The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo Y33t and Samsung Galaxy A53 5G represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. While both aim to deliver a 5G experience, they take drastically different approaches to achieving it, particularly in chipset choice and overall feature set. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a vibrant display and a more polished software experience, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is the better choice. However, the vivo Y33t offers a surprisingly capable performance for its price point, making it a strong contender for those on a tighter budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66 - SM-A536U |
| 5G bands | - | 2, 5, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536U |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 2, 5, 48, 66, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536V |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 11 | 2022, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 11 | Available. Released 2022, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 12 | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (market/region dependent) |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mirror Black, Midday Dream | Black, White, Blue, Peach |
| Models | - | SM-A536B, SM-A536B/DS, SM-A536U, SM-A536U1, SM-A5360, SM-A536E, SM-A536E/DS, SM-A536V, SM-A536W, SM-A536N, SM-S536DL |
| Price | About 230 EUR | $ 151.42 / £ 185.00 / € 169.14 |
| SAR | - | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.58 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.89 W/kg (head) 1.60 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 113h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.5 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 329802 (v8), 379313 (v9)
GeekBench: 1891 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Y33t
- More affordable price point
- Efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Less powerful processor for demanding tasks
- Likely lower quality display
- Less refined camera system
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- More powerful Exynos 1280 processor
- Faster 25W charging
- Higher price tag
- Potentially more susceptible to thermal throttling under sustained load
- No reverse wireless charging
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 830 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the vivo Y33t. This translates to superior visibility outdoors. While both are likely LCD panels (given the price points), the A53’s higher brightness and likely better color calibration provide a more immersive viewing experience. The A53’s 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a standard LCD contrast ratio, while the Y33t’s contrast ratio is not specified. The A53’s larger screen size also contributes to a more expansive visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but details are limited. The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G likely benefits from Samsung’s established image processing algorithms and potentially a larger main sensor (specifications not provided). The vivo Y33t’s camera system is likely more basic, focusing on providing acceptable image quality in good lighting conditions. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but Samsung’s history suggests a more refined camera experience. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the Y33t is a common, but often underwhelming, feature.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the vivo Y33t utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is powered by the Exynos 1280 (5nm). The Exynos 1280, built on a smaller 5nm process, generally offers superior performance and efficiency. Its CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – provides a performance edge over the Snapdragon 680’s Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver). While both have peak clock speeds of 2.4GHz, the Cortex-A78 cores in the Exynos are architecturally more advanced. The Snapdragon 680 prioritizes efficiency, making it suitable for everyday tasks, but the Exynos 1280 will handle more demanding applications and gaming with greater ease.
Battery Life
Both phones share an endurance rating of 113 hours, suggesting comparable battery life despite differing charging speeds. The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G supports 25W wired charging, while the vivo Y33t is limited to 18W. This means the A53 will recharge faster, potentially reaching a full charge in less time. The Y33t does offer 2.5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the A53, allowing it to top up other devices, albeit slowly.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y33t if you need a reliable, affordable 5G phone primarily for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and social media, and aren't demanding gamers. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G if you prioritize a brighter, more color-accurate display, a more versatile camera system, and a longer-term software support commitment, and are willing to pay a premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy A53 5G tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1280 is known to exhibit some thermal throttling under sustained heavy load, such as extended gaming. While it's generally capable, users may experience frame rate drops after prolonged gameplay. The 5nm process helps mitigate this, but it's still a consideration for hardcore mobile gamers.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the vivo Y33t actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited utility. Image quality is often soft and lacks detail. While it can capture close-up shots, don't expect professional-level results. It's more of a marketing feature than a genuinely useful camera component.
❓ What 5G bands does the vivo Y33t support, and will it work with my carrier?
Specific 5G band support for the vivo Y33t varies by region. It's crucial to check compatibility with your carrier's 5G network before purchasing. Refer to vivo's official specifications for your region to confirm supported bands.
❓ How long will Samsung provide software updates for the Galaxy A53 5G?
Samsung typically provides four years of major Android OS updates and five years of security updates for its A-series devices. This means the Galaxy A53 5G is likely to receive updates through Android 16 and beyond, offering long-term software support.
