Galaxy A73 5G vs iPhone SE (2020)

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G, released in April 2022, and the Apple iPhone SE 2020, launched in April 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy A73 5G offers a larger display and a versatile multi-camera system running on Android, the iPhone SE 2020 provides a compact form factor and the streamlined iOS experience with a focus on core performance.

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

• Release Timeline: The iPhone SE 2020 was released in April 2020, making it two years older than the Galaxy A73 5G, which launched in April 2022. This difference in age directly impacts their remaining software support.
• OS Support & Updates: The Galaxy A73 5G was originally released with Android 12 and is expected to receive up to four major Android version updates, extending its software longevity significantly, with current updates reaching Android 16. The iPhone SE 2020, initially on iOS 13.4, has been updated to iOS 26.4 and typically receives iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years from its release.
• Repairability: The iPhone SE 2020 has an iFixit repairability score of 6 out of 10, with its display and battery being relatively straightforward to replace, partly due to its shared components with the iPhone 8. The Galaxy A73 5G has a repairability score of 6.5 out of 10, with its battery and screen also noted as relatively accessible, though adhesive use can complicate repairs.

Both devices offer capable performance, but they cater to different user expectations regarding processing power and battery endurance.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPhone SE 2020 is equipped with a powerful processor that ensures smooth operation, even with demanding applications and multitasking. Users report no lagging and excellent handling of heavy games. The Galaxy A73 5G features a processor that provides fast and smooth performance for everyday tasks and handles demanding games well, though some users note slight heating during intensive use.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A73 5G includes a large 5000mAh battery, often lasting a full day with average use, and some users can achieve two days with moderate usage. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2020's smaller battery capacity means it often requires more frequent charging, with many users finding it needs to be topped up multiple times a day, especially with moderate to heavy use.
• Storage Options: The Galaxy A73 5G offers internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB and supports expandable storage via a microSD card up to 1TB, providing flexibility for users with extensive media libraries. The iPhone SE 2020 comes with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage, but it does not offer expandable storage.

The visual experience on these two smartphones differs significantly due to their display technologies and sizes.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy A73 5G features a large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The iPhone SE 2020 has a more compact 4.7-inch IPS LCD display, which offers good color accuracy and brightness but does not achieve the same contrast levels as an OLED panel.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy A73 5G provides a 1080x2400 pixel Full HD+ resolution, resulting in a sharp and detailed viewing experience on its larger screen. The iPhone SE 2020 features a 1334x750 pixel Retina HD resolution, which delivers clear visuals on its smaller display.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy A73 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, along with a peak brightness of 800 nits for good outdoor visibility. The iPhone SE 2020 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 625 nits, which is adequate for most lighting conditions.

The camera systems on both devices offer different capabilities, catering to varied photography needs.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A73 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 5MP macro lens, and a 5MP depth sensor. This setup allows for detailed photos, good dynamic range in various lighting, and wide-angle shots. The iPhone SE 2020 relies on a single 12MP main camera with OIS. While it excels in daylight photography with natural colors and impressive dynamic range, it lacks the versatility of multiple lenses.
• Low-Light Performance: The Galaxy A73 5G performs well in low-light conditions, producing brighter photos with good noise suppression. The iPhone SE 2020's single camera struggles in very low light and does not feature a dedicated night mode, which can be a limitation for evening photography.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones offer 4K video recording, with the iPhone SE 2020 capable of 4K at up to 60 frames per second with excellent stabilization. The Galaxy A73 5G records 4K video at 30 frames per second, also with OIS for stability. For selfies, the Galaxy A73 5G has a 32MP front camera, offering good detail and an ultrawide option. The iPhone SE 2020 features a 7MP front camera that delivers good selfies and supports portrait mode for people.