1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 163.7 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm | A73 is thinner and slightly smaller making it more pocketable and comfortable to hold. X3 Pro is larger and bulkier, potentially less convenient. |
| Weight | 215g | 181g | A73 is significantly lighter, better for long use and one-handed operation. X3 Pro is heavier which may cause fatigue during extended usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness. |
| PPI | 395 | 393 | Virtually the same pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | A73's AMOLED provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better viewing angles; better for multimedia consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not provided, making comparisons impossible |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | X3 Pro's chipset is older but offers better raw performance for gaming and demanding tasks, while A73 is more power-efficient and suitable for daily tasks |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 575,551 | X3 Pro shows higher synthetic performance, potentially faster app loading and smoother multitasking during heavy use. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 642L | X3 Pro's GPU is slightly more powerful for graphics-intensive games, A73 GPU is efficient and suitable for mainstream gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.79 | 108MP f/1.8 | A73 has higher resolution, offering more detail in images; X3 Pro has a slightly wider aperture which may perform slightly better in low light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP f/2.2 | 32MP f/2.2 | A73 has higher resolution, potentially capturing more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP f/2.2 | 12MP f/2.2 | A73 has a higher resolution for wider shots. |
| Portrait | 2MP f/2.4 | 5MP f/2.4 | A73 has a higher resolution for portrait shots. |
| Macro | 2MP f/2.4 | 5MP f/2.4 | A73 has a higher resolution for macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps w/ EIS, 1080p @ 30/60/120/240/960fps | 4K@30fps w/ EIS, 1080p @ 30/60fps | Both phones offer 4K recording. A73 supports video stabilization. X3 Pro offers more high frame rate options. |
| Stabilisation | No | Yes | A73 uses OIS which reduces camera shake compared to EIS in X3 Pro which might result in slightly less smooth videos and photos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery size, expect similar day-to-day battery life under typical usage scenarios. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 25W fast charging | X3 Pro charges faster; quicker power-ups when short on time |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | A73 allows bypass charging which charges the phone directly without heating the battery. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 12 | Android 12, Upgradable to 16 | A73 comes with a newer Android version and will receive more software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | A73 supports Wi-Fi 6, which offers faster speeds and better performance than X3 Pro. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Very similar. Samsung offers more features related to profiles. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Same storage options available. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both models offer sufficient RAM for most users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both provide stereo speakers. A73 has Dolby Atmos while X3 Pro has Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | basic Fingerprint | X3 Pro provides a more advanced fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | X3 Pro uses a superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity, Geomagnetic, RGB | A73 offers additional geomagnetic and RGB sensors which expands functionality. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset provides better raw performance for demanding tasks and gaming with higher AnTuTu scores.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging allows for quicker battery top-ups.
- Hi-Res Audio: The X3 Pro provides Hi-Res Audio support for better audio.
- Superior Build Protection: Gorilla Glass 6 gives greater screen protection.
- More advanced fingerprint scanner: Side-mounted fingerprint is preferred to a standard fingerprint sensor
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 12 and will receive longer software support.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution main, wide angle, portrait, macro, and selfie cameras for better images and video.
- Camera Stabilisation: Optical image stabilisation in the A73 greatly reduces shakiness in video recordings.
- Lighter & Thinner: The A73 is easier to handle due to its lighter build.
- Newer Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 offers faster speeds and better network performance.
- More sensors: Includes geomagnetic and RGB sensors that could provide additional information/features
- Bypass Charging: Charges the phone without heating the battery.
Trade-offs:
- X3 Pro sacrifices display quality and camera resolution for a more powerful chipset.
- A73 sacrifices raw performance for a superior display, camera setup, and a more modern software experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Gamers, performance enthusiasts, users who prioritize raw power over display quality.
- Use Cases:
- Heavy gaming with high frame rates.
- Running demanding applications or emulators.
- Users on a tight budget who still want flagship-level performance.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent performance for the price, great value for gamers.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G:
- Ideal User: Photography enthusiasts, media consumers, users who prioritize display quality and a seamless user experience.
- Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Enjoying multimedia content on a vibrant display.
- Long-term users who want the latest software and features.
- Price-to-Value: A balanced option that has great display, camera, and software experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance or Display? Do you prioritize raw speed and gaming performance (X3 Pro) or a superior display with better colors and viewing angles (A73)?
- Camera Quality vs. Charging Speed? Is higher camera resolution more important, or do you want faster charging speeds?
- Do you prefer performance or a more balanced package? Do you prefer to get the best performance for your money or prefer having the best overall experience?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Gaming Enthusiast: If you are looking for the best gaming experience in this price range, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is the better choice due to its more powerful chipset and higher refresh rate screen.
Photography & Media Consumer: If you enjoy taking high-quality photos, recording videos, and prefer a more vibrant display for content consumption, then the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is the better option due to the higher resolution cameras and better AMOLED display.
Balanced User: If you want a well-rounded device with the latest software, a better camera, and more features, the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is a great choice with an overall better experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G. While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers slightly better raw performance, the A73 5G presents a better overall package for my daily usage needs. Here's why:
- Display Quality: The AMOLED display on the A73 is a significant advantage for me. I consume a lot of video content, and the vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better viewing angles will provide a far more enjoyable viewing experience.
- Camera Capabilities: As a regular photo taker, the higher resolution cameras and OIS make the A73 a more attractive proposition. The additional clarity and stability when recording videos are essential.
- Software and Support: The promise of more software updates and the newer Android version are essential for long-term usability.
- Balanced Experience: I value a more balanced experience with an excellent display and camera setup. While the X3 Pro's raw power is nice, I don't need that much power for my daily tasks. The A73's Snapdragon 778G is very capable and suits my requirements well.
- Weight and Build: The lighter build makes the A73 far more comfortable to hold and carry around every day.
In conclusion, while the Poco X3 Pro would appeal more to gamers and those on a budget seeking raw power, the Samsung A73 5G delivers a more polished and feature-rich experience for the user that I am.
