1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm | 163.7 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | A73 5G is larger and slightly thicker; may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 176g | 181g | V21 5G is marginally lighter; a difference of 5g is likely subtle during daily use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.44" | 6.7" | A73 5G offers a larger viewing area; better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same level of clarity; similar sharpness for text and images. |
| PPI | 409 | 393 | Both have very similar pixel density, meaning differences in clarity are negligible |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; excellent for visual experiences. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A73 5G's 120Hz display is smoother for scrolling and animations; a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness not specified; this limits the analysis of display visibility in different lighting conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | A73 5G's Snapdragon chipset is more powerful; better for demanding games and applications. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 575,551 | A73 5G has significantly higher performance; faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gameplay. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 642L | A73 5G's Adreno GPU offers better graphics processing power; superior gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP, f/1.79 | 108MP, f/1.8 | A73 5G has a higher resolution sensor; potentially more detailed images, especially in good lighting, V21 has a slightly wider aperture |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.2 | V21 5G has a higher resolution front camera; better for selfies and video calls, V21 also has a wider aperture for better low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | A73 5G offers slightly wider shots; more versatile for group photos and landscapes. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | N/A | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 5G can create a background blur for portraits; adding depth to images. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 5G provides more detailed close-up shots; better for capturing fine details. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with OIS | 4K@30fps with EIS | Both record high-quality video; OIS offers better image stabilization in V21, while EIS is used in A73. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Ultra stable video, Front Flash | Quadruple camera | A73 5G's Quadruple camera is more versatile, while V21 5G's features focus on front camera performance with Front Flash. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | A73 5G has significantly longer battery life; less need to recharge throughout the day. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | V21 5G charges faster; quick top-ups are more effective, but the lower capacity means less battery life overall. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | A73 5G has bypass charging; more convenient for gaming while charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | A73 5G has a more modern operating system with longer support; access to newer features and better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | A73 5G has faster Wi-Fi; better data speeds and performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.0 | V21 5G has a slightly newer Bluetooth version; may offer slightly better range and efficiency. Both have comprehensive features. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones have equal storage capacity; sufficient for most users. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both offer great multitasking experience, higher ram on each will result in better performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for extra storage; users must rely on built-in storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | A73 5G offers a more immersive audio experience; better for media consumption. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A73 5G has better protection against scratches and drops; more durable screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Geomagnetic, RGB | A73 has more modern sensor technology which enables a wider range of features |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable for one-handed use, especially for users with smaller hands.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is quicker than the 25W on the A73 5G, allowing for faster top-ups when in a hurry.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution (44MP) and wider aperture (f/2.0), for superior quality selfies and low-light performance.
- Slightly newer Bluetooth version: potentially better range and efficiency, though in real use not likely to be a massive difference.
- Optical Image Stabilization on Video Recording: Better video quality in scenarios with more movement or shakiness due to OIS
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate: More immersive viewing experience, with smoother animations and scrolling.
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset provides better performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers much longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Better Main Camera: Higher resolution 108MP camera will offer much more detail in well lit scenarios.
- Additional Lenses Has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography as well as a higher resolution macro lens.
- Modern Software: Android 12 with upgrades to 16 provides better security, features, and overall software experience.
- Superior Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides significantly better protection.
- Superior Audio Quality: Offers Dolby Atmos and Stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience.
- Bypass Charging A useful feature which bypasses the battery while plugged in, ideal for charging and gaming.
- More Advanced Sensors Wider range of sensors which provide a better experience overall.
Trade-offs:
- vivo V21 5G: Sacrifices performance and battery life for a lighter build and faster charging, and overall a less modern phone.
- Samsung Galaxy A73 5G: A larger device, also means slightly bulkier and heavier device. Slower charging compared to the vivo V21 5G.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
vivo V21 5G:
- Ideal User: Casual users who prioritize a slim and lightweight design, excellent selfie quality, and quick charging speeds.
- Use Cases:
- Social media enthusiasts who frequently take and share selfies.
- Users who need a lightweight phone for on-the-go use and value portability.
- Individuals who value faster charging times and are ok with slightly less battery life.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for users focused on design and front camera performance, but those who need more power should look elsewhere.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users who prioritize performance, battery life, a larger display, and camera versatility and better long term software support.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who need a smooth and high-performance device.
- Users who consume a lot of media and want a larger, vibrant display.
- Individuals who need all-day battery life and a comprehensive camera system for various scenarios.
- Price-to-Value: Higher cost, but offers better long-term value and more advanced features for demanding users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your priority: performance or portability? If you need a compact phone go with the Vivo, otherwise the Samsung is better in all other aspects.
- How important is battery life? If you need a phone that can easily last all day or longer, the Samsung is the better option due to it's larger battery.
- How important are better display and audio quality to you? The Samsung device has a much better refresh rate and better audio with stereo speakers.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual Daily Use, Social Media Enthusiast:
- If you prioritize a better selfie camera and light-weight design, choose the vivo V21 5G.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gaming, Media Consumption, Performance Focused:
- If you need a powerful device with a great display and long battery life, the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is the superior option.
- Scenario 3: Need an all round more modern phone:
- The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is the superior option overall with its higher quality display, more powerful performance and all round better software and support.
What would I choose and why
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G. While the vivo V21 5G has a slightly better selfie camera and faster charging speed, the A73 5G is superior in virtually every other aspect that I value in a smartphone. The significantly better chipset means it will be much more pleasant to use for all types of daily tasks, especially more demanding activities such as gaming. Furthermore the larger battery life ensures I won't have to worry about the device running out of charge during the day. The upgraded screen is also a big plus as the 120hz refresh rate makes for a much smoother experience, which is important for me when navigating the phone. Finally, the more modern software and long term support means I will be able to use the device for longer without having to upgrade to a new phone, which would be required on the Vivo due to the out of date software.
