Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
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Galaxy A33 5G
Starting at
£146.74£410.32 new
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Starting at
£268.86£1,316.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A33 5G and Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G?
Galaxy A33 5G vs S21 Ultra 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A33 5G starts at £146.74, £122.12 less than the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The Galaxy A33 5G is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Refresh rate
- 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 Ultra 5G.
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger screen: 6.8 inch vs 6.4 inch.
Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G specs
The Galaxy A33 5G and Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G both offer 5G connectivity and similar battery capacity, but they serve different needs. The Galaxy A33 5G suits everyday users who want a lighter, more compact phone with solid battery life and expandable storage. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is designed for those who want a larger, sharper screen, more memory, and a more powerful chipset for demanding apps. It also features higher resolution cameras and multiple storage options, making it a better fit for photography enthusiasts or users who want premium performance.
Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G price
Colour
Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and build features that affect how long a phone stays useful. Both phones share some key traits but differ in SIM options and physical size.
Battery Capacity
Both the Galaxy A33 5G and Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G have a 5000 mAh battery. This capacity supports a full day of use for most people, so in terms of battery life, either phone can keep you going through typical daily activities.
Latest Software Updates
This means both models remain current with software improvements.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy A33 5G supports dual physical SIM cards, which is useful if you want to manage two separate phone numbers without using eSIM. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a single physical SIM plus eSIM, which may suit users who prefer digital SIM flexibility.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G performance
Performance relates to how smoothly the phone runs apps, handles multitasking, and stores data. The two phones differ in chipset power, memory, and storage options, affecting who they suit best.
Chipset Power
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G includes more powerful chipsets, either the Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, which are suited to users running demanding apps or multitasking extensively. The Galaxy A33 5G uses the Exynos 1280, which handles everyday tasks smoothly but is simpler in comparison.
Memory Capacity
With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G keeps more apps open and supports heavier multitasking. The Galaxy A33 5G has 6 GB of RAM, which is enough for everyday use and most apps but suits lighter multitaskers.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers multiple storage choices, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, which works well for users with large media libraries or many apps. The Galaxy A33 5G is stocked with 128GB, suitable for everyday storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G screen
Screen quality affects how enjoyable the phone is for video, gaming, and daily use. The two phones have different screen sizes, resolutions, refresh rates, and display technologies.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a larger 6.8 inch screen with a higher resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, offering more room and sharper detail for watching videos or browsing. The Galaxy A33 5G has a 6.4 inch screen with 1080 x 2400 pixels, which suits users who prefer a more compact display but still want clear images.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, making animations and scrolling feel smoother, especially useful for gaming or fast-paced apps. The Galaxy A33 5G has a 90 Hz refresh rate, which also delivers fluid visuals but with slightly less smoothness.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X, a display type known for vivid colours and deep contrast, which enhances viewing experiences. The Galaxy A33 5G has a Super AMOLED screen, offering bright colours and good contrast but with fewer advanced display features.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G camera
Audiovisual features like cameras determine how well a phone captures photos and video. Both phones have multiple cameras but differ in megapixel counts, affecting image detail.
Main Camera Detail
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 108 megapixel main camera, capturing highly detailed photos. This suits users who prioritise photography or want to crop and edit images with fine detail. The Galaxy A33 5G has a 48 megapixel main camera, which performs well for everyday photography.
Front Camera Quality
For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G's 40 megapixel front camera delivers very sharp images, making it ideal for users who want high-quality self-portraits or video content. The Galaxy A33 5G's 13 megapixel front camera offers good quality for standard use.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G size and design
Other features like size, weight, and storage expansion add to the overall experience and convenience of each phone. These differences matter depending on your preferences for portability and flexibility.
Physical Dimensions
The Galaxy A33 5G is smaller and lighter, measuring 159.7 mm high, 74 mm wide, and weighing 186 g, which suits users who prefer a compact and easy-to-hold phone. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is larger and heavier at 165.1 mm high, 75.6 mm wide, and 227 g, offering a more substantial feel and larger screen.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy A33 5G supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to add extra storage as needed. This is helpful if you want to keep many photos, videos, or files without relying solely on internal storage. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G does not have a microSD slot.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy A33 5G includes dual physical SIM slots, good for users managing two phone numbers with physical cards. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers one physical SIM plus an eSIM, which provides flexibility for users who prefer digital SIM management.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A33 5G or Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A33 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £146.74, £122.12 less than the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- you want longer software support (until Apr 2027 vs ended Feb 2026)
- you want a lighter build (186 g vs 227 g)
Buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.8 inch vs 6.4 inch)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 90 Hz)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy A33 5G appreciate its condition, battery life, and ease of use. Many say the phone feels like new, with good screen quality and solid daily performance. The battery life generally lasts all day, and some users find the phone light and comfortable to hold. A few mention minor glitches or slower charging, but overall there is strong satisfaction with the phone's quality and value, especially as a straightforward device for everyday use.
Reviews for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G highlight its near-new condition even when refurbished, with several noting it looks like a brand new phone. Customers mention the phone's speed and reliable performance, praising its display and camera quality. Some users have experienced technical issues, but many find it a fast and premium device that meets their expectations for a high-end phone. The larger screen and higher detail cameras are appreciated by those wanting a more advanced smartphone.
Overall, the Galaxy A33 5G suits users seeking a lighter, simpler phone with good battery life and expandable storage, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is better for those wanting a powerful, feature-rich device with a large screen and high-resolution cameras.
Galaxy A33 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G FAQs
Galaxy A33 5G vs S21 Ultra 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. 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 Ultra 5G. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy A33 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £146.74 compared with £268.86 for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Both have the same battery: 5000 mAh.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy A33 5G gets updates until Apr 2027. Updates for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G ended in Feb 2026.
The Galaxy A33 5G adds longer software support (until Apr 2027 vs ended Feb 2026), a lighter build (186 g vs 227 g) and a memory card slot. Refurbished, it costs £122.12 less (from £146.74 vs £268.86).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A33 5G comes in 128GB, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
