1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Samsung Galaxy A73 5G, focusing on practical implications for users:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 163.7 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker but very similar width. The A73 is thinner which might feel more comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 227g | 181g | A73 is significantly lighter, better for prolonged use and pocketability. The S21 Ultra feels more substantial, and dense. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Negligible difference. Both offer large screens for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra's higher resolution results in a noticeably sharper display with finer details, better for viewing high-res content. |
| PPI | 515 | 393 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper display; Text and images appear crisper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming and fast-paced videos. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra has much higher brightness, resulting in excellent outdoor visibility even in direct sunlight. The A73 is difficult to use outside. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | S21 Ultra's Exynos 2100 offers faster processing speeds, better for demanding tasks and heavy gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 575,551 | S21 Ultra provides smoother and faster overall performance, especially noticeable in app loading, multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 642L | S21 Ultra's Mali GPU will offer better graphics performance in high-end gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity; expect comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support 25W fast charging, enabling quick battery top-ups. |
| Features | Reverse Wireless Charging, Wireless 15W | Bypass Charging | S21 Ultra has more versatile charging options, while the A73 is more basic. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 108MP, f/1.8 | Both have 108MP main sensors. S21 Ultra has a larger sensor, which will perform better in low light with more detail.. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | S21 Ultra offers dedicated telephoto zoom, which is essential for zoomed in portraits and shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra has higher resolution front camera with larger sensor for detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9 | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens, enabling superior zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 12MP, f/2.2 | A73 can take wide angle photos for landscape photography. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | Not Available | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 has a dedicated depth sensor for creating bokeh in portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 has a dedicated macro sensor for taking photos up close. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | S21 Ultra has an ultrawide lens that is used for macro photos for superior image quality compared to the standard macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra offers significantly higher video recording capabilities for professional use cases. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 115 | Not Available | S21 Ultra's camera is confirmed as superior in quality. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 135 | Not Available | S21 Ultra's selfie camera is confirmed as superior in quality. |
| Features | Many advanced features | Basic features | S21 Ultra has more advanced camera capabilities including optical zoom, manual focus, RAW capture, and Night Mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (max 15) | Android 12 (max 16) | A73 ships with a newer version of Android, and will receive a major update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer similar Wi-Fi speeds, though S21 Ultra's MIMO will improve speeds under certain circumstances. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 | S21 Ultra has a newer version of Bluetooth for better connectivity and range. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS, Galileo | Standard GPS | S21 Ultra has better location accuracy and faster locking speeds. |
| SIM | Dual SIM DSDS | Dual SIM DSDS | Both support two SIM cards and using them simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | S21 Ultra offers a 512GB option for users who need maximum storage. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 6/8GB | S21 Ultra has significantly more RAM, leading to better multitasking and faster performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers microSD card support. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise Cancellation | Dolby Atmos | S21 Ultra offers more advanced audio features, including Hi-Res playback and active noise cancellation in calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have standard fingerprint sensors for biometric security. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 Ultra has a more scratch resistant glass protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall | Ultrasonic virtual proximity, RGB | S21 Ultra offers a wider range of sensors for advanced functionality, while A73 uses virtual proximity. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and brightness result in a much sharper and more visible screen, especially in sunlight.
- Faster Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and more RAM offer significantly better performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking.
- More Advanced Camera: Offers a more versatile camera system, with optical zoom, telephoto lenses, 8K video recording, and better performance in low light.
- Better Audio: Has Hi-Res Audio and a noise-canceling microphone.
- More Versatile Charging: Has faster wireless charging.
- Build Quality: More durable Gorilla Glass Victus screen.
- Advanced Sensors: Has more advanced sensors.
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra excels in situations requiring top-tier performance, excellent photo/video quality, or viewing high-resolution content. It’s ideal for power users and those who value premium features and performance.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for prolonged use and easier to carry due to its significantly lighter build.
- Newer OS: Ships with a newer Android version and will receive an additional major update.
- Wide Angle Lens, Macro Lens, Depth Lens The A73 has a more versatile standard camera system with additional lenses for more creativity.
- Lower cost: Is the more affordable phone.
Practical Implications: The A73 is better for users who prefer a lighter, more budget-friendly device and are not demanding in terms of extreme performance. It is better for casual camera use.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Is heavier, more expensive, and lacks the A73's wide angle, macro, and portrait cameras.
- A73: Significantly lower performance, display quality, and camera capabilities compared to the S21 Ultra.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G - Ideal for:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and running resource-intensive apps.
- Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: Users who need the best possible image and video quality, and value versatility.
- Content Consumers: Users who appreciate sharp, high-resolution displays and a premium viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Professionals: Those who need a high quality camera for work such as product photography.
Use Cases:
- Professional photographers requiring high quality images and various zoom capabilities.
- Gamers seeking smooth performance and detailed graphics.
- Frequent travelers who need good quality photos in all lighting situations and need to be able to view their screen in bright conditions.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G - Ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: People who want a good phone at a more affordable price point.
- Casual Users: Individuals who prioritize a lighter design and a good overall experience for basic tasks like social media, browsing, and casual photography.
- Average Photography Enthusiasts: Those who use all the standard lenses and prefer the additional versatility over a higher quality picture.
Use Cases:
- Daily social media use, casual browsing, and video watching.
- Users who want to take photos of day to day situations such as landscapes, portraits, and close ups.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is top-tier performance?
- If you need the fastest processing for demanding games or heavy multitasking, the S21 Ultra is superior.
- What level of camera quality is required?
- If you need the most advanced camera features like optical zoom and 8K video, or low light capabilities, the S21 Ultra is the better option. But if you want more versatile lenses, the A73 is more suited.
- What is the ideal budget and size preference?
- If you need a budget-friendly phone with a lighter build, the A73 is better. If you are fine with a heavier phone and are willing to pay a premium, the S21 Ultra has better build quality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Photographer: Choose the Galaxy S21 Ultra for its superior image quality, zoom capabilities, and professional video options.
- Scenario 2: Casual User, Budget-Conscious: Choose the Galaxy A73 for its lighter design, newer software, and lower price.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: Choose the Galaxy S21 Ultra for its superior processing power, graphics capabilities, and high refresh rate screen.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally select the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is the heavier and more expensive phone, it offers many features that are essential for how I use my phone.
Here is my reasoning:
- Performance: As someone who uses many apps simultaneously and engages in resource-intensive tasks, the S21 Ultra's superior processing power and RAM are essential for a smooth and efficient experience. I need to be able to run my apps without noticing slowdowns.
- Display Quality: The higher resolution and brightness are significantly more important for me since I use my phone outdoors and value visual clarity. I often look at my phone in direct sunlight so having a bright enough screen is essential.
- Camera Versatility: I would rather have high quality, optical zoom, and better low light capabilities in my camera over the wider variety of the A73.
- Audio Quality: I listen to a lot of music and watch videos on my phone so having higher quality audio with noise cancellation is essential.
- Durability: The stronger screen protection is beneficial for a heavy phone user like myself.
While the A73 has its benefits in terms of a lighter build and newer software, the S21 Ultra's advantages in performance, display, and camera capabilities align more with my daily needs and preferences. The price difference is justified by the substantial performance and feature improvements it offers.
