The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G and TCL 30 represent two distinct approaches to the affordable smartphone market. The A33 5G aims for a well-rounded experience with 5G connectivity and a more powerful chipset, while the TCL 30 focuses on delivering essential features at an even lower price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G is the superior choice. Its Exynos 1280 chipset provides a significantly faster and more responsive experience than the TCL 30’s Helio G37, justifying the price difference. While the TCL 30 offers a compelling budget option, the A33 5G’s performance and display quality are worth the investment.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 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 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2022, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 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 |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tech Black, Muse Blue | Black, White, Blue, Peach |
| Models | T676H | SM-A336E, SM-A336B, SM-A336B/DS, SM-A336B/DSN, SM-A336E/DS, SM-A336M, SM-A3360 |
| Price | About 200 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) |
TCL 30
- Significantly faster processor (Exynos 1280)
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Faster 25W charging
- 5G connectivity
- Higher price point
- May lack a headphone jack (market dependent)
Samsung Galaxy A33 5G
- More affordable price
- Decent battery life (104h endurance)
- Lightweight and compact design (likely)
- Potentially includes a headphone jack
- Slower processor (Helio G37)
- Less vibrant display
- Slower 18W charging
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 728 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the TCL 30. This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. While both displays are likely LCD panels (given the price points), Samsung’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio suggests a more optimized panel with deeper blacks. The A33 5G’s display is likely to offer a more vibrant and engaging viewing experience, especially for media consumption. Bezels are expected to be similar, but Samsung typically edges out competitors in display quality within this segment.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but details are limited. The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G likely benefits from Samsung’s superior image processing algorithms and potentially a larger main sensor (though sensor size is unspecified). While the TCL 30 may include a multi-camera system, the presence of a 2MP macro lens suggests limited utility. The A33 5G’s camera is expected to deliver more detailed and dynamic images, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Exynos 1280’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) will also contribute to faster image processing and improved video stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G’s Exynos 1280, built on a 5nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the TCL 30’s MediaTek Helio G37 (12nm). The Exynos 1280 features a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A78 cores versus the A53 cores in the Helio G37 – resulting in significantly faster processing speeds (2.4 GHz vs 2.3 GHz peak). The 5nm fabrication process also contributes to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling. This means the A33 5G will handle demanding apps and games with greater ease and maintain performance for longer periods. The A33 5G’s CPU configuration (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) is optimized for both performance and efficiency, unlike the Helio G37’s homogenous Cortex-A53 setup.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 104 hours, suggesting comparable real-world battery life despite the TCL 30’s unspecified battery capacity. However, the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G’s 25W wired charging is significantly faster than the TCL 30’s 18W charging. This translates to quicker top-ups, reducing downtime. While the A33 5G doesn’t necessarily have a larger battery, the more efficient Exynos 1280 chipset and faster charging provide a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 30 if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use. You’ll appreciate its lower price tag. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G if you want a smoother, more capable experience for gaming, multitasking, and photography, and if 5G connectivity is a must-have feature. The A33 5G offers a better long-term investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Samsung A33 5G tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1280, built on a 5nm process, is generally efficient and manages heat well. While some throttling may occur during extended, graphically intensive gaming, it's unlikely to be a significant issue. Samsung’s software optimizations also help to mitigate thermal throttling.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the TCL 30 actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, 2MP macro cameras are often more of a marketing feature than a genuinely useful tool. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. It's unlikely to deliver satisfying macro photography results compared to the main camera on either device.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G reliably maintain 60fps in popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Exynos 1280 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at 60fps on medium to high graphics settings. While achieving consistently high frame rates on the highest settings may require some optimization, the A33 5G provides a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ What type of charging protocol does the TCL 30 support with its 18W charging?
The TCL 30 likely supports standard USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) for its 18W charging. However, it's best to use the included charger for optimal charging speeds and compatibility.
