Samsung Updates Two Budget Smartphones With 5G and a Price Increase

Jon Bitner
·3 min read

Advertiser Disclosure: At Slickdeals, we work hard to find the best deals. Some products in our articles are from partners who may provide us with compensation, but this doesn’t change our opinions.

The Samsung Galaxy A Series has long been home to some of the best smartphones for shoppers on a budget. That tradition is continuing into 2022 with two new 5G products: the Galaxy A13 and Galaxy A03S. Still, they’re going for inflated prices compared to others.

Samsung’s Galaxy A03S is the cheapest of the two new smartphones. It clocks in at $159.99 and hitting the market sometime in January 2022. That’s a small number compared to most flagship phones. But the price is a sizable $50 markup from the Galaxy A02S. Aside from 5G, details for the affordable A03S are scarce. Here’s what we know so far:

  • Compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon networks

  • Features a “long-lasting battery”

  • Equipped with an unspecified triple camera system

  • Built-in fingerprint scanner

Although not much was said of the Galaxy A03S, Samsung announced full details for the soon-to-be-released A13. With a sizable 6.5-inch HD+ LCD display, 90Hz refresh rate, 5MP front camera and rear triple camera setup (50MP, 2MP, 2MP), there’s a lot packed into the $249 price tag. That’s still a $70 price hike compared to the last-gen A12, but it’s hard to complain about its loaded spec sheet. Here’s the full rundown:

  • Display Size: 6.5-inch HD+ LCD

  • Refresh Rate: 90Hz (Adaptive)

  • Processor: MTK Dimensity 700 (2 x 2.2Ghz + 6 x 2.0Ghz)

  • Front Camera: 5MP, F2.0

  • Rear Camera

    • Main: 50MP, F1.8

    • Macro: 2MP, F2.4

    • Depth: 2MP, F2.4

  • Memory: 64GB RAM

  • Battery: 5,000mAh

  • Charging: 15W Fast Charge

  • OS: Android 11

  • 5G Compatible: Yes (Sub 6)

  • Audio Input: 3.5mm

It may not have the processing power to give the Galaxy S21 or iPhone 13 a run for their money, but the A13 is more than capable of streaming HD movies, browsing social media or pulling off a bit of multitasking. And if you’re into cloud gaming, 5G connectivity should make this an enticing, affordable option.

The Galaxy A13 arrives December 3 and can be purchased directly from Samsung or through AT&T. A model compatible with T-Mobile will arrive in January 2022.

Check Out These Steep Discounts on Affordable Smartphones

You can buy plenty of great smartphones at bargain bin prices. You can find even lower prices through a variety of promotions. If neither of the above Samsung smartphones caught your eye, be sure to check out the following instead.

Otherwise set up a Deal Alert and we’ll let you know the next time there’s a sale on any smartphone you’re hoping to buy.

More to consider:

Our editors strive to ensure that the information in this article is accurate as of the date published, but please keep in mind that offers can change. We encourage you to verify all terms and conditions of any product before you apply.