The Xiaomi Redmi 10 Prime and Samsung Galaxy A33 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$300 smartphone market. While both offer 5G connectivity, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware and target user. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device provides the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a brighter display, the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G emerges as the stronger contender. Its Exynos 1280 chipset, built on a more efficient 5nm process, delivers a noticeable performance advantage, despite the Redmi 10 Prime’s lower price point.
| 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, 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 03 | 2022, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 07 | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.6 x 9.6 mm (6.38 x 2.98 x 0.38 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| | Dust & splash proof | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD, 90Hz | Super AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | 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 6GB 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 | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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, (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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 stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
9W reverse wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Astral White, Bifrost Blue, Phantom Black | Black, White, Blue, Peach |
| Models | 21061119BI | SM-A336E, SM-A336B, SM-A336B/DS, SM-A336B/DSN, SM-A336E/DS, SM-A336M, SM-A3360 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | £ 174.99 / € 187.50 / ₹ 21,999 |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) | 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) |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Prime
- More affordable price point
- 9W reverse wired charging
- Potentially longer battery life in light usage
- Less powerful processor
- Lower display brightness
- Less refined camera system
Samsung Galaxy A33 5G
- Faster and more efficient processor (Exynos 1280)
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Faster 25W wired charging
- Higher price tag
- No reverse wireless charging
- May experience some thermal throttling under heavy load
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, peaking at 728 nits, compared to the Redmi 10 Prime’s unspecified brightness. This difference is crucial for outdoor visibility. While both likely utilize LCD panels (given the price bracket), the A33’s higher peak brightness and 'Infinite' contrast ratio (typical of Samsung’s marketing for LCDs) suggest a more vibrant and engaging viewing experience. The Redmi 10 Prime’s display specs are less defined, making it difficult to assess its color accuracy or viewing angles without direct testing.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for the Redmi 10 Prime. The Galaxy A33 5G likely benefits from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, potentially delivering more consistent and pleasing results. While both may include multiple rear cameras, the focus should be on the main sensor’s quality. Without specific details on the Redmi 10 Prime’s main sensor, it’s difficult to assess its low-light performance or dynamic range. The A33’s camera system is likely more refined, offering features like optical image stabilization (OIS) which the Redmi 10 Prime likely lacks.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G’s Exynos 1280 (5nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Redmi 10 Prime’s MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm). The 5nm fabrication process of the Exynos 1280 translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling under sustained loads. The A33’s CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – also offers a performance edge over the Redmi’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the A33.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 104 hours, suggesting comparable battery life in typical usage scenarios. However, the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G’s 25W wired charging is significantly faster than the Redmi 10 Prime’s 18W charging. This translates to quicker top-ups, reducing downtime. The Redmi 10 Prime does offer 9W reverse wired charging, a niche feature for topping up accessories, but the A33’s faster charging speed is a more broadly beneficial advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10 Prime if you need a highly affordable 5G phone and prioritize maximizing battery life over raw processing power. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse social media, make calls, and engage in light multitasking. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for gaming, demanding apps, and benefit from a brighter, more visible display, even in direct sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy A33 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 1280 is a capable chip, it can experience some thermal throttling during extended, graphically intensive gaming. However, the 5nm process helps mitigate this compared to the Redmi 10 Prime’s Helio G88, resulting in more sustained performance overall. Expect some frame rate drops after 30-45 minutes of demanding gameplay.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited utility. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included for marketing purposes rather than providing a genuinely useful photographic experience. Expect soft, grainy results, and don't rely on them for critical close-up shots.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G reliably run PUBG Mobile at 60fps with high graphics settings?
The Galaxy A33 5G should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at 60fps with high graphics settings, but it may require adjusting settings slightly depending on the specific device configuration and background processes. The Exynos 1280 provides sufficient power for a smooth gaming experience, but prolonged sessions may lead to some frame rate fluctuations due to thermal throttling.
