Apple iPhone X vs Samsung Galaxy M33 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date November 3, 2017 April 8, 2022
Release Year 2017 2022

Physical

Volume 78.4 cm³ 119.56 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 3.33 "/g
Weight 174 g 198 g
Height 143.6 mm 165.4 mm
Width 70.9 mm 76.9 mm
Thickness 7.7 mm 9.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Space Gray
  • Silver
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Brown

Display

Screen Size 5.8 " 6.6 "
Resolution 1125 x 2436 1080 x 2408
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.1 % 82.5 %
Pixel Density 458 PPI 400 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 80.74 mAh/in² 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 34.64 mAh/cm³ 41.82 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2716 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm) Exynos 1280 (5 nm)
CPU Hexa-core 2.39 GHz (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (three-core graphics) Mali-G68

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 11.1.1 12
Maximum OS Version 16.7.7

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into a user-centric comparison of the Apple iPhone X and the Samsung Galaxy M33. Instead of just listing specs, we'll explore how these phones feel and fit into our lives.

The Tale of Two Phones: iPhone X vs. Galaxy M33

Imagine you're choosing a new companion – a device that will be your window to the world, your entertainment hub, and your pocket-sized productivity partner. Two contenders stand before you: the sleek, slightly older iPhone X, and the more recent, feature-packed Samsung Galaxy M33. Let’s explore their unique stories.

1. Design and Usability: The Feel in Your Hand

CategoryApple iPhone XSamsung Galaxy M33User Experience Impact
Interface DesignMinimalist, iconic iOS with a focus on simplicity; smooth, fluid animationsSamsung's One UI, more customizable, feature-rich with a different look and feel.iPhone X: Clean and familiar, can be restricting. Galaxy M33: Greater flexibility, more complexity for newcomers.
Interaction FlowGesture-based navigation (at the time cutting-edge); precise screen interactionTraditional navigation buttons/gestures; large screen may be harder to reach all parts of screen.iPhone X: Feels futuristic; Galaxy M33: Feels more conventional.
Accessibility FeaturesRobust built-in accessibility suite (VoiceOver, Zoom, etc.)Samsung’s accessibility features (similar but implemented differently); side-mounted fingerprint scanner.iPhone X: Accessible out of the box. Galaxy M33: Accessibility requires adjustment but offers added biometric security.
Design ErgonomicsCompact size, premium feel, but may feel heavy for smaller hands; smaller screen, lighter.Larger, more substantial phone; plastic back, feels less premium but more robust and bigger screen, heavieriPhone X: Easily fits in pockets and feels premium to touch but a smaller screen. Galaxy M33: Might be bulkier, but a bigger display more suitable for videos and media.
  • Story Time: Imagine Sarah, a busy professional who values simplicity, choosing the iPhone X. Its fluid interface and familiar iOS environment let her navigate her day efficiently. Now picture David, who loves to tinker and customize everything. He leans towards the Galaxy M33, appreciating the freedom to personalize his phone’s look and feel.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration: How Tech Meets Life

A. Display Dynamics:

  • iPhone X: The OLED display was revolutionary for its time, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. Picture watching a movie on this screen—the blacks are truly black, the colors pop, and the experience feels cinematic. But it’s smaller at 5.8 inches.
  • Galaxy M33: Its 6.6-inch TFT LCD screen provides more screen real estate, great for browsing and multitasking. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling feel super smooth, like flipping through pages in a glossy magazine.

B. Performance Prowess:

  • iPhone X: The A11 Bionic chip is still potent, making everyday tasks seamless. Imagine quickly editing photos on the fly or playing graphically intensive games – the iPhone X handles these with ease.
  • Galaxy M33: The Exynos 1280 chip offers solid performance for a great experience. You can switch between apps, run resource-intensive games, and have a fluid experience.

C. Battery Battle:

  • iPhone X: The battery might need a top-up by the end of a busy day.
  • Galaxy M33: The 5000mAh battery can easily last all day, ensuring you’re always connected. Picture a full day out without worrying about reaching for a charger. Additionally, fast charging gets you juiced up quickly if needed.

D. Camera Capabilities:

  • iPhone X: Its dual-camera system captures great photos with an optical zoom, perfect for taking portraits and great shots. Imagine capturing a perfect sunset, with the vibrant colors popping.
  • Galaxy M33: Boasting a high-resolution 50MP main camera and a wide-angle lens, this camera setup offers versatility for capturing wide landscapes, macro details, and everything in between.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation: Considering Diverse Needs

  • For the tech enthusiast: The Galaxy M33, with its 120Hz refresh rate, larger screen, and fast-charging capabilities, offers a more modern and feature-rich experience.
  • For those who value simplicity: The iPhone X, with its streamlined interface, offers a more intuitive and user-friendly experience, especially for those embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
  • For the visual content creator: The iPhone X's OLED display and camera make it ideal for content creators, but Galaxy M33's versatility is a strong competitor, with a larger screen that is useful when viewing videos.
  • For the heavy user: The Galaxy M33's larger battery is better suited to a user that needs the device for the full day.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework: Choosing Your Companion

FeatureiPhone XGalaxy M33User-Centric Rationale
ScreenSmaller, sharper OLED display, vibrant colors, and deep blacksLarger LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate, more real estateUser Benefit: Choose the iPhone X for a premium viewing experience with deep contrast and sharpness. Opt for the Galaxy M33 for a bigger screen, which is more suitable for consuming video media and smoother animations.
PerformanceSmooth A11 Bionic chip, quick app loadingSolid performance with the Exynos 1280, great for day-to-day useUser Benefit: Both phones can handle daily tasks, but iPhone X is more suited for gaming and intensive tasks.
BatteryDecent battery life for everyday use, might need a top-up during the dayLarger battery for all-day use, fast charging supportUser Benefit: If battery is your primary concern, the Galaxy M33 will provide you with greater flexibility throughout the day.
CameraExcellent dual-camera with optical zoom, great portraitsVersatile quadruple camera system, multiple lenses, higher resolution primary cameraUser Benefit: The iPhone X is great for taking clear portraits with an optical zoom, whereas the Galaxy M33 offers versatility with multiple lenses and greater flexibility.
SoftwareApple’s iOS, simple, streamlined, intuitiveAndroid's One UI, more customization, added featuresUser Benefit: The iPhone X offers a simplified experience, Galaxy M33 provides enhanced customization and more software flexibility.
Build and DesignPremium, glass design, more compact, smaller screen, lighter weight,Larger plastic phone, heavier, more robust, bigger screenUser Benefit: iPhone X: Pocket friendly and premium feel. Galaxy M33: Feels more robust, bigger screen, and might be too large for some users.
Additional FeaturesBasic Biometrics; no fingerprint reader25W Fast charging, Quad camera, Fingerprint scannerUser Benefit: iPhone X is more minimalistic while Galaxy M33 is a feature-rich device with more modern features.

My Choice and Why

If I were choosing a phone today as a tech enthusiast, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M33.

Here’s why:

  1. Modern Experience: The 120Hz refresh rate and larger display of the Galaxy M33 offer a more modern and fluid user experience. I appreciate the smoother animations and extra screen real estate for media consumption.
  2. Battery Life: The significantly larger battery on the Galaxy M33 is a major plus. I value having a phone that will easily last all day without needing to reach for a charger.
  3. Versatile Camera: While the iPhone X has its advantages, the quad camera setup on the Galaxy M33, with its diverse lens options, offers more creative flexibility for various types of photography.
  4. Customization and Flexibility: As someone who appreciates the ability to customize, Samsung's One UI provides a plethora of options that iOS doesn't offer.
  5. Practicality: The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is more practical than the older face ID on the iPhone X in our new world.

While the iPhone X has its merits, particularly its premium build and smoother operation, the Galaxy M33 aligns better with my preferences, where modern features, battery life, and creative flexibility take precedence. The iPhone X, while still a great phone for its time, feels a bit too dated in comparison.

This isn't about "better" or "worse," but about what best fits you and your story.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.