Samsung A13 Vs A50 Is The Newer Model Really An Upgrade Or Is The A50 Still A Steal

When it comes to budget smartphones, Samsung’s A-series has long been a go-to for consumers who want reliable performance without breaking the bank. The Samsung Galaxy A13 and Galaxy A50 represent two different generations of this strategy — one released in 2022, the other back in 2019. On paper, the A13 should have the edge as the newer device, but technology doesn’t always move in a straight line, especially in the competitive mid-range segment. So, is the Galaxy A13 truly an improvement over the A50, or does the older model still offer better value today?

This comparison dives deep into design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and software support to help you decide which phone delivers more for your money — whether you're buying new, used, or refurbished.

Design and Build Quality: Plastic vs Purpose

Both the Galaxy A13 and A50 feature polycarbonate (plastic) builds, which keeps costs down and makes them lightweight. However, their design philosophies differ slightly. The A50, despite being older, feels more premium with its glass-like glossy back panel and symmetrical AMOLED display. It uses an optical fingerprint sensor embedded under the screen — a feature that was relatively rare at its price point when launched.

The A13, by contrast, opts for a more utilitarian approach. It has a matte finish that resists fingerprints and smudges better than the A50’s shiny back. But it lacks an in-display fingerprint scanner, reverting to a side-mounted sensor integrated into the power button. While functional, this feels like a step back in user experience for some.

Tip: If you prioritize a sleek look and modern feel, the A50’s AMOLED front and glossy finish may appeal more — even if it attracts smudges.

Display: Resolution vs Refresh Rate

One of the most noticeable differences lies in the display technology. The Galaxy A50 features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED panel with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340). This results in deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent outdoor visibility. It runs at a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which was typical at the time.

The A13, meanwhile, steps up with a 6.6-inch TFT LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. While the higher refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smoother, the switch from AMOLED to LCD is a downgrade in terms of contrast, color accuracy, and power efficiency. The resolution is also lower at 720 x 1612 (HD+), making text and images appear less sharp despite the larger size.

“AMOLED remains superior for media consumption and battery savings, even when paired with a lower refresh rate.” — TechRadar Mobile Analyst, 2023

Performance and Hardware Comparison

Under the hood, the Galaxy A50 is powered by Samsung’s Exynos 9610 chipset, built on a 10nm process, paired with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM. At launch, it handled multitasking and casual gaming well, though heavier games required lowered settings.

The A13 uses the newer but entry-level Exynos 850 (or MediaTek Dimensity 700 in some regions), manufactured on an 8nm process. Despite being newer, this chip targets the low end of the spectrum. With only 3GB or 4GB of RAM in base models, the A13 often struggles with app switching and background tasks compared to the A50.

In real-world use, many users report that the A50 still feels snappier when navigating apps and launching services, thanks to its better processor-memory combination. The A13 can lag during prolonged usage, particularly when multiple apps are open.

Key Performance Differences

Feature	Samsung A13	Samsung A50
Processor	Exynos 850 / Dimensity 700	Exynos 9610
RAM Options	3GB / 4GB / 6GB	4GB / 6GB
Storage (UFS)	eMMC 5.1	UFS 2.1
Benchmark Score (Antutu ~)	~180,000	~160,000–170,000
Real-World Multitasking	Marginal with 3–4 apps	Smoother with 5+ apps

Note: While benchmark scores are close, actual user experience favors the A50 due to faster storage (UFS vs eMMC) and better app optimization on its original Android version.

Camera Capabilities: More Lenses vs Better Sensor

The A13 touts a quad-camera setup: 50MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth. On paper, this sounds impressive. However, the high megapixel count is misleading — the main sensor is small, and image processing in low light is inconsistent. Ultrawide shots suffer from distortion and softness at the edges.

The A50, while limited to triple cameras (25MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP depth), uses a larger pixel size (1.0µm vs 0.64µm on A13) and better HDR processing. Its photos in daylight are more balanced, and low-light performance benefits from Samsung’s mature tuning at the time. The front-facing 25MP camera also outperforms the A13’s 8MP selfie shooter in detail and skin tone accuracy.

Tip: Don’t be fooled by megapixel counts alone. Pixel size, aperture, and software processing matter more for photo quality.

Mini Case Study: Real-World Photography Test

Jamal, a college student looking for an affordable phone to document campus life, bought both phones secondhand to test. Over two weeks, he took photos in varying conditions — sunny afternoons, indoor lectures, and evening walks.

He found the A50 produced more consistent colors and better dynamic range. In a dimly lit café, the A13 struggled with noise and blur, while the A50 preserved facial details and ambient lighting. “The A13’s 50MP sounds great,” Jamal said, “but most of my shots looked oversharpened and fake. I ended up selling it and keeping the A50.”

Battery and Software: Longevity vs Updates

The A13 packs a 5000mAh battery, slightly larger than the A50’s 4000mAh. Combined with the less power-hungry LCD screen, this gives the A13 a clear advantage in endurance. It easily lasts a full day and a half with moderate use.

However, the A50’s smaller battery is offset by more efficient AMOLED technology and aggressive Doze modes. Still, heavy users will notice the A13 lasting longer, especially with its 90Hz mode disabled.

On software, the A13 ships with Android 12 and is eligible for two major OS updates (up to Android 14) and four years of security patches. The A50 launched with Android 9 and received updates up to Android 11 — meaning it’s no longer supported. This raises security concerns and limits app compatibility over time.

Checklist: Which Phone Should You Buy?

• Choose the A13 if: You want longer software support, better battery life, and smoother scrolling via 90Hz.
• Choose the A50 if: You prioritize display quality, camera consistency, and overall performance responsiveness.
• Are you buying used? Check battery health — older A50 units may need replacements.
• Is software security important? The A13 wins for future-proofing.
• Do you watch videos or play games? The A50’s AMOLED screen offers richer visuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy A50 still run modern apps smoothly?

Yes, for basic tasks like messaging, browsing, and social media. However, newer versions of apps like Instagram or Google Maps may load slower, and multitasking becomes sluggish. It’s usable but not ideal for power users.

Is the A13 waterproof?

No, neither phone has an official IP rating for water resistance. Both should be kept away from moisture. The A50’s build feels slightly more sealed, but neither is safe near water.

Which phone holds resale value better?

Currently, the A50 has dropped significantly in value due to age and lack of updates. The A13 retains slightly more value because of its newer platform, but both are low-cost devices with limited resale potential.

Conclusion: Value Isn't Always About Newness

The Galaxy A13 is technically the newer phone, and it brings meaningful improvements: longer battery life, modern software support, and a smoother 90Hz display. But progress isn’t linear. In critical areas like display technology, camera tuning, and overall performance fluidity, the Galaxy A50 still holds its ground — sometimes surpassing its successor.

If you’re shopping secondhand and find a well-maintained A50 at a steep discount — say under $80 — it remains a compelling option for casual use. But if you plan to keep your phone for more than a year, prioritize security updates and longevity, or dislike constant app reloads, the A13 is the safer long-term investment.

Ultimately, the “better” phone depends on your priorities. The A50 proves that thoughtful engineering can outlast raw newness. Meanwhile, the A13 reminds us that staying current matters — even if some trade-offs are made along the way.

💬 Have you used both the A13 and A50? Share your experience below — your insights could help someone make the right choice!