Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 vs. Samsung Galaxy A73 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 163.7 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | The iPhone 12 is more compact and easier to handle with one hand. The A73 5G offers a larger screen, which might be better for media consumption, but less pocketable. |
| Weight | 164g | 181g | The iPhone 12 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The A73 5G has a more durable screen, offering better protection against scratches and minor impacts. iPhone 12 screen is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | The A73 5G provides a more immersive viewing experience for movies, games, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2400 | The iPhone 12 offers slightly sharper text and images due to its higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 460 PPI | 393 PPI | The iPhone 12 has a noticeably sharper display |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. Differences are subtle and often depend on calibration. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The A73 5G's 120Hz refresh rate results in smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | The iPhone 12 is much easier to view in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | The A14 Bionic offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and AR applications. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 575,551 | The iPhone 12 provides a smoother, more responsive user experience overall. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | The A73 5G handles multitasking better, especially with multiple apps or large files open. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 108MP | The A73 5G captures more detailed images, especially in good lighting conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.8 | The iPhone 12 performs better in low-light conditions due to its wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 32MP | The A73 5G captures more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G has a wider aperture |
| Portrait mode (depth) | null | 5MP | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G has a Portrait mode (depth) camera |
| Macro lens | null | 5MP | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G has a Macro lens camera |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | The iPhone 12 offers higher frame rate options for smoother video and HDR for better dynamic range. |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 117 | N/A | The iPhone 12 has a proven track record for image and video quality. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 5000mAh | The A73 5G offers significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging, Wireless Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The A73 5G charges slightly faster, but the iPhone 12 offers convenient wireless charging. |
Storage
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Choose storage based on needs; neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Users needing ample storage for large media files might find this limiting. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- Significantly faster performance: The A14 Bionic chip is considerably more powerful.
- Higher display quality: Sharper display, better color accuracy, and higher brightness for outdoor visibility.
- Premium build and feel: Generally perceived as a more premium device.
- Wireless Charging: Adds convenience for charging.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Advantages:
- Larger display: More immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Significantly longer battery life: Can easily last a full day or more.
- Higher refresh rate display (120Hz): Smoother scrolling and animations.
- Higher resolution main camera: Captures more detailed photos in good lighting.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Enhanced security using biometrics.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12: Sacrifices battery life and screen size for performance and premium feel.
- A73 5G: Sacrifices raw processing power for longer battery life and a larger, smoother display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal iPhone 12 User:
- Values performance above all else (gaming, video editing).
- Prefers a compact phone that is easy to handle.
- Requires a high-quality display with excellent color accuracy.
- Is invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Specific Use Cases for iPhone 12:
- Mobile gaming: Demanding games run smoother and look better.
- Video editing: Faster processing for editing and exporting videos.
- Photography: Excellent image quality with a focus on color accuracy.
Ideal Samsung Galaxy A73 5G User:
- Prioritizes battery life and screen size for media consumption.
- Wants a smoother scrolling experience with a high refresh rate display.
- Desires a versatile camera system with a high-resolution main sensor.
- Prefers the Android ecosystem.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A73 5G:
- Binge-watching movies and TV shows.
- Casual gaming.
- Taking photos and videos in various scenarios.
- All-day use without needing to recharge.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions before making a decision:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a phone for demanding tasks, the iPhone 12 is the clear winner.
- Do you prioritize battery life and screen size? The A73 5G offers a much larger battery and a bigger display, making it ideal for media consumption.
- Are you invested in a specific ecosystem (iOS or Android)? Switching ecosystems can be a hassle due to app compatibility and data transfer issues.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are a gamer or video editor: Choose the iPhone 12 for its superior processing power.
- If you are a heavy media consumer: Choose the A73 5G for its larger display and longer battery life.
- If you want the best overall value: Consider the A73 5G, balancing features and price.
My Choice
I would choose the Apple iPhone 12. While the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G has a larger display, better battery life, and a higher refresh rate, the iPhone 12's superior processing power is more important to me. I frequently use my phone for tasks like photo and video editing, occasional gaming, and running multiple applications simultaneously. The A14 Bionic chip will provide a smoother and faster experience for these activities.
Additionally, the iPhone 12's higher display quality and proven camera performance give it an edge in areas that I value. Although the battery life is shorter, I am willing to compromise on this aspect for the performance gains.
