The Oppo A33 (2020) and Samsung Galaxy A21s represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance, display quality, and battery life to determine which device offers the most value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A21s emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset, built on an 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Oppo A33’s Snapdragon 460, despite the similar CPU core counts. While both offer comparable battery endurance, the A21s’ brighter display enhances the overall user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 28. Released 2020, October 01 | 2020, May 15. Released 2020, June 02 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 163.7 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 10, ColorOS 7.2 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4/6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 gear 3 (one-lane) | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moonlight Black, Mint Cream | Black, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | CPH2137 | SM-A217F, SM-A217F/DS, SM-A217F/DSN, SM-A217M, SM-A217M/DS, SM-A217N |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.54 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 119h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1287:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.0 LUFS (Average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 107157 (v8)
GeekBench: 1100 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 11fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Oppo A33 (2020)
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially lower price point
- Clean Android skin (typically)
- Less powerful Snapdragon 460 chipset
- Likely lower display brightness
- Potentially less refined camera software
Samsung Galaxy A21s
- More powerful Exynos 850 chipset
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Samsung’s established camera software
- Slower 15W charging
- Samsung’s One UI can be resource-intensive
- Potentially higher price point
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A21s boasts a measurable peak brightness of 490 nits, a significant advantage over the Oppo A33, which lacks published brightness data but is expected to be lower given its chipset and market positioning. Both displays share a 1287:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar black levels and color depth. However, the A21s’ higher brightness translates to better visibility under direct sunlight, making it the superior choice for outdoor users. The lack of information regarding panel technology (IPS vs. TFT) for the A33 makes a direct comparison of color accuracy difficult, but Samsung typically employs better panel quality in this price range.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are absent. Given the price point, image quality will likely be similar in good lighting conditions. However, the A21s may benefit from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, potentially offering more vibrant and detailed photos. The prevalence of low-resolution auxiliary cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) in this segment suggests that focusing on the main sensor performance is crucial, and without specific sensor size data, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. The A21s’ brand reputation for camera software is slightly stronger.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Oppo A33 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A21s features the Exynos 850 (8nm). The 8nm process of the Exynos 850 offers improved power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the 11nm Snapdragon 460. While both CPUs are octa-core, the Exynos 850’s Cortex-A55 cores run at 2.0 GHz, compared to the Snapdragon 460’s Kryo 240 cores at 1.8 GHz and 1.6 GHz. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the A21s. The Snapdragon 460 is adequate for basic tasks, but the Exynos 850 provides a more future-proof experience.
Battery Life
Both the Oppo A33 and Samsung Galaxy A21s achieve an endurance rating of 119 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the Oppo A33 supports 18W wired charging, while the A21s is limited to 15W. This means the A33 can theoretically charge faster from 0-100%, although the actual difference in charging time may not be substantial. The comparable endurance ratings suggest that both phones can comfortably last a full day on a single charge with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A33 (2020) if you prioritize a slightly faster charging speed (18W vs 15W) and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A21s if you value smoother multitasking, a brighter and more visible display in outdoor conditions, and a more capable processor for handling moderately demanding apps and occasional gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A21s tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is relatively efficient and generally doesn't exhibit significant overheating issues during moderate gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it should handle most popular mobile games at medium settings without excessive throttling. The larger surface area of the A21s also aids in heat dissipation.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones are limited in their usefulness. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely practical camera component. Expect soft, grainy results, and don't rely on them for critical close-up photography.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A21s reliably run PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Samsung Galaxy A21s can run PUBG Mobile, but achieving a consistent 60fps experience will likely require lowering the graphics settings to the lowest available. The Exynos 850 is capable, but pushing higher frame rates with demanding graphics will likely lead to frame drops and stuttering. Expect a playable experience at lower settings.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Oppo's ColorOS and Samsung's One UI?
Oppo's ColorOS is generally considered to be a lighter and more streamlined Android skin compared to Samsung's One UI. One UI offers more features and customization options, but can also be more resource-intensive. ColorOS often prioritizes speed and simplicity, while One UI focuses on a feature-rich experience.
