Galaxy A33 5G Vs Galaxy S24+

Galaxy A33 5G
Galaxy A33 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£98.00

Versus £389.00 new

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Galaxy S24+
Galaxy S24+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£337.00

Versus £997.95 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, released in March 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, launched in January 2024, are both Android smartphones from Samsung, yet they cater to different user expectations and needs. The A33 5G is positioned as a capable mid-range device, while the S24 Plus represents a premium flagship offering. Key differentiators lie in their overall performance capabilities, display quality, and camera systems, reflecting their respective market segments. Both devices run on Samsung's One UI interface over the Android operating system, providing a consistent software experience, though with varying levels of feature access and update longevity.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release timeline and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates. These factors determine how long a device remains secure, compatible with new applications, and performs optimally.

  • Release Timeline & OS Support: The Galaxy A33 5G, released in March 2022, typically receives four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates from its launch. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Plus, launched in January 2024, benefits from Samsung's extended policy, promising seven years of both OS and security updates. [8, 12, 16, 20, 25, 26, 34, 38] This means the S24 Plus offers a significantly longer period of official software support.
  • Software Longevity: Users of the Galaxy A33 5G can expect their device to remain current with Android versions for a substantial period, ensuring compatibility with most new apps and features. The Galaxy S24 Plus, however, is designed for exceptional software longevity, potentially receiving updates until 2031, which is a notable advantage for users who keep their devices for many years. [20]
  • Build and Repairability: The Galaxy A33 5G features a Gorilla Glass 5 front and a plastic back and frame, offering a good balance of durability for its class, along with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. [16, 25] The Galaxy S24 Plus elevates this with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, coupled with an Armor Aluminum frame and an IP68 rating, suggesting enhanced resistance to drops and water immersion. [2, 9, 18, 22] While specific repairability scores vary, both devices are designed with modern smartphone construction, which can influence the ease and cost of repairs.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a critical aspect for daily smartphone use, impacting everything from app responsiveness to multitasking and gaming. The two devices offer distinct experiences in this regard.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy A33 5G handles everyday tasks smoothly, including web browsing, social media, and moderate gaming, thanks to its capable processor. [25] Users generally report satisfactory performance for typical daily usage. The Galaxy S24 Plus, however, features a significantly more powerful current-generation processor, designed for demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and high-fidelity gaming with greater efficiency. [2, 13, 14, 17, 18, 22, 24, 29, 30, 35]
  • System Responsiveness and Multitasking: The Galaxy A33 5G provides a responsive user experience for most common activities. For users who frequently switch between numerous applications or engage in heavy productivity tasks, the Galaxy S24 Plus offers a more fluid and immediate response, often supported by a larger amount of RAM (typically 12GB compared to the A33's 6GB or 8GB). [2, 4, 8, 13, 18, 22, 32, 35] This allows the S24 Plus to keep more apps open in the background without needing to reload them.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A33 5G is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, which users often find provides a full day of use, and sometimes more, under moderate conditions. [4, 6, 8, 25, 33, 37] The Galaxy S24 Plus has a 4900 mAh battery, and despite its powerful components and higher resolution display, it is optimized for efficient power consumption, with many users reporting it comfortably lasts through a long day, and some even achieving two days of use. [5, 10, 17, 24, 28, 30, 35] Both support fast charging, with the S24 Plus offering faster wired charging speeds. [18, 33]

Memory (GB)

6 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is the primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both models offer different visual experiences tailored to their respective categories.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy A33 5G features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 pixels). [4, 7, 8, 16, 23, 25, 32, 44] This technology provides vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S24 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3120x1440 pixels), offering significantly sharper images and more detailed content. [1, 2, 11, 13, 15, 18, 22, 40, 47]
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The A33 5G's display has a 90Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz screens, and can reach a peak brightness of around 800 nits (typical) or over 1000 nits (tested) for good outdoor visibility. [7, 23, 25, 44, 46] The S24 Plus features an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, which dynamically adjusts for optimal smoothness and power efficiency. [1, 13, 15, 18, 22, 27, 42, 47] Its peak brightness of 2600 nits ensures exceptional readability even in direct sunlight. [1, 11, 13, 15, 18, 22, 27]
  • Viewing Experience: The A33 5G offers a clear and enjoyable viewing experience for media consumption and daily tasks. The S24 Plus, with its higher resolution, larger size, and superior brightness, delivers a more immersive and detailed visual experience, particularly beneficial for high-quality video, intricate graphics, and extended reading. [11, 15, 35]

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1440 x 3120

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both devices offer different photographic and videographic tools.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A33 5G features a quad-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. [4, 6, 16, 19, 23, 32, 33] This configuration provides versatility for various shooting scenarios. The Galaxy S24 Plus comes with a triple-camera system, including a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. [1, 11, 13, 18, 22, 43] The dedicated telephoto lens offers superior zoom capabilities.
  • Photography Performance: The A33 5G captures clear and detailed photos in good lighting, with OIS aiding in low-light shots and video stability. [6, 23, 25, 31, 33] Its ultrawide camera is suitable for landscapes, and the macro lens allows for close-up details. The S24 Plus delivers high-quality images across various conditions, excelling in detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance due to its larger sensors and advanced processing. [11, 13] It also benefits from AI-powered editing features. [11, 13]
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The A33 5G can record videos up to 4K at 30 frames per second (fps) with its main camera, and its 13MP front camera provides good selfies. [4, 16, 31, 32, 36] The S24 Plus supports video recording up to 8K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps, offering higher resolution and smoother footage. [22] Its 12MP front camera also provides high-quality selfies and supports 4K video recording. [1, 13, 22] Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption, with the S24 Plus often providing a richer audio experience. [16, 22, 35]

Main camera

48 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

12 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 S24 Plus support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to the latest mobile network speeds. [4, 8, 18, 22, 32] They also feature modern Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth for wireless connections. The A33 5G includes a USB-C port and notably retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the S24 Plus. [16, 22, 44] The S24 Plus utilizes a USB-C 3.2 port, offering faster data transfer speeds compared to the A33 5G's USB-C 2.0. [16, 40]
  • Sensors and Biometrics: Both devices incorporate an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. [4, 7, 8, 22, 24, 32] The S24 Plus uses an ultrasonic sensor, which is generally considered faster and more secure than the optical sensor found in the A33 5G. [1] Both include standard sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and ambient light sensors.
  • Design and Build Materials: The Galaxy A33 5G has dimensions of 159.7 x 74 x 8.1mm and weighs 186g, featuring a Gorilla Glass 5 front and a plastic back and frame. [8, 16, 25] The Galaxy S24 Plus is slightly larger and heavier at 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7mm and 196g, but it uses more premium materials, including Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, and an Armor Aluminum frame. [2, 9, 18, 22, 40, 43] This results in a more robust and premium feel for the S24 Plus.

Weight

186 g

197 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User sentiment for the Galaxy A33 5G often highlights its strong battery life, vibrant Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, and the inclusion of OIS in its main camera as significant advantages for its segment. [25, 33] Common criticisms sometimes point to its processor not being the fastest for very demanding tasks and the absence of a charger in the box. [6, 25, 33] Overall, it is praised as a well-balanced mid-range device offering good value and multi-year software support. [25]

For the Galaxy S24 Plus, users frequently commend its exceptional display brightness and resolution, extended software update policy, and robust performance for all tasks, including gaming and advanced AI features. [13, 15, 24, 28, 35] While generally well-received, some discussions have noted potential regional differences in processor performance (Exynos vs. Snapdragon) and occasional software glitches, though these are often addressed with updates. [10, 14, 29, 30, 35] Its battery life is also consistently praised for lasting a full day or more. [5, 24, 28]

Users prioritizing extended software longevity, top-tier performance for demanding applications, and a premium display and camera experience will find the Galaxy S24 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its advanced features and robust build make it ideal for professionals or power users. Conversely, individuals seeking a reliable smartphone with a great screen, solid battery life, and a capable camera for everyday use, without the need for flagship-level performance, may lean toward the Galaxy A33 5G. It remains a practical and eco-friendly alternative, especially when considering quality-assured refurbished options, offering a balance of features for a more budget-conscious approach. Both devices provide a strong Android experience, but their strengths align with different user priorities.

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