Galaxy A73 5G vs Galaxy S20 FE

Galaxy A73 5G
Galaxy A73 5G
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Galaxy S20 FE
Galaxy S20 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$268.29

Versus A$578.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G, released in April 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, launched in October 2020, represent two distinct offerings within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both devices provide a comprehensive Android experience, the A73 5G focuses on extended software longevity and a larger display, whereas the S20 FE prioritizes a more powerful processor and additional premium features from its flagship-adjacent origins.

Scores

Durability

The expected lifespan and software support differ between these two models, primarily due to their respective release timelines.

  • Release and Software Support: The Galaxy A73 5G, being a newer device from 2022, benefits from Samsung's extended software commitment, promising four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates. This means it is expected to receive its last major OS update (Android 16/One UI 8) and security patches until April 2027. [6, 32, 34] In contrast, the Galaxy S20 FE, released in 2020, has concluded its major software update cycle, having received three Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches, with its final security update around October 2025. [5, 8, 13, 27]
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and security patches for the longest possible duration will find the Galaxy A73 5G offers a more extended period of official support. The Galaxy S20 FE, while still functional, will no longer receive new OS versions or regular security updates, which could be a consideration for long-term use. [5, 8, 13]
  • Durability Ratings: Both devices offer protection against dust and water ingress. The Galaxy A73 5G carries an IP67 rating, indicating resistance to dust and immersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. [6, 26] The Galaxy S20 FE features a slightly higher IP68 rating, allowing for immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. [2, 12, 33]

Release year

2022

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance capabilities vary between the two devices, influencing how smoothly they handle demanding applications and multitasking.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S20 FE is equipped with a processor that delivers robust performance, making it well-suited for intensive gaming and heavy multitasking. [2, 18] The Galaxy A73 5G features a newer, more power-efficient processor that provides a responsive experience for everyday tasks and handles demanding applications smoothly, though it may exhibit slight heating during prolonged heavy use. [2, 11, 28]
  • System Responsiveness: Both phones offer a fluid user experience for general navigation and app usage. The Galaxy S20 FE's processor provides a noticeable edge in raw speed for tasks requiring significant computational power. [2] The Galaxy A73 5G, while not as powerful in benchmark scores, maintains consistent performance for most users. [2, 28]
  • Storage and Multitasking: Both models are available with 128 GB or 256 GB of internal storage and support expandable storage via a microSD card, offering flexibility for users with large media libraries or numerous applications. [1, 3, 6, 7, 9, 12, 16, 20, 28] Both also come with ample RAM configurations (6GB or 8GB) to support efficient multitasking. [6, 7, 9, 12, 20, 28]

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones offer vibrant displays, though with some distinctions in their underlying technology and viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy A73 5G features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, providing a slightly larger viewing area. [1, 2, 3, 6, 16] The Galaxy S20 FE comes with a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display. [2, 7, 9, 12, 17, 20] Both display types are known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. [2]
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both devices offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 pixels), ensuring sharp visuals for typical viewing distances. [1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 12, 16, 17, 20] The Galaxy S20 FE, due to its slightly smaller screen size with the same resolution, has a marginally higher pixel density. [2, 17]
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. [2, 3, 12, 16, 17, 20, 31] They also achieve a peak brightness of 800 nits, which is sufficient for comfortable outdoor visibility. [2, 16] The Galaxy A73 5G's display is protected by Gorilla Glass 5, while the Galaxy S20 FE uses Gorilla Glass 3. [6, 17]

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Super AMOLED Plus

Super AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy S20 FE offer different strengths for capturing photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A73 5G boasts a quad-camera setup with a high-resolution 108 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide, a 5 MP macro, and a 5 MP depth sensor. [1, 2, 3, 6, 16] It excels in daylight photography with good detail and dynamic range. [21, 28] The Galaxy S20 FE features a triple-camera system with a 12 MP main sensor (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide, and an 8 MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. [10, 12, 20, 25, 33] Its dedicated telephoto lens provides versatility for zoomed shots. [25, 33]
  • Video Recording Capabilities: The Galaxy A73 5G supports video recording up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second (fps) from both its front and rear cameras. [1, 16, 21, 26, 28] The Galaxy S20 FE offers more advanced video recording, capable of 4K at 60 fps from both its front and rear cameras. [25, 31, 33]
  • Front Camera and Audio: Both devices are equipped with a 32 MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. [2, 3, 16, 20, 25] For audio, both phones include stereo speakers for an immersive media consumption experience. [9, 20] The Galaxy S20 FE also features high-bitrate audio support. [9]

Main camera

108 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features and design elements differentiate these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy S20 FE support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to faster mobile networks. [3, 12, 14, 16] The A73 5G supports Wi-Fi 6, while the S20 FE supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac). [16, 20, 26] Both devices utilize a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, but neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. [1, 9]
  • Biometric Security and Additional Features: Both phones incorporate an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. [2, 3, 9, 16, 17, 20] The Galaxy S20 FE offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities, allowing it to charge other compatible devices. [12, 31, 33] These features are not present on the Galaxy A73 5G. [11]
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A73 5G is slightly thinner and lighter, measuring 7.6 mm thick and weighing 181g, with a plastic unibody construction. [6, 10, 16, 26] The Galaxy S20 FE is 8.4 mm thick and weighs 190g, also featuring a plastic back. [10, 12, 20, 33] The A73 5G's larger screen contributes to its overall dimensions. [6, 16]

Weight

181 oz

190 oz

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.5

Network

5G

4G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Galaxy A73 5G often highlights its excellent battery life, vibrant display, and Samsung's commitment to long-term software updates as key strengths. [11, 26, 28] Some users note that while its 108MP camera performs well in good lighting, it may not always deliver flagship-level detail, and the absence of wireless charging is a common point of discussion. [11, 21, 24] For the Galaxy S20 FE, common praise centers on its powerful processor, capable camera system with optical zoom, and the inclusion of wireless charging. [18, 25, 31, 33] Criticisms frequently mention its shorter software support timeline and the plastic build quality. [5, 8, 13, 27, 33]

Users prioritizing the longest possible software support and a slightly larger, vibrant display for media consumption may find the Galaxy A73 5G well-suited to their needs. Its efficient processor and substantial battery capacity make it a reliable choice for extended daily use. Conversely, individuals who value a more powerful processor for demanding applications, a dedicated optical telephoto camera, and the convenience of wireless charging might lean towards the Galaxy S20 FE. While its software update cycle has concluded, it still offers a robust performance experience. Both devices, available as quality-assured refurbished options, provide an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking capable smartphones.

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