Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and Samsung Galaxy A73 5G. These are two solid contenders in the smartphone arena, each with its own strengths and target audience. Let's break down the specs and see what they mean for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key technical specifications, with a focus on the practical implications for users:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 163.7 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm | The Xiaomi 12 is more compact and pocketable. The A73 5G is larger, offering a bigger screen but less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 179g | 181g | Both are light enough for comfortable handling, though the A73's larger size may feel heavier in use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.7" | The A73 5G’s larger screen is better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. The Xiaomi 12 is easier to use one-handed. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp and clear visuals, though the Xiaomi 12 has a slightly higher pixel density, offering finer details |
| PPI | 419 | 393 | The higher PPI on the Xiaomi 12 translates to a marginally sharper image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | The Xiaomi 12 will be significantly easier to view in bright sunlight, while the provided 0 nits for the A73 5G is clearly a data error (It’s likely around 800 nits) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) | The Xiaomi 12’s flagship processor offers superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. The A73 is more energy efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 575,551 | The Xiaomi 12 is significantly faster and more responsive. The A73 handles everyday tasks well but is less future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 642L | The Adreno 730 on the Xiaomi 12 provides superior graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88) | 108MP (f/1.8) | The A73 has a higher resolution main camera sensor for capturing more details but the Xiaomi has a slightly better sensor and might do better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP | 32MP (f/2.2) | Both phones offer high-resolution front cameras for detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.4) | 12MP (f/2.2) | Comparable wide-angle lens performance with slightly better results on the A73 in low-light, but not by a large margin. |
| Depth Camera | N/A | 5MP (f/2.4) | The A73 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP (f/2.4) | 5MP (f/2.4) | Both have a similar macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The Xiaomi 12 can record in higher resolutions for more professional video capture. |
| DXOMARK Score | 113 (Mobile) | N/A | The Xiaomi 12 has been tested with a fairly good overall camera score |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The A73 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life per charge. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The Xiaomi 12 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 50W Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | Bypass Charging | The Xiaomi 12 has wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities making it more versatile. |
| Other | |||
| OS Version | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both phones ship with Android 12. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MIMO | WiFi 6 | Both have fast Wi-Fi but the Xiaomi 12’s MIMO configuration gives it an edge. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, aptX, LDAC | 5.0 | Xiaomi 12 has a newer version of bluetooth and more audio codecs |
| GPS | Advanced GNSS | Basic GNSS | The Xiaomi 12 offers more precise positioning with its advanced GPS capabilities. |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both have non-expandable internal storage. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 6GB or 8GB | The Xiaomi 12 offers more RAM, which is better for heavier users. |
| Audio | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Xiaomi 12 has slightly better audio quality and more features |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | The Xiaomi 12 provides superior screen protection. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset is a significant advantage, providing top-tier performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Superior Display Brightness: The 1100 nits brightness is a substantial improvement for outdoor use, making it much more visible in direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging is a major convenience, quickly topping up the battery.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse charging, advanced audio codecs and advanced GPS capabilities make it more versatile.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen is ideal for media consumption and multitasking.
- Bigger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Depth Sensor: The inclusion of a depth sensor might lead to slightly better portrait mode shots.
- More Main Camera megapixels: Higher main camera sensor resolution captures more details.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12: Smaller screen, slightly shorter battery life, and no expandable storage.
- Samsung Galaxy A73 5G: Less powerful chipset, significantly slower charging and a lesser screen brightness.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12:
- Power Users: Gamers, multitaskers, and users who demand the highest performance.
- Content Creators: Those who record videos and need a higher resolution and great quality.
- Users Who Value Fast Charging: Those who want their phone to charge quickly with less downtime.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the latest features and advanced tech in a compact form.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch lots of videos or play games and prefer a larger screen.
- Everyday Users: Those who need a reliable phone for daily tasks and prefer a larger display.
- Users Who Prioritize Battery Life: Those who prioritize longer battery life over top-tier performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to consider when deciding between these phones:
How important is peak performance to you? If you're a heavy gamer or demand top-tier performance for demanding apps, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner. If you're a more casual user, the A73's performance will still suffice.
Do you prefer a larger screen or a more pocketable phone? The A73 has a larger screen for better media consumption, while the Xiaomi 12 is more compact and better for one-handed use.
How important is fast charging vs. longer battery life? The Xiaomi 12 charges much faster, while the A73 offers potentially longer battery life.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Gaming Enthusiast - Go with the Xiaomi 12. It has the processing power and the fast charging speeds you'd want in a gaming phone.
- Scenario 2: The Movie Buff - The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is a good choice for media consumption with its large, vibrant display.
- Scenario 3: The On-the-Go Professional - The Xiaomi 12 would be preferable with its fast charging and solid performance, as well as better visibility in bright light.
My Choice and Why
If I had to pick between these two phones, I'd personally choose the Xiaomi 12. The speed of the flagship chipset, the much brighter display, and the substantially faster charging are things that I value highly. While the larger screen and battery of the A73 are tempting, I find that the overall performance and premium feel of the Xiaomi 12 make it a more compelling choice, particularly given its wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities. I value a phone that I can use for heavy tasks and also be able to use in bright sunlight.
In the end, the best choice will depend on your individual priorities and usage patterns, but I hope this in-depth comparison provides the tools you need to make an informed decision.
