1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 9 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A73 5G specifications, with a focus on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm | 163.7 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm | The A73 is slightly wider and thinner, potentially feeling less bulky in the hand. The 9 Pro is a bit more compact but thicker. |
| Weight | 197g | 181g | The A73 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size, offering similar viewing real estate. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3216 | 1080 x 2400 | The 9 Pro's higher resolution results in a noticeably sharper display with finer details, better for reading text and viewing high-res images. |
| PPI | 525 | 393 | The 9 Pro has a significantly higher pixel density, meaning clearer, more detailed images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | The A73's AMOLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth visual experience with a 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The 9 Pro's significantly higher brightness makes it much more visible in bright sunlight. The A73's brightness is unknown, making it difficult to compare. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) | The 9 Pro's flagship chipset provides significantly faster performance, better app loading, and smoother multitasking. The A73's chipset is mid-range, suitable for everyday tasks but might struggle with demanding games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 575,551 | The 9 Pro demonstrates much higher benchmark performance, indicating superior overall speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | The 9 Pro's GPU is more powerful, offering better graphics performance for gaming and other graphically intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera Resolution | 48MP | 108MP | The A73 has a higher resolution sensor which theoretically captures more detail, although practical image quality also depends on other factors. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 32MP | The A73 has higher resolution for sharper selfie photos. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | The A73's wider aperture may result in slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes (8MP) | No | The 9 Pro offers optical zoom, allowing for closer shots without losing quality. |
| Wide-Angle Lens Resolution | 50MP | 12MP | The 9 Pro captures much more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) Camera | No | Yes (5MP) | The A73 offers dedicated depth sensing for better portrait mode photos. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes (5MP) | The A73 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Black & White Lens | Yes (2MP) | No | The 9 Pro has a dedicated lens for black and white photography. |
| Video Resolution | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The 9 Pro can record higher-resolution videos, offering more flexibility for professional video use. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | 122 | Not Tested | The 9 Pro's camera is rated for good overall performance, with decent photo and video quality. The A73 has no available score. |
| Camera Features | Includes Optical zoom, Ultra stable video, RAW, Night Mode, 12-bit RAW | Basic features such as Digital zoom, and OIS. | The 9 Pro offers more advanced features for enthusiasts who want more creative control. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The A73's larger battery suggests longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The 9 Pro charges significantly faster, allowing you to quickly top up the battery. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | Bypass Charging | The 9 Pro has wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities; the A73 has bypass charging which allows the phone to be powered directly from the charger without using the battery while gaming or other intensive tasks. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides significantly better processing power, ideal for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density make the display notably clearer and more detailed.
- Brighter Display: Much higher brightness makes the screen more visible in sunlight.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes more advanced features like optical zoom, and higher video resolution up to 8K.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging allows much faster battery top-ups, plus wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Better Audio: The OnePlus 9 Pro offers enhanced audio with noise cancellation microphone.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Build: Easier to handle and carry for extended periods.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery suggests better endurance for all-day use.
- AMOLED Display: Offers superior contrast and more vibrant colors.
- Versatile Camera: Includes dedicated depth and macro cameras, providing more flexibility for different types of shots.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 12 and will get updates up to Android 16, while the OnePlus 9 Pro ships with Android 11 and will get updates up to Android 14.
- Bypass Charging: Samsung's bypass charging allows the phone to be powered directly from the charger without using the battery for intensive tasks such as gaming.
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro sacrifices battery life for higher performance, better display resolution and camera features.
- The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G compromises on performance and screen sharpness for a lighter build and longer battery life. It features extra cameras for macro and depth shots while lacking the optical zoom from the OnePlus 9 Pro.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers and power users who require top-tier processing power and graphics performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize image quality, and optical zoom and want more creative control over their photos and videos.
- Users in Bright Environments: Individuals who frequently use their phones outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Users who require faster charging: Users who frequently charge their phones and prioritize fast charging.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games at high settings without lag.
- Recording high-resolution 8K videos for professional use.
- Editing photos and videos on the go, benefitting from the powerful processor.
- Comfortably using the phone in bright sunlight.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and media consumption.
- Photography Generalists: Users who want flexible camera options including depth and macro.
- Users Seeking Longer Battery Life: Individuals who need their phone to last all day without frequent charging.
- Users who prefer a lighter device: Those who prefer a lightweight, thinner device for ease of handling.
Specific Use Cases:
- All-day use without needing to recharge frequently.
- Taking a variety of photos, including portraits and close-up shots.
- Enjoying media with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Comfortably using the phone one-handed for extended periods.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is top-tier performance for you? (Gaming, multitasking, demanding apps)
- Do you prioritize camera flexibility or raw image quality? (Optical zoom and better video vs macro/depth cameras)
- How important is battery life vs. charging speed and features? (All-day use vs. quick top-ups and wireless charging)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you are a gamer or need the best performance possible and a brighter screen, choose the OnePlus 9 Pro.
- Scenario 2: If you prefer a lighter phone, longer battery life, and a flexible camera for general use, choose the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G.
- Scenario 3: If you frequently find yourself in bright outdoor environments, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better choice for its superior screen brightness.
- Scenario 4: If you value future software updates for longer use, the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is the better choice.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would personally pick the OnePlus 9 Pro. Here's why:
As someone who values performance and a high-quality display above all else, the OnePlus 9 Pro aligns better with my needs. The superior chipset and brighter, sharper screen would significantly enhance my daily experience. I also appreciate the advanced camera features and the ability to quickly charge the device. While I recognize the benefits of the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G, such as a longer battery and a lighter build, the performance trade-offs are not something I'm willing to compromise on. The inclusion of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging is another key feature for me as I frequently have the need to top-up other devices.
While the A73 offers newer software and a more flexible camera system with macro and depth lenses, I am less concerned with these features compared to the raw performance of the 9 Pro.
