Samsung Galaxy A33 5G review

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The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G is a well-rounded smartphone that offers plenty of specs and features at an affordable price point. The phone boasts a sleek design with a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, providing crisp visuals and vibrant colors. Performance-wise, the device is powered by a brand-new Exynos 1280 chipset, paired with either 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The initial impressions suggest that the Exynos 1280 is a smooth and capable processor, but it remains to be seen if it can handle demanding tasks without any issues. Battery life is also expected to be improved, with a 5,000mAh battery on board and 25W charging speeds. However, wireless charging support is still not available on this device. The camera setup, while not significantly updated from last year's model, seems solid, with the same 48MP primary sensor, 8MP ultra-wide lens, and 13MP front-facing camera. Image processing appears to have been improved, resulting in well-balanced images with plenty of detail. Overall, the Galaxy A33 5G is a great option for those looking for a Samsung smartphone within a budget price point. With its excellent display, snappy performance, and capable cameras, it's definitely worth considering.

Overview
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Key takeaways
The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G boasts an impressive battery life, lasting over a day with moderate use.
The display on the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G offers a bright and vibrant visual experience at an affordable price point.
The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G's camera setup is solid, but struggles with low-light performance significantly.
The Exynos 1280 chipset's performance capabilities, particularly battery optimization and handling, will be crucially tested further.

Build Quality and Design

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G boasts an impressive build quality and design that sets it apart from its competitors in the upper mid-tier segment. The phone's sleek and sturdy body is crafted with premium materials, giving it a solid feel that inspires confidence. One of the standout features of the device is its ergonomic design, which fits comfortably in the hand and makes it easy to hold for extended periods. The curved edges and smooth finish provide a pleasant tactile experience, while the weighty construction (around 180g) gives the phone a sense of substance. The A33 5G's display is nestled within a sturdy metal frame that provides structural support and adds to the overall premium feel of the device. The phone's color scheme is tasteful and sophisticated, with a palette of neutral tones that are sure to appeal to those who prefer understated designs. One area where the A33 5G shines is its attention to detail. From the subtle camera hump on the rear panel to the precision-crafted buttons and ports, it's clear that Samsung has paid close attention to even the smallest design elements. In terms of build quality, the phone feels sturdy and well-constructed, with a reassuring click when the power button is pressed. The display glass is flat and free from excessive curvature, providing an unobstructed view of the on-screen content. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G's build quality and design are major strengths that set it apart in its class. With its sleek appearance, sturdy construction, and attention to detail, this phone is sure to appeal to anyone looking for a premium device without breaking the bank.

Battery Life

In my hands-on experience with the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, I was impressed by its overall performance and features. However, one aspect that really caught my attention is its battery life. The phone packs a substantial 5000mAh battery, which is expected to deliver a full day's usage and then some. And indeed, it does. During my testing period, the device consistently lasted well over a day with moderate to heavy use. In fact, some users have reported achieving closer to two full days on a single charge, especially when using the phone in a more casual manner. The beefy battery is paired with 25-watt fast charging speeds, which means you won't have to spend too much time attached to the charger if your power levels do dip. While it's great that Samsung has included faster charging capabilities, I must note that wireless charging support is still not available on this device. Overall, I'm optimistic about the battery performance of the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G. The Exynos 1280 processor seems to be doing a commendable job in optimizing power consumption and maximizing battery life. If you're looking for a phone with impressive battery life and don't mind the lack of wireless charging support, this might just be the device for you. Rating: 8/10

Display

The display on the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G is a standout feature that sets it apart from its competitors in the mid-range segment. The phone boasts an AMOLED 1080p touchscreen with a refresh rate of 90Hz, making for a crisp and smooth visual experience. In terms of brightness, the display holds its own against more expensive flagships, managing to stay visible even under direct sunlight. This is made possible by Samsung's proprietary Super AMOLED technology, which ensures that colors are rich and vibrant, and blacks are as true as can be. The 1080p resolution provides a high level of detail, making text and images look sharp and well-defined. The 90Hz refresh rate takes the experience to the next level, making scrolling through menus and browsing the web feel silky smooth. One notable omission from Samsung's feature list is the lack of an Always-On Display (AOD). This means that the screen will turn off when not in use, which may be a disappointment for those who value this feature. However, it's worth noting that AODs can be energy-hungry, and some users may find that they don't miss them. Overall, the display on the Galaxy A33 5G is an excellent example of what Samsung has to offer in the mid-range segment. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive flagships, it provides a bright, vibrant, and smooth visual experience that will delight users who want a great screen without breaking the bank. In terms of value for money, the Galaxy A33 5G's display is one of its strongest selling points. Considering the phone's sub-$350 price tag, it's hard to find anything that can match its display in this price range. If you're looking for a mid-range smartphone with a great screen, the Galaxy A33 5G should definitely be on your shortlist.

Camera

The camera department of the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G has received minimal updates compared to its predecessor. Despite this, it remains a solid and capable setup for a phone in its price bracket. The main camera is still a 48-megapixel f/1.8 aperture lens, which performs well in bright lighting conditions. However, in low-light situations, it struggles to produce detailed images with minimal noise. The ultra-wide angle shooter has also seen no changes and remains an 8-megapixel f/2.2 aperture sensor. One area where the A33 5G camera setup excels is in portrait mode. The dual-camera system featuring a 2-megapixel depth sensor works well to create a shallow depth of field, separating subjects from the background with precision. Additionally, the macro lens allows for detailed close-up shots, capturing intricate details that would otherwise be lost. The selfie camera has also seen no changes and remains a 13-megapixel f/2.2 aperture shooter. However, it produces well-balanced images with good color accuracy and plenty of detail. In terms of features, the A33 5G offers a range of shooting modes and settings, including night mode, slo-mo, hyperlapse, and 4K video recording. While these options are not new to the camera department, they still provide ample opportunities for creative expression and experimentation. One area where improvement is needed is in low-light performance. The A33 5G's camera struggles to produce detailed images in such conditions, often resulting in noisy or pixelated photos. This is a common issue with many mid-range smartphones, but it's one area where Samsung could have pushed the boundaries further. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G's camera setup is solid and capable for a phone in its price bracket. While it may not offer any revolutionary features or improvements, it still provides plenty of value for its users. However, those seeking a more advanced camera experience may want to consider other options on the market. Rating: 3.5/5

Price and Value

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G is an excellent mid-range smartphone that offers exceptional value for its price. Priced under $350, this device packs a punch with its impressive specs and features. One of the standout aspects of the A33 5G is its display. The 6.75-inch AMOLED screen with 1080 resolution and 90Hz refresh rate provides an immersive viewing experience. Additionally, the phone's dual speakers deliver clear and crisp audio, making it perfect for entertainment on-the-go. The device's performance is also noteworthy, thanks to its brand-new Exynos 1280 processor paired with up to 8GB of RAM. This setup provides seamless multitasking and smooth app loading times. The 5,000mAh battery ensures all-day use, and the 25W fast charging speeds get you back to full power in no time. The camera department is also solid, with a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro shooter. While there's nothing revolutionary here, the cameras deliver excellent results, especially in bright lighting conditions. In terms of value, the Galaxy A33 5G is a clear winner. For under $350, you get a phone that rivals devices from more established brands like Google and OnePlus. The A33 5G's price point is remarkably competitive, making it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable mid-range smartphone without breaking the bank. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G offers exceptional value for its price. Its impressive specs, features, and display make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a solid mid-range device without sacrificing too much in terms of performance or camera quality.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G is powered by the brand new Exynos 1280 chipset, paired with either 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. While initial impressions are positive, it's essential to dig deeper into its performance capabilities. Geekbench numbers indicate a capable mid-tier chipset, but I'm eager to push the phone further to see what it can handle. The Exynos 1280 is expected to shine in battery optimization and performance, thanks to the large 5,000mAh battery inside. I have high hopes for this phone to last a full day or more with some users claiming closer to two days of usage. The new processor's ability to manage battery life over a couple of days' use will be crucial. Charging speeds are capped at 25W, and unfortunately, wireless charging is still not supported on the A series phones. This could potentially lead to longer charging sessions. While I'm excited about the phone's potential, I'm also aware that Exynos processors have had issues with overheating and performance bottlenecks in the past. It will be essential to test the A33 5G extensively to confirm its capabilities and identify any potential weaknesses. In my initial hands-on experience, the phone seems smooth and capable, but I'll need to put it through a more rigorous testing phase to provide a comprehensive verdict on its performance.

Pros

1. Impressive Display

2. Dual Speakers

3. Powerful Processor

4. Long-Lasting Battery

5. Well-Rounded Camera Setup

6. Affordable Price Point

7. New Features and Capabilities

Cons

1. No Wireless Charging

2. No Significant Camera Upgrades

3. Potential Performance Issues

4. Limited Charging Speeds

5. Same Old Camera Hardware

Structure
Width:
74
Height:
159.7
Depth:
8.1
Weight:
186
Usable surface:
83 %
Materials:
Plastic
Colors:
Black
White
Cyan
Copper
Hardware
Model:
Samsung Exynos 1280
CPU:
2x Cortex
A78 2.4 GHz + 6x Cortex
A55 2.0 GHz
Type:
Octa-Core
Nanometer:
5
Frequency:
2.4000000953674316
64 Bits:
GPU:
Mali-G68 MC4 4x cores 1GHz
RAM:
6
Capacity:
128
Fingerprint security:
Yes, in screen
Fingerprint sensor:
Light sensor:
Accelerometer sensor:
Compass sensor:
Gyroscope sensor:
Geomagnetic sensor:
Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor:
Audio:
Dolby Atmos
Stereo Speakers
Antutu Score:
475448
Antutu Version:
Antutu v10
Antutu Standing:
Overall performance better than 74% of devices
Cooling system:
Gaming buttons:
Cameras
Phone rear cameras
Standard:
Resolution:
48
Sensor:
Sony IMX582 Exmor RS
Sensor size:
1/2"
Type:
CMOS
Aperture:
ƒ/ 1.8
Pixel size:
0.80 µm
Pixel binning:
1-4 (2x2)
Wide Angle lens:
Resolution:
8
Sensor:
Sony IMX355
Sensor size:
1/2.8"
Type:
CMOS BSI
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.2
Pixel size:
1.12 µm
Portrait mode (depth):
Resolution:
2
Sensor:
GalaxyCore
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.4
Macro lens:
Resolution:
5
Sensor:
GalaxyCore GC5035
Sensor size:
1/5"
Type:
CMOS BSI
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.4
Pixel size:
1.12 µm
Resolution:
13
Sensor:
Sony IMX258
Sensor size:
1/3.06"
Type:
CMOS
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.2
Pixel size:
1.12 µm
Phone front cameras
Flash:
LED
Optical stabilisation:
Yes
Slow motion video:
Yes, 240 fps
Rear camera features:
4K Video
Digital zoom
Quadruple camera
Digital image stabilization
Optical Stabilization (OIS)
Autofocus
Touch focus
Phase detection autofocus (PDAF)
Continuous shooting
Geotagging
Panorama
HDR
Face detection
White balance settings
ISO settings
Exposure compensation
Scene mode
Self-timer
Screen
Diagonal:
6.4
Type:
Super AMOLED
Aspect ratio:
20:9
Resolution in pixels:
1080 x 2400 px
Resolution quality:
FHD+
ppi:
411 ppi
Density:
Very high density
Others:
Water Drop Notch
Eye Care Display
Refresh rate 90 Hz
Brightnes 420 cd/m² (typ)
1000000:1 contrast ratio
10 Bits panel
Scratch resistant
Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Capacitive
Multi-touch
Frameless
Battery
Capacity:
5000
Type:
Li-Ion
Fast charge:
Yes, 25.0W
Others:
Bypass Charging
Non-removable
Connectivity
2G:
3G:
4G LTE:
5G:
SIM card:
Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)
Standards:
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac
Others:
Dual band
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Display
Version:
Bluetooth 5.1
Profiles:
A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
AVRCP (Audio/Visual Remote Control Profile)
DIP (Device ID Profile)
HFP (Hands-Free Profile)
HID (Human Interface Profile)
HSP (Headset Profile)
MAP (Message Access Profile)
PAN (Personal Area Networking Profile)
OPP (Object Push Profile)
PBAP/PAB (Phone Book Access Profile)
HOGP
APT-x
LDAC
SBC
AAC
Navigation:
GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo
Charging:
Mass storage:
USB On-The-Go (OTG):
USB Type C:
NFC:
Audio jack:
Radio FM:
Computer sync:
OTA sync:
Tethering:
VoLTE:
Software
Operating System:
Android 13
Google services: