Alright, let's dive deep into the Realme GT2 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A73 5G. As a tech journalist, I'm always keen to get past the marketing hype and see how these devices stack up in the real world. Here’s my breakdown, focusing on what truly matters to you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Realme GT2 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-08 | 2022-04-22 | Samsung is a bit newer (3 months and 14 days) |
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 74.7 x 8.2 mm, 199g | 163.7 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm, 181g | Realme GT2 Pro is slightly thicker and heavier, A73 is a bit wider, but lighter making it more comfortable for one-handed usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have large, immersive screens, ideal for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3216 (QHD+) | 1080 x 2400 (FHD+) | Realme offers a sharper display with noticeably higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 526 | 393 | Realme display will appear crisper with more detail. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Samsung offers better contrast and colours due to AMOLED. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1400 nits | 0 nits | Realme GT2 Pro has significantly better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) | Realme is significantly more powerful, better suited for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,054,189 | 575,551 | Realme demonstrates far superior performance in benchmarks, implying a much faster experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 642L | Realme has much better graphical performance |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide similar battery life under typical usage. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Realme charges much faster. |
| Battery Features | 22500mAh battery | Bypass Charging | Realme features a 22500 battery while Samsung has bypass charging | ||
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766) | 108MP (f/1.8) | Samsung boasts a higher resolution main sensor, while Realme utilizes the Sony IMX766, known for excellent image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.4, 1/2.74", Sony IMX615) | 32MP (f/2.2) | Samsung has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1) | 12MP (f/2.2) | Realme offers a higher resolution ultrawide camera. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | N/A | 5MP (f/2.4) | Samsung has an extra depth camera for portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP (f/3.0, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1) | 5MP (f/2.4) | Samsung has a higher resolution and wider aperture for better macro shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with EIS, 4K@60fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Realme offers higher video resolution and frame rates with EIS. |
| Features | 8K Video, Triple camera, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser autofocus (LAF), Night Mode | Quadruple camera, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) | Realme has a more advanced set of video features while Samsung has more camera versatility |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 16) | Samsung has much longer software support |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MIMO | WiFi 6 | Both support fast WiFi, Realme has MIMO for enhanced performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC) | 5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP) | Realme has a newer Bluetooth version. Samsung has more comprehensive bluetooth profiles. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Realme supports more satellite systems for more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones support dual SIM. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | Realme offers a 512GB option for users needing more storage |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 6/8GB | Realme has more RAM, better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Realme has a more comprehensive audio setup. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensors |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme has better screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both are pretty similar, but Realme features the traditional proximity sensor instead of virtual. |
2. Key Insights
Realme GT2 Pro:
- Strengths: Raw power, superior display resolution and brightness, blazing-fast charging, advanced camera features (8K video, laser autofocus, excellent ultrawide). It's a performance powerhouse for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Competitive Advantage: Cutting-edge performance, best-in-class display, and the advanced featureset make it the clear winner for users who need a no-compromise device.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: It's slightly thicker and heavier, and lacks an expandable storage slot.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G:
- Strengths: Lighter and thinner design, AMOLED display with vibrant colours, good battery life, a versatile quad-camera system, longer software support.
- Competitive Advantage: A refined user experience and versatility make it suitable for general use cases and photo enthusiasts on a budget.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Significantly less powerful chipset, slower charging, and lacks some advanced features that the Realme offers.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Realme GT2 Pro:
- Ideal for: Gamers, power users, content creators, users who demand the best display and performance. If you want the fastest performance and the best screen, the Realme is for you.
- Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, video editing, demanding multitasking, outdoor use under bright light, professional photography and videography.
- Samsung Galaxy A73 5G:
- Ideal for: Everyday users, casual photographers, those who prefer a sleek and light design and want software support for longer.
- Use Cases: General app usage, social media, photography (especially in good lighting), video consumption, comfortable single-hand use, users that want a good balance of functionality and value.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your choice:
- Do you prioritize raw performance and display quality above all else? If so, the Realme GT2 Pro is the clear winner.
- Do you value a lightweight design, a good camera, and longer software support, even if it means compromising on performance? Then, the Samsung A73 5G will likely suit you better.
- How much does charging speed impact your day-to-day usage? The Realme's 65W charging is significantly faster than the Samsung's 25W.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer/Power User: Opt for the Realme GT2 Pro. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and superior display make it a beast for mobile gaming and demanding tasks.
- The Everyday User: The Samsung A73 5G is the better choice. It offers a balanced experience with a decent camera, a sleek design, and longer software support.
- The Photography Enthusiast: Both offer great cameras, but the Samsung is better for the average shooter due to the quad-camera versatility, while the Realme is for someone that likes to tinker and demands high fidelity image quality.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally go for the Realme GT2 Pro. As a tech journalist and someone who appreciates top-tier performance, the raw power, incredible display, and blazing-fast charging of the Realme are irresistible. While the Samsung A73 5G is a great all-rounder, the GT2 Pro's performance advantage and superior screen make it the clear winner for my specific use cases. Plus, as someone who likes to experiment with mobile videography, the 8K video recording and the variety of tools the Realme's camera provides make it a more versatile tool.
While the Samsung offers a bit more balanced of a package, it wouldn't satisfy my needs as well as the Realme would. Ultimately, it really comes down to what your needs and priorities are for a smartphone.
