1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.4 mm | 163.7 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | A73 5G is taller and slightly thicker but narrower; iPhone 12 Pro Max is wider. The size difference is noticeable but not drastic for daily use. |
| Weight | 228g | 181g | A73 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended one-handed use. The 47g difference is noticeable. |
| Build | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A73 5G offers superior screen protection. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have identical screen sizes; viewing area is the same |
| Resolution | 1284x2778 | 1080x2400 | iPhone 12 Pro Max's higher resolution means sharper text, more detailed images, and potentially clearer videos. |
| PPI | 458 | 393 | iPhone 12 Pro Max will appear noticeably sharper, especially for text and fine details. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; slight variations in color science are brand-specific. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A73 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations, more fluid gaming, a very significant improvement for daily usage. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 12 Pro Max has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The A73 5G's brightness is unknown and should be researched by any potential buyer. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | A14 Bionic is a much faster, more efficient chip resulting in snappier app loading, faster video editing, and more fluid multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,121,803 | 575,551 | iPhone 12 Pro Max offers significantly superior performance for demanding apps, gaming and general usability. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 642L | Apple's GPU offers much better graphics performance compared to A73 5G. This impacts gaming and graphical tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Standard | 12MP, f/1.6 | 108MP, f/1.8 | A73 5G has a much higher resolution, great for cropping and detail. iPhone 12 Pro Max's wider aperture results in better low light performance. |
| Selfie | 12MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.2 | A73 5G has a higher resolution for more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | iPhone 12 Pro Max offers optical zoom for better zoomed photos with detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/2.2 | A73 5G's wider aperture captures more light with the wide-angle camera, potentially leading to brighter images in low-light situations. |
| Portrait (depth) | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 5G offers a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 5G can capture close-up shots that iPhone cannot. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 4K 30fps | iPhone offers 4K at 60fps, generally better stabilization and more features. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 131, Selfie: 132 | Not tested | iPhone 12 Pro Max has a much better camera overall in terms of image quality. |
| Features | Optical zoom, Triple cam, Ultra stable video, RAW, Night mode | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital stabilization | iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a more comprehensive and higher-quality set of camera features, including RAW and Night Mode. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3687mAh | 5000mAh | A73 5G has a significantly larger battery for potentially longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 20W | 25W | A73 5G offers slightly faster charging, but the difference is not major. |
| Features | MagSafe, Qi wireless charging | Bypass Charging | iPhone 12 Pro Max offers more versatile wireless charging options. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The A14 Bionic chip offers vastly superior processing power, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and higher graphics quality. This is very noticeable for daily usage and gaming.
- Superior Display Sharpness & Brightness: Higher resolution, higher pixel density and higher brightness make for a visually better experience, especially outdoors and for reading detailed text.
- Higher Quality Camera System: Offers a telephoto lens, better overall image quality with RAW capture, optical zoom, and better low light performance, confirmed by the DxOMark scores.
- Advanced Video Recording: 4K video at 60fps with HDR, coupled with features like ultra stable video, offer high quality video capabilities.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Includes Dolby Digital Plus for more immersive audio.
- Better Bluetooth Version: Supports Bluetooth 5.1 for better connectivity than the A73 5G.
- More satellite systems for better location accuracy: QZSS GPS support provides better location accuracy
Practical Implications: The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a powerhouse in performance, display, and camera capabilities making it better for professional use.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Lighter: Weighing 47g less makes the phone much more comfortable for daily use, particularly one-handed use.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and animations, providing a more fluid user experience.
- Larger Battery Capacity: Offers longer battery life on a single charge, an advantage for users who need their phone to last a full day.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes macro and depth sensors, potentially better ultrawide aperture and higher selfie resolution for specific shooting scenarios.
- Faster Charging: Supports 25W fast charging, slightly faster than the iPhone's 20W
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a practical and fast biometric unlock option.
- Superior screen protection: Has a better screen protection with Gorilla Glass 5.
Practical Implications: The A73 5G is a more user-friendly device with a focus on media consumption and battery life for the average user.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Larger and heavier, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use, significantly more expensive, requires purchasing a charger.
- Samsung A73 5G: Lower display resolution, significantly less powerful chipset, less capable camera in general, lower brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Ideal User:
- Professionals/Content Creators: Users who need top performance for video editing, photography, and demanding apps.
- Power Users: Those who need the best possible performance and high graphical capabilities for gaming and other demanding tasks.
- Users invested in the Apple ecosystem: Those already using other Apple products will appreciate the seamless integration.
- Users who value camera quality: Those wanting a good all-around camera that is also capable in low light.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile video editing and professional photography.
- High-end mobile gaming and running intensive apps.
- Users who rely on the iPhone's ecosystem.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Ideal User:
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize battery life, a smooth user experience with the 120hz display, and comfort during daily usage.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Users who take many selfies and use social media apps.
- Budget-conscious Users: Those seeking a good balance of features and battery life at a more affordable price point.
- Users who need a very lightweight phone This phone is much lighter which might help people with hand pain or other physical problems.
Specific Use Cases:
- Social media browsing and photography.
- Extensive media consumption and long-lasting battery life.
- Everyday tasks, casual gaming and general usability.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your main priority: Performance or Battery life and Comfort? If raw performance, photo quality, and a more premium experience are priorities, then the iPhone 12 Pro Max is better. If battery life, a smoother display and lighter weight are more important, then the A73 5G is preferable.
- What is your budget? The iPhone 12 Pro Max is significantly more expensive, including the cost of the charger, which should be a crucial consideration.
- Do you prefer iOS or Android? This is a significant factor, as the operating system is a personal preference for ecosystem and general usability.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Professional Photography/Video): Choose the iPhone 12 Pro Max for its superior camera quality, performance, and video recording capabilities.
- Scenario 2 (Daily Driver for Media Consumption): Choose the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G for its smoother display, longer battery life, and lightweight design.
- Scenario 3 (Gaming Enthusiast): Choose the iPhone 12 Pro Max due to superior chipset and GPU for better graphical performance.
- Scenario 4 (Budget Conscious User): Choose the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G for its more affordable price point with very little overall sacrifices.
What I would choose and why!
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G. While the iPhone 12 Pro Max is undoubtedly the superior performer with a better camera system, my personal needs are more aligned with the strengths of the A73 5G.
Here's why:
- Comfort and Portability: The lighter weight of the A73 5G is a big plus for me. I spend a lot of time holding my phone, and the reduced weight will make it much more comfortable to use over long periods. I also like using my phone one-handed, so the lighter weight will be much more comfortable.
- Battery Life: I'm not a heavy gamer or video editor, but I use my phone a lot for reading, browsing, and social media. The larger battery of the A73 5G ensures that I will comfortably make it through a full day without worrying about charging. The slightly faster charging is also a welcome addition.
- Display Smoothness: The 120Hz refresh rate of the A73 5G's display is a significant factor for me. I greatly appreciate the smooth animations and fluid feel of a high refresh rate panel. This makes for a much more enjoyable user experience for daily use.
- Price: The A73 5G is significantly more affordable, making it a better value proposition for my needs. I'm not looking for the absolute best performance possible, and the A73 5G's chipset is more than adequate for my daily tasks. I'm also not too invested in either ecosystem so the different OS would not be a problem for me.
- Versatile Camera System: I like having the flexibility of the macro and depth sensors, and with the ultrawide camera having a slightly wider aperture, it should make the phone more versatile overall for most scenarios.
While the iPhone 12 Pro Max is a performance champion, the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is the better fit for my needs with its more balanced approach to daily usability and value.
