The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Realme C33 2023 and the Samsung Galaxy A04e. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04e edges out the Realme C33 2023 thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and generally smoother performance. While both are budget options, the A04e provides a more responsive user experience, making it the preferred choice for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 14 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 14 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI S | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | RMX3627 | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 110 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Realme C33 2023
- Stylish Design
- Large Display
- Potentially better camera megapixels
- Realme UI (generally user-friendly)
- Unisoc Chipset (lower performance)
- Slow 10W Charging
- Build quality may be less premium
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Slightly better performance (Helio P35)
- Samsung Brand Reputation
- One UI (clean and intuitive)
- Potentially better color science in camera
- Less exciting design
- Lower main camera megapixel count
- Slow 10W Charging
- Can feel a bit plasticky
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.5-inch displays, likely with HD+ resolution. The Realme C33 2023 might offer slightly better color accuracy due to Realme's typical display tuning, but both will be adequate for media consumption. Expect similar viewing angles and brightness levels.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C33 2023 likely boasts a higher megapixel count on its main camera (potentially 50MP vs. A04e's 13MP), but megapixels aren't everything. Image processing and sensor size play a crucial role. Expect decent daytime photos from both, but low-light performance will be average. The A04e might have slightly better color science.
Performance
Here's where the Samsung Galaxy A04e takes a slight lead. The Helio P35, while not a powerhouse, generally outperforms the Unisoc Tiger T612 in real-world usage. Expect smoother app loading and slightly better multitasking on the A04e. Both will struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are a limitation, with both offering only 10W wired charging. Expect similar battery endurance from both devices.
Buying Guide
The Realme C33 2023 is ideal for users prioritizing a large display and a stylish design on a tight budget. The Samsung Galaxy A04e is better suited for those needing a bit more processing power for basic multitasking and gaming, and who value the Samsung brand reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Samsung Galaxy A04e generally offers slightly better gaming performance due to its marginally more powerful processor.
❓ Is the Realme C33 2023 worth buying if I only need a phone for basic tasks?
Yes, the Realme C33 2023 is a viable option for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing, especially if you prioritize a stylish design and large display.
