Galaxy A33 5G Vs Galaxy S23+

Galaxy A33 5G
Galaxy A33 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:100.00

Versus €389.00 new

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Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:307.20

Versus €1,072.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, released in April 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, represent different tiers within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the S23 Plus is positioned as a more premium offering, featuring a more advanced processor and camera system, alongside a more robust build. The A33 5G, on the other hand, provides a balanced experience with solid core features for its segment.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its build, software support, and the availability of repairs. These two Samsung models offer differing expectations in these areas.

  • 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 directly impacts their remaining software support. [2, 4, 21, 26, 36]
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S23 Plus benefits from Samsung's commitment to four years of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, meaning it is expected to receive updates up to Android 17 and security patches until 2028. [24, 33, 39, 44] The Galaxy A33 5G, as a mid-range device, typically receives a slightly shorter, though still substantial, period of software support, with expectations of updates up to Android 16. [21]
  • Durability Features: Both devices offer water and dust resistance, with the A33 5G featuring an IP67 rating and the S23 Plus boasting an IP68 rating, indicating slightly better protection against immersion for the latter. [2, 4, 10, 18, 35, 36] The S23 Plus also incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for enhanced screen and back panel protection, a step up from the Gorilla Glass 5 on the A33 5G. [18, 35, 36, 40]

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles demanding tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a current-generation processor designed for high-end performance, allowing it to handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-heavy games with ease and sustained responsiveness. [10, 13, 18, 24, 26] The Galaxy A33 5G features a capable octa-core processor that provides smooth performance for everyday tasks, web browsing, and moderate gaming, though it may show limitations with the most intensive applications or prolonged heavy use. [2, 4, 21, 30, 36]
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 8GB of RAM as standard, the S23 Plus offers ample memory for seamless multitasking, allowing users to switch between numerous applications without noticeable slowdowns. [3, 11, 16, 35] The A33 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users, but the S23 Plus generally provides a more fluid experience when managing many active apps simultaneously. [4, 11]
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus, with its 4700mAh battery and efficient processor, is noted for its excellent battery life, often lasting a full day or even two for lighter users. [7, 10, 13, 19, 24] The A33 5G houses a larger 5000mAh battery, and users often report it can last up to two days on a single charge with moderate usage, thanks to its lower power consumption display. [1, 9, 15, 32] Both support fast charging, with the S23 Plus offering 45W wired charging and the A33 5G supporting 25W. [1, 2, 4, 7, 13, 23, 24, 31, 35]

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is the primary interface for interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its exceptional color accuracy, deep blacks, and high contrast, providing a premium visual experience. [10, 13, 16, 18, 24, 26, 35] The Galaxy A33 5G comes with a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, which also delivers vibrant colors and good contrast, offering a clear and engaging viewing experience for its category. [2, 4, 21, 36, 38]
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The S23 Plus boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which dynamically adjusts between 48Hz and 120Hz, resulting in very smooth scrolling and fluid animations, enhancing the overall user interaction. [24, 26, 35, 40] The A33 5G offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which is a noticeable improvement over standard 60Hz displays, providing a smoother visual experience during scrolling and gaming. [2, 4, 21, 36, 38]
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The S23 Plus can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. [10, 24, 26, 35] The A33 5G's display is also bright and clear, making it suitable for outdoor use, though it may not reach the same peak brightness levels as the S23 Plus. [38, 41]

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and these devices offer different photographic strengths.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for detailed photos across various scenarios, including zoomed shots. [16, 17, 18, 24, 28, 35, 40, 43] The Galaxy A33 5G has a quad-camera system with a 48MP main sensor (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. Its main camera performs well in good lighting, but the auxiliary lenses may offer less detail compared to the S23 Plus. [2, 4, 21, 27, 30, 38, 41]
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The S23 Plus excels in low-light photography and video recording, with improved image processing and stabilization, capable of shooting 8K video at 30fps. [16, 28, 40, 43] The A33 5G's main camera also performs commendably in low light, especially with its night mode, and can record 4K video at 30fps, though stabilization might be less refined than on the S23 Plus. [27, 34]
  • Front Camera and Audio: For selfies, the S23 Plus features a 12MP front camera with Dual Pixel PDAF, delivering sharp and detailed self-portraits. [16, 24, 28, 35, 40] The A33 5G has a 13MP front camera that produces good selfies, though some users note a softer look. [2, 4, 27, 30, 34] Both devices offer stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption. [15, 35, 40]

Main camera

48 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The S23 Plus features newer standards like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections. [35, 40] The A33 5G supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 5.1. [4, 21, 38] Both use a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, but the A33 5G notably lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which the S23 Plus also omits. [1, 38]
  • Storage and Expansion: The Galaxy S23 Plus offers higher internal storage options, typically starting at 256GB, without expandable storage. [3, 16, 35] The Galaxy A33 5G usually comes with 128GB of internal storage but includes a microSD card slot for expansion up to 1TB, which can be beneficial for users with large media libraries. [2, 4]
  • Design and Handling: The S23 Plus has a more premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, and an Armor Aluminum frame, contributing to a refined feel. It weighs 196g and has dimensions of 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6mm. [3, 13, 16, 18, 35, 40] The A33 5G features a plastic build with Gorilla Glass 5 on the front, weighing 186g and measuring 159.7 x 74 x 8.1mm. [2, 4, 21] The S23 Plus also supports eSIM in addition to a physical SIM. [11]

Weight

186 g

168 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G and Galaxy S23 Plus cater to different user priorities, each excelling in its respective segment. The Galaxy A33 5G is frequently praised for its robust battery life, vibrant Super AMOLED display, and solid main camera performance, especially considering its position in the market. [1, 9, 15, 27, 30, 32] Users appreciate its IP67 water resistance and the inclusion of expandable storage, which is a feature becoming less common in newer devices. [2, 4, 36] However, some common criticisms include occasional UI lag, less impressive ultrawide and macro camera performance, and some reports of battery drain after software updates. [5, 6, 12, 15, 20, 34, 46]

Conversely, the Galaxy S23 Plus receives high marks for its powerful performance, driven by its advanced processor, making it ideal for demanding applications and gaming. [10, 13, 18, 24, 26] Its Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and high brightness is consistently lauded for its visual quality and smoothness. [10, 24, 26, 35] The S23 Plus's camera system, particularly its telephoto lens and improved low-light capabilities, is also a significant highlight. [16, 17, 18, 28, 43] Criticisms sometimes point to Samsung's image processing, which can occasionally lead to blurry photos or issues with fast-moving subjects, and some users have reported minor software glitches. [23, 25, 29, 31]

Users prioritizing a long-lasting battery, expandable storage, and a capable everyday smartphone experience without needing the absolute highest performance may find the Galaxy A33 5G well-suited to their needs. It offers a strong balance of features for general use. For those who require top-tier performance for gaming, advanced photography, and a more premium build with extended software support, the Galaxy S23 Plus is the more appropriate choice. It delivers a flagship-level experience with a focus on speed and refined features. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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