The Galaxy A53 5G and the Galaxy A33 5G are two of Samsung's latest additions to the Galaxy A series. If you're looking to buy a mid-range phone, these two phones should definitely be on your radar. But which one is right for you?

Let's compare them and find out.

Price

The Galaxy A53 5G starts at $449/€449/£399 and the Galaxy A33 5G starts at €369/£329; strangely enough, Samsung has decided not to launch the latter in the US, which explains the absence of an official dollar price for the device.

The base variant of both phones features 6GB RAM and 128GB ROM but if you're a power user or gamer, you can get the maxed-out variant with 8GB RAM and 256GB ROM. Both have a microSD slot as well.

Dimensions and Build

Samsung Galaxy A33 5G all colors variants
Image Credit: Samsung Mobile Press
  • Galaxy A53: 159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm; 189 grams; IP67 rating
  • Galaxy A33: 159.7 x 74 x 8.1 mm; 186 grams; IP67 rating

In terms of size, the Galaxy A53 and the A33 are practically twins. On paper, the former is a tiny bit wider and heavier than the latter; however, in real life, you'd have a hard time differentiating the two. Both devices come with an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.

Camera

  • Galaxy A53: 64MP f/1.8 primary with PDAF, OIS, and 4K video; 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide with 123 degree FOV; 5MP f/2.4 macro; 5MP f/2.4 depth; 32MP f/2.2 front camera with 4K video
  • Galaxy A33: 48MP f/1.8 primary with PDAF, OIS, and 4K video; 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide with 123 degree FOV; 5MP f/2.4 macro; 2MP f/2.4 depth; 13MP f/2.2 front camera with 4K video

The camera experience on the Galaxy A53 and the Galaxy A33 is almost identical. Although the camera specs are slightly different in terms of megapixels (i.e. image resolution), you wouldn't find any differences in color science or image processing.

So, if you're thinking about buying the A53 in hope that it's got a better camera, you might be better off just getting the cheaper A33 instead. The macro and depth lenses on both devices are there mostly for marketing purposes; we'd trade them both for a single telephoto lens.

Display

Galaxy A33 5G and Galaxy A53 5G put side by side
Image Credit: Samsung Mobile Press
  • Galaxy A53: 6.5 inches; 120Hz refresh rate; FHD+ resolution at 1080 x 2400 pixels; Super AMOLED; ~405 PPI; ~85.4% screen-to-body ratio; 800 nits peak brightness; Gorilla Glass 5
  • Galaxy A33: 6.4 inches; 90Hz refresh rate; FHD+ resolution at 1080 x 2400 pixels; Super AMOLED; ~411 PPI; ~83.7% screen-to-body ratio; 800 nits peak brightness; Gorilla Glass 5

If you only care about specs, then the difference in display on the Galaxy A53 and the A33 is not that big. Both devices have a Super AMOLED panel, the same resolution, the same peak brightness level, the same protection, and a high refresh rate.

But viewing experience isn't just about specs; it's also about the design of the display panel. The A33 comes with a more old-fashioned teardrop notch design and a thicker bottom bezel, which, of course, is done intentionally to make the A53 look better with its hole-punch cutout.

Which One Should You Buy?

The Galaxy A53 and the Galaxy A33 share more similarities than differences. Both devices have the same 5nm Exynos 1280 processor, 5000mAh battery, 25W fast wired charging, and IP67 rating. They also have microSD card support, have the same colors options, and nearly identical dimensions.

Sadly, both devices neither have a headphone jack nor come with a charger in the box.

If your goal is to get the most value for your money, the Galaxy A33 will serve you better. That said, its slower refresh rate and dull-looking front design go against 2022 smartphone standards. Conversely, if you're a gamer, movie buff, or content creator, the Galaxy A53 is worth the extra cost.