Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S10

Galaxy A33 5G
Galaxy A33 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$205.00

Versus A$495.00 new

See options
Galaxy S10
Galaxy S10
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$359.00

Versus A$849.00 new

See options

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, released in March 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S10, launched in March 2019, represent different segments and generations within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While the A33 5G is a more recent mid-range offering with contemporary features like 5G connectivity, the S10 was a flagship device in its time, known for its premium build and advanced display technology. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but their software support timelines and hardware capabilities reflect their respective positions in the market and their release years.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and Samsung's software support policies are key factors.

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy A33 5G, being a newer device from 2022, benefits from Samsung's extended software support policy, which typically includes four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates. This means it is expected to receive OS updates up to Android 16 and security updates until March 2027. In contrast, the Galaxy S10, released in 2019, concluded its major OS updates with Android 12 and its security updates around March 2023, making it less current in terms of software.
  • Durability Features: The Galaxy A33 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on its front and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, capable of submersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. The Galaxy S10, as a former flagship, boasts Gorilla Glass 6 on both its front and back, along with an IP68 rating, offering slightly better protection against dust and water.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and security patches will find the Galaxy A33 5G offers a longer practical lifespan due to its more recent release and extended support. The Galaxy S10, while still functional, will no longer receive official software updates, which could impact compatibility with newer applications and security over time.

Release year

2022

2019

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these two devices reflects their different market positioning and release years, impacting how they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy A33 5G is equipped with a modern octa-core processor designed for efficient mid-range performance, capable of handling demanding apps and multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy S10, while older, featured a flagship-tier octa-core processor at its launch, which provided robust performance for its era. For everyday use, both devices offer responsive navigation and app launching.
  • Storage and RAM: The Galaxy A33 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. The Galaxy S10 offered 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 512GB of internal storage, also with microSD expansion. For users who frequently switch between many applications or engage in intensive mobile gaming, the A33 5G's newer, more optimized processor might offer a more consistent experience with current applications, despite the S10 having been a flagship.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A33 5G houses a larger 5000 mAh battery, which generally translates to extended usage times, often lasting up to two days for moderate users. The Galaxy S10 has a 3400 mAh battery, which, while sufficient for a full day of typical use when new, may show more significant degradation over time due to its age.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interaction point, and both devices offer distinct viewing experiences based on their technology and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both the Galaxy A33 5G and the Galaxy S10 feature Super AMOLED displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The A33 5G has a 6.4-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The Galaxy S10, with its 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, offers a higher resolution of 1440 x 3040 pixels, resulting in a sharper image with more detail.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy A33 5G features a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother scrolling and viewing experience compared to the Galaxy S10's standard 60Hz refresh rate. Both displays offer good brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor use, though the S10's Dynamic AMOLED technology was considered top-tier for its time.
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The A33 5G offers a slightly larger 6.4-inch screen, which can be beneficial for media consumption and productivity. The S10's 6.1-inch display, while smaller, provides a very high pixel density, which can be appreciated by users who prioritize extreme sharpness.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1440 x 3040

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy A33 5G and Galaxy S10 offer different strengths for capturing photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A33 5G features a quad-camera setup with a 48 MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an 8 MP ultrawide, a 5 MP macro, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The Galaxy S10 has a triple-camera system, including a 12 MP main sensor with OIS and dual aperture, a 12 MP telephoto lens with OIS and 2x optical zoom, and a 16 MP ultrawide lens. The S10's dedicated telephoto lens provides more versatile zoom capabilities without digital cropping.
  • Photography Performance: The A33 5G's 48 MP main sensor can capture detailed images, especially in good lighting, and its OIS helps with stability. The S10, with its larger sensor pixels and dual aperture on the main lens, generally performs well in varying light conditions, offering strong low-light performance for its generation. Both devices can record video at 4K resolution at 30 frames per second.
  • Front Camera and Audio: For selfies, the A33 5G has a 13 MP front camera, while the S10 features a 10 MP front camera. Both are capable of capturing clear self-portraits and video calls. The S10 also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the A33 5G, offering a traditional audio output option.

Main camera

48 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy A33 5G supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile data speeds where available, alongside Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.1. The Galaxy S10 supports 4G LTE and features Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for potentially faster local network speeds, and Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Ports and Sensors: Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. A notable difference is the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack on the Galaxy S10, which is absent on the Galaxy A33 5G. For biometric security, both include in-display fingerprint sensors.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A33 5G has dimensions of 159.7 x 74 x 8.1 mm and weighs 186g, featuring a plastic back and Gorilla Glass 5 front. The Galaxy S10 is slightly more compact and lighter at 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm and 157g, with a more premium build of glass front and back (Gorilla Glass 6) and an aluminum frame. These differences contribute to a distinct feel in hand, with the S10 offering a more compact and potentially more premium tactile experience.

Weight

186 oz

157 oz

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.1

Network

5G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User sentiment for the Galaxy A33 5G often highlights its strong battery life and the inclusion of 5G connectivity as key advantages. Users appreciate its vibrant Super AMOLED display with a smoother 90Hz refresh rate for everyday scrolling and media consumption. Some common criticisms, however, point to its performance not always matching the fluidity of higher-end devices, and the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack may be a drawback for some.

The Galaxy S10, despite its age, is frequently praised for its premium build quality, compact design, and its once-flagship camera system, particularly the versatility offered by its telephoto lens. Its higher-resolution display also remains a strong point for many. Criticisms often revolve around its battery life, which, while adequate when new, may show significant degradation over time, and the fact that it no longer receives major software updates.

Users prioritizing long-term software support, 5G connectivity, and extended battery life for general daily use may find the Galaxy A33 5G well-suited to their needs. Its newer release date ensures a longer period of official updates and compatibility with the latest network technologies. Conversely, users who value a more compact, premium design, a higher-resolution display, and a dedicated telephoto camera, and who are comfortable with an older software ecosystem, might lean toward the Galaxy S10. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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