Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy A35

Galaxy A33 5G
Galaxy A33 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$205.00

Versus A$495.00 new

See options
Galaxy A35
Galaxy A35
See options

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, released in March 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy A35, launched in March 2024, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's A series. While they share a common operating system and a focus on accessibility, the newer Galaxy A35 introduces refinements in display technology, camera capabilities, and overall build that differentiate it from its predecessor. Both devices run on the Android operating system, offering a familiar user experience with Samsung's One UI interface.

Scores

Durability

Both devices are built to offer a considerable lifespan through consistent software support and durable construction, though the newer model benefits from a more recent release.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A33 5G was released in March 2022, while the Galaxy A35 followed two years later in March 2024. This difference in launch date directly impacts their respective software support windows.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates for its A-series devices. The Galaxy A33 5G, having launched with Android 12, is expected to receive updates up to Android 16. The Galaxy A35, launching with Android 14, will extend its support to Android 18, offering a longer period of current software features and security patches.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning they can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy A33 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection, while the Galaxy A35 upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus+, offering enhanced resistance against scratches and drops.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy A33 5G has a repairability score of approximately 7.5 to 7.75 out of 10, indicating it is relatively easy to disassemble with standard tools. The Galaxy A35 has an enhanced repairability score of 8.4 to 8.5 out of 10, suggesting improvements in spare parts availability and ease of repair for certain components, though some aspects like disassembly might be slightly more complex than its direct predecessor, the A34.

Release year

2022

2024

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of both devices is suitable for daily tasks, with the newer model offering a more responsive experience for demanding applications.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy A33 5G handles typical daily applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a fluid user experience for browsing, social media, and general productivity. The Galaxy A35, with its newer processor, offers a more responsive experience, particularly noticeable when launching apps, switching between multiple applications, or engaging in more graphically intensive tasks.
  • Demanding Applications and Gaming: While the Galaxy A33 5G can manage light gaming and less intensive applications, users might experience occasional stutters or slower loading times with graphically demanding games or heavy multitasking. The Galaxy A35 provides a smoother experience for these scenarios, offering better thermal efficiency and more consistent performance during extended use.
  • Memory and Storage: Both devices offer various RAM configurations, with the Galaxy A33 5G available in 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB options, and the Galaxy A35 typically starting with 6GB or 8GB of RAM. Both support expandable storage via a microSD card, allowing users to increase their storage capacity beyond the internal 128GB or 256GB options.
  • Battery Behavior: Both smartphones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, designed to provide ample power for a full day of typical use. User reports suggest the Galaxy A35 can often last up to a day and a half with moderate usage, and both support 25W fast charging, though the charger is often sold separately.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones feature vibrant displays, but the Galaxy A35 offers a larger screen with a smoother visual experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy A33 5G and Galaxy A35 utilize Super AMOLED display technology, known for producing deep blacks and vivid colors. They both offer Full HD+ resolution, ensuring sharp and clear visuals for text and images.
  • Size and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A33 5G features a 6.4-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and animations. The Galaxy A35 has a larger 6.6-inch display and a higher 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to an even more fluid and responsive viewing experience, particularly noticeable during gaming or fast-paced content.
  • Brightness for Outdoor Use: The Galaxy A33 5G offers a typical brightness of around 420 nits, which is generally sufficient for most indoor and outdoor conditions. The Galaxy A35 provides a typical brightness of 500 nits, enhancing visibility in brighter environments and making it easier to view content under direct sunlight.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger screen of the Galaxy A35 provides a more expansive canvas for media consumption and multitasking. Both displays offer good color accuracy and contrast, making them suitable for watching videos, browsing photos, and reading.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080x2340

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems for everyday photography, with the Galaxy A35 featuring an upgraded main sensor and improved processing.

  • Main Camera Performance: The Galaxy A33 5G features a 48MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), capable of capturing detailed photos in good lighting. The Galaxy A35 upgrades to a 50MP main camera, also with OIS, which generally produces images with improved detail, better color accuracy, and enhanced dynamic range, especially in daylight conditions.
  • Ultra-wide and Macro Lenses: Both phones include an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 5MP macro camera. The ultra-wide lens on both allows for broader landscape shots, while the macro lens enables close-up photography. User feedback suggests that while the main cameras are strong, the ultra-wide and macro lenses on both models perform best in well-lit environments.
  • Low-Light Photography and Video: The Galaxy A35 shows improvements in low-light performance, with its larger main sensor and enhanced processing leading to brighter and less noisy images compared to the A33 5G. Both devices can record video at 4K resolution at 30 frames per second with their main and front cameras, and both offer OIS on the main sensor for more stable video capture.
  • Audio Experience: Both smartphones feature stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption than a single speaker setup. The Galaxy A35's speakers offer loud output, though bass levels might not be as pronounced as on higher-end devices. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity: Both the Galaxy A33 5G and Galaxy A35 support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to faster mobile network speeds where available. They also include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connections, with the A35 featuring the newer Bluetooth 5.3 compared to the A33 5G's Bluetooth 5.1.
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. For security and convenience, both integrate an in-display fingerprint sensor for unlocking. Neither model includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A33 5G has dimensions of 159.7 x 74 x 8.1 mm and weighs 186 grams, featuring a plastic unibody design. The Galaxy A35 is slightly larger and heavier at 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm and 209 grams. While both have plastic frames, the Galaxy A35 features a glass back, which some users perceive as offering a more refined feel compared to the A33 5G's plastic back.
  • Other Sensors: Both phones are equipped with essential sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass. The Galaxy A33 5G includes a virtual proximity sensor, while the A35 also features a proximity sensor.

Weight

186 oz

209 oz

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G and Galaxy A35 both offer solid smartphone experiences within their segment, with the A35 representing a natural evolution with several key enhancements. Users often praise the Galaxy A33 5G for its vibrant AMOLED display and reliable battery life, making it a dependable choice for everyday tasks and media consumption. Some common criticisms for the A33 5G include its processor performance, which can feel less responsive with demanding applications, and its camera performance in challenging lighting conditions.

The Galaxy A35, on the other hand, frequently receives positive remarks for its improved display with a higher refresh rate, enhanced main camera capabilities, and a more refined design with a glass back. Users appreciate its consistent performance for daily use and its robust battery life. Criticisms for the A35 sometimes point to the continued presence of noticeable display bezels and the performance of its secondary cameras (ultra-wide and macro) in less-than-ideal lighting.

Users prioritizing a smoother visual experience, slightly better overall performance, and improved main camera photography, especially in varied lighting, may prefer the Galaxy A35. Its newer release also guarantees a longer period of software updates. Conversely, users seeking a capable device for general use, who do not require the absolute latest in display smoothness or camera advancements, may find the Galaxy A33 5G to be a suitable option. Both models offer a reliable Android experience, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either device can be an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons