Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S22 5G

Galaxy A33 5G
Galaxy A33 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$206.00

Versus A$495.00 new

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Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$374.00

Versus A$1,149.00 new

See options

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, both released in early 2022, represent distinct offerings within Samsung's smartphone lineup. The Galaxy A33 5G is positioned as a dependable device with a focus on battery longevity and a larger display, while the Galaxy S22 5G is a more compact option prioritizing advanced camera capabilities and overall processing power. Both devices operate on the Android platform, offering a consistent user experience through Samsung's One UI interface.

Scores

Durability

Both the Galaxy A33 5G and the Galaxy S22 5G benefit from Samsung's commitment to extended software support, ensuring a modern and secure user experience for several years.

  • Software Longevity: Both models were released in 2022 and are eligible for four generations of Android operating system updates and five years of security patches. This means both phones are expected to remain functional and secure until at least 2027, providing a similar long-term software experience.
  • Build and Protection: The Galaxy S22 5G features a more premium construction with an aluminum frame and toughened Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, offering robust protection against drops and scratches. The Galaxy A33 5G utilizes a reinforced plastic housing and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the front, which can be more resilient to cracks from certain impacts. Both devices offer significant water and dust resistance, with the A33 5G rated IP67 and the S22 5G rated IP68, providing protection against immersion.
  • Practical Lifespan: Given their identical software support policies, both devices offer comparable practical lifespans in terms of receiving the latest Android features and security updates. The choice in durability largely comes down to preference for build materials and specific impact resistance.

Release year

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance characteristics of these two devices cater to different user demands, primarily influenced by their internal components and battery capacities.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 5G offers a more fluid and immediate response across applications and multitasking, making it well-suited for users who frequently switch between demanding apps or engage in intensive mobile gaming. The Galaxy A33 5G provides capable performance for daily tasks, social media, and moderate gaming, though some users have reported occasional stutters or slower loading times with more intensive use.
  • Battery Endurance: A significant difference lies in battery capacity. The Galaxy A33 5G is equipped with a larger 5000mAh battery, which typically allows for a full day of heavy use or up to two days of lighter use for many users. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 5G has a smaller 3700mAh battery, which often necessitates a mid-day recharge for power users or those with extended usage patterns.
  • Storage and Multitasking: Both devices offer 128GB and 256GB internal storage options. The Galaxy A33 5G includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, a feature absent in the Galaxy S22 5G. The Galaxy S22 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for smooth multitasking, while the Galaxy A33 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones feature vibrant AMOLED display technology, but they differ in size, refresh rate, and peak brightness, impacting the overall viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A33 5G features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, offering deep blacks and rich colors with a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 pixels). The Galaxy S22 5G has a slightly smaller 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also with Full HD+ resolution (1080x2340 pixels), known for its exceptional color accuracy and contrast.
  • Smoothness and Brightness: The Galaxy S22 5G provides a smoother visual experience with its 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations appear more fluid. It also achieves significantly higher peak brightness levels (up to 1300 nits), ensuring better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy A33 5G offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which is still a noticeable improvement over standard 60Hz displays, and reaches up to 800 nits of brightness, which is generally sufficient for indoor and moderate outdoor use.
  • Viewing Experience: Users who prioritize a larger screen for media consumption or productivity might lean towards the Galaxy A33 5G, while those seeking the most fluid and brightest display in a more compact form factor may prefer the Galaxy S22 5G.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these two devices are designed for different levels of photographic versatility and performance.

  • Rear Camera Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 5G features a more advanced triple camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. This configuration provides greater flexibility for various shooting scenarios, including zoomed shots. The Galaxy A33 5G comes with a quad-camera system, featuring a 48MP main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 5G generally delivers higher quality images, particularly in challenging lighting conditions, and offers more consistent results across its multiple lenses. The Galaxy A33 5G performs well in good lighting, producing social-media-ready photos, but its performance in low light or with fast-moving subjects may not match the S22 5G. Some users note the A33's camera can be slow to focus.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S22 5G supports video recording up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second, along with advanced stabilization features. Its 10MP front camera captures detailed selfies. The Galaxy A33 5G can record video up to 4K at 30 frames per second with OIS on the main rear camera and 4K at 30 frames per second for the 13MP front camera, though without OIS on the front.

Main camera

48 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between the Galaxy A33 5G and the Galaxy S22 5G.

  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G is a more compact and lighter device, weighing 167g and measuring 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm, making it easier for one-handed use and pocketability. The Galaxy A33 5G is slightly larger and heavier at 186g and 159.7 x 74 x 8.1 mm, offering a more expansive screen but a less compact feel. The S22 5G features a premium glass and aluminum construction, while the A33 5G uses a plastic back and frame.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S22 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, offering slightly newer wireless standards compared to the Galaxy A33 5G's Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and lack a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Security and Audio: Both phones feature an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S22 5G also offers face recognition. Both devices include stereo speakers, with the S22 5G's audio tuned by AKG, potentially offering a richer sound experience. The Galaxy S22 5G supports Always-On Display, a feature not present on the A33 5G.

Weight

186 oz

340 oz

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.2

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G and the Galaxy S22 5G involves weighing priorities between robust battery life and expandable storage versus a more premium build, compact design, and advanced camera system.

Community feedback often highlights the Galaxy S22 5G for its exceptional build quality, vibrant display, and versatile camera capabilities, making it a strong contender for users who prioritize a high-end feel and photographic excellence. However, a frequent concern noted by users is its battery life, which may require careful management or mid-day charging for heavy use.

Conversely, the Galaxy A33 5G is frequently praised for its impressive battery endurance, often lasting a full day or more, and the practical inclusion of expandable storage via a microSD card slot. Users appreciate its capable display and solid everyday performance, though some have reported occasional stutters or slower camera focus.

Users who prioritize a compact, premium device with a top-tier camera and a very smooth display experience, and who are comfortable with potentially more frequent charging, will find the Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs. Those who value extended battery life, the flexibility of expandable storage, and a larger screen for media consumption, and who engage in moderate daily usage, may prefer the Galaxy A33 5G. Both devices offer a sustainable choice when considering quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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