1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 163.7 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm | A73 5G is thinner and slightly less wide, making it feel more premium and ergonomic. M12 is bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 181g | A73 5G is significantly lighter, leading to better handling and comfort, especially for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | A73 5G provides a slightly larger viewing area, beneficial for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | A73 5G has a much sharper display with finer details; better for reading, photos, and videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 393 | A73 5G's higher PPI results in a clearer, less pixelated image, enhancing visual clarity. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | A73 5G delivers vibrant colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and improved power efficiency, particularly with dark themes. M12's LCD is less vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A73 5G provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations, resulting in a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have the same peak brightness, although the value isn't provided, so we can not compare real world impact. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | A73 5G's processor offers significantly faster app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 575,551 | A73 5G shows significantly better performance, making it smoother for demanding applications and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 (ARM Mali-G52) | Adreno 642L (Adreno 642L) | A73 5G's GPU provides better graphics performance, crucial for smooth gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 108MP, f/1.8 | A73 5G's higher resolution and wider aperture allow for more detailed photos, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.2 | A73 5G captures significantly higher-resolution selfies, resulting in sharper and more detailed images. |
| Wide Angle | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | A73 5G's wide-angle lens captures more details and a wider field of view, ideal for landscape and group shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 5G offers better subject separation in portrait mode, resulting in better bokeh and more professional-looking portraits. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 5G's macro lens captures better details in close-up shots, allowing for better macro images. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | A73 5G can record higher-resolution videos (4K) with smoother frame rate (60fps) and electronic image stabilization for stable video. |
| Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) | No | Yes | A73 5G offers OIS, enabling sharper images and smoother video, especially in low light. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life, but real-world performance will vary based on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | A73 5G charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Bypass Charging | No | Yes | A73 5G allows the phone to run directly off the power supply while charging, reducing heat generation. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to 16 | A73 5G has newer OS, giving access to better features, latest security patches and will receive updates in the future. M12 is outdated. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | A73 5G offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi, beneficial for streaming and downloads. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A73 5G uses additional satellite systems, leading to more precise location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | A73 5G offers higher internal storage options, suitable for storing more photos, videos and apps. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 6/8 GB | A73 5G has more RAM, leading to better multitasking and smoother performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so users are limited to the onboard memory option. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | A73 5G provides a more immersive audio experience with louder, clearer sound. M12's audio is basic. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric Sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | M12 has a more advanced fingerprint sensor location |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A73 5G is more durable and resistant to scratches, enhancing longevity. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A73 5G has a more comprehensive sensor suite, enabling additional features like accurate compass, and virtual proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Potentially Lower Price: As an older, more budget-oriented device, the M12 is likely more affordable.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: May be preferable to a basic sensor.
- Hall Sensor: Adds an extra sensor that may or may not be used.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, better color accuracy, and 120Hz refresh rate makes a significant difference for media consumption.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset provides vastly superior processing power and graphics, enhancing overall speed and gaming.
- Better Camera System: The 108MP main camera, 32MP front camera, and enhanced video capabilities (4K recording and OIS) produce higher-quality images and videos.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging is considerably quicker.
- Advanced Features: Additional features like Dolby Atmos audio, 5G connectivity, and a more modern OS enhance the overall user experience.
- Future Proof: Better chipset, higher OS version with future update support and 5G makes this a longer lasting device.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better durability.
Trade-offs:
- Galaxy M12: The main trade-off is significantly lower performance and a poorer display for a lower price.
- Galaxy A73 5G: The trade-off is the potential higher price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Prioritizes affordability over top-tier features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Needs a device for calls, texts, casual social media, and browsing with no intention to game or use intensive apps.
- Users Who Value Battery Life: The large battery will likely last for a full day, however the battery capacity is identical to A73 5G so this isn't unique.
- Users Who don't mind the bulk: The phone is heavier and thicker than A73 5G
Use Cases for M12:
- A secondary phone for basic needs.
- A phone for elderly users who primarily need call and text features.
- A device for those not concerned about high-end gaming or camera quality.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Wants a fast phone for demanding applications, heavy multitasking, and gaming.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Values a high-quality display for watching videos and browsing social media.
- Photography Lovers: Wants a good camera system for capturing clear photos and videos.
- Future-Proof Device: Looking for a phone that will receive software updates and have good performance for the next few years.
- 5G Users: Users who need to use 5G network
- Users who appreciate portability: The phone is lighter and thinner than M12.
Use Cases for A73 5G:
- A primary device for everyday use, including demanding tasks.
- Mobile photography and video enthusiasts.
- Gaming on the go with smooth framerates.
- Users who rely on their phones for productivity.
- Users who want the best of the Samsung experience within this price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Primary Use Case: What will be your main activities with the phone (basic use, gaming, photography, etc.)?
- Longevity: Do you want a phone that will remain performant and updated for multiple years?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Tight Budget, Basic Needs): If you are on a very tight budget and only need basic smartphone features, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is adequate.
- Scenario 2 (Balanced Performance and Features): If you want a better display, camera, performance, and future proofing, the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is the better choice even with the premium price.
- Scenario 3 (Performance and multimedia focused): If you want excellent display, camera, performance and gaming, the A73 5G is a much better choice.
- Scenario 4 (Portability): If you want a thinner and lighter device, the A73 5G would be preferred over the M12.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G. While the price may be higher, the improvements in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience far outweigh the cost for me. The A73 5G’s AMOLED screen, significantly faster processor, and superior camera system would make daily use far more enjoyable and productive. I value a smooth, responsive phone that takes great photos and the A73 5G fits these needs perfectly and would also be a more future-proof device.
