Samsung has made a welcome run of changes to this mid-range device, boosting the appeal with a new design, enhanced display and more internal power. The price as also raised a little - but this could be a popular model for a great many customers.

Powerful mid-range hardware; IP67 protection; MicroSD card slot; Great display;

No 3.5mm headphone socket; Price has crept up;

The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G has some clear strengths: the cameras, with their various modes, deliver social-media-ready snaps; the screen is bright and bold; the design is attractive; and the price is relatively affordable.

Good-looking screen, Relatively inexpensive

Felt slow to use, Cameras won’t wow professionals

Success model. With its Galaxy A33 5G, Samsung has identified and remedied the weaknesses of the Galaxy A32 5G predecessor. With a 90 Hz AMOLED display, a more modern SoC and a waterproof case, the mid-range smartphone even comes dangerously close to matching the Galaxy A53 5G.

bright 90 Hz AMOLED display, stereo speakers, 5G and NFC, good camera with OIS, accurate GPS, long update timeframe

hybrid dual-SIM only, hardly any performance reserves, slow memory, no power adapter included

The Samsung Galaxy A33 is a triumph of design that brings some of the best qualities in their higher end flagships to a sub RM1.5K price point. You get IP67 water resistance, a large battery, a great display and an OIS-stabilised rear quad camera with expandable storage too.

Bright and vibrant AMOLED display, Optical image stabilisation on main rear camera, Expandable storage, IP67 water resistance, Good battery life, Stereo speakers

No wireless charging or reverse wireless charging options, Plasticky chassis, No 3.5mm jack

So to wrap it up, I think out of all the 3 A series phones of this year – the A33, A53, and A73, the biggest winner of all is the Galaxy A33 5G thanks to the improvements in the main camera having OIS, IP67 rating, and the full software experience that is identical to its flagship counterparts.

Amazon US, Lazada, Shopee

The Galaxy A33 offers a perfect balance between standout features on a Samsung Galaxy A-series phone and a competitive price-to-specs ratio.

Exynos 1280 processor, 6GB/8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage, expandable via MicroSD, 6.4-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED, 90hz refresh rate, 48-megapixel f/1.8 main camera with PDAF and OIS, 8-megapixel f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle camera, 5-megapixel f/2.4 macro camera, 2-megapixel f/2.4 depth sensor,...

Exynos 1280 processor, 6GB/8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage, expandable via MicroSD, 6.4-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED, 90hz refresh rate, 48-megapixel f/1.8 main camera with PDAF and OIS, 8-megapixel f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle camera, 5-megapixel f/2.4 macro camera, 2-megapixel f/2.4 depth sensor,...