Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S25+

Galaxy A33 5G
Galaxy A33 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$206.00

Versus A$495.00 new

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Galaxy S25+
Galaxy S25+
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$922.00

Versus A$1,699.00 new

See options

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G (released in April 2022) and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus (released in February 2025) are both Android smartphones from Samsung, yet they cater to different user expectations. The Galaxy A33 5G is positioned as a capable device for everyday use, while the Galaxy S25 Plus offers a more advanced experience with enhanced performance and camera capabilities. Both devices run on Samsung's One UI software, built on the Android operating system, providing a familiar user interface across the brand's ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's software support policy. These two devices have distinct timelines for updates and expected practical lifespans.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A33 5G was released in April 2022, making it a mid-range device from a few years ago. The Galaxy S25 Plus, a flagship model, was released much more recently in February 2025.
  • Software Support: The Galaxy A33 5G is eligible for four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security updates, with support expected to extend until around 2027. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Plus benefits from Samsung's extended commitment, offering seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, ensuring support until approximately 2032.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software longevity and access to the latest Android features will find the Galaxy S25 Plus more suitable due to its significantly longer update commitment. The Galaxy A33 5G still offers a respectable lifespan, especially for users who do not require the absolute latest software versions.

Release year

2022

2025

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences between these two devices are notable, impacting how smoothly they handle various tasks, from daily navigation to demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A33 5G features an octa-core processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking with general responsiveness. The Galaxy S25 Plus is equipped with a significantly more powerful and efficient processor, designed for demanding applications, intensive gaming, and advanced AI features, resulting in a noticeably smoother and faster overall experience.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy A33 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users to switch between several apps without significant slowdowns. The Galaxy S25 Plus, with 12GB of RAM, offers greater capacity for seamless multitasking, allowing more applications to run concurrently in the background and providing a more fluid user experience, particularly for power users.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices feature large battery capacities, with the Galaxy A33 5G having a 5000 mAh battery and the Galaxy S25 Plus a 4900 mAh battery. User reports indicate that the Galaxy A33 5G generally provides a full day of use. The Galaxy S25 Plus is also noted for its excellent battery life, often lasting through a full day of heavy use and sometimes longer, with efficient power management from its advanced processor.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interaction point, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A33 5G features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 pixels), providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S25 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Quad HD+ resolution (1440x3120 pixels), offering superior sharpness and detail.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy A33 5G has a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides a smoother scrolling experience compared to standard 60Hz displays. The Galaxy S25 Plus elevates this with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, delivering exceptionally fluid animations and responsiveness, particularly noticeable in fast-paced content and general navigation.
  • Brightness and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy A33 5G offers good brightness levels for indoor and outdoor viewing. The Galaxy S25 Plus features a display with higher peak brightness, ensuring better visibility in bright outdoor conditions and an enhanced viewing experience for HDR content.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1440x3120

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant differentiator, with the Galaxy S25 Plus offering a more advanced and versatile system.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A33 5G includes a quad-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. It can record video at 4K 30fps. The Galaxy S25 Plus features a triple-camera system with a 50MP wide-angle primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. It supports 8K 30fps video recording.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy A33 5G captures detailed photos in good lighting, with OIS aiding in sharper images and stable video. The Galaxy S25 Plus provides more refined image processing, improved low-light performance, and greater versatility with its dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots. User reviews highlight its strong performance in various lighting conditions, though some note that colors can be saturated.
  • Front Camera and Video: The Galaxy A33 5G has a 13MP front camera. The Galaxy S25 Plus features a 12MP front-facing camera, which delivers sharp images with good color and can perform well in various lighting. Both devices offer good video stabilization, but the S25 Plus's higher resolution and advanced processing contribute to superior video quality.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy A33 5G uses Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 5.1, with a USB-C 2.0 port. The Galaxy S25 Plus features newer Wi-Fi standards (likely Wi-Fi 6E or 7) and Bluetooth 5.4, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections, along with a USB-C port. Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometrics and Security: The Galaxy A33 5G incorporates an in-display optical fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S25 Plus utilizes an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor, which often provides faster and more reliable authentication. The S25 Plus also integrates advanced Galaxy AI features, enhancing various aspects of the user experience.
  • Build and Handling: The Galaxy A33 5G features a glass front (Gorilla Glass 5) and a plastic back, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. It weighs 186 grams. The Galaxy S25 Plus has a more robust build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, and an IP68 rating, offering enhanced durability. It weighs 190 grams.

Weight

186 oz

190 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 S25 Plus cater to different segments of the smartphone market, offering distinct advantages based on user priorities. The Galaxy A33 5G, released in 2022, is praised by users for its reliable battery life and vibrant Super AMOLED display, making it a solid choice for everyday tasks and media consumption. Some users note its camera performance is good in daylight but can be less consistent in challenging conditions, and its processor, while capable, may show occasional stutters with heavy multitasking.

The Galaxy S25 Plus, a 2025 flagship, receives high marks for its powerful performance, exceptional display quality, and long-lasting battery. Its advanced camera system, including a telephoto lens, is generally well-regarded for producing detailed photos and stable videos, though some reviews suggest the main camera hardware is similar to previous generations and colors can be saturated. The integration of Galaxy AI features is also a significant highlight.

Users prioritizing extended software support, cutting-edge performance for demanding applications, and a premium camera experience will find the Galaxy S25 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its robust build and advanced display also contribute to a high-end user experience. Conversely, users seeking a dependable smartphone for general use, with good battery life and a quality display, may find the Galaxy A33 5G to be a practical option. It remains a capable device for those who don't require the absolute latest in mobile technology.

For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, extending the life cycle of these electronics and offering a sustainable choice.

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