Galaxy A33 5G Vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Galaxy A33 5G
Galaxy A33 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:100.00

Versus €389.00 new

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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Starting at

Refurbished price:424.00

Versus €1,298.07 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, released in 2022, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, launched in 2024, represent distinct offerings in the smartphone market. While both operate on the Android platform, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, as a more recent flagship device, introduces advanced processing capabilities, a sophisticated camera system, and an extended software support timeline compared to the mid-range Galaxy A33 5G.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and manufacturer support policies are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A33 5G was introduced in March 2022, making it a mid-range option from a few years ago. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, on the other hand, arrived in August 2024, positioning it as a more current device with newer technology.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung committed to four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security updates for the Galaxy A33 5G. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a significantly longer support period, with seven years of both OS and security updates, ensuring it remains current for an extended duration.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices offer protection against dust and water, with the Galaxy A33 5G featuring an IP67 rating and the Pixel 9 Pro XL boasting an IP68 rating, indicating slightly better water resistance. The Galaxy A33 5G uses Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL likely incorporates a more advanced glass, such as Gorilla Glass Victus 2, for enhanced resilience.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy A33 5G generally offers a more straightforward repair experience due to its construction. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, however, has been noted for lower repairability, with strong adhesives making component access challenging, potentially increasing the complexity and cost of repairs.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones reflect their different market segments and release years, impacting how smoothly they handle various tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A33 5G is equipped with an octa-core processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking with competence. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a more advanced current-generation processor, designed to deliver significantly faster speeds and more efficient handling of demanding applications, complex AI tasks, and intensive gaming.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 6GB or 8GB of RAM, the Galaxy A33 5G provides a smooth experience for typical smartphone usage. The Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with 16GB of RAM, allowing for seamless multitasking, quicker app loading, and a highly responsive user interface, even with numerous applications running simultaneously.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy A33 5G offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of microSD card expansion up to 1TB. The Pixel 9 Pro XL provides a wider range of internal storage configurations, from 128GB up to 1TB, but typically without expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A33 5G's 5000mAh battery is capable of lasting a full day of typical use, with some users reporting up to two days on a single charge. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, with its 5060mAh battery and efficient processor, is noted for exceptional battery longevity, often extending beyond a full day of heavy use and in some tests, nearly 19 hours of continuous video playback.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

16 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on these devices differs significantly due to their display technologies and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy A33 5G features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 pixels), offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a larger 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a Quad HD+ resolution (2992x1344 pixels), providing a sharper and more detailed visual experience.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy A33 5G has a 90Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and a more fluid user interface compared to standard 60Hz displays. The Pixel 9 Pro XL elevates this with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, allowing for even smoother animations and a more responsive feel, while also conserving power by adjusting the refresh rate based on content.
  • Brightness Levels: For outdoor visibility, the Galaxy A33 5G offers a peak brightness of around 800 nits. The Pixel 9 Pro XL provides significantly higher peak brightness, reaching up to 3000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright sunlight.
  • Viewing Experience: The Galaxy A33 5G's display is well-suited for everyday media consumption and browsing. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's larger, higher-resolution, and brighter display, combined with its adaptive refresh rate, delivers a more immersive and premium viewing experience, particularly for high-definition content and gaming.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1344 x 2992

Screen type

Super AMOLED

LTPO OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL, as a flagship, provides a more advanced photographic experience.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A33 5G features a quad-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor (with OIS), an 8MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with a triple-camera system, including a 50MP main sensor (with OIS), a 48MP ultrawide with macro capabilities, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens (with OIS), offering greater versatility and zoom capabilities.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy A33 5G's main camera performs well in good lighting conditions and benefits from OIS for improved low-light shots. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is renowned for its exceptional image quality, consistent results across all lenses, and strong low-light performance, often praised for its computational photography and accurate color reproduction.
  • Video Recording: The Galaxy A33 5G can record videos up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. The Pixel 9 Pro XL supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second and also offers 8K video recording from its main camera, providing more options for high-resolution video content creation.
  • Front Camera: For selfies, the Galaxy A33 5G has a 13MP front camera. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a higher-resolution 42MP front camera with autofocus, delivering sharper and more detailed self-portraits and improved video call quality.

Main camera

48 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

42 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these devices.

  • Connectivity: Both phones support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy A33 5G includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 5.1. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers more advanced Wi-Fi standards (likely Wi-Fi 6/6E or newer) and a more recent Bluetooth version, along with satellite connectivity for emergency messaging in supported regions.
  • Ports and Biometrics: The Galaxy A33 5G uses a USB-C 2.0 port and features an in-display optical fingerprint sensor. It notably omits a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Pixel 9 Pro XL also uses a USB-C port and incorporates an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which is often faster and more secure, alongside face recognition.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A33 5G measures 159.7 x 74 x 8.1 mm and weighs 186g, offering a relatively compact and lightweight design with a matte plastic back. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is larger and heavier at 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mm and 221g, featuring a premium build with a distinctive camera bar and a comfortable feel despite its size.
  • Audio Experience: The Galaxy A33 5G includes stereo speakers, enhancing media consumption. The Pixel 9 Pro XL also features dual stereo speakers, providing a rich audio output for media and calls.

Weight

186 g

221 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.8

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G often highlights its strong battery life, vibrant AMOLED display, and reliable main camera as key strengths, especially considering its position in the mid-range market. Users appreciate its IP67 water resistance and the commitment to several years of software updates. Common criticisms include the absence of a charger in the box and the less impressive performance of its ultrawide camera.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL receives widespread praise for its exceptional camera system, often cited as one of the best for mobile photography, particularly in low light and for its consistent results across lenses. Its long-lasting battery, smooth performance, and the clean, AI-enhanced Android experience are also frequently lauded. Some users find its larger size and weight to be a consideration, and its repairability score is noted as being lower due to construction methods.

Users prioritizing a more compact and lighter device with solid everyday performance, a good display, and extended battery life at a more accessible point may find the Galaxy A33 5G well-suited to their needs. It serves as a practical choice for those seeking a balanced smartphone experience without the latest flagship features. For individuals who demand cutting-edge camera capabilities, a larger and more advanced display, top-tier performance for demanding tasks, and the longest possible software support, the Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out. It caters to users who value a premium, AI-driven smartphone experience and are comfortable with a larger form factor. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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