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Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G

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Galaxy A33 5G

Starting at

£146.74£410.32 new
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Galaxy S21 5G

Starting at

£171.33£1,290.00 new
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(124 reviews)
(1,108 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy A33 5G and Galaxy S21 5G?

Galaxy A33 5G vs S21 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy A33 5G starts at £146.74, £24.59 less than the Galaxy S21 5G. The Galaxy A33 5G is the newer model, released in 2022.

Refurbished from

£146.74£171.33

Chipset

Exynos 1280 (5 nm)Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)

RAM

6 GB8 GB

Battery

5000 mAh4000 mAh

Screen size

6.4 inch6.2 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDDynamic AMOLED 2X
  • Chipset: Exynos 1280 (5 nm) on the Galaxy A33 5G, Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G.
  • The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
  • The Galaxy A33 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.

Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G specs

The Galaxy A33 5G and Galaxy S21 5G offer different strengths for different users. The Galaxy A33 5G features a larger battery and a bigger screen, which suits those who prioritise longer usage and more screen space for media. It also supports microSDXC cards, making it a good option if you need extra storage. The Galaxy S21 5G, with its faster refresh rate, more RAM, and more powerful chipset options, is better suited to users who want smoother performance and multitasking. Its cameras focus differently, with the A33 having higher megapixels for both front and main cameras. Both phones run Android and support 5G, with unlocked carrier compatibility. Your choice depends on whether you want a longer battery life and expandable storage or stronger performance and a higher screen refresh rate.

Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G price

Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G battery life and software updates

Battery life and software support are key for everyday use.

Battery Capacity

The Galaxy A33 5G has a 5000 mAh battery, which is larger than the Galaxy S21 5G's 4000 mAh. This means the A33 5G is suited for users who want longer usage between charges, especially if you often use your phone throughout the day without easy access to charging.

Software Updates

This ensures you get current software features and security patches on either device.

Battery

5000 mAh4000 mAh

Fast charging

25 WN/A

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

IP67N/A

Software updates

Until Apr 2027Ended Feb 2026

Year of release

20222021

Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G performance

Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run and how much multitasking you can do.

Chipset Variants

The Galaxy A33 5G uses the Exynos 1280 chipset, which is designed for everyday use and balanced power efficiency. The Galaxy S21 5G offers either the Exynos 2100 or the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G, which are more powerful chipsets that provide stronger performance for demanding apps and tasks.

Memory Capacity

The Galaxy A33 5G comes with 6 GB of RAM, suitable for regular multitasking and app use. The Galaxy S21 5G includes 8 GB of RAM, which supports keeping more apps open at once and smoother operation during intensive use.

Storage Options

The Galaxy A33 5G is stocked with 128GB of storage, which is a solid choice for average users. The Galaxy S21 5G offers 128GB and 256GB variants, giving you more space for apps, media, and files if you need it.

Chipset

Exynos 1280 (5 nm)Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)

RAM

6 GB8 GB

Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G screen

Screen size and quality influence your viewing experience for videos, games, and daily use. Both phones have the same resolution but differ in refresh rate and technology.

Screen Size and Type

The Galaxy A33 5G has a 6.4 inch Super AMOLED screen, giving you a larger display area for watching videos or browsing. The Galaxy S21 5G has a slightly smaller 6.2 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which provides vivid colours and brightness.

Refresh Rate

The Galaxy A33 5G supports a 90 Hz refresh rate, which offers smooth scrolling and animations. The Galaxy S21 5G has a higher 120 Hz refresh rate, making the display feel even smoother during fast movement, such as gaming or scrolling through apps.

Refresh rate

90 Hz120 Hz

Resolution

1080 x 24001080 x 2400

Screen size

6.4 inch6.2 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDDynamic AMOLED 2X

Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G camera

Camera quality varies between these phones, affecting how detailed your photos and selfies look. Both focus on different strengths in megapixels.

Front Camera Resolution

The Galaxy A33 5G has a 13 megapixel front camera, good for detailed selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 10 megapixel front camera, which still captures high-quality images but with a slightly lower resolution.

Main Camera Resolution

The Galaxy A33 5G features a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail in photos. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 12 megapixel main camera, which balances resolution with other camera technologies for versatile photography.

Camera type

Quadruple (4x)N/A

Front camera

13 megapixels10 megapixels

Main camera

48 megapixels12 megapixels

Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G size and design

Other features include physical design, connectivity, and SIM options which may impact your daily use and convenience.

Expandable Storage

The Galaxy A33 5G supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to add more storage if needed. This suits users who want to keep lots of photos, videos, or apps without worrying about internal space.

SIM Card Options

The Galaxy A33 5G has dual physical SIM slots, helpful if you use two phone numbers. The Galaxy S21 5G offers dual physical SIM plus eSIM, providing more flexibility in managing multiple lines.

Weight and Size

The Galaxy A33 5G weighs 186 g and measures 159.7 mm in height and 74 mm in width, making it larger and heavier. The Galaxy S21 5G is lighter at 169 g and slightly smaller in height at 151.7 mm and width at 71.2 mm, which may suit those preferring a more compact phone.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-CUSB-C

Depth

8.1 mm7.9 mm

Height

159.7 mm151.7 mm

Mobile network

5G5G

Release date

22 April 2022N/A

SD card slot

microSDXCNo

SIM card

Dual Physical SIMDual Physical SIM + eSIM

Weight

186 g169 g

Width

74 mm71.2 mm

Galaxy A33 5G or Galaxy S21 5G: which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy A33 5G if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £146.74, £24.59 less than the Galaxy S21 5G
  • you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (6.4 inch vs 6.2 inch)

Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if

  • you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
  • you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 90 Hz)
  • you want a lighter build (169 g vs 186 g)

What our customers say

Customers who bought the Galaxy A33 5G appreciate its good condition and battery life, with many noting the phone looks like new and lasts all day. Feedback highlights the phone's ease of use, lightweight feel, and bright screen. Some users mention minor glitches or slow charging, but overall most are pleased with the performance and value for money. The expandable storage and decent memory suit those wanting a dependable device for everyday use.

The Galaxy S21 5G receives praise for its excellent condition and strong performance. Customers report the phone feels like new, with good battery life and a smooth experience. Some value the dual SIM and eSIM options, while others note minor signs of wear but no major issues. Many recommend it for its balance of features and condition, especially for those needing a reliable phone with more powerful internals.

Overall, the Galaxy A33 5G suits customers looking for a larger screen and longer battery, while the Galaxy S21 5G fits those who want a lighter device with stronger performance and more storage choices.

Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G FAQs

Galaxy A33 5G vs S21 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 1280 (5 nm) on the Galaxy A33 5G, Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G. The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.

The Galaxy A33 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £146.74 compared with £171.33 for the Galaxy S21 5G.

The Galaxy A33 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.

The Galaxy A33 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.

The Galaxy A33 5G gets updates until Apr 2027. Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026.

The Galaxy A33 5G adds a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh), a bigger screen (6.4 inch vs 6.2 inch) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £24.59 less (from £146.74 vs £171.33).

Refurbished, the Galaxy A33 5G comes in 128GB, and the Galaxy S21 5G in 128GB and 256GB.

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