1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G and the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G, focusing on practical implications for users:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.8 × 74.5 × 8.4 mm, 190g | 163.7 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm, 181g | S20 FE 5G is slightly thicker and heavier. A73 5G is taller and wider. The A73 might feel more comfortable for users with larger hands, while the S20 FE 5G is more compact. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A73 5G's screen is more resistant to scratches and drops, increasing long-term durability and potentially saving on screen replacements. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | A73 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area, which can be better for multimedia consumption, gaming, and multi-tasking. The difference is minimal but noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical visual clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 393 PPI | Practically indistinguishable sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smoother scrolling and animations on both, improving the overall user experience, especially in fast-paced games. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | S20 FE 5G is significantly brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. A73 5G has missing brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | S20 FE 5G's chipset is older but offers better raw performance, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 623,000 | 575,551 | S20 FE 5G has a higher benchmark score, confirming better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 642L | S20 FE 5G's GPU handles graphically intensive tasks (gaming, video editing) more smoothly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP | 108MP | A73 5G theoretically captures more detail in well-lit conditions. However, real-world image quality depends on sensor size, pixel size, and image processing. S20 FE has a larger sensor and pixel size. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | None | S20 FE 5G can optically zoom in on subjects without significant quality loss, offering greater versatility in photography. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP | 12MP | Similar ultra-wide capabilities. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP | A73 5G can take close-up shots of small objects. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 5MP | A73 5G assists in creating better portrait mode photos with blurred backgrounds. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP | 32MP | Similar high-resolution selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | S20 FE 5G records smoother 4k videos at 60fps |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A73 5G typically offers longer battery life, especially for users who heavily use their phone throughout the day. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Wireless charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Bypass Charging | Both support fast charging, the S20 FE 5G also supports wireless and reverse wireless charging. A73 5G supports bypass charging, which allows the phone to be powered directly from the charger without charging the battery, reducing heat generation during gaming. |
| Software | |||
| OS (at launch) | Android 10 | Android 12 | A73 5G launched with a newer version of Android. |
| Max OS Version | Android 13 | Android 16 | A73 5G will receive more software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar WiFi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, LE, ANT+, APT-x | Bluetooth 5.0, HOGP | S20 FE 5G supports Low Energy, ANT+ and APT-x, A73 5G supports HOGP. |
| Storage | |||
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos | Similar immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Hall | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic, RGB, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Similar motion tracking capabilities, but different proximity sensor tech and Geomagnetic sensor only on A73 5G |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 865 offers better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother gaming and overall responsiveness.
- Practical Implication: Demanding users who play graphics-intensive games or perform CPU-intensive tasks (video editing, etc.) will notice a significant difference.
- Brighter Display: Easier to see the screen in direct sunlight.
- Practical Implication: Outdoor use is much more pleasant and convenient.
- Telephoto Lens: Provides optical zoom capabilities for better photography at a distance.
- Practical Implication: Enables clearer zoomed-in photos without significant quality loss.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers convenient charging options and the ability to charge other devices.
- Practical Implication: Reduces the need for multiple chargers and provides a power bank alternative.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 865 offers better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother gaming and overall responsiveness.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life for extended use.
- Practical Implication: Users who need their phone to last all day without charging will benefit.
- More Screen Protection: More resistant to scratches and drops.
- Practical Implication: Longer lifespan for the display.
- Newer Android Version: Guarantees more software updates and potentially longer support.
- Practical Implication: Access to the latest features, security patches, and overall improved user experience.
- Macro Lens & Depth Sensor: Provides more camera versatility.
- Practical Implication: Allows users to capture more diverse types of photos.
- Bypass Charging: Reduces heat generation during gaming.
- Practical Implication: Reduces the battery degradation.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life for extended use.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S20 FE 5G sacrifices battery life and future software updates for better performance and a telephoto lens.
- A73 5G sacrifices processing power and display brightness for better battery life, and a newer operating system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Benefit from the stronger processor and GPU for smoother gameplay.
- Use Case: Playing demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at higher settings.
- Outdoor Users: Appreciate the brighter display for improved visibility in sunlight.
- Use Case: Navigating with GPS or taking photos/videos outdoors on sunny days.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Value the telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities.
- Use Case: Capturing distant subjects at sporting events or concerts.
- Gamers: Benefit from the stronger processor and GPU for smoother gameplay.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users: Prioritize long battery life and software support.
- Use Case: Using the phone for social media, browsing, and communication throughout the day without needing to charge.
- Casual Photographers: Appreciate the macro lens and depth sensor for versatile photography.
- Use Case: Taking close-up photos of flowers or insects, capturing portrait photos with blurred backgrounds.
- Users concerned about durability: Appreciate the newer Gorilla Glass version.
- Use Case: Users who drop their phones often.
- Everyday Users: Prioritize long battery life and software support.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
- How important is performance for gaming and demanding apps?
- If performance is a top priority, the S20 FE 5G is the better choice.
- How important is long battery life and future software updates?
- If battery life and software support are crucial, the A73 5G is preferable.
- How important is having more megapixels in the main camera?
- If you enjoy taking a variety of photos and want the option of a macro lens, the A73 5G might be a better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile gamer on a budget: Choose the S20 FE 5G for better gaming performance.
- Scenario 2: Student who needs a reliable phone for all-day use: Choose the A73 5G for its longer battery life.
- Scenario 3: User who frequently takes outdoor photos and videos: Choose the S20 FE 5G for its brighter screen and telephoto lens.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G. While the A73 5G has a larger battery and more recent software, the Snapdragon 865 offers a noticeable performance advantage that I value for gaming and demanding applications. The brighter display is also important to me as I often use my phone outdoors. Although the A73 5G offers a newer version of Android, the performance and display benefits of the S20 FE 5G outweigh the longer software support for my personal use case.
