Galaxy A33 5G Vs Galaxy S20 FE

Galaxy A33 5G
Galaxy A33 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:100.00

Versus €389.00 new

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Galaxy S20 FE
Galaxy S20 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:151.00

Versus €779.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, released in March 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, launched in October 2020, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's diverse lineup. While the A33 5G is positioned within the mid-range A-series, the S20 FE (Fan Edition) brought flagship-like features from the S-series to a broader audience. The primary distinctions between these two devices lie in their processing power, display refresh rates, and camera capabilities, reflecting their different release timelines and target user experiences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their respective release dates and Samsung's software support policies are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A33 5G was released in March 2022, making it approximately a year and a half newer than the Galaxy S20 FE, which launched in October 2020. This difference in age directly impacts their remaining software support.
  • OS Support and Longevity: The Galaxy A33 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive up to four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from its release, potentially extending its usable software life further into the future. The Galaxy S20 FE, starting with Android 10, typically received three major OS updates and four years of security updates, meaning its official software support window has largely closed or is nearing its end.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A33 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection and boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S20 FE comes with Gorilla Glass 3 and a slightly higher IP68 rating, offering protection against submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. Both devices feature plastic backs and aluminum frames.

Year of Release

2022

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating apps to handling more demanding activities like gaming or video editing.

  • Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S20 FE, particularly the 5G variant, often includes a processor known for its robust performance, enabling smooth multitasking and efficient handling of graphically intensive applications. The Galaxy A33 5G utilizes a different octa-core processor that provides reliable performance for everyday use and moderate multitasking.
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the Galaxy S20 FE generally report a fluid and responsive experience, even with multiple applications running simultaneously. Some Galaxy A33 5G users have noted occasional stutters or slower reaction times, particularly when launching the keyboard or with certain app animations, though overall performance is considered adequate for its segment.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A33 5G is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, which typically provides extended usage on a single charge. The Galaxy S20 FE has a 4500 mAh battery, which, while smaller, is often optimized to last a full day for many users, especially with the 120Hz display enabled. Both devices support 25W fast charging.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy A33 5G and S20 FE offer vibrant viewing experiences with some notable differences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature Super AMOLED displays, known for their deep blacks and vivid colors, providing a clear and engaging visual experience. Both also offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 pixels), ensuring sharp images and text.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S20 FE stands out with a 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to noticeably smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, enhancing the overall user interaction. The Galaxy A33 5G features a 90Hz refresh rate, which is still an improvement over standard 60Hz displays, offering a good balance of smoothness and battery efficiency.
  • Screen Size and Design: The Galaxy S20 FE has a slightly larger 6.5-inch display with a punch-hole cutout for the front camera, offering a more expansive viewing area. The Galaxy A33 5G features a 6.4-inch display with an Infinity-U notch, which is a slightly older design aesthetic.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Super AMOLED

Audiovisual

For many users, the camera system is a critical component, and both devices offer versatile setups for capturing photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A33 5G features a quad-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Galaxy S20 FE offers a triple-camera system, including a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with optical zoom capabilities.
  • Photography Performance: The S20 FE's camera system, particularly with its telephoto lens, provides more versatility for different shooting scenarios, including zoomed-in shots. User feedback for the A33 5G suggests that while photos can be of good quality, the camera app can sometimes be slow to focus, impacting quick snapshot opportunities.
  • Video Recording Capabilities: The Galaxy S20 FE supports video recording up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps) on its main camera, and 4K at 30fps on its ultrawide camera. The Galaxy A33 5G records video up to 4K at 30fps on its main camera, but is limited to 1080p at 30fps for its ultrawide camera.
  • Front Camera: The S20 FE is equipped with a 32MP front-facing camera, capable of capturing detailed selfies and supporting 4K video recording. The A33 5G has a 13MP front camera, suitable for video calls and everyday selfies.

Main camera

48 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several other aspects contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of a smartphone.

  • Connectivity: Both devices support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to faster mobile network speeds where available. They also include modern Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth for wireless connections.
  • Ports and Sensors: The Galaxy A33 5G features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S20 FE also uses a USB-C port and an in-display optical fingerprint sensor. Notably, the A33 5G lacks a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, which the S20 FE also omits.
  • Weight and Dimensions: The Galaxy A33 5G weighs 186 grams and has dimensions of 159.7 x 74 x 8.1 mm. The Galaxy S20 FE is slightly heavier at 190 grams and measures 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm. These differences are minor and both phones offer a comfortable in-hand feel for most users.
  • Additional Features: The Galaxy S20 FE includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities, features not present on the Galaxy A33 5G. Both devices offer expandable storage via a microSD card slot.

Weight

186 g

190 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.5

Network

5G

4G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G often highlights its reliable battery life and decent display quality. However, some users have reported occasional performance lags and heating issues, particularly under heavier use, and a camera that can be slow to focus. The absence of a headphone jack and an Always-On Display are also common points of criticism.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is frequently praised for its strong overall performance, capable camera system (especially the telephoto lens), and the inclusion of features like wireless charging. Criticisms sometimes point to its plastic back feeling less premium and the in-display fingerprint sensor occasionally being inconsistent. For older units, battery degradation is a noted concern.

Users prioritizing a longer software support window and a slightly newer device with good battery life for general daily tasks may find the Galaxy A33 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value higher processing power for demanding applications, a smoother 120Hz display, a more versatile camera system with optical zoom, and features like wireless charging, might lean toward the Galaxy S20 FE. Both devices offer expandable storage, which is a significant advantage for users who require ample space for media and applications.

For those seeking a more sustainable choice, both the Galaxy A33 5G and Galaxy S20 FE are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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