Samsung A13 Vs S8 Plus Is The Newer Model Really Worth The Upgrade

Choosing between older flagship models and newer budget smartphones can be tricky. The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus, released in 2017, was once a powerhouse with premium features and cutting-edge design. Fast forward to today, and the Samsung Galaxy A13, launched in 2022, represents Samsung’s current entry-level offering. On paper, the A13 is newer and benefits from software advancements, but does that automatically make it a better choice than the aging S8 Plus? For users clinging to their older devices or considering secondhand upgrades, this comparison cuts through marketing hype to reveal what actually matters in daily use.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy S8 Plus set a new standard for smartphone aesthetics when it debuted. With its edge-to-edge Infinity Display, curved glass back, and aluminum frame, it felt like holding a piece of the future. Measuring 6.2 inches with minimal bezels, it offered an immersive viewing experience that still holds up visually. It also featured IP68 water and dust resistance—a rarity even in some mid-range phones today.

In contrast, the Galaxy A13 takes a more utilitarian approach. Its 6.6-inch flat TFT LCD display dominates a polycarbonate body that feels functional rather than luxurious. While larger, the screen lacks the vibrancy and depth of the S8 Plus’s Super AMOLED panel. There's no official water resistance rating, making it less durable in unpredictable conditions.

Tip: If build quality and premium feel matter, the S8 Plus remains surprisingly competitive despite its age.

Display and Visual Experience

The S8 Plus features a 1440 x 2960 Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display with deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent outdoor visibility. Its pixel density (529 PPI) ensures crisp text and smooth media playback. Even after years, this screen outperforms most budget panels available today.

The A13 uses a 6.6-inch Full HD+ (1080 x 2408) TFT LCD display. While larger and suitable for streaming or reading, it falls short in contrast and color accuracy. Blacks appear grayish, and brightness levels don’t match the S8 Plus under direct sunlight. However, the higher refresh rate (90Hz vs. 60Hz on the S8 Plus) gives the A13 smoother scrolling—an advantage for modern app navigation.

“Screen technology hasn’t evolved just in resolution—it’s about responsiveness and longevity. AMOLED still wins in efficiency and visual fidelity.” — Lena Park, Mobile Display Analyst at TechVision Insights

Performance and Software Comparison

This is where the gap widens significantly. The S8 Plus runs on either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895 (depending on region), both of which were top-tier chips in 2017. Paired with 4GB of RAM, the device handled multitasking and gaming with ease—back then. Today, however, performance lags due to outdated software optimization and lack of OS updates beyond Android 9 (with security patches discontinued).

The Galaxy A13 uses Samsung’s Exynos 850 or MediaTek Dimensity 700 (varies by region), paired with 4GB or 6GB of RAM. Though modest by flagship standards, these processors run Android 12 (upgradable to Android 13) with One UI Core, offering five years of security updates. This means better long-term support, improved app compatibility, and access to modern features like dark mode, split-screen, and enhanced permissions.

Feature	Samsung S8 Plus	Samsung A13
Release Year	2017	2022
Processor	Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895	Exynos 850 / Dimensity 700
RAM	4GB	4GB / 6GB
Storage	64GB (expandable)	64GB / 128GB (expandable)
OS Support	Android 9 (no further updates)	Up to Android 13 + ongoing security patches
Battery	3500 mAh	5000 mAh
Charging	Fast charging supported	15W fast charging

Camera Capabilities: Old School vs. Modern Multi-Lens

The S8 Plus has a single 12MP rear sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus and f/1.7 aperture. In good lighting, it produces rich, detailed photos with natural color reproduction. Low-light performance was impressive for its time, though noise becomes apparent in darker environments. The front-facing 8MP camera supports autofocus and captures sharp selfies.

The A13 steps into the multi-camera era with a quad-camera setup: 50MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. On paper, this seems superior, but reality differs. The primary sensor uses pixel binning (to produce 12.5MP images), and while daylight shots are decent, dynamic range and low-light detail suffer. Ultrawide and macro lenses are largely gimmicky, producing soft edges and inconsistent focus.

For video, the S8 Plus records stable 4K at 30fps, while the A13 maxes out at 1080p. Despite being newer, the A13 lacks advanced stabilization and audio tuning found in earlier flagships.

Tip: Don’t judge cameras by megapixels alone. Sensor size, software processing, and lens quality matter more than number of cameras.

Battery Life and Charging Efficiency

The A13’s 5000 mAh battery is a major advantage. It consistently delivers two days of light usage or a full day of heavy use. Combined with efficient software management, it excels as a reliable daily driver.

The S8 Plus, with its 3500 mAh battery, struggles to last a full day with modern app demands. After years of charge cycles, original batteries degrade significantly, often requiring replacement. While it supports fast charging and wireless charging (a feature absent on the A13), real-world endurance doesn’t compare.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria had used her S8 Plus since 2017. By 2023, she noticed constant lag, app crashes, and poor battery life. She considered buying another used flagship but opted for the A13 instead. “I missed the sleek design,” she said, “but the A13 lasts forever on a charge, and apps finally open without freezing. I don’t take better photos, but they’re good enough—and I love having Google Lens and Night Mode now.” Her experience reflects a broader trend: usability often outweighs nostalgia.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding whether to switch from the S8 Plus to the A13, consider the following checklist:

• ✔️ Need longer battery life? The A13’s 5000 mAh battery offers far greater endurance.
• ✔️ Want current software and security updates? The A13 receives regular patches; the S8 Plus does not.
• ✔️ Prioritize app performance and multitasking? Newer software optimizations benefit the A13 despite weaker hardware.
• ❌ Care about display quality and premium design? The S8 Plus still wins in visual appeal and materials.
• ❌ Use your phone for professional photography? Neither excels, but the S8 Plus produces more consistent results.
• ❌ Rely on wireless charging or water resistance? These features are missing on the A13.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Samsung A13 run modern games smoothly?

The A13 handles casual games like Candy Crush or Among Us without issue. However, graphically intensive titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile will require reduced settings and may experience frame drops due to the Exynos 850’s limitations.

Is the S8 Plus still safe to use in 2024?

While physically functional, the S8 Plus no longer receives security updates from Samsung. Using it for banking, shopping, or sensitive communications poses increased risk due to unpatched vulnerabilities. It’s best suited for offline tasks or as a secondary device.

Does the A13 support expandable storage?

Yes, the A13 includes a dedicated microSD card slot supporting up to 1TB, making it ideal for users who store large photo, music, or video libraries locally.

Final Verdict: Progress Over Prestige

The Samsung Galaxy A13 isn’t a flashy phone, nor does it match the S8 Plus in display brilliance or design elegance. But it represents meaningful progress in areas that impact daily usability: battery life, software support, and system reliability. For someone still using an S8 Plus, upgrading to the A13 means trading prestige for practicality.

If you value a phone that stays powered through long days, receives regular updates, and runs modern apps without constant frustration, the A13 is absolutely worth the upgrade—even if it feels less premium in hand. Technology evolves not just in specs, but in how well it serves real needs. In that light, the newer model earns its place, not because it’s perfect, but because it works reliably in today’s digital world.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your priorities—battery, security, performance—and choose the phone that fits your lifestyle, not just your nostalgia. Share your upgrade story in the comments below.