Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Samsung Galaxy A73 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm, 177g | 163.7 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm, 181g | A73 5G is slightly larger and heavier, may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. Realme 8 is marginally thicker. |
| Build Material | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (screen) | Samsung offers better scratch and minor impact protection for the screen. Realme 8 screen protection is unknown and is a concern. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | A73 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness; pixel density is similar. |
| PPI | 411 | 393 | Both offer sharp visuals. The small difference in PPI is unlikely to be noticeable to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast; no difference in panel tech. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A73 5G provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 is significantly better in bright sunlight, screen is more visible. A73 5G brightness is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) | A73 5G has a more powerful and efficient chipset, leading to faster performance and better power management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 575,551 | A73 5G benchmarks significantly higher; indicates snappier performance in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 642L | A73 5G's GPU offers better gaming performance and graphics rendering capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 108MP, f/1.8 | A73 5G captures higher resolution photos for better detail; Realme 8 has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" | 32MP, f/2.2 | A73 5G takes higher-resolution selfies; wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.25 | 12MP, f/2.2 | A73 5G captures slightly more detailed wide-angle shots with a slightly wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 5G offers a dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 5G produces higher-resolution macro shots. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 features a dedicated B&W sensor for artistic monochrome shots |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS | Both can capture 4K videos; A73 5G has better video stabilization capabilities |
| Video Stabilisation | No | Yes | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G has better video stabilization |
| Features | Ultra stable video, various software features | OIS, PDAF, various software features | A73 5G offers OIS for better low-light shots and stable videos; PDAF for faster focusing. Realme 8 has "ultra stable video" |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life for general use. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | Realme 8 charges slightly faster; both should provide decent charging speeds. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Samsung offers bypass charging, allows for gaming while charging without increasing heat |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | A73 5G has a newer Android version, meaning potential for longer support and newer features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual Band, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11ax(WiFi 6), Dual Band | A73 5G supports newer and faster WiFi standard and has better performance in crowded networks. Realme 8 features Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 | Realme 8 uses newer Bluetooth version; A73 5G has more supported audio/device profiles. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | A73 5G offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both offer decent RAM options for multitasking; A73 5G has higher minimum RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | A73 5G provides a more immersive sound experience; Realme 8 offers Hi-Res Audio for audiophiles. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Realme 8 has Magnetometer; Samsung has Compass, Geomagnetic, RGB, Ultrasonic proximity virtual |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Higher Screen Brightness: Significantly brighter display at 1000 nits, making it much better for outdoor visibility in sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging compared to 25W on the A73 5G, potentially reducing charging times.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers higher quality audio playback, beneficial for audiophiles.
- Magnetometer: Offers additional sensor used for various functions such as compass applications.
- Slightly More Compact: Smaller dimensions make it easier to handle and carry.
- Ultra Stable Video: Offers additional video stabilization technology.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Advantages:
- More Powerful Performance: Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset offers significantly better performance and efficiency.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate results in much smoother animations and scrolling.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus the inclusion of a dedicated depth sensor and OIS.
- Better Video recording: Enhanced video stabilization for smoother, more professional looking videos
- Bypass Charging: The ability to game or use while charging, without producing heat.
- More RAM & Storage Options: Higher base RAM and storage variants and storage options.
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 12 and promised upgrades up to Android 16, offering longer support.
- Superior Audio System: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support for enhanced audio.
- Superior Wi-Fi standard: WiFi 6 offers faster speeds, lower latency and better performance.
- Superior build material: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen is more resistant to damage.
- More connectivity profiles: Offers more supported Bluetooth profiles.
- Additional sensors: Provides a compass, Geomagnetic, RGB, and an Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8: Sacrifices performance and a higher refresh rate display for better brightness and faster charging.
- Samsung Galaxy A73 5G: Lacks specified brightness levels (potentially impacting outdoor visibility) and slightly slower charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Realme 8:
- Outdoor Users: People who often use their phones in bright sunlight, prioritize screen visibility in those conditions.
- Budget Conscious Consumers: Users who want a reliable device with fast charging capabilities at a more affordable price.
- Casual Gamers: Users who aren't heavy gamers will likely find its performance acceptable.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A73 5G:
- Performance Seekers: Users who want a phone that offers a smooth experience for all types of apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value high-resolution cameras and advanced camera features.
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and enjoy the immersive experience of stereo speakers and smooth animations.
- Long-Term Users: Those who want a phone with more prolonged software support, that has a newer OS.
Use Cases:
- Realme 8: Ideal for casual social media browsing, daily communications, outdoor photography, and navigation in bright light.
- Samsung Galaxy A73 5G: Excels in gaming, content creation (high-quality photos/videos), content consumption, multitasking, and productivity applications.
Price-to-Value:
- The Realme 8 has an older chipset, but with a brighter display. It's a cheaper option for less demanding users.
- The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G offers more advanced features and a much higher performance at a higher cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is screen visibility in bright sunlight? (Realme 8 excels here).
- Do you need a top-tier performance for heavy gaming and multitasking? (Galaxy A73 5G is significantly better).
- What is your budget and value for camera quality? (A73 5G has better camera specs but comes at a higher price).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you mostly use your phone indoors or in moderate light, prioritize performance and media experience: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G.
- If you frequently use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight and are on a budget: Choose the Realme 8.
- If you value newer Android features, camera quality and a smooth display experience, even with slower charging speed: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G
- If you value fast charging capabilities, and a slightly more compact phone: Choose the Realme 8
My Choice and Why
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G.
Here's why:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 778G 5G offers a much better performance, leading to a much smoother and faster user experience for all types of usage.
- Better Display: While the brightness isn't specified, the 120Hz refresh rate makes the screen feel more responsive and enjoyable for daily use and gaming.
- Camera Quality: I value good photo and video quality and the A73 5G's camera system has several significant upgrades.
- Long-Term Use: The A73 5G's newer Android version and upgrade promise will provide longer software support and ensure the phone is relevant for longer.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos offer a much more immersive experience for video playback.
While the Realme 8 has its strengths, specifically the brighter screen and slightly faster charging, the A73 5G's advantages in performance, display smoothness, camera quality, software and audio are more important to me and will offer a better user experience overall. For me the benefits outweigh the drawbacks (not stated brightness and slower charging) making it the better choice.
