Samsung Galaxy A23 5G vs Galaxy M33: The Ultimate Budget Battle
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy M33 edges out the A23 5G thanks to its more powerful Exynos 1280 chipset and reverse charging capability. While both offer solid battery life and displays, the M33's performance advantage makes it the slightly better overall pick for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Samsung Galaxy M33 |
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 2, 5, 30, 66, 77 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 05 | 2022, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 02 | Available. Released 2022, April 08 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 165.4 x 76.9 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 197 g (6.95 oz) | 198 g (Global) / 215 g (India) (6.98 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 120Hz | TFT LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 16, One UI 8 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 2.2 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS 5 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm - USA 8 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm - International | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio (market/region dependent) | Unspecified |
| 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, gyro, compass, barometer (USA only) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro |
| Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual Proximity Sensing | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired 4.5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Market-dependent versions:· Li-Ion 5000 mAh (Global)· Li-Ion 6000 mAh (India only) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Peach, Blue | Green, Blue, Brown |
| Models | SM-A236U, SM-A236U1, SM-A236B, SM-A236B/DS, SM-A236B/DSN, SM-A236E, SM-S236DL | SM-M336B, SM-M336B/DS, SM-M336BU, SM-M336BU/DS, SM-M336K |
| Price | $ 84.44 / £ 129.00 / € 125.28 / ₹ 21,000 | £ 299.00 |
| SAR | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 1.49 W/kg (head) 1.25 W/kg (body) | 1.04 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 138h | - |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: 1328:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker | -25.9 LUFS (Very good) | - |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 318821 (v9) GeekBench: 1940 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
- Exceptional battery life
- Compact design
- Good value
- Less powerful processor
- Limited gaming performance
Samsung Galaxy M33
- More powerful processor (Exynos 1280)
- Reverse wired charging
- Smooth multitasking
- Slightly larger size
- Battery life slightly less than A23 5G
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.6-inch FHD+ displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and visuals. The A23 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 508 nits and a contrast ratio of 1328:1, while the M33's display is similarly impressive. While the contrast ratio is nominal, real-world performance is comparable. Neither display truly stands out, but both are perfectly adequate for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
The A23 5G typically features a 50MP OIS main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. The M33 usually has a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. While the hardware is similar, image processing and overall camera quality can vary. The M33's more powerful processor may allow for slightly better image processing. Both phones record video up to 1080p at 30fps.
Performance
This is where the M33 takes a clear lead. The Exynos 1280 (5nm) significantly outperforms the Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) in the A23 5G. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the M33. The A23 5G is still capable for basic tasks, but the M33 offers a noticeably more responsive experience.
Battery Life
The A23 5G boasts an exceptional endurance rating of 138 hours, indicating outstanding battery life. The M33 also offers excellent battery life, though slightly less than the A23 5G. Both phones feature 25W wired charging, but the M33 adds the convenience of 4.5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge other devices.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G? Users prioritizing a slightly more compact design and excellent battery endurance. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy M33? Those seeking better performance for gaming and multitasking, and the added convenience of reverse wired charging.