Samsung Galaxy A02s vs Samsung Galaxy M33 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date January 4, 2021 April 8, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 113.41 cm³ 119.56 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.32 "/g 3.33 "/g
Weight 196 g 198 g
Height 164.2 mm 165.4 mm
Width 75.9 mm 76.9 mm
Thickness 9.1 mm 9.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Brown

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.6 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2408
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.8 % 82.5 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 400 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.09 mAh/cm³ 41.82 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support No Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) Exynos 1280 (5 nm)
CPU Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 506 Mali-G68

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 12
Maximum OS Version 12

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A02s and M33, focusing on practical implications:

Design

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A02sSamsung Galaxy M33Practical Impact
Dimensions164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm165.4 × 76.9 × 9.4 mmM33 is slightly taller and thicker, but both have a similar feel in hand. M33 will feel marginally more bulky.
Weight196g198gBoth phones are nearly identical in weight, unlikely to notice a difference.
Build MaterialUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass 5M33 offers significantly better screen protection against scratches and minor drops. A02s has unknown protection, could be more prone to damage.

Display

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A02sSamsung Galaxy M33Practical Impact
Size6.5"6.6"Minimal difference in size, both offer a large screen for media consumption.
Resolution720x16001080x2408M33 provides a significantly sharper and clearer display, noticeable when viewing text, images, and videos.
Pixel Density270 PPI400 PPIM33's higher pixel density results in a much more detailed and less pixelated image, enhancing overall visual experience.
TechnologyPLS LCDTFT LCDM33's TFT LCD generally offers a slightly better viewing experience over PLS LCD, with potentially better color reproduction and wider viewing angles.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzM33 provides much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. The difference is significant and will be noticeable daily.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBoth phones have identical peak brightness. The brightness is not specified so can't provide a practical implication of brightness.

Performance

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A02sSamsung Galaxy M33Practical Impact
ChipsetQualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm)Exynos 1280 (5 nm)M33's chipset is significantly faster and more power-efficient. The 5nm process offers better performance and longer battery life for the same tasks.
AnTuTu Score74,800475,448M33 offers vastly superior performance for all tasks, including gaming, multitasking, and app loading. The difference is stark and will be noticeable in daily usage.
GPUAdreno 506Mali-G68M33's GPU offers much better graphics performance, essential for gaming and visually intensive apps.

Camera

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A02sSamsung Galaxy M33Practical Impact
Main Camera13MP f/1.850MP f/1.8M33 captures significantly more detailed photos with higher resolution. Better for large prints or cropping, offers improved overall image quality.
Selfie Camera5MP f/2.28MP f/2.2M33 provides better selfie photos with more detail and clarity.
Wide-Angle LensNone5MP f/2.2M33's wide-angle lens allows capturing a broader field of view in photos, ideal for group shots and landscapes. A02s lacks this capability.
Portrait/Depth Lens2MP f/2.42MP f/2.4Both have similar depth sensors for portrait mode.
Macro Lens2MP f/2.42MP f/2.4Both have similar macro lenses for close-up photography.
Video Recording1080p@30fps, No slow-motion4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion 240fpsM33 is capable of recording much higher quality 4K videos and also supports slow-motion, offering more flexibility for videography. The A02s offers basic recording only.
Camera FeaturesTriple camera, Autofocus, PDAF, HDR, etcQuadruple camera, 4K video, PDAF, HDR, etcM33 offers more versatile shooting options including 4K recording. A02s offers a basic set of camera features.

Battery

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A02sSamsung Galaxy M33Practical Impact
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhBoth have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life, although the M33's more efficient processor may offer slightly longer usage.
Charging15W Fast Charging25W Fast ChargingM33 charges significantly faster, reducing charging time.
ChargerIncludedNot IncludedM33 does not come with a charger, making the purchase of one an additional cost

Storage

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A02sSamsung Galaxy M33Practical Impact
Internal32/64GB128GBM33 provides more storage for apps, photos, and videos out of the box, this is quite significant. The A02s can come with only 32GB internal storage.
RAM3/4GB6/8GBM33 will handle more apps and multitasking much better, preventing slowdowns and reloads.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone allows for additional storage expansion.

Connectivity

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A02sSamsung Galaxy M33Practical Impact
Wi-Fi802.11 b/g/n802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-bandM33 offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better connectivity with dual-band support.
Bluetooth4.2 LE5.0 LEM33's newer Bluetooth offers more efficient and stable connections, better audio transmission.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GalileoM33 has more satellite system support, likely providing faster and more accurate location services.
SIMDual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)Both support dual SIM functionality.

Software & Security

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A02sSamsung Galaxy M33Practical Impact
OSAndroid 10 (upgradable to 12)Android 12M33 has a more up-to-date OS, which is more secure and includes the latest features.
SecurityBasic Security featuresSide-mounted fingerprintM33 offers convenient biometric security, which is missing in A02s.
SensorsAccelerometer, ProximityAccelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Fingerprint, Proximity (ultrasonic)M33 has a more comprehensive sensor suite, allowing for more advanced features and better gaming experience.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Here's a breakdown of the major advantages of each phone and their practical implications:

Samsung Galaxy M33 Advantages:

  • Significantly Superior Performance: The Exynos 1280 chipset provides a massive performance boost, making the phone faster and smoother for everyday use, gaming, and multitasking.
  • Sharper, Smoother Display: The 1080p resolution, higher pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate provide a much better viewing experience, whether browsing, watching videos, or gaming.
  • Much Better Cameras: The 50MP main camera and wide-angle lens offer higher quality photos, more versatile shooting options, and 4K video recording, which are significantly superior compared to the A02s.
  • Faster Charging: 25W fast charging significantly reduces downtime and will charge the device up quickly.
  • More Storage and RAM: 128GB of storage and 6/8GB of RAM provide more space for your files and allow for smoother multitasking.
  • Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards offer faster and more reliable connections.
  • Enhanced Security: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor adds convenience and better security.
  • Up-to-date Software: Comes with Android 12, providing the latest features and security patches.
  • Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers improved protection against scratches.

Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:

  • Lower Price: Likely to be significantly more affordable than the M33, making it a budget-friendly option.
  • Included Charger: Unlike the M33, it includes a charger in the box.

Trade-offs:

  • Choosing the Galaxy A02s means sacrificing significantly on performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall user experience for a lower price.
  • Choosing the Galaxy M33 will cost more, plus you have to pay extra for a charger, but offers a significant upgrade in all critical areas.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Here's a breakdown of ideal users for each phone based on their needs and use cases:

Samsung Galaxy M33:

  • Ideal Users: Users who prioritize performance, want a good quality display and camera system, and are willing to pay more for a much better all-around experience.
    • Gamers: The powerful processor, dedicated GPU, and smooth display make it suitable for mobile gaming.
    • Content Creators: 4K video recording, higher resolution cameras, and more storage make it good for capturing and editing photos and videos.
    • Multitaskers: More RAM allows for switching between apps seamlessly.
    • Media Consumers: The high-resolution display and 120Hz refresh rate make the experience much better for watching videos and browsing.

Samsung Galaxy A02s:

  • Ideal Users: Users on a very tight budget looking for basic smartphone functionality without requiring high performance or a good camera system.
    • Basic Users: Those who need a phone primarily for calls, texting, light browsing, and essential apps.
    • Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Individuals who prioritize affordability over features and performance.
    • Users with Simple Needs: Not intending to do demanding tasks such as gaming, or content creation.

4. Decision Framework

Before making a decision, buyers should ask themselves the following questions:

  1. What is my budget? The A02s is more affordable, but the M33 offers much better value for money if your budget allows.
  2. How important is performance? If you need a phone for gaming, video editing, or seamless multitasking, the M33 is the clear winner. If you are only doing basic tasks then the A02s will suffice.
  3. How important is the camera system? If you care about photo quality and versatility, the M33 is the better choice, with 4K video and wider lenses.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1 (Budget is the Primary Concern): If your budget is extremely tight and you only need basic smartphone features, the Galaxy A02s will suffice.
  • Scenario 2 (Performance and Features Matter): If you want a phone that can handle everyday tasks and have good features, and you are willing to pay a bit more, then the Galaxy M33 is the better option. It will offer you a better user experience in all categories.
  • Scenario 3 (Prioritize Camera): If you plan to capture a lot of photos and videos, the Galaxy M33 will deliver much better results with its higher-resolution sensors and additional wide-angle lens and 4K video.

My Choice

Given the provided information, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M33 and would recommend it to others. While it will come at a higher price, it offers a significantly superior user experience in almost every category.

The M33 offers a much better display, significantly faster performance, better cameras, faster charging, and more storage/RAM. The benefits are significant and will lead to a smoother, more enjoyable experience, especially for users who do more than basic tasks on their phones.

The A02s is really only suitable for people with extremely limited budgets or for use cases with very minimal requirements. For almost all users, the additional cost of the M33 is worth the huge jump in features and performance.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.