Table of contents:
Overview
The M33 and M23 Galaxy series were both announced by Samsung in May. Both of these phone series is capable of 5G connectivity, allowing Samsung to capitalize on the most recent trend set by local telecoms.
The Samsung Galaxy M33 5G was sent to us for testing and here is our review.
During the Lazada Birthday Sale, the Galaxy M33 5G is only offered on Lazada for P16,990, down from the original price of P19,490.
Samsung Galaxy M33 5G Specs
Android 12, One UI 4.1
Dual SIM, Dual standby
6.6-inch FHD+ TFT IPS display, 2408 x 1080 pixel resolution, 400ppi
120Hz refresh rate
2.4GHz octa-core processor
8GB RAM
128GB internal storage, expandable via microSD
8MP front camera
50MP(f/1.8) + 5MP (ultra-wide) + 2MP+ 2MP rear cameras, LED flash
Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Face unlock
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Bluetooth 5.1
GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
NFC
USB Type-C
Dimensions: 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4mm
Weight: 198g
Colors: Brown, Green, Blue
5,000mAh non-removable battery, 25W fast charging
Availability & Price (in the Philippines)
The Galaxy M33 5G has an SRP of P19,490.
The Lazada price has been kept as of this writing. You may take advantage and order yours now. The link is provided here.
Build & Design
The Samsung Galaxy M33 5G has a solid build, made of high-quality plastic. The volume control as well as the power button that doubles as the fingerprint scanner are all located on the right side of the phone.
The back camera module is pushed towards the left side of the smartphone, giving it an appearance comparable to that of Apple’s iPhone.
The port for the noise-canceling microphone, the speaker grill, and USB Type-C are all located at the bottom of the device.
The SIM tray may be found directly across from the button that controls the volume.
Overall, you’ll enjoy how durable the phone is given that it has a strong construction and is fairly simple to carry around and use at the same time. This is a feature that the phone has in common with other devices that are highly portable.
Software/OS
The Android 12 operating system keeps the phone functional, and Samsung’s One UI 4.1 helps maintain the overall performance optimization.
I should say that the pre-installed apps are pretty reasonable. The majority of what you need in your daily grind is there already. That includes the usual Google Suite, which I think should already include Youtube Creator Studio and Google Keep. The Microsoft Suite is also pre-installed, along with Samsung’s own set of apps like Galaxy Shop, SmartThings, Samsung Health, its own browser, Galaxy Wearable, Samsung Pay, and Samsung TV Plus.
Samsung’s own UI called One UI is already 4.1 and it’s pretty much easy to navigate. For new users, take note that to open the apps you need to swipe up and then swipe left or right.
I appreciate that Samsung isn’t so invasive in promoting their own apps or running ads on their ecosystem. Other brand does that and it is annoying.
Camera
Looking at the spec sheet, you’ll be amazed by the specs of the rear camera — 50MP(f/1.8) + 5MP (ultra-wide) + 2MP+ 2MP rear cameras, LED flash.
Here are a few of the samples we took during the test. Be the judge.
The camera app comes with the usual features like Portrait, Ultradie shots and standard photo shots, video recording up to 4k 30fps, Night Shot, Macro, Panorama, Food AI, Slow Motion, Super Slow Motion and Hyperlapse.
Although the phone comes with 8GB RAM, I experience a little lag in taking shots with the camera.
Performance
Is it fast? Yes, it is.
The phone is intuitive and very responsive. I found no issues during the test.
Conclusion
A Samsung product’s price is frequently higher than that of its rivals. Unfortunately, the same can be said about the Samsung Galaxy M33 5G.
The present list price of the phone may encourage potential buyers, who are not already devoted Samsung fans, to examine options from another brand that provides comparable phones at cheaper rates but with larger potential returns.
Having said that, the M33 5G is still one of the best in its category. You’ll get a solid, premium-looking smartphone that takes decent photos and records videos for social media content.
