

Refurbished price:£73.00
Versus £249.00 new

Refurbished price:£167.00
Versus £1,174.01 new
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.
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.
Year of Release
Compatible with latest Update
OS
Foldable
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.
Memory (GB)
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.
Resolution
Screen type
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.
Main camera
Front camera
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.
Weight
Screen size (in)
Mobile network
SIM card
Carrier compatibility
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.