The Realme V30 and Samsung Galaxy A33 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive budget 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver connectivity and essential features at an accessible price point, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware and overall approach. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a brighter display, the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Exynos 1280 chipset, while not a flagship, provides a more refined experience than the unspecified Mediatek chip in the Realme V30, and the 728 nits peak brightness is a significant advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 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 / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 09 | 2022, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 20 | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 8.1 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 | 186 g (6.56 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, 600 nits | Super AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
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 | 5 MP (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Unspecified | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | Yes | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Black, White, Blue, Peach |
| Models | RMX3618 | SM-A336E, SM-A336B, SM-A336B/DS, SM-A336B/DSN, SM-A336E/DS, SM-A336M, SM-A3360 |
| Price | About 150 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 V30
- Potentially lower price point
- 5G connectivity
- Long battery endurance (104h)
- Unspecified Mediatek chipset – performance is uncertain
- Likely lower display brightness
- Limited camera details
Samsung Galaxy A33 5G
- Exynos 1280 (5nm) – solid performance
- 728 nits peak brightness – excellent visibility
- 25W fast charging
- Established brand reputation
- Slightly higher price
- May not be significantly faster than competitors in the same price bracket
- Software updates may be slower than some competitors
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G boasts a clear 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 V30’s display specifications are unknown, it’s unlikely to match this level of brightness. Samsung also advertises an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting a VA-type panel offering deep blacks, further enhancing the viewing experience. The lack of information on the Realme V30’s panel type makes a direct comparison difficult, but the A33’s display is demonstrably superior based on measured brightness alone.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but specifics are limited. The absence of sensor size or aperture information for either phone makes a detailed comparison challenging. However, the market positioning of the A33 suggests a more refined camera experience, potentially with better image processing algorithms. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the A33 (likely, given Samsung’s typical implementation) would be a significant advantage, especially in low-light conditions. The Realme V30’s camera system is likely more basic, focusing on affordability over advanced features.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G is powered by the Exynos 1280 (5nm), an octa-core processor featuring two Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. This architecture provides a solid foundation for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The Realme V30, utilizing a Mediatek chipset, lacks this level of architectural detail. The 5nm fabrication process of the Exynos 1280 also contributes to improved power efficiency compared to older Mediatek chips, potentially leading to better sustained performance and reduced thermal throttling. Without knowing the specific Mediatek model, it’s difficult to assess the Realme V30’s performance, but the Exynos 1280 offers a more predictable and generally faster experience.
Battery Life
Both the Realme V30 and Samsung Galaxy A33 5G achieve an impressive endurance rating of 104 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G supports 25W wired charging, allowing for faster replenishment. While the Realme V30’s charging speed is unknown, the A33’s faster charging capability provides a tangible benefit for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. The similar endurance ratings suggest that both phones offer all-day battery life for typical usage, but the A33’s charging speed gives it an edge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme V30 if you need a basic, functional 5G phone and are heavily constrained by budget, accepting potential compromises in performance and display quality. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G if you prioritize a smoother user experience, a brighter and more viewable screen, and a more established brand reputation, even if it means spending slightly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy A33 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1280 is a relatively efficient chip, and the Galaxy A33 5G incorporates thermal management features to mitigate overheating. While some throttling may occur during extended, graphically intensive gaming, it's unlikely to result in significant performance drops or discomfort. User reports suggest it handles most games at medium settings without major issues.
❓ 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 can be fun for experimentation, but don't expect professional-quality macro photography. The Galaxy A33 5G's image processing may slightly improve results, but the sensor limitations remain.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G reliably maintain 90fps in demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Galaxy A33 5G's display supports a 90Hz refresh rate, but achieving a consistent 90fps in PUBG Mobile depends on the graphics settings. At medium settings, it's likely to maintain a stable frame rate. However, at higher settings, frame rates may drop to maintain thermal control. Expect a smooth experience with optimized settings.
