1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 163.7 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | A73 is slightly taller (2.2 mm) and thinner (0.2mm), which might be noticeable in hand but is marginal. |
| Weight | 200g | 181g | A73 is significantly lighter (19g), making it more comfortable for extended one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical viewing area for media and apps. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed visuals. |
| PPI | 394 | 393 | Virtually identical pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ has dramatically better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. A73 brightness is missing, but it will perform worse than the S21+ |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | S21+ has faster processing for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 575,551 | S21+ offers noticeably snappier performance in apps and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 642L | S21+ has superior graphics performance for high-end gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 108MP, f/1.8 | A73 captures images with significantly higher detail, better for cropping and large prints. S21+ has a larger sensor. Sensor model is also missing for the A73 |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21+ provides better optical zoom and portrait shots with depth sensing. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 32MP, f/2.2 | A73 offers higher resolution selfies with more detail. Sensor model and pixel size is missing for the A73 |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2 | A73 has a dedicated ultra-wide lens to capture expansive scenes. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 provides dedicated macro lens for close up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21+ offers a single sensor that can be used for both functions, reducing the need to switch camera lenses. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | S21+ supports higher resolution and frame rate video recording, ideal for professional content creators. Both have EIS for stability. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | N/A | S21+ has proven better performance across photos and videos, A73 is untested. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | A73 has a slightly larger battery (200mAh), potentially offering marginally longer usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both phones charge at similar speeds. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | Bypass Charging | S21+ provides more versatile charging options, including reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max version 15 | Android 12, Max version 16 | A73 ships with a more recent version of Android. Both phones will receive OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards for fast connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 | S21+ has slightly more Bluetooth capabilities like low-energy. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS | S21+ offers better location accuracy with more satellite compatibility. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM/eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | S21+ provides the flexibility of eSIM, allowing users to easily switch carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer the same storage options |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both have enough RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21+ provides superior audio quality and clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have similar fingerprint scanners for basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21+ offers superior scratch and drop protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity, Hall | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, RGB | S21+ has more environmental sensors for enhanced functionalities |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and higher AnTuTu score result in significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Brighter Display: The 1300 nits brightness of the S21+ display provides excellent visibility in direct sunlight, which the A73 lacks.
- Advanced Camera Features: The S21+ offers telephoto zoom, better optical zoom, 8K video recording, RAW capture, and generally better video quality due to higher FPS. Additionally, S21+ has more information available in the specs compared to A73 which is missing a lot of important details.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: The S21+ supports wireless charging, along with reverse wireless charging for other devices.
- Premium Audio: The S21+ offers Hi-Res audio and noise-canceling microphones, which is better for multimedia consumption and calls.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior screen protection over the Gorilla Glass 5 on the A73.
- More GPS options: More accurate GPS through support of more satellite systems.
- eSIM Support: Allows for digital carrier switching and using two SIMs simultaneously.
- More sensors: Has a barometer and hall sensor
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Design: The A73 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 108MP main sensor on the A73 captures images with more detail.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle and Macro Lenses: The A73 provides more versatile photography with its dedicated wide and macro lenses.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: The 32MP front camera on the A73 captures sharper selfies.
- Slightly Larger Battery: The A73 has a marginally larger battery, which may provide slightly better battery life.
- Newer Software: A73 has more recent OS
Trade-offs:
- S21+: Loses out on a dedicated ultra-wide and macro lens compared to the A73, as well as lower resolution front facing camera, is heavier, and has a smaller battery,
- A73: Sacrifices overall performance, display brightness, and advanced camera features to achieve a lower price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power User: Someone who values performance, speed, and responsiveness for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiast: Users who prioritize camera quality, optical zoom, and 8K video capabilities.
- Content Creator: Users who need high-quality video for professional use.
- Outdoor User: Someone who needs a phone with excellent screen visibility in bright outdoor environments.
- Travelers: Need eSIM support for easy carrier switching, more accurate GPS
Specific Use Cases for S21+ 5G:
- Professional photography and videography.
- High-end gaming with demanding graphic requirements.
- Outdoor usage where screen visibility is crucial.
- Users that prefer wireless charging and reverse charging
- Users that prefer higher audio quality in calls and media playback
- Users that want more accurate GPS
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Ideal User:
- Casual User: Someone who wants a good all-around phone for daily use, social media, and general multimedia consumption.
- Mobile Photography Lover: Enjoys versatile photography with wide-angle and macro lens options, as well as a high resolution selfie camera.
- Budget-Conscious Buyer: Users who seek a more affordable option without sacrificing too many features.
- Users wanting newer software
Specific Use Cases for A73 5G:
- Everyday photography and videography with versatile lens options.
- Long-lasting battery life for extended use.
- Users that don't need premium audio and performance.
- Users that want a lighter phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for gaming and demanding apps? If performance is paramount, the S21+ is the better choice. For casual users, the A73 is sufficient.
- How often will you use your phone in bright sunlight? If outdoor visibility is crucial, the superior brightness of the S21+ is critical. If not, the A73 will be fine.
- What is more important in photography: Versatility or image quality? If you prefer a wider array of lenses, the A73 will be the better fit, if you want better image quality and features, the S21+ is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance & Multimedia Enthusiast: If you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and want top notch image quality with many features, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better option.
- Scenario 2: Versatile Photography and Casual Use: If your primary focus is versatile camera features, a lighter design, and a more affordable price point, with a more recent software version the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G will better serve your needs.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor User: If you need a phone with excellent screen visibility under bright sunlight, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the only viable option due to its superior brightness.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G offers a lighter design, a higher-resolution main camera, and a slightly larger battery, the S21+ is superior in areas that I prioritize: performance, display brightness, camera features, and overall build quality.
My main focus is on having a fast and responsive device for demanding applications, as well as taking high-quality photos and videos. The S21+ excels in these aspects with its more powerful chipset, brighter display for outdoor use, more advanced camera features like optical zoom and 8K video recording and higher audio quality features. Although it is heavier and has a smaller battery, the advantages for my use case outweigh the A73's strengths. I would rather have a slightly heavier phone with better performance and better image quality rather than a lighter phone that will feel slower and provide less detailed photos. Also, the S21+ is the only phone that has been tested on DXOMARK.
