Galaxy A13 vs Galaxy S21 5G
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Galaxy A13
Starting at
£89.01£248.00 new
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,125.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A13 and Galaxy S21 5G?
Galaxy A13 vs S21 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy A13 starts at £89.01, £82.32 less than the Galaxy S21 5G. The Galaxy A13 is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 850 on the Galaxy A13, Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy A13 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Galaxy A13 vs Galaxy S21 5G specs
The Galaxy A13 and Galaxy S21 5G differ in several key areas, making each suited to different users. The Galaxy A13 has a larger battery and a bigger screen, ideal if you want longer use between charges and more viewing space. The Galaxy S21 5G offers faster performance with a more powerful chipset and double the RAM, better for multitasking and demanding apps. Its screen refreshes at 120 Hz for smoother motion, and it supports 5G for faster mobile internet. The A13 has a higher resolution main camera, while the S21 5G has a higher resolution front camera. The A13 includes a headphone jack and microSDXC slot for storage expansion, while the S21 5G offers eSIM support and weighs less. Choose the A13 for everyday use with solid battery life and a large display, or the S21 5G if you want speed, 5G connectivity, and a premium screen.
Galaxy A13 vs Galaxy S21 5G price
Colour
Galaxy A13 vs Galaxy S21 5G battery life and software updates
Battery life and software updates affect how long a phone stays useful day to day. Both phones run Android but differ in battery size and update support.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A13 has a 5000 mAh battery, which suits users who prioritise longer usage times between charges. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, which may suit those who use the phone more intensively but keep it charged more often.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A13 vs Galaxy S21 5G performance
Performance varies mainly by chipset and memory, influencing how smoothly apps run and how well the phone handles multitasking.
Processor Power
The Galaxy S21 5G features more advanced chipsets, including the Exynos 2100 (5 nm) or Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm), which provide faster processing and better handling of demanding apps. The Galaxy A13 uses the Exynos 850, suitable for everyday use and simpler tasks.
Memory
With 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 5G can keep more apps open and switch between them smoothly, ideal for multitasking users. The Galaxy A13 has 4 GB of RAM, which is enough for everyday apps and simpler multitasking.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A13 offers a wider range of storage sizes including 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB, which suits users with varied storage needs. The Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, better if you need more space for apps and media.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A13 vs Galaxy S21 5G screen
Screen features impact how you watch videos, scroll through apps, and use the phone outdoors or for detailed work.
Screen Size and Type
The Galaxy A13 has a larger 6.6 inch PLS LCD screen, offering more room for video and browsing. The Galaxy S21 5G has a smaller 6.2 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which provides deeper colours and better contrast for a richer viewing experience.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S21 5G supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes animations and scrolling appear smoother, beneficial for gaming and daily navigation. The Galaxy A13 has a standard 60 Hz refresh rate, which is sufficient for regular use.
Resolution
Both phones have similar Full HD+ resolutions, with the Galaxy A13 at 1080 x 2408 and the Galaxy S21 5G at 1080 x 2400. This means crisp and detailed images on both devices.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A13 vs Galaxy S21 5G camera
Camera quality affects how detailed your photos and video calls look, while front cameras are important for selfies and video chats.
Main Camera Detail
The Galaxy A13 has a 50 megapixel main camera, which captures photos with a high level of detail, suitable for users who focus on photography with the rear camera. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 12 megapixel main camera.
Front Camera Clarity
The Galaxy S21 5G features a 10 megapixel front camera, which offers sharper selfies and clearer video calls. The Galaxy A13 has an 8 megapixel front camera.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A13 vs Galaxy S21 5G size and design
Other features like network support, connectivity, size, and expandability can influence daily convenience and compatibility with your accessories.
Mobile Network
The Galaxy S21 5G supports 5G mobile networks, which provide faster internet speeds where 5G is available. The Galaxy A13 supports 4G, suitable for stable internet at good speeds in most areas.
Connectivity and Expansion
The Galaxy A13 includes both USB-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing wired audio without adapters. It also supports microSDXC cards for expanding storage. The Galaxy S21 5G offers a USB Type-C connector and does not support microSD cards.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S21 5G supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, which offers flexibility for managing multiple lines. The Galaxy A13 supports dual physical SIM cards.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A13 is larger and heavier, measuring 165.1 mm tall, 76.4 mm wide, and weighing 195 g, which suits those who prefer a bigger phone. The Galaxy S21 5G is more compact and lighter at 151.7 mm tall, 71.2 mm wide, and 169 g, making it easier to hold and carry.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A13 or Galaxy S21 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A13 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £89.01, £82.32 less than the Galaxy S21 5G
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.6 inch vs 6.2 inch)
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
What our customers say
Customers choosing the Galaxy A13 often mention its strong battery life and good condition even in fair grades. Many say the phone exceeded their expectations for setup ease and dependable performance, making it a good choice for everyday use. Some buyers highlight it as suitable for users wanting a straightforward phone with solid battery life and a large screen.
Reviews for the Galaxy S21 5G focus on its excellent condition and premium feel. Customers appreciate the phone's performance and screen quality, often noting it works perfectly and looks like new even when refurbished. The dual SIM and eSIM support receive positive mentions for flexibility. It appeals to those wanting a faster, feature-rich phone with 5G connectivity and a sharper front camera.
Overall, the Galaxy A13 suits users prioritising battery life and a bigger display for regular tasks, while the Galaxy S21 5G is better for those who want higher performance, smoother visuals, and 5G support in a lighter, more compact device.
Galaxy A13 vs Galaxy S21 5G FAQs
Galaxy A13 vs S21 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 850 on the Galaxy A13, Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G. The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy A13 is cheaper refurbished, from £89.01 compared with £171.33 for the Galaxy S21 5G.
The Galaxy A13 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Galaxy A13 has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy A13 ended in May 2026. Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026.
The Galaxy A13 adds a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh), a bigger screen (6.6 inch vs 6.2 inch) and a higher-resolution main camera (50 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £82.32 less (from £89.01 vs £171.33).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A13 comes in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB, and the Galaxy S21 5G in 128GB and 256GB.
