Samsung Galaxy M33 vs Galaxy A23 5G: The Ultimate Budget Battle
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A23 5G edges out the M33 thanks to its slightly more efficient Snapdragon chipset and excellent battery life. While the M33 boasts a more powerful CPU, the A23 5G's overall package provides better value and longevity.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy M33 | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G |
| 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, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International |
| 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, March 04 | 2022, August 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 08 | Available. Released 2022, September 02 |
| 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 9.4 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.37 in) | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (Global) / 215 g (India) (6.98 oz) | 197 g (6.95 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 | TFT LCD, 120Hz | PLS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 16, One UI 8 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | 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 |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 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 |
| 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, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (USA only) |
| Virtual Proximity Sensing | Virtual proximity sensing | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 25W wired 4.5W reverse wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Market-dependent versions:· Li-Ion 5000 mAh (Global)· Li-Ion 6000 mAh (India only) | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Green, Blue, Brown | Black, White, Peach, Blue |
| Models | SM-M336B, SM-M336B/DS, SM-M336BU, SM-M336BU/DS, SM-M336K | SM-A236U, SM-A236U1, SM-A236B, SM-A236B/DS, SM-A236B/DSN, SM-A236E, SM-S236DL |
| Price | £ 299.00 | $ 84.44 / £ 129.00 / € 125.28 / ₹ 21,000 |
| SAR | - | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.04 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) | 1.49 W/kg (head) 1.25 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 M33
- More powerful CPU for gaming
- Slightly better build quality (often)
- Reverse wired charging
- Less efficient chipset
- Average battery life compared to A23 5G
- Can experience thermal throttling
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
- Excellent battery life
- Slightly brighter display
- Efficient Snapdragon 695 5G chipset
- 5G connectivity
- Slightly less powerful CPU than M33
- Build quality can feel less premium
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1328:1 contrast ratio. The A23 5G measures a slightly brighter 508 nits, offering a marginally better viewing experience, especially outdoors. The M33's display is still very good, but the A23 5G has a slight edge.
Camera Comparison
The M33 typically features a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. The A23 5G has a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is generally comparable, with both phones producing decent results in good lighting. Low-light performance is average on both devices. Video recording capabilities are similar, offering up to 1080p at 30fps.
Performance
The M33 utilizes Samsung's Exynos 1280, which has a more powerful CPU core (Cortex-A78) than the A23 5G's Snapdragon 695 5G. However, the Snapdragon's efficiency often translates to smoother overall performance and better thermal management. Real-world usage shows the A23 5G handles daily tasks and moderate gaming with ease, while the M33 can handle more demanding games but may experience throttling.
Battery Life
The A23 5G shines in this category, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 138 hours. The M33's battery life is still respectable, but not as exceptional. Both support 25W wired charging, and the A23 5G also includes 4.5W reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy M33 is ideal for users prioritizing raw processing power for gaming or demanding apps. The Galaxy A23 5G is a better choice for those seeking exceptional battery life, a vibrant display, and a reliable 5G experience for everyday use.