Samsung Galaxy M33 vs Realme 9 Pro+: Which Mid-Range Phone Reigns Supreme?

The Samsung Galaxy M33 and Realme 9 Pro+ represent compelling options in the competitive mid-range smartphone market. The M33 focuses on a balanced feature set with Samsung’s established brand recognition, while the 9 Pro+ aggressively targets performance and charging speed. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your priorities.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing rapid charging and a slight performance edge, the Realme 9 Pro+ is the clear winner. Its 60W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the Dimensity 920 offers a marginal CPU boost. However, the Galaxy M33 remains a strong contender for those valuing Samsung’s software ecosystem and a more conservative power profile.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy M33 Realme 9 Pro+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE-A, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India
Launch
Announced2022, March 042022, February 16
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 08Available. Released 2022, February 21
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back
Dimensions165.4 x 76.9 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.37 in)160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight198 g (Global) / 215 g (India) (6.98 oz)182 g (6.42 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCD, 120HzSuper AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetExynos 1280 (5 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G68Mali-G68 MC4
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 16, One UI 8Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Single8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYes-
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
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/6, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyroFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Virtual Proximity Sensing-
Battery
Charging25W wired 4.5W reverse wired60W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 44 min (advertised)
TypeMarket-dependent versions:· Li-Ion 5000 mAh (Global)· Li-Ion 6000 mAh (India only)Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsGreen, Blue, BrownMidnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue, Free Fire Limited Edition
ModelsSM-M336B, SM-M336B/DS, SM-M336BU, SM-M336BU/DS, SM-M336KRMX3392, RMX3393
Price£ 299.00€ 289.90 / $ 390.00 / ₹ 25,999
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.73 W/kg (body)    
SAR EU1.04 W/kg (head)     1.38 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 117h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.3 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 495096 (v8), 416031 (v9) GeekBench: 2335 (v5.1) GFXBench: 27fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy M33

  • Samsung’s established brand and software support.
  • Potentially better thermal management due to 5nm Exynos chip.
  • Reverse wired charging for accessory power.

  • Slower 25W charging.
  • Lack of detailed display specifications.

Realme 9 Pro+

  • Significantly faster 60W charging with PD3.0.
  • Potentially higher CPU performance with Dimensity 920.
  • Longer endurance rating (117h).

  • Realme UI may not appeal to all users.
  • Limited information on display quality.

Display Comparison

The Realme 9 Pro+ boasts an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting a vibrant display experience, though specific peak brightness and color accuracy data are absent. The Galaxy M33’s display specifications are not provided, making a direct comparison difficult. However, given the M33’s positioning, it likely utilizes an LCD panel, potentially lacking the contrast and color vibrancy of an OLED panel, which is common in the 9 Pro+'s price bracket. The absence of refresh rate data for both devices is a notable omission.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications beyond 'Photo/Video' are lacking for both devices. The Realme 9 Pro+’s camera system is likely the stronger performer, given Realme’s recent focus on camera technology. Sensor size and aperture data are crucial for assessing low-light performance, but are unavailable. The Galaxy M33’s camera is likely competent, but without specific details, it’s difficult to gauge its capabilities against the 9 Pro+. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to significantly impact image quality and should be considered a secondary feature.

Performance

The Realme 9 Pro+ leverages the Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6nm), featuring a slightly higher clocked CPU (2.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz) compared to the Samsung Galaxy M33’s Exynos 1280 (5nm). While the clock speed difference is minimal, the 6nm process node of the Dimensity 920 *could* translate to improved power efficiency. However, the 5nm node of the Exynos 1280 generally offers better thermal efficiency, potentially mitigating throttling during sustained workloads. Both chipsets share the same Cortex-A78 and A55 core configuration, suggesting similar multi-core performance, but the Dimensity 920’s GPU may offer a slight advantage in graphics-intensive tasks. RAM specifications are not provided for either device, hindering a complete performance assessment.

Battery Life

The Realme 9 Pro+’s 60W wired charging, with an advertised 100% charge in 44 minutes, is a significant advantage over the Galaxy M33’s 25W charging. This drastically reduces charging time, a key benefit for users who frequently need to top up their battery. The Realme 9 Pro+ also boasts an endurance rating of 117 hours, suggesting excellent battery life. While the Galaxy M33’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the slower charging speed implies a longer recharge time. The faster charging of the 9 Pro+ effectively mitigates any potential capacity difference.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy M33 if you need a reliable all-rounder with a familiar user interface and prioritize software updates from a well-established brand. Buy the Realme 9 Pro+ if you prefer faster charging, a potentially smoother gaming experience, and are comfortable with Realme UI, potentially gaining more performance for your money.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy M33 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The 5nm process of the Exynos 1280 generally contributes to better thermal efficiency compared to larger node chips. While sustained gaming will inevitably generate heat, the M33 is less likely to experience significant throttling than devices with less efficient chipsets. However, without specific thermal testing data, it's difficult to provide a definitive answer.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget and mid-range phones offer limited detail and image quality. They often struggle with sharpness and dynamic range. While they can be fun to experiment with, don't expect professional-level macro photography from either device.
❓ Does the Realme 9 Pro+ support 90fps gameplay in demanding titles like PUBG Mobile?
The Dimensity 920 chipset is capable of handling PUBG Mobile at high frame rates. However, achieving a consistent 90fps will depend on the game settings and the phone's thermal management. It's likely achievable at balanced or lower graphics settings, but maximum settings may result in frame drops.
❓ How does the Realme 9 Pro+'s 60W charging compare to standard fast charging?
60W charging is significantly faster than typical 'fast charging' solutions (often 15W-25W). It can replenish a battery from 0% to 100% in around 45 minutes, compared to over an hour or more for slower charging methods. This is a major convenience factor for users who need to quickly top up their battery.