Galaxy A33 5G Vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Galaxy A33 5G
Galaxy A33 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£102.00

Versus £389.00 new

See options
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Starting at

Refurbished price:£538.00

Versus £1,739.49 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G (released in April 2022) and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold (released in September 2024) represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy A33 5G offers a traditional smartphone experience, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold introduces a foldable form factor, providing a larger display when unfolded. These devices cater to different user needs, with the Galaxy A33 5G focusing on a balanced mid-range offering and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold delivering a premium, versatile experience with advanced features.

Scores

Durability

The expected lifespan and software support differ significantly between these two devices, reflecting their respective release timelines and product categories.

  • Software Support: The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, released in September 2024, benefits from Google's commitment to providing seven years of operating system and security updates, extending its support until 2031. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, launched in April 2022, was promised four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning its software support will conclude sooner.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A33 5G features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, offering protection against submersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for 30 minutes. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts an IPX8 water resistance rating, indicating protection against continuous submersion, though it does not specify dust resistance. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's cover display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, while the inner foldable screen utilizes Ultra Thin Glass.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users can expect the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to remain current with software features and security patches for a considerably longer period due to its extended update policy. The foldable design of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold introduces a mechanical hinge, which is a factor in its long-term physical integrity, though Google markets its hinges as durable.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

Yes

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones are tailored to their respective market segments, with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offering a more powerful and future-ready experience.

  • Processing Power: The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is equipped with the Google Tensor G4 processor, alongside a Titan M2 security coprocessor, designed for efficient handling of demanding applications, advanced AI features, and smooth multitasking. The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G utilizes the Exynos 1280 processor, which provides competent performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with 16GB of RAM, enabling seamless transitions between numerous applications and robust performance for intensive tasks. It offers storage options of 256GB or 512GB. The Galaxy A33 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSD card, providing flexibility for users who require additional space for media and files.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A33 5G features a 5000 mAh battery, which often provides up to two days of usage for many users. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a 4650 mAh battery, and while it supports faster 45W wired charging and wireless charging, its larger, more power-intensive displays and advanced processor may lead to different usage patterns.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

16 GB

Screen quality

The display experience is a primary differentiator, with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offering a unique foldable design and advanced display technologies compared to the Galaxy A33 5G's traditional panel.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold features two OLED displays: an 8.0-inch Super Actua Flex main foldable display and a 6.3-inch Actua cover display. Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G has a single 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its rich color reproduction.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's main display has a resolution of 2076 x 2152 pixels, while its cover display is 2424 x 1080 pixels. Both displays can reach a peak brightness of up to 2700 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy A33 5G offers a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a maximum brightness of 800 nits, which is suitable for most indoor and outdoor viewing.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's main display features an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and responsiveness while optimizing power consumption. Its cover display offers a 60-120Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy A33 5G has a 90Hz refresh rate, which delivers a smoother visual experience than standard 60Hz displays.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

2076 x 2152

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but the Pixel 9 Pro Fold integrates Google's advanced computational photography with a versatile hardware setup, while the Galaxy A33 5G provides a solid mid-range photography experience.

  • Rear Camera System: The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a triple rear camera setup, including a 48MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 10.5MP ultrawide lens, and a 10.8MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and OIS. The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G comes with a quad-camera array, consisting of a 48MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor.
  • Photography Performance: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold leverages the Tensor G4 chip for advanced image processing, enhancing detail, color accuracy, and low-light performance. Its telephoto lens allows for significant optical zoom capabilities. The Galaxy A33 5G's main camera with OIS performs well in various conditions, including low light, and its ultrawide camera captures broader scenes.
  • Front Cameras and Video: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold includes a 10MP camera on both its cover and inner foldable displays, and supports video recording up to 4K at 60 frames per second. The Galaxy A33 5G has a 13MP front camera and can record videos up to 4K at 30 frames per second.

Front camera

13 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, along with a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port. The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band) and Bluetooth 5.1, with a USB-C 2.0 port. The Galaxy A33 5G notably lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers both a fingerprint sensor, integrated into the power button, and face unlock for secure access. The Galaxy A33 5G features an in-display fingerprint sensor. Both devices include standard sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and compasses.
  • Design and Handling: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's foldable design allows it to transform from a compact smartphone to a larger tablet-like device, weighing 257 grams. Its dimensions are 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5 mm when folded and 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mm when unfolded. The Galaxy A33 5G is a traditional slab phone, weighing 186 grams with dimensions of 159.7 x 74 x 8.1 mm, offering a more conventional and lighter feel.

Weight

186 g

257 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

8.0

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User sentiment for the Google Pixel Fold (the predecessor to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold) often highlights its unique form factor and the utility of its wider cover screen, making it feel more like a traditional phone when closed compared to some other foldables. Users appreciate its strong camera performance, consistent with Google's reputation for computational photography, and the smooth transition between the outer and inner displays. Some criticisms of the original Pixel Fold included its weight and the visibility of the inner screen crease, though the Pixel 9 Pro Fold aims to address some of these with a lighter build and improved display technology.

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G is frequently praised for its robust battery life, often lasting up to two days, and its vibrant Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Users also value its IP67 water resistance and the inclusion of optical image stabilization (OIS) in its main camera, which are notable features for its segment. Some users have noted that its processing power, while competent for daily use, might feel less responsive compared to higher-end devices, and the absence of a charger in the box is a common point of discussion.

Users prioritizing a compact, durable, and long-lasting battery experience in a traditional smartphone form factor may find the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G well-suited to their needs. Its extended software support for a mid-range device also adds to its appeal for those seeking longevity. Conversely, users who desire a versatile device that can transform from a standard smartphone to a larger, immersive display for productivity and media consumption will likely lean towards the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Its advanced camera system, powerful processor, and extended software update commitment make it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium, cutting-edge experience. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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