Galaxy A55 vs Motorola Moto E13

Galaxy A55
Galaxy A55
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$339.00

Versus A$699.00 new

See options
Motorola Moto E13
Motorola Moto E13
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$121.29

Versus A$244.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A55 and the Motorola Moto E13 are smartphones designed for different user needs and expectations. The Galaxy A55, released in March 2024, offers a more advanced feature set, including a vibrant display and a versatile camera system. In contrast, the Moto E13, launched in January 2023, focuses on essential smartphone functions with a simpler design and a streamlined Android experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

  • Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy A55 was released in March 2024 and is expected to receive four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches, offering extended software support. The Motorola Moto E13, released in January 2023, runs on Android 13 (Go edition), which typically receives fewer major updates compared to standard Android versions, suggesting a shorter software support window.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A55 features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its display for enhanced scratch and drop resistance, along with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The Moto E13 has a water-repellent design with an IP52 rating, providing protection against dust and splashes but not full submersion.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users can expect the Galaxy A55 to remain current and secure for a longer period due to its robust update policy and higher-grade protective materials. The Moto E13, while durable for everyday splashes, may see its software become outdated sooner, potentially impacting compatibility with newer applications over time.

Release year

2024

2023

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to multitasking and gaming.

  • Processing Power: The Samsung Galaxy A55 is equipped with an octa-core processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive user experience. It offers sufficient power for casual gaming and media consumption without significant slowdowns. The Motorola Moto E13 features an octa-core processor designed for essential tasks. While it manages everyday activities, users may notice slower app loading times and occasional stutters, especially when running multiple applications simultaneously or engaging in more intensive tasks.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy A55 comes with options for 8GB or 12GB of RAM, facilitating efficient multitasking and smoother transitions between apps. It offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card. The Moto E13 is available with 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of RAM and 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB of internal storage, also expandable up to 1TB with a microSD card. The higher RAM options in the A55 contribute to a more fluid experience for power users.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices house a 5000 mAh battery. The Galaxy A55 generally provides strong battery life, often lasting a full day or more even with heavy usage, supported by 25W fast charging. The Moto E13 also offers impressive battery endurance, frequently lasting up to two days with casual use, though it supports slower 10W charging.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, influencing everything from media consumption to daily browsing.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy A55 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. It offers a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2340 pixels), resulting in sharp and detailed visuals. The Motorola Moto E13 comes with a 6.5-inch IPS LCD screen, which provides good color reproduction but does not match the contrast levels of an AMOLED panel. Its HD+ resolution (720x1600 pixels) means content will appear less sharp compared to the A55.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy A55 boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations appear very fluid, and a peak brightness of 1000 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Moto E13 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is adequate for general use but less smooth than the A55. Its brightness levels are suitable for indoor use but may struggle more under direct sunlight.
  • Viewing Experience: For users who prioritize a visually immersive experience with rich colors and smooth motion, the Galaxy A55's Super AMOLED display with a high refresh rate is a significant advantage. The Moto E13's display is functional for everyday viewing, but its lower resolution and refresh rate offer a more basic visual experience.

Resolution

1080x2340

720 x 1600

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a key consideration for many users, impacting the quality of photos and videos captured.

  • Rear Camera System: The Samsung Galaxy A55 features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro camera. This configuration allows for detailed photos in various conditions, including improved low-light performance due to OIS and AI processing. The Motorola Moto E13 has a single 13MP wide-angle rear camera. It performs adequately in good lighting but may struggle with detail and noise in challenging low-light environments.
  • Front Camera and Video: For selfies, the Galaxy A55 includes a 32MP front camera, capable of capturing high-resolution self-portraits. Both the main and front cameras on the A55 can record video in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. The Moto E13 features a 5MP front camera, suitable for basic video calls and selfies. It records video at 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second for both front and rear cameras. User reports indicate the Moto E13's camera application can be slow to launch and process images.
  • Audio Experience: The Galaxy A55 offers dual stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption. The Moto E13 typically features a single, mono speaker.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Samsung Galaxy A55 supports 5G connectivity, offering faster mobile data speeds where available, along with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. It features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer but lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Motorola Moto E13 supports 4G LTE networks, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0. It includes a USB-C port and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which can be convenient for wired audio accessories.
  • Security and Biometrics: The Galaxy A55 incorporates an in-display fingerprint scanner for secure and convenient unlocking, alongside face recognition. The Moto E13 relies primarily on face recognition and traditional PIN/pattern unlocking, generally lacking a fingerprint sensor.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A55 has dimensions of 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm and weighs 213 grams, featuring a metal frame and glass back for a more premium feel. The Moto E13 measures 164.2 x 75 x 8.5 mm and weighs 179.5 grams, with a plastic build that makes it lighter in hand. The A55's build materials contribute to its perceived durability, while the E13's lighter plastic construction might appeal to users preferring a less weighty device.

Weight

213 oz

179 oz

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.5

Network

5G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy A55 often praises its vibrant Super AMOLED display, robust build quality with IP67 rating, and reliable camera performance, especially in daylight. Some users note its strong battery life, often extending beyond a single day of heavy use. Criticisms sometimes point to its performance not always feeling significantly faster than its predecessor, and some regions not receiving the 12GB RAM variant.

The Motorola Moto E13 is frequently lauded for its exceptional battery life, often lasting two days on a single charge, and its clean Android Go software experience. Its lightweight design and inclusion of a headphone jack are also appreciated. Common criticisms include the lower-resolution display, slower overall performance, and particularly the slow camera app and basic camera quality.

Users prioritizing a premium display, advanced camera features, faster performance for demanding apps, and long-term software support will find the Samsung Galaxy A55 well-suited to their needs. Its enhanced durability features also make it a good choice for those seeking a more resilient device. Conversely, individuals who require a smartphone primarily for essential communication, web browsing, and media consumption, and who value extended battery life and a traditional headphone jack, may lean towards the Motorola Moto E13. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons