Samsung Galaxy A73 5G vs Galaxy A53 5G: Which should you buy?

While Samsung’s flagship series gets all the fanfare and plaudits, the mid-range Galaxy A series is nothing to be sniffed at. Headlined by the likes of the Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy A53 5G, the phones offer a compelling combination of near flagship-level camera hardware, solid build quality, and great battery life. But which of these two devices is the better buy? We take a look at both a little more closely in our Galaxy A73 5G vs Galaxy A53 5G comparison.

Samsung Galaxy A73 5G vs Galaxy A53 5G: Specs

The Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy A53 5G are remarkably similar on paper, but some notable differences exist in the flesh. You may find the most obvious to be the display. Both devices use AMOLED panels, but the Galaxy A73 5G stretches its screen to 6.7 inches. The Galaxy A53 5G settles for a slightly smaller 6.5-inch screen.

The other notable difference powers those displays. Samsung employs its own chipset in the Galaxy A53 5G, namely the newer Exynos 1280. However, its larger sibling opts for Qualcomm silicon. The Galaxy A73 5G uses the 2021-era Snapdragon 778G. Both chipsets should provide adequate mid-range performance, but the Exynos may be slightly more efficient thanks to its 5nm manufacturing process.

Beyond these two facets, the Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy A53 5G share memory and storage configurations. Both run on Android 13 thanks to a recent upgrade to One UI 5, both devices have IP67 ratings, and each device packs similarly sized power packs.

Samsung Galaxy A73 5G vs Galaxy A53 5G: Size comparison

Samsung’s Galaxy smartphone design language has converged in recent years. The Galaxy A models all pack similar aesthetics inspired by the Galaxy S line. This means the Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy A53 5G are attractive options for your hand and pocket. We quite like the color options available, too, with their understated pastel finishes. Their palettes may not be exciting, but they give the Galaxy A duo a more sophisticated look.

Regarding physical footprint, the Galaxy A73 5G will occupy more space in your pocket than its counterpart. It’s around 4mm longer and 1.3mm wider than the Galaxy A53 5G. Curiously though, the Galaxy A53 5G is thicker by 0.5mm and weighs 7g more than the Galaxy A73 5G. In reality, this is another minute difference between these two devices and likely won’t be noticed by the user.

Samsung Galaxy A73 5G vs Galaxy A53 5G: Camera

Let’s delve into the camera hardware now. The Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy A53 5G feature flexible quad camera arrays on their backs. Common across both models is a sharp 12MP ultrawide camera with a 123-degree FoV to capture broader scenes, a 5MP macro camera for up-close photography, and a 5MP depth sensor that boosts bokeh when required.

The macro lens on both devices may be more gimmicky than useful. Our Galaxy A53 5G review found this lens more a “fun extra” than a truly useful addition. If you’re interested in flower and insect-related photography, you may find use in it.

Interestingly, you can apply portrait effects to almost every shot on both phones using data garnered from the 5MP depth sensor. However, remember that both phones are mid-rangers, and factors like edge detection are not as crisp as you’d find on the best camera phones. It’s worth noting that this camera on the A73 5G replaces the telephoto lens available on the Galaxy A72. The Galaxy A53 5G also lacks a dedicated zoom camera.

Notably, both phones employ their main cameras for digital zoom. Although it likely won’t be much of an issue at low zoom levels, higher ranges make this method’s lack of image quality more apparent.

Speaking of main cameras, this is where you’ll find the biggest camera-related difference between the two devices. The Galaxy A73 5G headlines with a 108MP sensor complete with optical image stabilization. This is currently the largest sensor used on a mid-range Samsung smartphone. As for the Galaxy A53 5G, buyers will have to settle for a 64MP sensor. That’s not a bad thing, though. During our review, we found the Galaxy A53 5G’s camera performance respectable, reproducing colors accurately without oversaturating shots. Below are a few sample shots from the Galaxy A53 5G’s main camera.

As for video modes, both phones fall behind the competition. Samsung has retained the maximum video recording resolution at 4K 60fps on the Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy A53 5G. If you’re looking for smoother, higher-resolution video, you may want to consider an alternative beyond the Galaxy A duo.

Samsung Galaxy A73 5G vs Galaxy A53 5G: Battery and charging

One of the Galaxy A series’ strengths has always been battery endurance; the Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy A53 5G are no exceptions. Both phones feature 5,000mAh batteries topped up via 25W wired charging. We filled the Galaxy A53 5G’s battery in around 85 minutes with a USB Power Delivery PPS charger. Note: You’ll need one to achieve 25W speeds.

Neither phone has wireless or reverse charging support, and neither has a charger in its box. The latter detail makes finding a compatible charger an even more important endeavor.

As for power consumption, the Galaxy A53 5G could happily go without a charge for two days with normal use during our review. Considering the marginally larger display on the Galaxy A73 5G, we expect it to rival the endurance of its smaller sibling. With that said, both of these phones will serve road warriors well.

Samsung Galaxy A73 5G vs Galaxy A53 5G: Price

Both Samsung Galaxy A models were launched in early 2022 but are still available to purchase across online channels. The Galaxy A73 5G was initially offered in “select markets,” but US buyers can find the device on Amazon and other retailers for ~$400. That said, the phone is not widely available and has limited carrier support in the country.

The Galaxy A53 5G was initially sold in the US as the pinnacle of Samsung’s mid-range fleet, so it’s more widely available than its larger sibling. Unlike in other regions where the Galaxy A73 5G is pricier, the Galaxy A53 5G comes with a $50 premium. However, it has no carrier compatibility problems.

In terms of colorways, there is some divergence. The Galaxy A73 5G is offered in Gray, White, and Mint. The Galaxy A53 5G is available in Black, White, Blue, and Peach.

Samsung Galaxy A73 5G vs Galaxy A53 5G: Which should you buy?

The Samsung Galaxy A series won’t give you an exciting list of novel features, but it does offer plenty of value. Both the Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy A53 5G are demonstrations of this. But which phone is best for you? This is a game of narrow margins. As both phones are so similar in spec, aesthetic, and price, our decision comes down to minor differences.

On paper, the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is the better pick. It features a larger screen and a 108MP camera with OIS to boot. OIS is nice, especially for low-light shots where the camera shake is accentuated, and the 6.7-inch display will give you slightly more real estate without too much of a phone size penalty. However, limited carrier compatibility may make owning the Galaxy A73 5G a headache in the US.

The Galaxy A53 5G includes a slightly smaller yet heavier body, employs a main camera sensor with fewer pixels, packs a smaller display, and uses Samsung’s own silicon. It also has broader carrier compatibility than the Galaxy A73 5G in the US. However, if carrier support isn’t important to you, the Galaxy A73 5G is the better value option.

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