Galaxy A73 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro

Galaxy A73 5G
Galaxy A73 5G
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iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$411.00

Versus A$1,119.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G, released in April 2022, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro, launched in October 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy A73 5G operates on the Android platform, offering a customizable experience, the iPhone 12 Pro runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem. Key differentiators include their camera philosophies, display technologies, and overall software ecosystems.

Scores

Durability

The expected lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical construction.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A73 5G was released in April 2022, making it a newer device compared to the iPhone 12 Pro, which launched in October 2020. This difference in release dates means the Galaxy A73 5G generally benefits from a longer period of future software updates.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung has committed to providing the Galaxy A73 5G with four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from its release. The iPhone 12 Pro, typical of Apple devices, receives iOS updates for approximately five to six years from its launch. Users prioritizing the latest software features for the longest duration might find the Galaxy A73 5G's update policy appealing in the Android ecosystem, while the iPhone 12 Pro offers a robust, albeit slightly shorter, update cycle within the Apple ecosystem.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A73 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on its display and carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 12 Pro, on the other hand, boasts a Ceramic Shield front cover, designed for enhanced drop performance, and a stainless steel frame. It has an IP68 rating, offering protection in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.

Release year

2022

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in daily use is a critical factor, encompassing how smoothly applications run, multitasking capabilities, and overall system responsiveness.

  • Storage and Expandability: The Galaxy A73 5G offers internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB and includes a microSD card slot, allowing users to expand storage by up to 1TB. The iPhone 12 Pro comes with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage, but does not support expandable storage.
  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday tasks and most demanding applications efficiently, providing a smooth user experience for general navigation and moderate gaming. The iPhone 12 Pro features a high-performance processor designed for intensive tasks, offering exceptional speed and responsiveness for demanding applications, advanced gaming, and seamless multitasking.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices are capable of handling multiple applications simultaneously. The Galaxy A73 5G, with its 6GB or 8GB of RAM, provides ample memory for typical user needs. The iPhone 12 Pro, with 6GB of RAM, delivers a highly optimized multitasking experience due to its integrated hardware and software design.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for user interaction, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy A73 5G features a large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which also delivers excellent contrast and color accuracy.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy A73 5G offers a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in a clear viewing experience for most content. The iPhone 12 Pro provides a higher resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels, with a pixel density of 460 pixels per inch, contributing to sharper text and image details.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy A73 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. Its typical brightness reaches 800 nits. The iPhone 12 Pro has a standard 60Hz refresh rate but offers a typical brightness of 800 nits and can reach up to 1200 nits for HDR content, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Super AMOLED Plus

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both phones offer versatile systems for capturing photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A73 5G features a quad-camera setup with a 108MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and two 5MP sensors for macro and depth. The iPhone 12 Pro has a triple 12MP camera system, including a wide lens with OIS, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens offering 2x optical zoom.
  • Photography Features: The Galaxy A73 5G excels in well-lit conditions, capturing detailed images with its high-resolution main sensor. Its night mode is present but may not match the performance of higher-end devices. The iPhone 12 Pro offers strong low-light performance across its lenses, enhanced by Night mode and Deep Fusion. It also includes a LiDAR scanner for faster autofocus in low light and Night mode portraits, along with support for Apple ProRAW for more creative control.
  • Video Recording: Both devices can record video in 4K resolution. The Galaxy A73 5G supports 4K recording at 30 frames per second (fps) for both front and rear cameras. The iPhone 12 Pro can record 4K video at up to 60fps and supports HDR video with Dolby Vision, providing enhanced dynamic range and color for video content.

Main camera

108 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy A73 5G and iPhone 12 Pro support 5G cellular networks, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and Bluetooth 5.0. The Galaxy A73 5G uses a USB-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, while the iPhone 12 Pro utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy A73 5G incorporates an optical in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 12 Pro relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, for biometric authentication.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A73 5G has dimensions of 163.7 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm and weighs 181 grams, featuring a plastic back and sides. The iPhone 12 Pro measures 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and weighs 189 grams, with a more premium build that includes a glass back and a stainless steel frame. The iPhone 12 Pro also features MagSafe for magnetic attachment of accessories and wireless charging.

Weight

181 oz

187 oz

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G and iPhone 12 Pro cater to different user preferences, each with its own set of strengths and considerations.

Users often praise the Galaxy A73 5G for its expansive and fluid 120Hz Super AMOLED Plus display, which provides a visually engaging experience for media consumption and general navigation. Its substantial battery capacity is frequently highlighted as a significant advantage, often allowing for extended usage between charges. The inclusion of expandable storage via microSD card is also a common point of appreciation, offering flexibility for users with large media libraries. Some users note that while its 108MP main camera performs well in good lighting, its low-light photography capabilities are not as robust as some competitors. The plastic build, while contributing to a lighter device, is sometimes mentioned as less premium compared to glass and metal designs.

Conversely, the iPhone 12 Pro receives consistent acclaim for its powerful processing capabilities, ensuring smooth performance across all tasks, from everyday apps to demanding games. Its camera system, particularly its advanced video recording features with Dolby Vision HDR and strong low-light performance, is a frequent highlight among users. The premium build quality, featuring a Ceramic Shield front and stainless steel frame, contributes to a perception of durability and sophistication. Criticisms sometimes point to its 60Hz display, which, while visually excellent, lacks the higher refresh rate found in many contemporary Android devices. Its battery life, while generally sufficient, may require more frequent charging for heavy users compared to devices with larger battery capacities. The proprietary Lightning port and lack of expandable storage are also common discussion points.

Users prioritizing a large, high-refresh-rate display, extensive battery life, and the flexibility of expandable storage within the Android ecosystem may find the Galaxy A73 5G well-suited to their needs. On the other hand, users seeking top-tier performance, advanced camera capabilities with a focus on video and low-light photography, a premium compact build, and the integrated experience of the iOS ecosystem may lean toward the iPhone 12 Pro. Both devices offer compelling features, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for making an informed choice.

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