Choosing between two excellent mid-range Samsung phones can be tough. The Galaxy A71 5G UW and the A73 5G both offer 5G connectivity and impressive features, but they have key differences. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A73 5G edges out the A71 5G UW thanks to its more powerful Snapdragon 778G chipset, improved efficiency, and generally better camera performance. However, the A71 5G UW might be a better value if you find it at a significantly lower price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 20, 28, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 260, 261 SA/NSA/mmWave | 1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 07 | 2022, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, July 16 | Available. Released 2022, April 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 162.8 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.41 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 163.7 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm (6.44 x 3.00 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (pre-installed) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED Plus | Super AMOLED Plus, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 642L |
| OS | Android 10, One UI 2.1 | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/240fps, 1080p@960fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | ANT+ | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prism Bricks Black | Gray, Mint, White |
| Models | SM-A716V | SM-A736B, SM-A736B/DS |
| Price | - | About 600 EUR |
| SAR | 0.50 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) | 1.14 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.28 W/kg (head) 1.42 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW
- Ultra Wideband 5G support
- Vibrant Super AMOLED display
- Good value (potentially)
- Decent camera
- Older chipset
- Slower performance
- Less efficient battery
- Slower charging
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G
- Faster Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset
- Improved camera performance
- More efficient battery
- Modern design
- Brighter display
- Potentially higher price
- 25W charging is slow
- No expandable storage
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The A73 5G has a slightly brighter display and a more modern design with a flatter screen, which some users may prefer. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
The A73 5G generally boasts a superior camera system. While both have a 64MP main sensor, the A73's image processing and overall camera capabilities are improved. The A73 likely has OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) which improves low-light performance and video stabilization. The A71 5G UW has a 5MP macro lens, which the A73 may or may not have.
Performance
The Snapdragon 778G 5G in the A73 5G is a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 765G 5G in the A71 5G UW. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the A73 5G. The A73's Cortex-A78 cores provide a substantial boost.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 4500mAh battery. However, the A73 5G's more efficient Snapdragon 778G chipset should result in slightly better battery life under typical usage. Both support 25W wired charging, which is relatively slow compared to some competitors.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW is a good choice for users prioritizing UW (Ultra Wideband) 5G support and who are on a tighter budget. The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is ideal for those seeking a smoother, faster experience, better camera quality, and a more modern design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the A71 5G UW support 5G on all carriers?
The 'UW' in A71 5G UW specifically refers to Ultra Wideband 5G, which is primarily supported by T-Mobile's network. Standard 5G support will vary depending on carrier and location.
❓ Is the A73 5G worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance, camera quality, and a more modern design, the A73 5G is generally worth the extra investment. However, if you're on a strict budget and primarily need a reliable 5G phone, the A71 5G UW remains a viable option.