Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S23+

Galaxy A33 5G
Galaxy A33 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$286.64

Versus A$495.00 new

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Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$529.00

Versus A$1,752.00 new

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The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, released in April 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, are Android smartphones from different segments of Samsung's lineup. While both offer 5G connectivity and run on the Android operating system, the S23 Plus represents a more advanced offering with enhanced performance and camera capabilities, whereas the A33 5G focuses on delivering a balanced experience for everyday use.

Scores

Durability

These devices differ in their release timelines and expected software support, influencing their practical lifespan.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A33 5G was released in April 2022, making it an older model compared to the Galaxy S23 Plus, which launched in February 2023. This difference in release year means the S23 Plus benefits from a more recent hardware foundation. [3, 12, 23, 26]
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides four years of major Android operating system updates and five years of security updates for its devices. Given its later release, the Galaxy S23 Plus is expected to receive software support for a longer duration than the Galaxy A33 5G, extending its usability with current features and security patches. [27, 31]
  • Durability Features: The Galaxy A33 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy S23 Plus, being a more recent flagship, comes with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame and an IP68 rating, offering a higher degree of protection against environmental elements. [3, 14, 18, 26, 33]

Release year

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these two devices varies significantly, impacting how smoothly they handle demanding applications and multitasking.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a more advanced processor, designed to handle intensive tasks, complex applications, and graphic-heavy games with greater efficiency and speed. Users report that it offers blazingly fast and smooth performance, with no lag even after extended use. [1, 13, 25, 36, 45] The Galaxy A33 5G, while capable for daily tasks, uses a processor that provides smooth performance for everyday use but may not match the S23 Plus in highly demanding scenarios. [3, 27, 34]
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S23 Plus typically comes with 8GB of RAM and offers storage options starting from 256GB, with no expandable storage. This configuration supports fluid multitasking and provides ample space for applications and media. [4, 11, 16, 26] The Galaxy A33 5G offers 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSD card, providing flexibility for users who need more storage for photos and videos. [3, 7, 23]
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 4700 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor, often provides excellent endurance, with many users reporting it can last for 1.5 to 2 days on a single charge under typical usage. [2, 10, 13, 16, 25, 36] It supports 45W wired fast charging and also offers wireless and reverse wireless charging. [2, 16, 40] The Galaxy A33 5G has a larger 5000 mAh battery and supports 25W fast charging, with users generally experiencing a full day to two days of battery life. [3, 7, 19, 27] However, it does not support wireless charging. [27, 38]

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is delivered through AMOLED technology, but with distinct differences in clarity, brightness, and smoothness.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. [1, 2, 4, 10, 14] The Galaxy A33 5G has a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, also providing vivid high-definition visuals. [3, 5, 8, 9]
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S23 Plus boasts a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions, and an adaptive refresh rate that ranges from 48Hz to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. [1, 2, 4, 10, 14, 16] The A33 5G offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth viewing experience for everyday tasks and multimedia consumption, and its AMOLED panel ensures bright and vibrant colors. [3, 5, 8, 33]
  • Viewing Experience: The larger screen size and higher peak brightness of the S23 Plus contribute to a more immersive and comfortable viewing experience, especially for media consumption and outdoor use. The A33 5G's display is also well-regarded for its sharpness and color vividness, suitable for streaming and browsing. [5, 7, 33]

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but the S23 Plus provides more advanced features and higher resolution sensors for photography and videography.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. [1, 4, 16, 17] This configuration allows for detailed photos across various focal lengths. The Galaxy A33 5G comes with a quad-camera array, featuring a 48 MP main camera with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide, a 5 MP macro, and a 2 MP depth sensor. [3, 6, 7, 15]
  • Photography Performance: The S23 Plus excels in capturing high-resolution images, offering features like Nightography for improved low-light performance and AI Image Enhancer for refining photos. [22, 39] Users generally praise its camera quality. [25] The A33 5G's main camera also performs well in various conditions, including low light, and offers features like Night Mode and Scene Optimizer. [7, 15]
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The S23 Plus supports impressive 8K video recording at 30fps, along with 4K at 30/60fps, and includes features like Super Steady video and a Zoom-in mic. Its front camera is a 12 MP sensor. [17, 24, 39] The A33 5G is capable of recording 4K videos at 30fps with both its front and rear cameras, and its 13 MP front camera delivers detailed selfies. [3, 6, 15]

Main camera

48 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, but the Galaxy S23 Plus includes newer Wi-Fi 6E standards for faster and more reliable wireless connections. [28, 40] Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, but neither includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. [3, 33, 40]
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which is generally considered more secure and responsive. [1, 28] The Galaxy A33 5G also features an in-display optical fingerprint sensor for convenient unlocking. [9, 32]
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 Plus has dimensions of 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 196g, featuring a flat screen and a premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an Armor Aluminum frame. [4, 16, 21, 28, 40] The Galaxy A33 5G is slightly more compact and lighter at 159.7 x 74 x 8.1 mm and 186g, with a plastic back and frame, and Gorilla Glass 5 on the front. [3, 9, 21, 23, 35]

Weight

186 oz

196 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 S23 Plus cater to different user needs, offering distinct advantages in various aspects. Users frequently praise the Galaxy S23 Plus for its exceptional battery life, smooth and fast performance, and vibrant display. Many appreciate its premium build and capable camera system, though some users note that its camera, while good, might not consistently match the very top-tier flagships in specific scenarios like macro photography or extreme low light. [10, 13, 20, 25, 31, 36, 37, 45]

The Galaxy A33 5G is often lauded for its strong battery life, sharp AMOLED display, and IP67 water resistance, making it a robust option for daily use. Its main camera performance is generally well-received, and the inclusion of expandable storage is a significant advantage for some users. Common criticisms sometimes point to the macro camera being less impactful and the absence of a charger in the box. [7, 19, 27, 38]

Users prioritizing a device with top-tier performance for demanding applications, a highly bright and adaptive display, and advanced camera features, along with a longer software support window, will find the Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its robust build and wireless charging capabilities also add to its appeal for those seeking a more premium experience. Conversely, users who value a balanced smartphone for everyday tasks, excellent battery endurance, and the flexibility of expandable storage, while still benefiting from a good display and camera, may lean toward the Galaxy A33 5G. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.