Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy A73 5G. We'll break down the specs, discuss the real-world impact, and figure out which phone is best for different types of users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two Samsung phones stack up, focusing on what really matters to users:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 163.7 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | S21 FE is more compact, A73 is taller and slightly wider, but thinner. S21 FE may be better for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 177g | 181g | Both are quite light. Barely any difference here. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | A73 offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. S21 FE a bit more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both are sharp, but minor resolution difference is negligible. |
| PPI | 403 | 393 | Very similar pixel density; both look crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both; excellent for content viewing. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both, feels responsive. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (missing data) | S21 FE's screen is much brighter, more readable in direct sunlight, A73's is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | S21 FE has a flagship chip, noticeably faster for gaming and demanding apps. A73 is upper mid-range, good for daily use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 575,551 | S21 FE is significantly more powerful, better for high-performance tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | S21 FE's GPU is better suited for graphics-intensive games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 108MP (f/1.8) | A73 has higher resolution sensor; S21 FE has a higher quality sensor in terms of performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP (f/2.0) | N/A | S21 FE has dedicated zoom lens, better for portrait and telephoto photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 12MP (f/2.2) | A73 has dedicated wide angle, great for group shots and landscapes, S21 FE relies on the main sensor with cropping. |
| Portrait (Depth) | N/A | 5MP (f/2.4) | A73 has a dedicated depth sensor, better portrait effects. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 5MP (f/2.4) | A73 has dedicated macro lens, for close-up shots of small objects, S21 FE has wide angle + macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2) | 32MP (f/2.2) | Comparable selfie camera performance. |
| Video | 4K@60fps w/ HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps w/ EIS | Both can record 4k video, S21 FE offers 60 fps option. S21 FE has much higher slow motion recording frame rate options. |
| DXOMARK Mobile | 117 overall, 119 photo, 107 video | N/A | S21 FE has a proven better quality for camera compared to A73, based on lab testing. |
| DXOMARK Selfie | 127 overall, 126 photo, 130 video | N/A | S21 FE's selfie camera is very competitive. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A73 has a larger battery, expected to last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support fast charging, time to charge is similar. |
| Features | Wireless, reverse charging | Bypass Charging | S21 FE has advanced charging features, A73 provides bypass charging for gaming. |
| Other | |||
| Software | Android 12 to 16 | Android 12 to 16 | Similar Android experience, guaranteed updates to Android 16. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Similar storage options. Neither supports expandable storage. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both offer good amount of RAM, suitable for multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports MicroSD, so choose wisely. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo, Noise canceling mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21 FE has additional microphone for noise canceling, slightly better audio experience. |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both have fingerprint sensors, adequate for security. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 FE has tougher glass screen, better protection. |
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite | Basic sensors | S21 FE has more advanced sensors for gaming and additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 888 chipset delivers flagship-level performance, making it ideal for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Superior Display: Much brighter screen (1300 nits), great for outdoor visibility, coupled with AMOLED.
- Advanced Camera Features: Better quality sensors, including Telephoto lens with OIS and higher frame rate recording for slow motion videos.
- Premium Features: Wireless charging, reverse charging, enhanced audio with noise cancellation, and superior screen protection.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Strengths:
- Larger Display: Bigger screen is great for media consumption and multitasking.
- Higher Battery Capacity: Larger 5000mAh battery offers better battery life, which is very helpful if you're constantly on the go.
- Versatile Quad-Camera: It is very capable as well, with very high resolution, additional wide-angle, depth, and macro lens.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- S21 FE
- Smaller screen than A73
- Battery life may be shorter due to a smaller battery and higher-power chipset.
- No expandable storage.
- A73 5G
- Lacks the flagship-level performance of the S21 FE.
- Display brightness is missing from the data.
- No wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Power User (S21 FE): If you're a gamer, content creator, or someone who demands top-tier performance, the S21 FE is the better choice. Its powerful processor, great display, and advanced camera features make it a versatile tool for demanding users.
- For the Media Consumer and Everyday User (A73): If you prioritize a larger screen, extended battery life, and versatile photography, the A73 is an excellent option. It's a reliable phone for everyday tasks, social media, and entertainment.
- For the Budget-Conscious: The A73 generally has lower cost, and gives better battery life. However, the performance will not be comparable to the S21 FE.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance for you? If you're a power user, the S21 FE's flagship chipset is a big win. If you're more of an average user, the A73's midrange chip will be sufficient.
- Do you need a large display or enhanced battery life? The A73 has larger display and better battery. S21 FE has a smaller screen, but provides premium display quality.
- What are your camera priorities? If you need a versatile lens system with zoom, higher video frame rates and better quality sensors, the S21 FE is the better pick. If you need versatile lens for different situations, the A73 has a quad camera setup that should cater to your needs.
Scenario Recommendations:
- Gaming Enthusiast: S21 FE due to its powerful performance.
- Frequent Traveler: A73 due to the longer battery life.
- Photography Lover: S21 FE for the versatile camera and OIS.
- Everyday User: A73 for the larger display and balanced experience.
My Pick
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Despite the smaller screen and potentially shorter battery life, the S21 FE offers a more compelling experience for me because of two main reasons: the flagship performance and premium features and camera quality.
The Snapdragon 888 is a powerhouse, and I value that fluidity and responsiveness in my phone for gaming and multi-tasking. I also care a lot about display brightness and camera quality, which the S21 FE wins at. The additional features like wireless charging and reverse charging are also valuable to me. I don't mind sacrificing the larger display and slightly longer battery life for these benefits.
Ultimately, the best phone for you depends on your priorities, but for me, the S21 FE offers the better balance of power, quality and features.
