Galaxy A73 5G vs iPhone 12

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G, released in April 2022, and the iPhone 12, launched in October 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both devices offer 5G connectivity and capable camera systems, they differ significantly in their operating systems, display technology, and overall user experience. The Galaxy A73 5G runs on Android with Samsung's One UI, offering extensive customization, whereas the iPhone 12 operates on Apple's iOS, known for its streamlined interface and ecosystem.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors. The Galaxy A73 5G, being newer, benefits from a more extended support window compared to the iPhone 12.

• Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G was promised four years of Android operating system updates and five years of security updates from its release, extending its software lifespan well into the future. The iPhone 12, while known for Apple's long-term iOS support, typically receives major iOS updates for about five to six years from its launch, meaning its update cycle will conclude sooner than the A73 5G.
• Physical Durability: Both devices offer a degree of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy A73 5G features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, capable of submersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. Its display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The iPhone 12 boasts an IP68 rating, allowing for submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes, and features a Ceramic Shield front cover, which Apple states offers enhanced drop performance.
• Repairability Considerations: The iPhone 12 received an iFixit repairability score of 6 out of 10, indicating that many parts are replaceable. However, Apple's requirement for proprietary tools and software calibration for certain component replacements, such as cameras and screens, can lead to warnings if third-party parts are used. Information regarding the specific repairability score for the Galaxy A73 5G is less widely available, but generally, Android devices can offer more straightforward component replacement options.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, app usage, and multitasking. Both the Galaxy A73 5G and the iPhone 12 deliver responsive experiences, though they achieve this through different hardware and software optimizations.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with an octa-core processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, ensuring a fluid user experience. The iPhone 12 features Apple's A14 Bionic chip, which provides robust performance for complex tasks, intensive gaming, and efficient handling of iOS.
• Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy A73 5G offers internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB, with the added flexibility of expandable storage up to 1TB via a microSD card. It comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, contributing to efficient multitasking. The iPhone 12 is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage, but does not support expandable storage. It includes 4GB of RAM, which is optimized by iOS for smooth app switching and background processes.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A73 5G houses a 5000 mAh battery, often providing a full day to two days of moderate use, with users reporting around 6-7 hours of screen-on time even with the 120Hz display enabled. It supports 25W wired fast charging. The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery, which typically offers average battery life, often requiring a charge by the end of a heavy usage day. Its battery performance can be further impacted by 5G usage. It supports 20W wired fast charging and 15W MagSafe wireless charging.

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy A73 5G and the iPhone 12 offer vibrant and clear viewing experiences, though they utilize different technologies and specifications.

• Display Technology and Size: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G features a larger 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone 12 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which also delivers excellent contrast and color accuracy.
• Resolution and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A73 5G offers a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to fluid scrolling and animations. The iPhone 12 has a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, resulting in a sharp 460 pixels per inch, but it operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
• Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy A73 5G can reach a peak brightness of 800 nits in high brightness mode, ensuring good visibility outdoors. The iPhone 12 offers a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, with a peak brightness of 1200 nits when displaying HDR content, providing excellent clarity even in bright conditions.

Both smartphones are equipped with capable camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments, from everyday snapshots to more challenging low-light scenarios.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide lens, a 5 MP macro lens, and a 5 MP depth sensor. This configuration allows for detailed photos, wide-angle shots, and close-ups. The iPhone 12 sports a dual 12 MP camera system, comprising a main wide-angle lens with OIS and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. Both main cameras are designed to capture ample light for clear images.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy A73 5G's main camera is praised for its ability to capture detailed photos with good dynamic range and vibrant colors in well-lit conditions, and offers decent low-light performance. The iPhone 12's camera system excels in color reproduction and dynamic range, with significant improvements in low-light photography thanks to features like Night mode and Deep Fusion, which are available across all its cameras.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording video in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. The iPhone 12 further supports HDR video recording with Dolby Vision. For selfies, the Galaxy A73 5G features a 32 MP front camera, while the iPhone 12 has a 12 MP TrueDepth front camera that also supports Night mode and Portrait mode.