Galaxy S8 Vs A13 5g Is It Worth Upgrading In Year

The Samsung Galaxy S8 was a flagship powerhouse when it launched in 2017—its sleek design, edge-to-edge display, and solid performance made it an instant favorite. Fast forward to today, and many long-time users are wondering whether it’s time to move on. Enter the Galaxy A13 5G: an affordable mid-range phone with modern features like 5G connectivity and a larger battery. But is the upgrade truly worthwhile for someone still using an S8? The answer depends on your needs, expectations, and how much value you place on longevity versus innovation.

Performance & Hardware: A Generational Shift

The Galaxy S8 ran on either the Exynos 8895 or Snapdragon 835 (depending on region), both of which were top-tier chips at launch. In its prime, the S8 handled multitasking, gaming, and daily tasks with ease. However, six years later, those processors struggle with newer apps, background processes, and OS updates. The device originally shipped with Android 7 and officially stopped receiving major updates after Android 9, leaving it vulnerable and incompatible with current security standards.

In contrast, the Galaxy A13 5G uses the MediaTek Dimensity 700—a 7nm chip designed for efficiency and modern app compatibility. While not a performance beast, it supports Android 12 (upgradable to Android 13) and receives regular security patches. It includes 4GB or 6GB of RAM and up to 128GB of storage, a significant leap over the S8’s 4GB/64GB configuration. Real-world usage shows smoother navigation, faster app launches, and better background management.

Tip: If your S8 feels sluggish even after restarting, outdated hardware—not just software—is likely the culprit.

Display & Design: Evolution Over Revolution

The S8 introduced Samsung’s Infinity Display: a 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED panel with minimal bezels and curved edges. Even by today’s standards, that screen remains vibrant and sharp. The A13 5G, meanwhile, features a 6.5-inch Full HD+ LCD with a flat design and a higher 90Hz refresh rate. While LCD can’t match AMOLED’s contrast or deep blacks, the larger size and smoother scrolling enhance readability and usability, especially for media and web browsing.

Design-wise, the S8 feels premium with its glass-and-metal build, while the A13 5G opts for durable plastic. Some may miss the S8’s elegance, but the A13 offers practical benefits: lighter weight, better drop resistance, and IP67 water resistance (a feature absent on the S8).

“The shift from flagship to budget doesn’t mean downgrade—it means re-prioritization. Users now value screen real estate and durability over thinness and gloss.” — Lena Park, Mobile Analyst at TechTrend Insights

Camera Comparison: Practicality vs. Quality

The S8’s single 12MP rear camera was exceptional for its time, producing natural colors, excellent dynamic range, and reliable low-light performance. Its f/1.7 aperture and Dual Pixel autofocus still hold up in good lighting. However, it lacks night mode, AI enhancements, and ultra-wide capability—all standard now.

The A13 5G comes with a quad-camera setup: 50MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth. On paper, this seems superior, but sensor quality and processing matter more than megapixels. In daylight, the A13 captures decent detail and wider scenes, though colors can appear oversaturated. In low light, it struggles with noise and inconsistent focus. The front-facing 8MP camera also improves selfie quality with better skin tone rendering and portrait modes.

Feature	Galaxy S8	Galaxy A13 5G
Rear Camera	12MP, f/1.7, OIS	50MP + 5MP UW + 2MP Macro + 2MP Depth
Front Camera	8MP, f/1.7	8MP, f/2.2
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	1080p @ 30fps
Night Mode	No	Yes
Low-Light Performance	Strong for its era	Moderate, often grainy

If photography is a priority, the S8 still wins in consistency and color science. But if you value versatility—like capturing group shots with the ultrawide or fun bokeh effects—the A13 5G offers tools the S8 simply can’t match.

Battery Life & Charging: Where the A13 Shines

The S8’s 3000mAh battery was adequate in 2017 but is severely limiting today. With modern app demands, most users need to charge twice daily. It supports fast charging (15W) and wireless charging, but lacks power-saving optimizations found in newer software.

The A13 5G packs a 5000mAh battery—nearly 70% larger. In real-world use, it easily lasts 1.5 to 2 days on moderate use. Combined with the energy-efficient Dimensity 700 and Adaptive Battery in One UI, this is a massive improvement. However, it only supports 15W wired charging and does not offer wireless charging, a step back from the S8.

Tip: Enable Power Saving Mode on the A13 5G to extend battery further without sacrificing essential functions.

Connectivity & Future-Proofing

This is where the A13 5G clearly pulls ahead. As its name suggests, it supports 5G networks—critical as carriers phase out 4G infrastructure in key markets. The S8 is limited to LTE, meaning slower speeds and eventual network obsolescence. Additionally, the A13 includes modern Bluetooth 5.1, improved GPS, and Wi-Fi 6 support, enhancing smart home integration, audio quality, and internet reliability.

Samsung also promises four years of security updates for the A13 5G, ensuring protection against emerging threats. The S8 hasn’t received any meaningful updates since 2020, making it a liability for online banking, shopping, or app logins.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had used her Galaxy S8 since 2018. By early 2024, she noticed constant app crashes, slow email loading, and difficulty joining video calls due to outdated Zoom compatibility. After researching options under $300, she chose the A13 5G. Her first surprise? The phone didn’t shut down during a full day of teaching. “I used to carry a portable charger everywhere,” she said. “Now I charge every other night.” She missed the S8’s compact size but appreciated the larger screen for lesson planning and student feedback. While she finds the camera less refined, the ability to join school meetings over stable 5G has been transformative.

Upgrade Checklist: Is the Move Right for You?

• ✅ Your S8 struggles with basic apps or freezes frequently
• ✅ You want longer battery life without carrying a power bank
• ✅ You rely on mobile data and want access to 5G networks
• ✅ Security updates matter for your personal or work use
• ✅ You prefer a larger screen for reading, videos, or accessibility
• ❌ You prioritize camera quality above all else
• ❌ You love the S8’s compact, premium feel and hate bulky phones

FAQ

Can the Galaxy A13 5G run the same apps as the S8?

Yes—and more efficiently. Most apps optimized for Android 10+ run better on the A13 5G due to updated hardware and OS support. Some older APKs may require manual installation, but mainstream apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, and banking tools are fully compatible.

Will my accessories work with the A13 5G?

Most wired headphones and USB-C chargers will work. However, the A13 5G lacks wireless charging and official DeX support, so desktop docking setups won’t transfer. S8 cases and screen protectors are not compatible due to different dimensions and flat vs. curved screens.

Is the A13 5G durable enough to replace a flagship?

It’s built for resilience. The plastic frame withstands drops better than glass, and the IP67 rating protects against dust and short submersions. While it doesn’t feel as luxurious, it’s designed for everyday wear and tear—ideal for users who’ve cracked multiple S8 screens.

Conclusion: Time to Move Forward

Upgrading from the Galaxy S8 to the A13 5G isn’t about chasing cutting-edge specs—it’s about reclaiming reliability, security, and usability. The S8 was a pioneer, but technology has moved on. The A13 5G delivers critical improvements: all-day battery, 5G readiness, consistent performance, and ongoing software support. While it sacrifices some camera finesse and premium materials, it offers tangible benefits that enhance daily life.

If you’re still holding onto your S8 out of loyalty or hesitation, consider this: modern smartphones aren’t just faster—they’re safer, more connected, and built to last. Making the switch isn’t admitting defeat; it’s embracing progress. For under $300, the A13 5G isn’t just worth the upgrade—it might be overdue.

💬 Have you upgraded from an S8 recently? Share your experience—what surprised you, and what do you miss? Join the conversation below.