Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S24+

Galaxy A33 5G
Galaxy A33 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$205.00

Versus A$495.00 new

See options
Galaxy S24+
Galaxy S24+
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$639.00

Versus A$873.00 new

See options

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, released in March 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, launched in January 2024, are both Android smartphones from Samsung. While both devices offer a comprehensive smartphone experience, they cater to different user expectations, primarily differing in their performance capabilities, display quality, and camera systems. Both run on Samsung's One UI interface over the Android operating system, providing a consistent software experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors contribute to their expected practical lifespan, including software support and physical resilience.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy A33 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four major Android OS updates, extending its software support for a considerable period. The Galaxy S24 Plus, released with Android 14, offers an extended commitment of seven years of OS updates, providing a longer window for new features and security patches.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A33 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S24 Plus elevates this with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its display and an Armor Aluminum frame, alongside an IP68 rating, offering enhanced protection against dust and water.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both devices are designed with modern smartphone construction, which typically involves specialized tools and expertise for repairs. The A33 5G has a repairability score of 7.5/10 according to one source, indicating a reasonable ease of repair for components like the screen and battery.

Release year

2022

2024

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app navigation to demanding applications and gaming. The two devices offer distinct levels of processing power and memory configurations.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A33 5G is equipped with a processor designed for efficient everyday use, handling common applications and multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy S24 Plus, featuring a more advanced processor, delivers significantly higher performance, enabling very fluid navigation, rapid app loading, and a more responsive experience for graphically intensive games and complex tasks.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy A33 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users' multitasking needs. It offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card. The Galaxy S24 Plus comes with 12GB of RAM as standard, providing substantial headroom for extensive multitasking and demanding applications. It offers 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, without microSD expansion.
  • Battery Behavior: Both phones feature substantial battery capacities. The Galaxy A33 5G has a 5000 mAh battery, supporting 25W fast charging, which generally provides a full day of use for many users. The Galaxy S24 Plus has a 4900 mAh battery, which, despite being slightly smaller in capacity, often delivers comparable or even longer usage times due to a more power-efficient processor and adaptive display technology. It supports faster 45W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both models offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with notable differences in technology and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A33 5G features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 pixels), providing clear and colorful visuals for everyday content consumption. The Galaxy S24 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3120x1440 pixels), offering a significantly sharper and more detailed image, particularly noticeable with high-resolution media.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The A33 5G's display has a 90Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid user interface compared to standard 60Hz screens. The S24 Plus features an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, providing exceptional smoothness for dynamic content and conserving power for static images. It also achieves a peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions, a significant increase over the A33 5G.
  • Viewing Experience: Both displays offer vibrant colors and deep blacks characteristic of AMOLED technology. The S24 Plus's higher resolution and brightness, combined with its adaptive refresh rate, provide a more immersive and premium viewing experience, especially for detailed content and outdoor use.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1440x3120

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a key consideration for many users, and both the Galaxy A33 5G and Galaxy S24 Plus offer versatile camera systems, albeit with different levels of sophistication and performance.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A33 5G features a quad-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide lens, a 5MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. This configuration is capable of capturing detailed photos in good lighting and offers versatility for different shot types. The Galaxy S24 Plus comes with a triple-camera system, including a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. This setup provides enhanced detail, improved low-light performance, and the added benefit of optical zoom.
  • Photography and Video Quality: The A33 5G can record video at up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. Its main camera performs well in well-lit environments, but low-light performance is more limited. The S24 Plus excels in a wider range of lighting conditions, producing high-quality images with good dynamic range, and its telephoto lens allows for clear zoomed shots. It supports video recording up to 8K at 30 frames per second, offering superior video capture capabilities.
  • Front Camera and Audio: For selfies and video calls, the A33 5G has a 13MP front camera. The S24 Plus features a 12MP front camera, which often benefits from the device's more advanced image processing. Both phones offer stereo speakers for media consumption, with the S24 Plus generally providing a richer audio experience.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, various practical features and design elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily convenience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to faster mobile networks. The Galaxy A33 5G supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.1. The Galaxy S24 Plus features more advanced Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, but neither includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy A33 5G incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S24 Plus also features an in-display fingerprint sensor, known for its speed and reliability, along with advanced facial recognition.
  • Design and Handling: The A33 5G has a plastic back and frame, weighing 186 grams and measuring 159.7 x 74 x 8.1 mm. The S24 Plus features an Armor Aluminum frame with glass on both the front and back, giving it a more premium feel. It weighs 196 grams and measures 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm, making it slightly heavier but also slightly thinner.

Weight

186 oz

200 oz

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G and Galaxy S24 Plus cater to different segments of the smartphone market, each with its own strengths and user appeal. The A33 5G is often praised for its robust battery life and solid display for its category, providing a reliable daily driver for general use. Some users have noted its performance can feel less snappy compared to higher-end devices, particularly with demanding applications.

The Galaxy S24 Plus receives acclaim for its exceptional display quality, powerful performance, and comprehensive camera system, often being highlighted as a strong alternative to the Ultra model for those not needing the S Pen or extreme zoom capabilities. Common discussions around the S24 Plus sometimes touch on the regional differences in its processor (Snapdragon vs. Exynos) and occasional reports of battery drain or heating under intensive use, though overall battery life is generally considered strong.

Users prioritizing a long-lasting device with a focus on core smartphone functions and a good display for media consumption will find the Galaxy A33 5G well-suited to their needs. It offers a balanced experience for everyday tasks and benefits from Samsung's commitment to software updates. For those who require top-tier performance for gaming, advanced photography, and a more immersive visual experience with a longer software support window, the Galaxy S24 Plus presents a compelling option. Its enhanced durability and faster charging capabilities also appeal to users seeking a more premium and future-proof device.

Considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative, providing access to these devices while extending their lifecycle.

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