1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 163.7 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | A73 5G is slightly taller and wider, but notably thinner. The A12 is bulkier and less pocketable. |
| Weight | 205g | 181g | A73 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | A73 5G offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and productivity. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | A73 5G has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 393 PPI | A73 5G offers a significantly sharper and more detailed visual experience. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | A73 5G provides superior color reproduction, deeper blacks, and better contrast, ideal for multimedia viewing. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A73 5G offers much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, but this value seems incorrect, it's expected both to have a certain peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | A73 5G has a significantly more powerful and efficient processor, leading to much faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 575,551 | A73 5G offers a drastically superior user experience in all aspects, from daily tasks to demanding games. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 642L | A73 5G's GPU provides much higher performance, crucial for graphically intensive applications and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 48MP, f/2.0 | 108MP, f/1.8 | A73 5G captures more detailed images, especially in good lighting, and performs better in low light. |
| Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.2 | A73 5G takes much higher-resolution selfies, allowing for more detail and better editing. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens, for zoom, but the A73 might compensate with its higher resolution sensor |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | A73 5G captures wider scenes with better clarity and detail. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 5G offers better depth of field effects for portrait photography. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 5G allows for capturing detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | A73 5G supports higher-resolution 4K video recording, and the use of EIS for smoother videos |
| Video stabilization | No | EIS | A73 5G offers video stabilization for smoother video recording. |
| Slow-motion | No, 30 fps | Yes, 120 fps | A73 5G can record slow-motion videos for creative effects. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity and similar battery life is expected, but this might vary depending on individual use. |
| Charging | 15W | 25W | A73 5G charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | A73 5G can bypass battery while gaming for less heat. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | A73 5G has a more recent Android version and offers access to newer features, security, and improvements. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | A73 5G supports faster Wi-Fi standards, resulting in better network speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Both offer Bluetooth 5.0 which is good. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A73 5G supports Galileo satellites, potentially offering better positioning accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both devices support Dual Sim, for using two numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | A73 5G offers more storage, especially when choosing the 256GB version. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 6/8 GB | A73 5G offers more RAM for better multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | A73 5G offers much better audio quality with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | A12 has a slightly more advanced fingerprint sensor; but both offer basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A73 5G has much better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A73 5G provides a much more comprehensive suite of sensors, enabling more advanced features like gaming and enhanced AR experiences. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Telephoto Lens: A dedicated telephoto camera for optical zoom, although the 2MP is very low resolution.
- Potentially lower price: Being an older phone, it is expected to be cheaper than the A73.
Practical Implications: The telephoto camera can provide some zoom capabilities, but the low resolution will be noticeable in image quality, and the low price can be a good pick for users in a tight budget.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher refresh rate.
- Significantly Faster Performance: Newer, more powerful chipset and GPU.
- Much Better Camera System: Higher-resolution sensors, wider aperture, OIS, 4K video, and additional lens.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging reduces charging time.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos.
- More RAM & Storage: Offers more storage and faster multitasking.
- Better Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi and more accurate GPS.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection.
- More Sensors: Supports a broader range of advanced features.
Practical Implications: The A73 5G provides a drastically better user experience, with a superior screen for media, much faster performance, much better cameras, faster charging, and an enhanced overall experience.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A12 offers a lower price point as a trade-off for its older technology, weaker performance and lower quality display and camera system.
- The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is more expensive but offers a superior user experience, making it an ideal pick for users who want more features and better specs, but the price point might be a problem for some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who need a basic smartphone for calling, texting, and basic app usage.
- First-time smartphone buyers: A good starting point without breaking the bank.
- Users with minimal performance requirements: It can handle basic tasks.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic communication: Phone calls, SMS, basic social media.
- Simple web browsing: Reading articles and emails.
- Limited multimedia consumption: Casual use of videos.
- Users that prioritize budget over premium experience.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Ideal Users:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy watching videos, gaming, and listening to music.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want a versatile and high-quality camera system.
- Power Users: Those who require smooth multitasking and fast performance.
- Users who plan to keep their phone for longer The better specs and newer OS will keep the device relevant for longer.
- Users who want the best mobile experience The A73 offers the best in class features for its price range.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-quality multimedia consumption: Enjoying movies and high refresh rate gaming.
- Advanced photography and videography: Capturing detailed photos, videos, and vlogging.
- Smooth multitasking and heavy app usage: Seamless performance with demanding applications.
- Those who desire a fast experience
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Galaxy A12: Good value for users on a very tight budget.
- Galaxy A73 5G: Offers exceptional value for users seeking performance, display quality, and camera capabilities and a more future proof phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? A12 is more budget-friendly, while A73 5G is pricier.
- What is your primary use case? Basic tasks vs. heavy multimedia and gaming?
- How important is camera quality, screen quality and fast performance to you? The A73 dominates in this area.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget is the biggest factor. Choose the Samsung Galaxy A12. You'll get a functional phone that gets the job done, without premium features.
Scenario 2: You want the best possible experience within budget. The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is the clear choice. Its vastly superior screen, speed, camera, and features justify the additional cost.
Scenario 3: You need a phone that excels at camera performance and multimedia. The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is the better option for photography, videography, and gaming.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G. While the A12 is functional, the A73 5G offers such a superior experience across the board that it's well worth the extra cost for a better camera, a beautiful AMOLED display with a high refresh rate, faster performance, better speakers and a more future-proof phone. The enhanced performance, better camera and the more features make it a much better choice for almost all users, and a much more enjoyable experience.
