Galaxy A73 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G, released in March 2022, operates on the Android platform, offering a user experience focused on customisation and a vibrant display. In contrast, the iPhone 12 Pro Max, launched in November 2020, runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and robust performance. These devices present distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality, primarily differing in their operating systems, camera capabilities, and construction materials.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Software Longevity: The Galaxy A73 5G, released in March 2022, was launched with Android 12 and is eligible for four major OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its support until at least March 2027. The iPhone 12 Pro Max, released in November 2020, typically receives iOS updates for five to six years from its launch, and is compatible with iOS 26 as of the current date.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy A73 5G features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance and a Gorilla Glass 5 front. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers an IP68 rating, along with a Ceramic Shield front cover and a stainless steel frame, contributing to a more robust physical build.
• Expected Lifespan: While the Galaxy A73 5G benefits from a more recent release date, potentially offering a longer remaining software update window, the iPhone 12 Pro Max's premium construction materials may provide enhanced physical resilience over time.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, app usage, and multitasking, with both devices offering capable experiences tailored to their respective ecosystems.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications and moderate gaming smoothly, ensuring a responsive user experience. The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a powerful processor that delivers excellent performance for demanding applications, intensive gaming, and seamless multitasking.
• Multitasking and Storage: Both devices come with 6GB of RAM, allowing for efficient app switching and background processes. The Galaxy A73 5G offers expandable storage via a microSD card, providing flexibility for users who require additional space for media and files. The iPhone 12 Pro Max does not support expandable storage, but is available with larger internal storage options.
• Battery Endurance: The Galaxy A73 5G includes a 5000 mAh battery, which typically provides extended usage, often lasting up to two days for moderate users. The iPhone 12 Pro Max, with its 3687 mAh battery, offers good all-day battery life, though heavy gaming or intensive tasks may require more frequent charging.

The visual experience is a significant aspect of smartphone use, and both devices offer large, high-quality displays with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Size: Both the Galaxy A73 5G and the iPhone 12 Pro Max feature expansive 6.7-inch OLED displays, providing deep blacks and vibrant colours.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy A73 5G uses a Super AMOLED Plus panel with a 1080x2400 pixel resolution. The iPhone 12 Pro Max boasts a Super Retina XDR OLED display with a higher resolution of 2778x1284 pixels, offering slightly greater sharpness and detail.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy A73 5G provides a smoother visual experience with its 120Hz refresh rate, beneficial for scrolling and animations. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 60Hz refresh rate but achieves higher peak brightness levels, reaching up to 1200 nits for HDR content, which can enhance visibility in bright outdoor conditions.

The camera systems on both smartphones cater to different photographic priorities, offering distinct strengths for capturing images and videos.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A73 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108 MP main sensor with optical image stabilisation, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and dedicated 5 MP macro and depth sensors. The iPhone 12 Pro Max employs a triple 12 MP camera system, comprising a main wide lens with sensor-shift optical image stabilisation, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens offering 2.5x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy A73 5G excels in well-lit conditions, producing detailed images and capable portraits, though it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is noted for its strong low-light performance, enhanced by its larger sensor and LiDAR scanner, and its ability to capture high-quality images across various scenarios.
• Video Capabilities: Both devices support 4K video recording, with the Galaxy A73 5G recording at 30 frames per second. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second and includes Dolby Vision HDR video capture, providing enhanced dynamic range and colour accuracy for video content.