Galaxy A33 5G Vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G

Galaxy A33 5G
Galaxy A33 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£102.00

Versus £389.00 new

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Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£123.00

Versus £759.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, released in April 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, are both Android-based smartphones from Samsung. While both devices operate on the same One UI software experience, they cater to slightly different user expectations. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a more advanced processor and display technology, positioning it as a device with closer ties to Samsung's flagship line, whereas the Galaxy A33 5G provides a solid mid-range experience with a focus on core functionalities.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, both the Galaxy A33 5G and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offer substantial software support, which is a key factor in a smartphone's practical lifespan.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, slightly preceding the Galaxy A33 5G's April 2022 launch. This means the S21 FE 5G will reach its end-of-life for major OS updates a few months earlier than the A33 5G.
  • OS Support Duration: Both models were launched with Android 12 and are eligible for four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is expected to receive updates up to Android 16, while the Galaxy A33 5G is also projected to receive several major OS updates, potentially up to Android 16.
  • Repairability: Both devices demonstrate a commendable level of repairability, with the Galaxy A33 5G receiving a score of 7.5 out of 10, and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G also scoring 7.5 out of 10. This indicates that common repairs, such as screen or battery replacements, are relatively manageable for trained technicians.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones present a notable distinction, primarily influenced by their internal processing hardware and memory configurations.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor typically found in flagship devices from its generation, allowing it to handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-heavy games with considerable smoothness and responsiveness. In contrast, the Galaxy A33 5G features a mid-range processor, which provides a capable experience for everyday tasks, social media, and lighter gaming, though some users have reported occasional lag or overheating during prolonged heavy use.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer configurations with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for managing multiple applications simultaneously. The Galaxy A33 5G provides 128GB or 256GB of internal storage and includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, offering flexibility for users with large media libraries. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also comes with 128GB or 256GB storage options but lacks a microSD card slot, meaning its storage capacity is fixed.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A33 5G houses a larger 5000 mAh battery, generally providing extended usage times for moderate users. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, and while it supports fast charging and wireless charging, some users have noted its battery life can be average, particularly with heavy usage or specific software configurations.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is vibrant, though the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a more premium display technology.

  • Display Technology and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A33 5G features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and vivid colors. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, also with a 6.4-inch screen, steps up to a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering an even smoother visual experience, particularly noticeable in fast-paced content and general navigation.
  • Resolution and Brightness: Both phones offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 for A33 5G, 2340x1080 for S21 FE 5G), ensuring sharp and clear visuals for everyday viewing. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts a higher peak brightness of up to 1200-1300 nits, which translates to better visibility in bright outdoor conditions compared to the Galaxy A33 5G.
  • Screen Protection: For durability, the Galaxy A33 5G is protected by Gorilla Glass 5, offering good resistance against scratches and drops. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features Gorilla Glass Victus, which provides enhanced durability and improved drop protection.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these smartphones are designed to capture different levels of detail and offer varying photographic capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A33 5G is equipped with a quad-camera setup, including a 48MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide lens, a 5MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple-camera system with a 12MP main sensor (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, providing greater versatility for distant subjects.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally delivers strong performance in various lighting conditions, with its telephoto lens being a significant advantage for zoom photography. User feedback for the A33 5G suggests that while its photos are of good quality when sufficient time is taken, the camera can be sluggish to focus, potentially impacting quick snapshots.
  • Front Camera and Video: For selfies, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a higher-resolution 32MP front camera, while the Galaxy A33 5G features a 13MP front camera. Both devices are capable of recording video at up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, with the S21 FE 5G also offering 4K at 60 frames per second for smoother video capture.

Main camera

48 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience of the Galaxy A33 5G and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for faster and more stable wireless internet connections, whereas the Galaxy A33 5G supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, but neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Build Materials and Durability: The Galaxy A33 5G features a glass front (Gorilla Glass 5) and a plastic back and frame, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers enhanced durability with Gorilla Glass Victus on the front, a plastic back, and a metal frame, coupled with an IP68 rating, allowing for immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.
  • Sensors and Biometrics: Both smartphones incorporate an in-display optical fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also includes additional sensors such as a barometer and Hall sensor, which are not present in the Galaxy A33 5G.

Weight

186 g

177 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.4

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G and Galaxy S21 FE 5G both offer compelling Android experiences, but they cater to different priorities. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is frequently praised by users for its vibrant Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and its capable camera system, particularly the inclusion of a telephoto lens. However, some users have reported concerns regarding its battery life, especially with the Exynos variant, and occasional heating issues.

Conversely, the Galaxy A33 5G is often appreciated for its larger battery capacity and the inclusion of expandable storage via a microSD card slot. Criticisms sometimes point to its mid-range processor, which can lead to occasional performance lags or overheating under demanding use, and a camera that can be slow to focus.

Users prioritizing a smoother display, a more powerful processor for demanding applications, and a versatile camera with optical zoom may find the Galaxy S21 FE 5G better suited to their needs. Its IP68 rating and Gorilla Glass Victus also offer a slight edge in durability. On the other hand, individuals who value longer battery life, expandable storage, and a more budget-conscious approach to smartphone ownership might lean towards the Galaxy A33 5G. Both devices represent solid choices within the Samsung ecosystem, and opting for a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative to extend their lifecycle.

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