COMWAY A3+ vs A33 Fusion Splicer – Which One Is Better?

Choosing the right fusion splicer is important for FTTH installation, ISP network maintenance, telecom projects, fiber repair, and professional fiber optic work. Among COMWAY's professional fusion splicer models, the COMWAY A3+ and COMWAY A33 are two closely related options with fast splicing, PAS alignment, multiple fiber support, touchscreen operation, and high-capacity batteries.

But which one is better?

The COMWAY A3+ and COMWAY A33 share many important specifications, including 5-second SM Fast splicing, 4000mAh battery capacity, 20,000 splice data storage, 5,000 electrode life, and 4.3-inch touchscreen displays.

However, there are some important differences. The COMWAY A3+ features 4-motor core-to-core PAS alignment, 400× single-axis / 200× dual-axis magnification, and 2-directional fiber observation with 0.01dB loss-estimation accuracy. The COMWAY A33, on the other hand, provides higher fiber magnification of 500× single-axis and 300× dual-axis.

For most FTTH technicians, ISP engineers, and professional fiber installers, the A3+ offers an excellent balance of alignment technology, viewing capability, functionality, and professional usability.

COMWAY A3+ vs A33 – Quick Comparison

Before going into the detailed specifications, here is a quick overview:

COMWAY A3+ vs A33 Specification Comparison

Both fusion splicers are designed for professional fiber optic applications. However, their differences become clearer when comparing the alignment system, fiber viewing capability, and loss estimation functions.

Fiber Alignment

The COMWAY A3+ uses High Precision PAS Alignment with 4 motors for core-to-core alignment in the X-Y directions.

The COMWAY A33 specification lists High Precision PAS Alignment.

For users who prioritize the specified 4-motor core-to-core alignment system, the A3+ has a clear advantage on paper.

Splicing Speed

Both models support:

• 5 seconds – SM FAST program
• 12 seconds – SM G652 program

Therefore, there is no significant splicing-speed advantage between the two based on the supplied specifications.

For regular FTTH deployment and fiber repair work, both models provide fast splicing performance.

Heating Time

Both models specify approximately 15 seconds typical heating, with adjustable heating functionality.

This means users can expect similar heating performance from both models under the stated specifications.

COMWAY A3+ – Key Advantages

The A3+ is particularly attractive for technicians who want a combination of advanced alignment and improved fiber viewing.

4-Motor Core-to-Core PAS Alignment

One of the key features of the COMWAY A3+ Fusion Splicer is its 4-motor high-precision PAS alignment system.

The specification specifically describes this as:

4 motors to core-to-core alignment in the X-Y directions.

For professional fiber splicing, accurate alignment is important because the fiber cores need to be positioned correctly before the fusion process.

This makes the A3+ an appealing choice for technicians who want a more feature-rich alignment system.

4.3-Inch High-Light Touchscreen

The COMWAY A3+ comes with a 4.3-inch high-light touchscreen.

A larger display provides a more comfortable viewing area for fiber images, machine settings, splice information, and operation controls.

The A33 also has a 4.3-inch touchscreen, so this is an area where both models are comparable.

400× Single-Axis and 200× Dual-Axis Viewing

The A3+ provides:

• 400× magnification for X or Y single-axis view
• 200× magnification for both X & Y dual-axis view

This provides detailed fiber observation and is an improvement over the A3 model, while still providing sufficient magnification for professional fiber work.

2-Directional Fiber Observation and Loss Estimation

The A3+ specification includes a splice loss estimation function with 2-directional fiber observation and states an accuracy of 0.01dB.

This gives the A3+ an additional documented feature for users who want more detailed fiber observation and loss estimation capability.

COMWAY A33 – Key Advantages

The COMWAY A33 is also a professional fusion splicer and has one particularly notable advantage over the A3+.

Higher Fiber Magnification

The A33 provides:

• 500× X or Y single-axis view
• 300× X&Y dual-axis view

Compared with the A3+'s 400×/200× magnification, the A33 provides higher magnification.

Therefore, if your primary priority is maximum fiber image magnification, the A33 has the advantage.

4.3-Inch Touchscreen

The A33 also features a 4.3-inch high-light color touchscreen, giving it a similar display size to the A3+.

Fast 5-Second Splicing

The A33 supports:

5-second SM Fast splicing

and its specification also lists:

12-second SM G652 splicing.

This makes it suitable for high-volume FTTH installation and maintenance work.

COMWAY A3+ vs A33 – Fiber Viewing Comparison

Fiber viewing is one of the biggest differences between these two models.

Which is better for fiber viewing?

If maximum magnification is your priority, the COMWAY A33 wins with its 500× single-axis and 300× dual-axis viewing.

However, magnification is not the only factor to consider when choosing a fusion splicer. The A3+ combines 400×/200× viewing with 4-motor core-to-core PAS alignment and documented 2-directional loss estimation, making it a strong overall option for professional FTTH and ISP work.

COMWAY A3+ vs A33 – Performance Comparison

Splicing Speed

Winner: Tie

Both models support 5-second SM Fast splicing.

Heating

Winner: Tie

Both specify approximately 15-second typical heating with adjustable functionality.

Alignment

Advantage: A3+

The A3+ specification specifically lists 4-motor core-to-core PAS alignment.

Magnification

Winner: A33

A33 offers 500×/300×, compared with A3+'s 400×/200×.

Display

Winner: Tie

Both have a 4.3-inch high-light touchscreen.

Battery

Winner: Tie

Both use a 4000mAh high-capacity battery and support more than 240 splicing and heating cycles according to the supplied specifications.

Data Storage

Winner: Tie

Both models support:

Maximum 20,000 splice data records.

Electrode Life

Winner: Tie

Both specifications list approximately 5,000 ARC discharges/splices.

COMWAY A3+ vs A33 – Which One Is Better for FTTH?

For FTTH installation, technicians generally need a fusion splicer that offers:

• Fast splicing
• Reliable fiber alignment
• Good fiber visibility
• Long battery operation
• Easy field operation
• Multiple fiber-type support
• Good data storage
• Practical portability

Both the COMWAY A3+ and A33 meet these requirements based on their specifications.

However, the A3+ offers a particularly balanced feature set with 4-motor core-to-core PAS alignment, 4.3-inch touchscreen, 400×/200× fiber viewing, 4000mAh battery, 240+ cycles, and 20,000 splice data storage.

Recommended Choice for FTTH

COMWAY A3+ – Best Overall Balanced Choice

The A33 should be considered if your main requirement is higher fiber magnification.

Who Should Buy COMWAY A3+?

The COMWAY A3+ Fusion Splicer is a strong choice for:

• FTTH installation technicians
• ISP engineers
• Fiber optic network installers
• Telecom maintenance teams
• Fiber repair technicians
• Enterprise network technicians
• Professional fiber contractors
• Users who want advanced PAS alignment
• Users who prefer a larger touchscreen and higher magnification than basic models

If you need a professional fusion splicer that balances alignment capability, fiber viewing, speed, battery life, and field usability, the A3+ is an excellent option.

Who Should Buy COMWAY A33?

The COMWAY A33 is a suitable option for users who specifically prioritize higher fiber image magnification.

Choose the A33 if:

• You want 500× single-axis magnification
• You want 300× dual-axis magnification
• Detailed fiber viewing is your primary priority
• You need fast 5-second SM Fast splicing
• You want a 4.3-inch touchscreen
• You need 4000mAh battery capacity and 240+ cycles

The A33's strongest documented advantage over the A3+ is its higher magnification.

COMWAY A3+ vs A33 – Which One Should You Buy?

The answer depends on your priorities.

Choose COMWAY A3+ if you want:

4-Motor Core-to-Core PAS Alignment
4.3-inch touchscreen
400×/200× fiber magnification
2-directional fiber observation
0.01dB loss-estimation accuracy
5-second SM Fast splicing
4000mAh battery
240+ splicing and heating cycles

Choose COMWAY A33 if you want:

500× single-axis magnification
300× dual-axis magnification
4.3-inch touchscreen
5-second SM Fast splicing
4000mAh battery
240+ splicing and heating cycles

COMWAY A3+ vs A33 – Final Verdict

Both the COMWAY A3+ and COMWAY A33 are capable professional fusion splicers with many similar core specifications.

The COMWAY A33 has the advantage in fiber magnification, offering 500× single-axis and 300× dual-axis viewing.

However, the COMWAY A3+ offers a more balanced professional feature set, particularly with its 4-motor core-to-core PAS alignment, 4.3-inch touchscreen, 400×/200× fiber viewing, and 2-directional fiber observation with 0.01dB loss-estimation accuracy.

🏆 Our Recommendation: COMWAY A3+

For FTTH technicians, ISP engineers, telecom professionals, and fiber network contractors, the COMWAY A3+ is the recommended choice when you want a balanced combination of alignment technology, fiber visibility, speed, battery capacity, and professional features.

If your number-one requirement is the highest possible fiber magnification, then the COMWAY A33 may be the better fit.

In short:

COMWAY A3+ = Best Balanced Choice for Professional FTTH & ISP Work
COMWAY A33 = Best Choice for Higher Fiber Magnification

COMWAY A3+ vs A33 – Frequently Asked Questions

Is COMWAY A3+ better than A33?

The answer depends on your requirements. The A3+ offers 4-motor core-to-core PAS alignment and 2-directional loss estimation, while the A33 offers higher 500×/300× fiber magnification. For an overall balanced professional feature set, the A3+ is a strong choice.

Which is faster, COMWAY A3+ or A33?

Both models support 5-second SM Fast splicing according to the supplied specifications. Therefore, neither has a clear speed advantage.

Does COMWAY A3+ support 5-second splicing?

Yes. The A3+ supports 5-second SM FAST splicing and 12-second SM G652 splicing.

Does COMWAY A33 have higher magnification than A3+?

Yes. The A33 provides 500× single-axis and 300× dual-axis magnification, while the A3+ provides 400× single-axis and 200× dual-axis magnification.

What is the battery capacity of COMWAY A3+ and A33?

Both models use a 4000mAh high-capacity battery and are specified for more than 240 splicing and heating cycles.

Which COMWAY fusion splicer is better for FTTH?

Both can be used for FTTH applications. For users looking for a balanced combination of 4-motor core-to-core alignment, fiber viewing, battery capacity, fast splicing, and professional features, the COMWAY A3+ is the recommended option.

How many splice records can A3+ and A33 store?

Both models support up to 20,000 splice data records according to the supplied specifications.

What is the electrode life of COMWAY A3+ and A33?

Both models specify approximately 5,000 ARC discharges/splices.

COMWAY A3+ vs A33 – At a Glance

Final Recommendation

If you want maximum magnification → COMWAY A33

If you want the better overall balance of professional features → COMWAY A3+

For most FTTH and ISP professionals → COMWAY A3+ is our recommended choice.