Galaxy A33 5G Vs Galaxy S20 5G

Galaxy A33 5G
Galaxy A33 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£98.00

Versus £389.00 new

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Galaxy S20 5G
Galaxy S20 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£133.00

Versus £899.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, released in April 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G, launched in March 2020, represent different segments of Samsung's smartphone offerings. While both devices provide 5G connectivity, the Galaxy S20 5G was a flagship model at its release, emphasizing premium features and performance, whereas the Galaxy A33 5G is positioned as a mid-range device focusing on a balanced user experience with a strong emphasis on software longevity.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is heavily influenced by its release timeline and the duration of software support it receives.

  • Software Updates: The Galaxy A33 5G, being a newer device, benefits from Samsung's extended update policy, guaranteeing up to four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from its release. This means it is expected to receive updates until Android 16 and security patches until April 2027. In contrast, the Galaxy S20 5G, launched with Android 10, has officially reached the end of its software update journey, with security updates concluding around March 2025.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A33 5G features a plastic back and a Gorilla Glass 5 front, along with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S20 5G, with its glass front (Gorilla Glass 6) and glass back (Gorilla Glass 6) encased in an aluminum frame, offers a more premium build and an IP68 rating, providing protection in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy A33 5G has a repairability score of 7.75 out of 10, indicating it is relatively easy to disassemble for repairs, with components like the battery being accessible. The Galaxy S20 5G, on the other hand, received a lower repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit for the S20+ model, primarily due to the extensive use of strong adhesive for the back cover and battery, making disassembly challenging.

Year of Release

2022

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in daily use is a key differentiator, with the internal components dictating how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles demanding tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S20 5G, equipped with a flagship-tier processor from its release year, delivers robust performance suitable for demanding applications and multitasking. Users report a snappy and reliable experience, even with multiple apps open. The Galaxy A33 5G features a mid-range processor, which handles everyday tasks and social media browsing smoothly. However, some users have noted occasional delays or stutters when booting or with many apps open, and it may be less suited for graphically intensive gaming.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S20 5G typically comes with 12GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for extensive multitasking and keeping numerous applications active in the background without slowdowns. The Galaxy A33 5G offers various RAM configurations, including 6GB or 8GB, which is sufficient for most users but may show limitations when juggling a very high number of demanding applications simultaneously. Both devices offer 128GB of internal storage, but the Galaxy A33 5G supports expandable storage via a microSD card, a feature also present in the Galaxy S20 5G.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A33 5G houses a larger 5000 mAh battery, generally providing extended usage times that can last through a full day for most users. The Galaxy S20 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, which users report can last a full day with typical use, though heavy usage, especially with the higher refresh rate display enabled, may require more frequent charging.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both models offer distinct visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both devices feature AMOLED display technology, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S20 5G boasts a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a higher resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, resulting in a very sharp and detailed image. The Galaxy A33 5G has a slightly larger 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, offering clear visuals suitable for everyday viewing.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S20 5G supports a 120Hz refresh rate, providing exceptionally smooth scrolling and a fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable in animations and gaming. The Galaxy A33 5G features a 90Hz refresh rate, which offers a smoother experience than standard 60Hz displays, making daily interactions feel more responsive.
  • Brightness and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S20 5G's display is capable of high brightness levels, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions and supporting HDR10+ content for improved contrast. The Galaxy A33 5G also offers a bright AMOLED screen, providing good visibility in various lighting conditions.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1440 x 3200

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these smartphones cater to different photography needs and expectations.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S20 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP main sensor, a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. This configuration excels in capturing detailed images with optical zoom capabilities and strong low-light performance. The Galaxy A33 5G comes with a quad-camera system, comprising a 48MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. This setup is designed for a range of shots, including close-ups and wide-angle scenes, with the main sensor performing well in everyday conditions.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S20 5G is praised for its overall camera quality, producing sharp and vibrant photos, with users often highlighting its impressive design and camera capabilities. The Galaxy A33 5G's main camera with OIS delivers decent photos in good lighting, though some reviews note a tendency for oversaturation. Its night mode performs adequately for its category.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy S20 5G supports video recording up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second, offering high-fidelity video capture. Both devices provide good microphone quality for calls and recordings, and their speaker outputs are suitable for media consumption, though the S20 5G's flagship status generally implies a more refined audio experience.

Main camera

48 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy A33 5G and Galaxy S20 5G support 5G connectivity, along with modern Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and notably lack a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy A33 5G features an in-display optical fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S20 5G also includes an in-display fingerprint sensor, which received mixed reviews from users regarding its responsiveness, alongside face recognition capabilities.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A33 5G has a plastic back and frame with a Gorilla Glass 5 front, contributing to a lighter feel and an IP67 rating. The Galaxy S20 5G offers a more premium construction with Gorilla Glass 6 on both the front and back, an aluminum frame, and an IP68 rating. It has a compact design that many users find comfortable for one-handed use. The Galaxy A33 5G weighs 186g, while the Galaxy S20 5G weighs 163g.

Weight

186 g

163 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.2

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G and Galaxy S20 5G cater to different user priorities, reflecting their original market positioning. User feedback for the Galaxy A33 5G often praises its strong battery life and the promise of extended software support, making it a reliable choice for long-term use. Some users, however, have noted that its performance can occasionally feel less fluid compared to higher-end devices, particularly when handling very demanding applications or extensive multitasking. The camera system is generally considered good for its segment, though not on par with flagship models.

Conversely, the Galaxy S20 5G, despite being an older model, is frequently lauded for its premium build quality, vibrant high-resolution display with a smooth refresh rate, and powerful camera system that includes optical zoom. Users appreciate its compact size and robust performance for its age. Common criticisms include its battery life, which some heavy users find requires more frequent charging, and the fact that it has reached the end of its official software update cycle, which could be a concern for those prioritizing the latest Android versions and security patches. The in-display fingerprint sensor also received mixed reviews.

Users prioritizing long-term software support, a larger battery, and a more repairable device may find the Galaxy A33 5G well-suited to their needs. It offers a balanced experience for everyday tasks and media consumption. On the other hand, users who value a premium design, a superior display, higher processing power for demanding applications, and advanced camera capabilities, and are less concerned about ongoing software updates, may lean toward the Galaxy S20 5G. Both devices, especially the Galaxy S20 5G, can be found as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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