Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 vs. Samsung Galaxy A73 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A32 and Galaxy A73 5G, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 163.7 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm | A73 5G is taller and wider, A32 is thicker. A73 5G might be slightly less comfortable in smaller hands or pockets. |
| Weight | 184g | 181g | Negligible difference in weight. Both will feel relatively similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | A73 5G has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. A32 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness, good for everyday use. |
| PPI | 411 | 393 | Slightly sharper text and images on A32, difference is minor in practice. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A73 5G provides smoother scrolling and animations. Noticeable in gaming and UI interactions. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is not available. Impact on outdoor usability is unclear. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | A73 5G's chipset is significantly faster. Expect smoother gaming and better performance for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 575,551 | A73 5G is drastically faster (almost 3x), offering a much snappier user experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 642L | A73 5G offers much better graphics performance, noticeable in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.8 | A73 5G captures more detail and is better suited for larger prints and crops. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.2 | A73 5G produces sharper selfies with more detail. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | A73 5G's wide-angle camera captures more details in group photos and landscapes. |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | Similar quality for portrait depth effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro capabilities for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS, | A73 5G captures much higher resolution videos with better video quality and stabilization. |
| Video Stabilisation | No | Yes with EIS | A73 5G offers smoother videos with stabilization. A32 lacks stabilization. |
| Slow-motion | No, 30 fps | Yes, 120 fps | A73 5G allows for better quality slow-motion shots. |
| Features | Basic | OIS, PDAF, 4K video support | A73 5G has better focusing with PDAF and Optical Image Stabilization for clearer images, especially in low-light and video. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | A73 5G charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | A73 5G's bypass charging is convenient for gamers, where it avoids battery degradation while playing while plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 13 | Android 12, upgradeable to 16 | A73 5G has a newer OS out of the box and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | A73 5G connects faster and more reliably to newer Wi-Fi routers. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Similar Bluetooth performance. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Identical location services on both devices. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both can use two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128 GB | 128GB or 256 GB | A73 5G has higher storage options, allowing more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both have good RAM options for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows you to expand storage via microSD. |
| Audio | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | A73 5G has better audio for media consumption, gaming and general listening experience. |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both have basic biometric security, nothing fancy here. |
| Build Quality | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A73 5G has much better protection against scratches and drops on its display. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Hall, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | Both have similar sensor suite, A73 5G uses Ultrasonic sensor and has RGB sensor while A32 has Hall sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- More Compact: Slightly smaller size and thickness makes it easier to handle, especially for users with smaller hands.
- Potentially Lower Price: Being an older model, it's likely available at a lower price point, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Slightly higher PPI: A32's slightly higher PPI might make text and images a tad sharper, although the difference is minimal.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset offers significantly faster processing and graphics performance.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, OIS, and PDAF produce better photos and videos with higher quality.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate results in a smoother and more responsive user experience.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging reduces battery downtime.
- Stereo Speakers and Dolby Atmos: Enhance the audio experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android, providing access to the latest features and longer software support.
- Larger Storage Options: Comes with 256GB variant, allowing for more apps, photos, and videos.
- Bypass Charging: For gamers, bypass charging improves battery health.
- Superior screen protection: With Corning Gorilla Glass 5 the screen is better protected against scratches and drops.
- Faster Wi-Fi: Supports newer Wi-Fi standard offering faster speeds.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A32: Lower performance, basic camera, older software, and slower charging.
- A73 5G: Larger size, potentially higher price, and no expandable storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 - Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Looking for a reliable phone at a lower cost.
- Users with smaller hands: Prefer a more compact device.
- Light Users: Primarily use their phones for basic tasks such as browsing, social media and communication.
Users who don't prioritize gaming or heavy multimedia: Satisfied with basic features.
Use Cases:
- Daily social media browsing
- Making calls and sending messages
- Light web browsing
- Casual photography
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G - Ideal User:
- Power users: Who want fast performance for demanding applications and games.
- Photography enthusiasts: Seeking a versatile camera system with higher image quality and various features.
- Media consumers: Who enjoy watching videos or listening to music with stereo audio and high-refresh-rate display.
- Gamers: Need a smooth gaming experience with fast processing and a good GPU.
- Users needing good performance: Smooth user experience.
Users looking for long-term use: Newer software with extended software support.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- Shooting high-quality photos and videos
- Binge-watching content
- Multitasking between resource-intensive apps
- Heavy social media usage and content creation
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What's your budget? Is your primary concern to get the most affordable device?
- How important is performance? Do you need a fast phone for gaming, multitasking, or heavy usage?
- What are your photography needs? Do you prioritize a higher resolution camera and optical stabilization?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the primary concern and basic tasks are the priority.
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A32 is suitable. It’s affordable and good for everyday use.
- Scenario 2: You want the best possible performance and camera quality.
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is the superior choice. It offers a vastly better user experience and is better for demanding users.
- Scenario 3: You want a good overall experience and a balance of features.
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is the better option. It is a better long term investment.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G.
Reasons:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 778G is a massive upgrade over the Helio G80, making the device smoother and more responsive. I often multitask, use several apps simultaneously, and prefer the flexibility of playing demanding mobile games without experiencing slowdowns or lag.
- Camera: As someone who enjoys mobile photography, I value a versatile camera setup. The 108MP sensor, along with OIS and PDAF, is a significant upgrade for me to capture detailed and stable shots in various scenarios.
- Display: The 120Hz display is a game-changer for daily use, making scrolling and animations smoother. This enhances my viewing experience and feels less jarring on the eyes.
- Future-proofing: With extended software support, better screen protection and better performance the A73 5G is a much better long term investment and better choice in the long run.
While the A73 5G is larger and may cost more, the improvements in performance, camera capabilities, display and overall experience are worth it for my use case. The lack of expandable storage on both is a slight downside, but the 256 GB variant of A73 5G is sufficient for my needs.
