This guide cuts through the noise around Samsung’s budget 5G phone from 2022. We break down current pricing across Irish and UK retailers, lay out the specs that still hold up today, and compare the Galaxy A33 directly against its newer siblings—the A34 and A35—so you can decide if it is the right buy in 2024. Our research pulls from live retailer listings and established tech reviews to give you a fact-grounded picture before you spend.
Last checked: 2026-06-04
Model: Samsung Galaxy A33 5G (6GB RAM, 128GB storage) · Price: from £249.94 (refurbished) · Camera: 48MP OIS Quad Camera · Release Date: March 2022
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-04.
Sources reviewed: Official property website, price comparison platforms, retailer sites, technology review publications, and manufacturer official specifications pages.
No hands-on testing, no on-site visit to retailers, and no interviews with Samsung representatives were conducted. Pricing data comes from publicly listed retailer pages; we have not independently verified stock quantities.
Key facts at a glance
- Samsung Galaxy A33 5G (6GB RAM, 128GB storage)
- From £249.94 (refurbished on idealo.co.uk)
- 48MP OIS Quad Camera
- April 2022
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 2400 × 1080, 90 Hz |
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 1280 (octa-core) |
| RAM | 6 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB (expandable via microSD up to 1 TB) |
| Rear Camera | 48 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro + 2 MP depth |
| Front Camera | 13 MP |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh (25W fast charging) |
| Water/Dust Resistance | IP67 |
| Software Support | 4 years OS updates, 5 years security patches |
| Launch Price (UK) | £329 |
How much is Samsung A33 in Ireland?
The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G launched at £329 in the UK back in April 2022. By 2024, the phone has aged out of most major retailer catalogues as a new device, but it has not disappeared entirely—refurbished units are still circulating at significantly lower prices. According to price-comparison data from idealo.co.uk, the lowest available price for a refurbished Galaxy A33 sits at £249.94. That represents a meaningful discount from the original launch price, though stock is not always consistent across sellers.
In Ireland, availability has tightened. The phone no longer appears on buyitdirect.ie as a new listing. Irish retailers such as fonez.ie carry refurbished stock, though specific pricing was not confirmed at time of research. Amazon UK continues to list the Galaxy A33 5G through third-party sellers, typically at refurbished or open-box pricing. Those seeking a brand-new unit will find very few options—the market has clearly shifted focus to the A34 and A35 successors.
Is the Samsung A33 worth it?
The Galaxy A33 5G earned solid marks from reviewers upon release. Expert Reviews called it “a bit of a bargain” at launch price. TechRadar noted that the phone’s affordability helped offset some of the trade-offs in performance. Hitech Century described it as “an excellent choice for casual users seeking a well-balanced budget phone.” Those assessments held up reasonably well, but the phone’s age introduces new variables in 2024.
The Exynos 1280 chipset handles everyday tasks capably, and the 5,000 mAh battery remains competitive with current mid-range standards. The IP67 water-and-dust resistance rating is still a standout feature at this price tier—many newer budget phones omit it. Samsung’s software commitment is a genuine selling point: four years of OS updates and five years of security patches were promised at launch, which means the A33 could theoretically receive updates through early 2027.
The catch is that two years into its lifecycle, the A33 has harder-to-find new stock, reduced resale value, and no guarantee of long-term parts availability for repairs. Buyers purchasing refurbished should factor in device condition and return policies carefully. For someone who wants the newest software features, a newer A-series model makes more sense. For a budget buyer prioritising core functionality and software longevity, the A33 at refurbished pricing still holds merit.
Which is better, A33 or A34?
The Galaxy A34 brings several tangible upgrades over the A33. The display grows from 6.4 inches to 6.6 inches, and the refresh rate climbs from 90 Hz to 120 Hz. The processor shifts from Samsung’s Exynos 1280 to a MediaTek Dimensity 1080, which offers improved performance in benchmarks and real-world multitasking.
Camera hardware looks similar on paper—both feature a 48 MP main sensor with OIS—but the A34 benefits from Samsung’s newer image processing pipeline. The A34 also addressed some connectivity gaps, shipping with Bluetooth 5.3 versus the A33’s Bluetooth 5.2. Storage configurations now top out at 256 GB instead of 128 GB, which matters for users who shoot a lot of video.
The trade-off is price. The A34 typically retails higher than what the A33 commands today, even new. A buyer choosing the A33 over the A34 is primarily choosing on cost, not on features. For someone who finds a quality refurbished A33 at the right price, the value proposition is strong. For a buyer who can stretch the budget, the A34’s improved display and processor deliver a meaningfully better day-to-day experience.
Is the Samsung A33 or A35 better?
The Galaxy A35, released in 2024, represents a more substantial generational leap. The display jumps to 6.6 inches with 120 Hz and benefits from brighter peak output. Connectivity upgrades include Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, addressing two areas where the A33 feels dated. The A35 also carries a newer primary camera sensor, producing noticeably better results in low-light conditions.
Software support is another differentiator. The A35 launched with more recent Android baseline and will receive updates through a longer forward window than the A33 at this point in its lifecycle. Android Police put it plainly: “If you’re in the market for a new phone and don’t already own the Galaxy A33, the A35 is an easy recommendation.”
The A33’s advantage remains price. At refurbished pricing below £250, the A33 undercuts the A35 by a significant margin. The A33 also still offers the 3.5 mm headphone jack—a feature Samsung dropped on some newer models. For buyers on a tight budget who can accept older hardware, the A33 is defensible. For anyone who wants a phone that will feel current for the next three years, the A35 is the stronger pick.
Galaxy A33 vs A34 vs A35 comparison
| Feature | Galaxy A33 | Galaxy A34 | Galaxy A35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.4″ Super AMOLED, 90 Hz | 6.6″ Super AMOLED, 120 Hz | 6.6″ Super AMOLED, 120 Hz |
| Processor | Exynos 1280 | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 | Exynos 1380 (or equivalent) |
| RAM | 6 GB | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB |
| Main Camera | 48 MP OIS | 48 MP OIS (newer sensor) | 50 MP OIS (improved) |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Price (typical new) | Discontinued (refurbished ~£250) | ~£300–£350 | ~£350–£400 |
| Release Date | March 2022 | March 2023 | March 2024 |
Pros and cons
Advantages
- IP67 water and dust resistance at a mid-range price point
- 5,000 mAh battery still competitive in 2024
- microSD expansion up to 1 TB
- 4 years of OS updates promised
- Refurbished pricing under £250 offers strong value
- 3.5 mm headphone jack included
Disadvantages
- Exynos 1280 feels dated compared to newer chipsets
- New unit availability is essentially zero
- 90 Hz display lags behind 120 Hz rivals
- Limited forward software window remaining
- Camera performance trails newer A-series models
- Bluetooth 5.2 is behind current standards
Where to buy and what to expect to pay
Finding a new Galaxy A33 5G at retail is no longer straightforward. Major UK retailers have moved inventory to newer generations, so the device is primarily available through refurbished channels or remaining third-party stock on marketplaces.
| Source | Condition | Typical price range |
|---|---|---|
| idealo.co.uk | Refurbished | From £249.94 |
| Amazon UK (third-party) | Refurbished / open-box | £260–£299 |
| Irish retailers (fonez.ie) | Refurbished | Varies; check current listings |
| BuyItDirect.ie | — | No longer listing as new |
Buyers in Ireland may face import-style shipping if seeking specific refurbished configurations. Always verify return policies when purchasing refurbished hardware.
Comparable Samsung phones to consider
If the Galaxy A33 does not meet your needs, the closest alternatives in Samsung’s A-series line-up offer stepped improvements at modest price increases. For broader context on evaluating purchasing decisions, see our Air Fryer Pros and Cons: Is a Hot Air Fryer Worth It? guide, which covers similar decision-making frameworks for consumer tech purchases.
| Model | Key advantage over A33 | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A34 | 120 Hz display, MediaTek Dimensity 1080, newer Bluetooth 5.3 | ~£300–£350 |
| Galaxy A35 | Larger display, Wi-Fi 6, improved camera, longer software support | ~£350–£400 |
Our pick
For budget-conscious buyers who want a capable 5G phone and can find a well-rated refurbished unit, the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G remains worth considering at prices around £250. The IP67 rating and long software support promise are genuine differentiators at that price. However, if you can stretch to the A34 or A35, the jump in display quality and processor performance makes those the smarter long-term buy.
“The Galaxy A33 5G is looking to be a bit of a bargain.”
– Expert Reviews, editorial review outlet
“The price makes these downsides a bit more palatable.”
– TechRadar, editorial review outlet
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If you are considering a purchase, a detailed breakdown of Galaxy A33 buying tips can help you navigate current prices and availability.
Frequently asked questions
How old is the Samsung Galaxy A33?
The Galaxy A33 5G was announced on 17 March 2022 and launched in the UK on 22 April 2022. As of the research date, it is over two years old.
Is the A33 5G a good phone?
Reviews from Expert Reviews, TechRadar, and Hitech Century described it positively at launch, with praise for its display, battery life, and IP67 rating. It remains a capable phone for everyday tasks, though newer models have surpassed it in processor speed and camera quality.
What are the full specifications of the A33?
The phone features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display (90 Hz), Exynos 1280 chipset, 6 GB RAM, 128 GB storage (expandable to 1 TB), a 48 MP OIS quad-camera system, 5,000 mAh battery, and IP67 resistance. It shipped with Android 12 and One UI 4.1.
Does the A33 support 5G?
Yes, 5G connectivity is included as standard on the Galaxy A33 5G model.
Is the A33 waterproof?
The A33 carries an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, meaning it can survive submersion in up to one metre of freshwater for up to 30 minutes.
What colours are available for the A33?
Colour availability varied by region and retailer. Common options included Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue, and Awesome Peach.
What is the battery capacity of the A33?
The Galaxy A33 5G has a 5,000 mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging.
Can the A33 still receive Android updates?
Samsung committed to four years of OS updates and five years of security patches. Based on its March 2022 launch, it is expected to receive Android 15 (One UI 7) and continue receiving security patches through approximately 2027.
Sources cited
- Expert Reviews — Display, chipset, battery, IP67, UK price, UK release date
- TechRadar — Camera specs, regional pricing, UK availability date
- Hitech Century — Software update policy, Malaysia pricing
- Android Police — A33 vs A35 comparison, A35 specifications
- Wikipedia — Announcement date
- idealo.co.uk — Refurbished pricing data