Samsung Galaxy A33 5G vs. A32: A Detailed Comparison of Samsung's Mid-Range Contenders

The Samsung Galaxy A32 and A33 5G represent Samsung's approach to accessible smartphones. While both aim for the mid-range market, they diverge significantly in core components. The A33 5G introduces 5G connectivity and a newer Exynos chipset, but at the cost of some battery endurance. This comparison dissects these differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G is the superior choice. The Exynos 1280 chipset delivers a noticeable performance boost over the Helio G80 in the A32, making it better suited for multitasking and gaming. The faster 25W charging partially offsets the slightly reduced battery life, and the 5G connectivity offers future-proofing.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy A32 Samsung Galaxy A33 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, February 252022, March 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, February 25Available. Released 2022, April 20
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions158.9 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm (6.26 x 2.90 x 0.33 in)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 + Nano-SIM
Weight184 g (6.49 oz)186 g (6.56 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM)Super AMOLED, 90Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm)Exynos 1280 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G68
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens48 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
Single20 MP, f/2.2, (wide)13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
Single20 MP, f/2.2, (wide)13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radio, RDS, recordingNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 Virtual proximity sensingVirtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging15W wired25W wired
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsAwesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue, Awesome VioletBlack, White, Blue, Peach
ModelsSM-A325F, SM-A325F/DS, SM-A325M, SM-A325NSM-A336E, SM-A336B, SM-A336B/DS, SM-A336B/DSN, SM-A336E/DS, SM-A336M, SM-A3360
Price€ 124.99 / £ 89.38£ 174.99 / € 187.50 / ₹ 21,999
SAR-0.35 W/kg (head)
SAR EU0.45 W/kg (head)     1.30 W/kg (body)0.57 W/kg (head)     1.59 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 119h Endurance rating 104h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -30.3 LUFS (Below average) -26.5 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 286666 (v8) GeekBench: 1277 (v5.1) GFXBench: 8.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 354420 (v8), 394918 (v9) GeekBench: 1900 (v5.1) GFXBench: 20fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy A32

  • Longer battery life (119h endurance)
  • Brighter display (814 nits)
  • More affordable price point (likely)

  • Less powerful processor (Helio G80)
  • Slower charging (15W)
  • No 5G connectivity

Samsung Galaxy A33 5G

  • Faster processor (Exynos 1280)
  • Faster charging (25W)
  • 5G connectivity
  • Potentially better image processing

  • Shorter battery life (104h endurance)
  • Dimmer display (728 nits)
  • Potentially higher price

Display Comparison

Both the A32 and A33 5G feature displays with an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, typical of Samsung's AMOLED panels. However, the A32 boasts a significantly brighter peak brightness of 814 nits compared to the A33 5G’s 728 nits. This means the A32 will be more visible outdoors in direct sunlight. While both likely use similar OLED technology, the A32’s higher brightness is a tangible advantage for outdoor usability. The lack of high refresh rate information for either device suggests a standard 60Hz panel, limiting smoothness in scrolling and animations.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. However, the A33 5G’s newer chipset likely includes an improved image signal processor (ISP), potentially leading to better image processing and low-light performance. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is likely a marketing feature with limited practical benefit, given the small sensor size and fixed focus. The A33 5G’s processing power may allow for more advanced computational photography features.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The A33 5G’s Exynos 1280, fabricated on a 5nm process, represents a substantial upgrade over the A32’s 12nm Mediatek Helio G80. The Exynos 1280’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, provides a significant CPU performance advantage over the A32’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 5nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While RAM specifications aren't provided, the A33 5G's superior chipset will be the primary performance driver.

Battery Life

The A32 holds a clear advantage in endurance rating, achieving 119 hours compared to the A33 5G’s 104 hours. This suggests the Helio G80 is more power-efficient than the Exynos 1280. However, the A33 5G compensates with significantly faster 25W wired charging, compared to the A32’s 15W charging. While the A33 5G’s battery life is shorter, the faster charging can mitigate this, allowing for quicker top-ups throughout the day. A full charge on the A33 5G will be considerably faster than on the A32.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy A32 if you prioritize maximum battery life and are less concerned with demanding applications or 5G connectivity. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, text, and make calls. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G if you value performance, faster charging, and the benefits of 5G, even if it means slightly less time between charges. This phone is better for gamers, social media enthusiasts, and those who want a phone that will remain relevant for longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the A33 5G tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1280, built on a 5nm process, is generally more thermally efficient than the Helio G80. While it can get warm during intensive tasks like gaming, the 5nm node and Samsung's thermal management should prevent significant throttling, offering a more consistent gaming experience compared to the A32.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro cameras on both the A32 and A33 5G are largely marketing features. The small sensor size and fixed focus result in images that lack detail and sharpness. They are unlikely to provide a significant improvement over using the main camera in close-up mode.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G reliably maintain 60fps in popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Exynos 1280 should be capable of maintaining 60fps in PUBG Mobile at medium to high graphics settings. However, achieving consistently smooth performance will depend on the specific game optimization and background processes running on the device. The A32's Helio G80 will likely struggle to maintain a stable 60fps at similar settings.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G from 0% to 100% with the 25W charger?
With the 25W charger, the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. This is significantly faster than the A32's 15W charging, which would likely take over 2 hours for a full charge.