The Realme V11s 5G and Samsung Galaxy A33 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$300 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price, they take different approaches to achieving this, particularly in chipset choice and display technology. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Exynos 1280 chipset, built on a more efficient 5nm process, provides a performance edge, and the 728 nits peak brightness offers a superior viewing experience. However, the Realme V11s 5G remains a strong contender for those prioritizing a lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 24 | 2022, March 17 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 8.4 mm thickness | 159.7 x 74 x 8.1 mm (6.29 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Violet | Black, White, Blue, Peach |
| Models | RMX3125 | SM-A336E, SM-A336B, SM-A336B/DS, SM-A336B/DSN, SM-A336E/DS, SM-A336M, SM-A3360 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | £ 174.99 / € 187.50 / ₹ 21,999 |
| SAR | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 1.59 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 104h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.5 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 354420 (v8), 394918 (v9)
GeekBench: 1900 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 20fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme V11s 5G
- More affordable price point
- 5G connectivity
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Less powerful chipset
- Likely lower display brightness and quality
- Slower charging speed
Samsung Galaxy A33 5G
- More powerful and efficient Exynos 1280 chipset
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Faster 25W charging
- Higher price
- May not offer significantly better battery life despite faster charging
- Software updates may be slower than Realme
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G boasts a significant advantage in display quality, achieving a measured peak brightness of 728 nits. This is crucial for outdoor visibility, a common pain point for budget phones. While the Realme V11s 5G’s display specifications are not provided, it’s reasonable to assume it falls short of this brightness level given its price bracket. The Galaxy A33’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a Super AMOLED panel, offering deeper blacks and more vivid colors compared to the likely LCD panel on the V11s. This translates to a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. However, given Samsung’s history, the Galaxy A33 5G likely features a more refined camera system with better image processing algorithms. The A33’s sensor size is likely larger than the V11s, resulting in better low-light performance. While both phones may include a 2MP macro camera, these are generally of limited utility and shouldn’t be a primary consideration. The Exynos 1280’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is also more advanced, contributing to superior image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Realme V11s 5G utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G features the Exynos 1280 (5nm). The 5nm fabrication process of the Exynos 1280 is more efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance under load. Both CPUs feature a similar core configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76/A78 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – but the architectural improvements in the Cortex-A78 found in the Exynos 1280 provide a noticeable performance uplift. This will be most apparent in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The V11s 5G will handle everyday tasks adequately, but the A33 5G offers a smoother, more responsive experience.
Battery Life
Both phones share an endurance rating of 104 hours, suggesting comparable battery life in typical usage scenarios. However, the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G’s 25W wired charging is significantly faster than the Realme V11s 5G’s 18W charging. This means the A33 5G can replenish its battery more quickly, minimizing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed gives the A33 an edge in convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme V11s 5G if you need a highly affordable 5G phone and are willing to compromise slightly on performance and display quality. It’s ideal for basic smartphone tasks and light social media use. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G if you prioritize a smoother user experience, a brighter and more vibrant display, and potentially better long-term software support, even if it comes at a slightly higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy A33 5G tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1280, built on a 5nm process, is generally efficient and manages heat well. While some throttling may occur during extended, graphically intensive gaming, it's unlikely to be a significant issue. The larger surface area of the A33 5G also aids in heat dissipation compared to the more compact V11s.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using for detailed close-up shots?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones deliver limited detail and image quality. They are often included for marketing purposes but rarely produce impressive results. You're better off using the main camera and cropping for close-up shots.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G reliably maintain 60fps in popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy A33 5G should be capable of maintaining 60fps in PUBG Mobile at medium to high graphics settings. However, achieving consistently smooth performance may require adjusting the graphics settings based on the specific game and your preferences.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Realme UI and Samsung's One UI?
Samsung's One UI is generally considered more polished and feature-rich, with a stronger emphasis on customization options. Realme UI is lighter and faster, but may lack some of the advanced features found in One UI. Samsung also typically offers longer software support, including more frequent security updates.
