Samsung A33 5g Vs A32 Is It Worth Upgrading Or Sticking With The Older Model

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G and the Galaxy A32 can be a tough call—especially when both sit in the budget-friendly mid-range segment. The A32 was one of Samsung’s most popular budget phones in 2021, praised for its solid build and dependable features. The A33 5G, released in 2022, promises modern upgrades like 5G connectivity, a refreshed design, and improved software support. But does it deliver enough meaningful improvements to justify an upgrade?

This comparison dives deep into performance, display, camera quality, battery life, software, and long-term value to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're holding onto an aging A32 or considering your first Samsung smartphone, understanding the real differences matters.

Design and Build: Subtle Evolution, Noticeable Improvements

The A33 5G takes a step forward in design maturity. It features a matte finish on the back panel that resists fingerprints better than the glossy A32. Both phones are built with plastic frames and backs, but the A33 feels more premium thanks to its flush-mounted camera module and slimmer bezels. At 186g, the A33 is slightly heavier than the A32 (205g), but its balanced weight distribution makes it more comfortable to hold.

One often-overlooked improvement is durability. The A33 5G comes with IP67 water and dust resistance—a feature absent on the A32. This means you can confidently use the phone in light rain or near sinks without fear of damage. For many users, especially those prone to accidents, this single upgrade adds significant peace of mind.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or in humid environments, the A33’s IP67 rating alone might justify the upgrade.

Display Quality: Brighter, Smoother, More Responsive

Both devices feature 6.4-inch Super AMOLED displays with Full HD+ resolution, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, the A33 5G introduces a 90Hz refresh rate compared to the A32’s standard 60Hz. This difference is immediately noticeable during scrolling, gaming, and app navigation—the A33 feels significantly smoother and more responsive.

The A33 also boasts higher peak brightness, making outdoor visibility much better. In direct sunlight, text remains legible, whereas the A32 can struggle under intense glare. Additionally, the A33 uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and back, while the A32 only has basic scratch-resistant glass, increasing long-term durability.

“Higher refresh rates aren’t just about smoothness—they reduce eye strain over prolonged use.” — David Kim, Mobile UX Analyst

Performance and Hardware: Generational Leap in Efficiency

Under the hood, the A33 5G uses the Exynos 1280 chipset, built on a more efficient 5nm process. The A32 relies on the older MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm), which, while capable for basic tasks, lags behind in multitasking and sustained performance.

In real-world usage, the A33 handles app switching, video editing, and mid-tier gaming (like Genshin Impact at medium settings) with fewer stutters. It also supports faster UFS 2.2 storage, improving app launch speeds. Both phones come in 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB RAM variants, but the A33’s memory management through Android 12 (upgradable to Android 14) is noticeably better optimized.

Battery capacity is nearly identical—A33 packs 5,000mAh vs A32’s 5,000mAh—but the A33 benefits from the more power-efficient chipset and adaptive brightness, translating to up to 15% longer screen-on time in mixed usage scenarios.

Charging and Connectivity

Neither device supports wireless charging, but the A33 improves upon wired charging with 25W fast charging (vs 15W on the A32). While the charger isn't included in the box, this allows the A33 to go from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes—nearly twice as fast as the A32.

As expected, the biggest connectivity difference is 5G support. The A33 natively supports sub-6GHz 5G bands, ensuring future-proofing as carriers phase out 4G priority access. The A32 is limited to 4G LTE, which may become a bottleneck in dense urban areas where 5G offers lower latency and better speeds.

Camera Comparison: Refined Photography Over Raw Specs

On paper, both phones have quad-camera setups, but the execution differs greatly. The A33 5G features a 48MP main sensor with larger pixels (0.8µm → 1.0µm via pixel binning), optical image stabilization (OIS), and improved low-light processing. The A32 uses a 64MP main sensor without OIS, relying on digital stabilization that often results in blurrier night shots.

In daylight, both capture detailed images, but the A33 produces more natural color grading and better dynamic range. Its ultrawide lens also sees an upgrade—from 8MP on the A32 to 12MP on the A33—with reduced distortion at the edges.

For video, the A33 supports 4K@30fps recording across all rear cameras, while the A32 caps at 1080p. Front-facing cameras are similar (13MP), but the A33 includes better AI beautification and stabilization for vlogging.

Feature	Samsung A33 5G	Samsung A32
Main Camera	48MP + OIS	64MP, no OIS
Ultrawide	12MP	8MP
Macro	5MP	5MP
Depth Sensor	2MP	2MP
Video Recording	4K@30fps	1080p@30fps
Front Camera	13MP, stabilized	13MP

Software and Long-Term Support: A Clear Winner

This is where the A33 5G pulls far ahead. It launched with Android 12 and is guaranteed **four generations of OS upgrades** (up to Android 16) and **five years of security patches**. The A32, in contrast, maxes out at two OS updates (from Android 11 to Android 13) and three years of security support, meaning it will stop receiving updates by 2024.

Longer software support means better app compatibility, enhanced security, and access to new features like improved privacy controls and AI tools. For users who keep phones for 2–3 years or more, this is a decisive advantage.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria has used her Samsung A32 since 2021. She loves its battery life but noticed slowdowns after the last update. Apps take longer to open, and her photos look grainy at night. After researching, she considered keeping her phone but found that Instagram and WhatsApp were planning to drop support for devices below Android 13 by late 2024. With the A32 stuck on Android 13, she risked losing functionality. She upgraded to the A33 5G and immediately noticed smoother performance, crisper photos, and confidence that her phone would stay secure and functional until at least 2027.

Is It Worth Upgrading? A Practical Checklist

If you’re still using the A32, ask yourself the following before deciding:

• Do you want 5G for faster downloads and better network reliability?
• Are you frustrated with slow app launches or multitasking lag?
• Do you take photos in low light and want better quality?
• Do you plan to keep your phone for 2+ years and need long-term software support?
• Is water resistance important for your daily routine?

Checklist: Upgrade if you answered YES to 3 or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A32 still handle everyday tasks in 2024?

Yes, the A32 remains capable for calls, messaging, social media, and streaming. However, performance degrades with newer apps and updates. Users report increased lag and background app reloads.

Is the price difference justified?

The A33 5G typically costs $50–$80 more than the A32 at retail. Given the improvements in display, camera, durability, and software lifespan, this premium is reasonable for most users planning to keep their phone beyond two years.

Does the A33 5G have a headphone jack?

Yes, both phones retain the 3.5mm headphone jack and stereo speakers, making them excellent choices for audio lovers.

Final Verdict: Future-Proofing vs. Immediate Savings

Sticking with the A32 makes sense only if you're on a tight budget and expect to replace your phone within a year. Its core functionality still holds up, and it's widely available at discounted prices.

However, for anyone seeking longevity, better performance, and modern features like 5G and IP67 rating, the Samsung A33 5G is the smarter investment. The smoother 90Hz display, superior camera system, and extended software support offer tangible benefits that accumulate over time.

Technology moves fast, and staying on older hardware risks missing out on security updates, app compatibility, and network advancements. The A33 5G isn’t just an incremental upgrade—it’s a step toward a more reliable, future-ready experience.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your current needs and consider how long you want your next phone to last. The right choice today could save you frustration—and money—tomorrow.