Comparing the Galaxy A34 with the A33, A23 & A73

There really is a smartphone for everyone these days, thanks to players like Samsung who consistently create awesome phones with varied specs and price points. This month sees the release of a new range of A is for awesome phones, and we’re interested in how the new Samsung Galaxy A34 model specifically compares to the Galaxy A33, A23 and A73 from previous releases.

To do that, we’ll look at what makes the Galaxy A34 a great handset choice, considering the awesome camera, sleek design and vibrant Super AMOLED display, among other specs. 

If you’re interested in understanding the differences between Samsung A34 and A14 and A54, which are all part of this early 2023 release, you might want to read this Samsung Galaxy A34 comparison article. You can also have a read of this dedicated Galaxy A14 vs A13 article as well as the article that talks specifically to the differences between the A54 vs A53. 

The Samsung Galaxy A33 was a great all-rounder of a phone – relatively affordable while featuring a pretty awesome camera and good looking screen. With the ability to access 5G, it was also a great choice for people streaming content. This seemed to make the Galaxy A33 a great option for students, who tend to want premium features but struggle to justify the high price tag of higher-end phones.

Similarly with the Galaxy A34, the decent specs and relative affordability theme continues – the awesome camera is even more awesome, the display has an improved refresh rate of 120Hertz compared to the A33’s 90Hertz and a different processor is helping to maximise phone performance. 

Here are the specs of the Samsung A34 vs A33 side by side:

The Samsung Galaxy A33’s camera was adequate for most users. Drawing a comparison between the A33 and Samsung Galaxy A34’s camera, we can see there has been some improvement in terms of the optical image stabiliser and the integration of the camera into the device design is more seamless. 

The A33 camera has featured a 2MP depth lens, which is not in the newer A34. The A33’s lenses were:

• 48MP wide angle camera lens
• 8MP ultrawide lens
• 5MP macro lens
• 2 MP depth lens
• 13 MP front camera

While the latest and greatest Galaxy A34 camera features:

• 48MP wide angle camera lens
• 8MP ultrawide lens
• 5MP macro lens
• 13 MP front camera

While the A34 lacks a lens when compared to the A33, the improvement in optical image stabiliser technology built into the A34 should let users capture high quality images and video.

Gaining an extra 0.2 inches of screen size diagonally¹, and using a Super AMOLED display panel, the Samsung Galaxy A34 display should continue to delight fans in the same way the A33 did – thanks to its bright and vibrant colours. Both phones use the Infinity-U display, yet the Samsung A34 shows a significant upgrade when compared to the A33 in the refresh rate of its display – with an additional 30Hz on top of the A33’s 90Hz refresh rate to give a 120Hz refresh rate. This enhancement should be noticeable to users in terms of a smoother scrolling experience and the ability to switch between multiple applications with ease. 

Helping to make sure form and function work together, both these Samsung A Series phones benefit from an IP67 rating for dust and water⁴. The edge-to-edge screens provide plenty of viewing space to comfortably enjoy games and video,

In terms of colour choices available at Optus, the A33 has black and blue models available, while the A34 5G handset comes in graphite and lime options.

As mentioned, the Galaxy A34 benefits from an improved chipset when compared to the A33. The A33 relies on the slightly older Exynos 1280 chip as part of its octa core chipset, while the A34 draws power from the Dimensity 1080 while also using the octa core chipset. Both phones have the necessary components to access Optus’ super-fast 5G⁵ which has the potential to enable super-fast downloads and minimal latency with more connectivity and capability.

Thanks to this uptick in build components and access to super-fast 5G⁴, the Galaxy A34 aims to enable lasting power and performance to help maximise speed, gaming and camera functions. While the A33 has an impressive octa core chipset and access to 5G speeds⁵, the older components it relies on for performance cannot keep up with the new and improved A34. So if you have a need for speed, particularly when gaming or running multiple applications at once, you might do better with the A34.

Both of these Samsung A Series devices come with the somewhat typical 5,000mAh² size of battery – giving most users at least a full day of use on a single charge, with some able to roll over usage into day two if they aren’t using as many battery-intensive applications. Supported by 25W super-fast charging⁶⁵, the battery performance of both the Samsung A34 and A33 are excellent and there’s actually not much to separate them.

Overall, the uptick in processing power and camera enhancements found on the Samsung Galaxy A34 provide an excellent smartphone experience that is a notch above that provided by the A33. Notably, the change in underlying chip technology from the Exynos 1280 to the Dimensity 1080 feels like it could be enough to combat any feelings of sluggishness that some users reported with the A33.

When looking at a comparison between the 5G models of the Samsung Galaxy A34 and Samsung Galaxy A23 smartphones, the big detail jumping out about the A34 is the impressive suite of lens options for capturing beautiful landscapes and stunning selfies. 

Have a look at the comparison table below for more quick facts on the devices before we dive into the detail.

Samsung Galaxy A34 makes taking awesome photos a breeze, thanks to image stabilisation technology and a triple-lens floating camera design. Seamlessly switch between a suite of lenses, including a 48 mega pixel main camera to shoot magnificent landscapes, a 5 mega pixel macro camera for the tiniest details plus the impressive front-facing 13MP camera to snap studio quality selfies even in low light. Which isn’t to say the Samsung Galaxy A23 doesn’t pack a fair punch in terms of its camera – it does. Equipped with a 50MP sensor, 2MP macro camera and 2MP depth sensor, there’s also an 8MP front camera for good measure. If trying to decide between the two devices and you love a selfie, this might mean the A34 is the better pick for you.

The A34’s awesome Infinity-U display offers an improved 120Hertz refresh rate on its 6.6 inch full HD screen¹ – perfect for oh-so smooth scrolling, gaming and multitasking. While the A23 uses the Infinity-V display, which means that instead of a u-shaped cutout on the front of the phone to separate the camera it has a v-shaped cutout. However, the main difference between Samsung Galaxy A34 and Samsung Galaxy A23 displays is that the A34 relies on more recent Super AMOLED technology while the A23 uses an LCD panel. This difference in display technology could be crucial if you’re someone who uses your phone a lot for gaming or taking photos and video.

You can enjoy the freedom to explore, stay connected and capture your adventures knowing the durable A34 has built-in protection to defend your device from accidental splashes and dust. It has an IP67 rating for dust and water⁴, something which unfortunately the A23 does not have. So if you want a phone that can keep pace with your hectic lifestyle and forgive a few splashes of fresh water, the A34 is probably the better Samsung phone for you in this comparison.

Combining octa core processing power with 6GB of RAM, the Samsung A34 helps you level up in terms of speed, gaming and photography. Meanwhile the A23 relies on the trusty Snapdragon 695 chip and 4GB of RAM, which still delivers excellent functionality but does not match the A34’s ability to switch seamlessly between multiple applications. If you need a phone that works as hard as you do and can keep up with you and your busy schedule, the A34 is probably the pick in this instance. 

Securable with biometrics and equipped with built-in protection from dust and fresh water⁴, the Galaxy A34 has an array of features to keep your phone performing at peak –including access to 5G⁵. Samsung A23 also has a range of features aimed to keep performance levels high, such as a 120Hertz refresh rate on the screen, and it can also access 5G⁵ speeds. But as the A23 lacks the IP67 rating for protection against dust and fresh water, the A34 is the pick of the pair in this category.

The up to 2-day battery life of the Samsung A34 is matched when comparing battery performance against the Samsung A23, as they both use the same capacity battery of 5,000mAh¹. They also both have the ability to connect a super-fast 25W charging cable⁶.

Samsung Galaxy A34 is packed with plenty of new features to entertain and delight users when compared to the A23 – notably a better camera and better display graphics. The A34 also comes with 128GB of storage when purchased through Optus (some of which is taken up by pre-installed content) and an optional expandable 1TB amount of storage, so you don’t have to worry about deleting your memories. This represents a huge uptick in available storage when looking at the Galaxy A23’s internal storage capacity of 64GB. The A34’s chipset has also had a significant upgrade when compared to the A23’s chipset. The A34’s chipset is closer to Samsung’s flagship, high-end S Series of phones. We think this makes the Samsung Galaxy A34 a great option for students as it delivers high performance at a budget-friendly price point. 

If we look at a comparison between Samsung Galaxy A34 and Samsung Galaxy A73, we’re comparing two truly awesome devices. Awesome in terms of aesthetics, and awesome in terms of what’s powering performance inside the devices. In fact, one of the main points of difference between Samsung Galaxy A34 vs Samsung Galaxy A73 is the chip inside – the former relying on an octa core chipset while the latter uses the trusty Snapdragon 695. 

The table below provides a high-level summary of each phone’s components.

Let’s take a look at what else is different.

The Galaxy A73 was known for having one of the best camera setups in the mid-range segment – with a whopping 108MP wide angle camera. 

Supporting the A73’s high-resolution camera is a:

• 12MP ultrawide lens
• Pair of 5MP macro and depth lenses
• Front-facing 32MP selfie taker. 

Whereas the newer Samsung Galaxy A34 model has a pretty different camera setup, relying on a floating triple lens camera design on the rear side – featuring a 48MP wide angle lens, 8MP ultrawide lens and 5MP macro lens – and a 13MP front facing camera. The A34 also comes with optical image stabiliser to help improve the quality of images and video.

Both phones feature Super AMOLED displays supported by a 120Hz refresh rate, helping colours to look bright and vibrant. However, it’s worth noting the display size of the A73 is 0.1 inches larger than that of the A34¹. For people who like to view media on a large screen and yearn for the life-like details that high-resolution cameras can capture, this could make the A73 the preferred option.

Another example of the phones being well matched is in the overall look and feel of the devices. Somewhat rare in mid-range smartphones are IP ratings, and yet both these Samsung phones feature a comforting IP67 dust and fresh water-resistant rating⁴. Coupled with a sleek design and quality materials and craftmanship, both phones look and feel great. 

Drawing power from different sources, with the Galaxy A73 using Snapdragon 778 where the A34 uses the Dimensity 1080 as part of its octa core chipset, both phones should have enough processing power to satisfy most users. 

The performance of both devices is excellent, particularly when considering the price of the devices in comparison to other, high-end models and the fact that they can both access 5G⁵. The A73 was considered by many to be the pick of the 2022 A Series launch, so it seems fitting that it still offers exceptional performance when compared to the second highest specced phone in this 2023 release.

And the same is true of the battery inside of each of these devices – both the A34 and A73 come with the typical 5,000mAh² long-lasting battery and ability to connect a 25W super-fast charging cable⁶. 

Which probably means it’s likely one of the other areas discussed above that will be the driving factor in your decision making when looking to buy a new smartphone. 

Mobile innovation never stops, with the latest Galaxy S25 Series finally landing in Australia. The new Galaxy S25 Series features new Galaxy AI tools, as well as upgraded processors and camera lenses. Check out the Galaxy S25 Ultra for a look at Samsung’s newest flagship phone.

Samantha Shilton works for Optus. A dog mother and nature lover, she gets down to the beach most mornings for walkies and a quick dip. On the weekend, you might spot her whizzing past you on her Kawasaki.

^{[1] Measured diagonally without accounting for the rounded corners and camera cut out. 
[2] Rated (i.e. minimum) battery capacity is 4,860mAh. Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, number of times charged, and many other factors. Estimated against the average usage profile compiled by Strategy Analytics. Independently assessed by Strategy Analytics between 2023.01.19-01.30 in UK with pre-release versions of SM-A346 under default setting using 5G Sub6 networks.
[3] Compared against Galaxy A33
[4] The Galaxy A34 5G provides ingress protection (IP67) against dust and fresh water to a maximum of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. Please refer to user manual for further information including care/use instructions
[5] 5G available in selected areas (excl. NT) and on selected plans.  For full coverage details see optus.com.au/5Gcoverage
[6] Charger sold separately
[7] Estimated against the usage profile of an average/typical user. Independently assessed by Strategy Analytics between 2022.01.20-01.31 in UK with pre-release versions of SM-A336 under default setting using LTE and 5G Sub6 networks (NOT tested under 5G mmWave network). Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, number of times charged, and many other factors. 2. Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4,860mAh.
[8] Estimated against the usage profile of an average/typical user with a fully charged device. Independently assessed by Strategy Analytics between 2022.03.14–2022.03.25 in UK with pre-release version of SM-A235. Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, number of times charged, and many other factors. Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4,860mAh.
[9]Rated (i.e. minimum) battery capacity value is 4,860mAh. Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, number of times charged, and many other factors. Please see user manual for instructions on how to care for the battery and achieve optimum battery life.}