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The period of premium smartphones is now over and Samsung can focus on a buoyant market: the mid-range. So it’s time to announce the new Galaxy A33 and Galaxy A53, its best weapons in the segment.
Since revamping its mid-range segment in 2019, Samsung has been able to find a place for itself in a hotly contested field. Not all models in this A range are equally successful and eyes are generally on the A5X and A3X variants. That’s good because it’s exactly these versions that Samsung decides to launch today: the A33 and A53 come to succeed the A32 and A52 and the philosophy adopted this year is different from the previous ones.
A relaunching range
By launching its Galaxy A in 2019, Samsung wanted to offer technological innovations on devices much more affordable than the iconic S and Note ranges known to all. Thus, some A adopted the punch, others a Super Amoled panel (a rare thing at the time on a smartphone under 400 €) or new features never found on other South Korean models such as photo modules of the Samsung Galaxy A80. Change of course with these new A33 and A53. From now on, the Galaxy A range intends, before any technical consideration, to respond to everyday use.
This is how the two new smartphones share an almost similar technical sheet. Samsung offers an IP67 standard to both smartphones and continues to provide Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front. Their photo component is not identical, but the A33 and A53 share optical stabilization on their main module (wide-angle). The similarities don’t end there. They both include a 5000 mAh battery and 25 W fast charging. Like its flagships and the recent Galaxy Tab S8 tablets, the South Korean company has chosen not to integrate a charging block in the boxes of its new mid-range. Samsung therefore seems to be on the way to removing what it considers superfluous, considering that everyone already has a charging block at home. Finally, the firm does not rely on MediaTek or Qualcomm to animate its smartphones. The choice fell on an Exynos 1280 chip, a new in-house SoC, announced at the end of 2021 and of which this is the first appearance.
The photo island is an integral part of the rear face. An aesthetic close to what the Oppo Find X5 Pro offers, for example.
The main technical difference between the two variants lies mainly in their photo part. Indeed, the Samsung Galaxy A53 integrates a main module of 64 megapixels coupled with an ultra wide-angle of 12 Mpx. A depth sensor and a macro module (5 Mpx each) complete them. On the A33, the main module is 40 Mpx (probably the Isocell GH1). Its ultra wide-angle goes to 8 Mpx, the macro sensor remains at 5 Mpx and the depth sensor is reduced to 2 Mpx. At the front, the A53 offers a 32 Mpx module and the A33 opts for 13 Mpx. Another differentiating point is the refresh rate of the display. It is 90 Hz on the A33 and 120 Hz on the A53.
Two models with pleasant finishes, inspired by the S
In terms of design, the A33 and A53 are quite similar to the Galaxy S22. Both models are flat front and back and their edges are reminiscent of those of the latest flagships – rounded, but not too much, offering a pleasant grip. To differentiate the two models, we note that the A33 has matte edges while the A53 opts for gloss. The dimensions are similar, although the screen sizes are not the same. The Galaxy A33 offers a 6.4 inch panel when the Galaxy A53 has 6.5 inches. The first incorporates a notch in the shape of a drop of water, and the second a punch. But at first glance, the two devices are difficult to tell apart.
The Samsung Galaxy A53 on the left, the A33 on the right.
For its newcomers, Samsung is having fun with the colors. These Galaxy A adopt pastel colors in addition to the traditional white and black. Blue and peach versions will be offered, and we have to admit that they caught our eye. The grip is also very good. We only regret the placement of the buttons on the A33, much higher on its edge on the A53, which does not make it easier to press.
The edge finishes are not the same, as is the placement of the buttons.
These two Galaxy A borrow some photo features from the Galaxy S. The first is the Object Eraser which allows you to remove unwanted elements from snapshots. The second is the appearance of “modes” for portrait photos. In addition to changing the blur, you can change the background and opt for studio lighting, monochrome or Color Point which keeps your main subject in color and converts the background to black and white.
Promises for the future
On the occasion of the release of its S22, Samsung announced that its most advanced terminals would benefit from four years of major OS updates. The brand then added that some Galaxy A would be entitled to the same treatment: this will be the case for the Galaxy A53 and A33. They are thus released under Android 12 and will be able to accommodate Android 16. For security updates, the firm promises five years of follow-up.
The A53 will be the first to hit the shelves of our stores. Pre-orders open this March 17 and will last until March 31. For every purchase of an A53, Samsung is also giving away a pair of Buds Live headphones, as well as €50 to spend on the Google Play Store. Price level, this model is charged €459 in 6/128 GB and €519 in 8/256 GB. The A33 version will be offered in the coming weeks at €379.