Galaxy A33 5G Vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G

Galaxy A33 5G
Galaxy A33 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£102.00

Versus £389.00 new

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Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£247.00

Versus £1,364.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, released in April 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, launched in February 2022, represent distinct segments within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both offer 5G connectivity and run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, the A33 5G is positioned as a capable mid-range device, whereas the S22 Ultra 5G is a premium flagship, distinguished by its advanced camera system, integrated S Pen, and more powerful internal components.

Scores

Durability

Both devices benefit from Samsung's commitment to software support, but their inherent design and build quality contribute to different practical lifespans.

  • Software Updates: Both the Galaxy A33 5G and the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G were launched with Android 12 and are promised four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security updates from their respective release dates. This means the S22 Ultra 5G, being released slightly earlier, may conclude its software support window marginally sooner than the A33 5G.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy A33 5G has a repairability score of 7.75 out of 10, indicating it is relatively straightforward to disassemble, with accessible components like the battery and screen cable. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, as a flagship device, typically features a more complex internal design with extensive use of adhesive, which can make repairs more challenging and potentially more costly.
  • Build Materials: The A33 5G features a plastic chassis with a Gorilla Glass 5 front, offering good everyday durability and IP67 water and dust resistance. The S22 Ultra 5G uses a more premium construction with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, coupled with an aluminum frame and IP68 water and dust resistance, providing enhanced protection against drops and submersion.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two devices cater to different user demands, driven by their respective internal hardware.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A33 5G is equipped with an octa-core processor designed to handle heavy-duty multitasking and everyday applications smoothly. While capable, users might experience minor stutters when running many demanding apps simultaneously. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a significantly more powerful current-generation processor, enabling it to manage highly demanding applications, intensive gaming, and complex multitasking with greater fluidity and responsiveness.
  • Memory and Storage: The A33 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, with a feature called RAM Plus that provides additional virtual RAM for a boost. It offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card. The S22 Ultra 5G provides more substantial RAM options, including 8GB and 12GB, and a wider range of internal storage configurations from 128GB up to 1TB, but it does not support expandable storage via microSD.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices house a 5000 mAh battery. The A33 5G's battery is reported to last for one to two days of typical use, benefiting from its efficient processor and display. The S22 Ultra 5G, despite having the same battery capacity, powers a larger, higher-resolution, and brighter display, along with a more powerful processor, which can lead to more frequent charging for heavy users. Both support 25W fast wired charging.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience differs significantly between these two models, primarily due to display technology and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A33 5G features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels), offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G boasts a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Quad HD+ resolution (1440 x 3088 pixels), providing a sharper and more detailed viewing experience.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The A33 5G offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides a smoother scrolling experience compared to standard 60Hz displays. The S22 Ultra 5G features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which dynamically adjusts based on content, resulting in exceptionally fluid animations and responsiveness, particularly noticeable in gaming and fast-paced content.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The A33 5G's display offers fair brightness, remaining readable outdoors when set to maximum. The S22 Ultra 5G's display can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, incorporating Vision Booster technology, which significantly enhances visibility and color accuracy even in bright sunlight.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1440 x 3088

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems are a major distinguishing factor, with the S22 Ultra 5G offering a more versatile and advanced setup.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A33 5G includes a quad-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor featuring Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. The main camera captures good, detailed photos in daylight, and OIS aids in smoother video recording and low-light performance. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a more comprehensive quad-camera system, including a 108MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 10MP periscope telephoto lens offering 10x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom. This allows for greater flexibility in capturing subjects at various distances.
  • Video Recording: Both devices are capable of recording video at 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. The S22 Ultra 5G extends its video capabilities to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second, offering higher detail for compatible displays.
  • Front Camera and Audio: The A33 5G has a 13MP front camera, suitable for selfies and video calls. The S22 Ultra 5G features a higher-resolution 40MP front camera with autofocus, providing more detailed self-portraits. Both phones offer stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience during media consumption. Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Main camera

48 megapixels

108 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

40 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements differentiate the user experience of these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity. The A33 5G includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (Wi-Fi 5) and Bluetooth 5.1, with a USB-C 2.0 port. The S22 Ultra 5G offers more advanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2, alongside a faster USB-C 3.2 port, which can provide quicker data transfer speeds.
  • Biometric Security and Sensors: The A33 5G features an optical in-display fingerprint sensor. The S22 Ultra 5G utilizes an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, generally considered faster and more secure, and also includes a barometer, which is absent on the A33 5G.
  • Design and Handling: The A33 5G measures 159.7 x 74 x 8.1 mm and weighs 186g, making it a more compact and lighter device with a plastic back. The S22 Ultra 5G is larger and heavier at 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm and 228g, featuring a glass back and a more substantial feel. The S22 Ultra 5G also uniquely integrates the S Pen stylus, offering enhanced productivity and creative input.

Weight

186 g

228 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.8

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy A33 5G often praises its strong battery life, vibrant AMOLED display, and the inclusion of OIS in its main camera, especially considering its market segment. Some users note that its processing power, while capable for daily tasks, can show limitations with very demanding applications or extensive multitasking. The design, with its plastic build and IP67 rating, is generally seen as practical and durable.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G consistently receives acclaim for its exceptional display quality, versatile and powerful camera system with advanced zoom capabilities, and the integrated S Pen, which enhances productivity and creative workflows. Its premium build and robust performance are also frequently highlighted. Criticisms, when present, often relate to its larger size and weight, which might not suit all users, and the battery life, while good, may require more frequent charging for power users due to the demanding hardware.

Users prioritizing a balanced device for everyday use, with solid battery life, a good display, and reliable camera performance, may find the Galaxy A33 5G well-suited to their needs. Its expandable storage is also a notable advantage for those who need ample space for media and files. Conversely, users who require top-tier performance, a highly advanced camera system with extensive zoom, a larger and more immersive display, and the unique functionality of a built-in stylus for productivity and creativity will likely lean towards the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

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