.01 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A13, released in 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, also launched in early 2022, are both Android smartphones from Samsung. While they share the same operating system, they cater to different user expectations, primarily differing in their display technology, processing power, and camera capabilities. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers a more advanced and refined experience across most metrics, whereas the Galaxy A13 focuses on delivering essential smartphone functions.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its initial release date and the manufacturer's software support policy. The Galaxy A13, being a more budget-oriented device, typically receives a shorter period of major Android updates compared to Samsung's flagship models. Users of the Galaxy A13 (5G variant) launched with Android 11, while the LTE variant launched with Android 12, can expect major software updates to conclude around early 2025, with security updates continuing for a slightly longer duration.

In contrast, the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, launched with Android 12, was part of Samsung's policy offering four years of major Android updates and five years of security updates. This means the S22 Plus 5G will likely receive its final major Android update around early 2026, extending its functional lifespan with the latest software features and security patches for a longer period. Both devices feature plastic frames, but the S22 Plus 5G incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, contributing to its enhanced durability and resistance to everyday wear.

  • Software Updates: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G benefits from a longer commitment to major Android and security updates, extending its usable life with current features and protection.
  • Build Materials: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features Gorilla Glass Victus+ and an Armor Aluminum frame, offering greater resistance to drops and scratches compared to the Galaxy A13's plastic construction.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores vary, the more complex internal design and premium components of the S22 Plus 5G might lead to higher repair costs compared to the more straightforward construction of the A13.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences between the Galaxy A13 and the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G are noticeable across various tasks, from daily navigation to demanding applications. The Galaxy A13, depending on the variant, is equipped with processors designed for essential smartphone functions, such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming. Users have reported that the A13 can experience slowdowns and unresponsiveness after several months of use, particularly when multitasking or running more intensive applications.

The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, on the other hand, features a high-performance processor that handles demanding apps, complex multitasking, and graphics-intensive games with ease. Its system responsiveness remains smooth even under heavy load, ensuring a fluid user experience. The S22 Plus 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM, facilitating seamless transitions between multiple open applications, while the A13 usually offers 3GB or 4GB of RAM, which can limit its multitasking capabilities.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers consistently smooth performance for all daily tasks, while the Galaxy A13 may exhibit lag and unresponsiveness with moderate to heavy use.
  • Multitasking: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G's greater RAM capacity allows for more efficient multitasking and app switching without significant slowdowns.
  • Demanding Applications: The S22 Plus 5G is well-suited for graphics-intensive gaming and demanding applications, whereas the A13 is better suited for lighter usage scenarios.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience is a significant differentiator between these two Samsung smartphones. The Galaxy A13 features a PLS LCD display, which provides adequate visuals for everyday viewing. The LTE version has a 6.6-inch display with a 60Hz refresh rate, while the 5G variant offers a 6.5-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a slightly smoother scrolling experience.

In contrast, the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G boasts a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution. This display technology delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. It features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which dynamically adjusts between 48Hz and 120Hz for fluid motion and efficient power use. The S22 Plus 5G's screen also achieves a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, ensuring superior visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, a feature less prominent on the A13.

  • Display Technology: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G utilizes a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel for superior color reproduction and contrast, while the Galaxy A13 uses a PLS LCD panel.
  • Refresh Rate: The S22 Plus 5G offers a smoother visual experience with its adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, compared to the A13's 60Hz or 90Hz refresh rate.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G provides significantly higher peak brightness, enhancing outdoor visibility and overall clarity, especially for media consumption.

Resolution

1080 x 2408

1080 x 2340

Screen type

PLS LCD

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems of the Galaxy A13 and Galaxy S22 Plus 5G are designed for different levels of photographic capability. The Galaxy A13 (LTE) features a quad-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 5MP ultrawide, and two 2MP sensors for macro and depth. The 5G variant has a triple camera with a 50MP main, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. Both versions have a front camera (8MP for LTE, 5MP for 5G) and record video at 1080p at 30 frames per second. User feedback often points to the A13's camera performance as a weaker aspect, particularly in low-light conditions and for selfie quality.

The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers a more versatile and capable camera system, featuring a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. Its 10MP front camera includes autofocus. This setup allows for high-quality photos in various lighting conditions, including improved low-light performance, and offers advanced video recording capabilities up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second. The S22 Plus 5G also provides stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience, which is not a feature of the A13.

  • Camera Versatility: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G includes a dedicated telephoto lens with optical zoom and a more capable ultrawide camera, offering greater photographic flexibility than the A13's setup.
  • Image Quality: The S22 Plus 5G generally produces higher quality images, especially in challenging lighting, and benefits from optical image stabilization for sharper photos and more stable videos.
  • Video Recording: The S22 Plus 5G supports significantly higher video resolutions and frame rates, including 8K recording, compared to the A13's 1080p capabilities.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

8 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish the Galaxy A13 and Galaxy S22 Plus 5G. The Galaxy A13 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature absent on the S22 Plus 5G, requiring users of the latter to use USB-C headphones or wireless audio. Both devices use a USB Type-C port, though the S22 Plus 5G supports faster USB 3.2 Gen 1 data transfer speeds compared to the A13's USB 2.0.

For connectivity, the S22 Plus 5G supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, offering faster and more stable wireless connections than the A13's Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. The S22 Plus 5G also features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition for security, while the A13 typically uses a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. In terms of physical design, the S22 Plus 5G is constructed with an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides, providing enhanced durability and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The A13 has a plastic build. The S22 Plus 5G is slightly heavier at 195g compared to the A13's 195g (LTE) or 195g (5G), but both are similar in weight.

  • Connectivity Standards: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers newer Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 standards for improved wireless performance, while the A13 uses Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Security Features: The S22 Plus 5G integrates an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition, providing advanced biometric security options.
  • Durability and Ports: The S22 Plus 5G features a more robust build with IP68 water and dust resistance and faster USB data transfer, though it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack present on the A13.

Weight

195 g

195 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.6

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A13 and Galaxy S22 Plus 5G cater to distinct user needs, reflecting their different design philosophies. Users frequently praise the Galaxy A13 for its large battery capacity, which often provides extended usage on a single charge. However, common criticisms revolve around its performance, with many users reporting slowdowns, lag, and unresponsiveness over time, particularly with multitasking or demanding applications. The camera quality, especially in low light and for selfies, is also a frequent point of concern among users.

Conversely, the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is widely lauded for its vibrant and bright Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering an excellent viewing experience even in direct sunlight. Its powerful performance ensures smooth operation across all tasks, from everyday browsing to intensive gaming. The camera system receives positive feedback for its versatility and image quality in good lighting, along with advanced video capabilities. Some users, however, note that while battery life is generally good, it might not always stretch to two full days for heavy users.

Users prioritizing a smooth, high-performance experience with a premium display and advanced camera features will find the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G well-suited to their needs. Its longer software support also appeals to those seeking extended device longevity. Conversely, individuals who primarily use their phone for basic communication, web browsing, and light social media, and who value a traditional headphone jack, may find the Galaxy A13 sufficient. When considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, extending the life cycle of these electronics.

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