Galaxy A73 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors. The Galaxy A73 5G, being the newer device, generally benefits from a longer period of official software updates compared to the S21 5G.

• Software Longevity: The Galaxy A73 5G was announced with a commitment to receive four Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from its release with Android 12. The Galaxy S21 5G, launched earlier with Android 11, typically receives three major OS updates and four years of security patches. This means the A73 5G will likely receive software support for a longer duration.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S21 5G features a glass front protected by Gorilla Glass Victus and an aluminum frame, offering a robust build. The Galaxy A73 5G utilizes Gorilla Glass 5 for its display and has a plastic back and frame. Both devices offer water and dust resistance, with the S21 5G rated at IP68 and the A73 5G at IP67.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 5G has generally been noted for a relatively higher repairability score, with some assessments giving it around 7.5 to 8.2 out of 10, citing easier disassembly and modular components, though battery adhesive can be a challenge. The Galaxy A73 5G has a slightly lower repairability score, around 6.5 out of 10, with battery and screen access being manageable but adhesive use posing some difficulty.

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy S21 5G differ, primarily due to their respective processor tiers, impacting how smoothly they handle various tasks and applications.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 5G is equipped with a flagship-tier processor, which translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and more consistent performance in demanding applications and graphics-intensive games. The Galaxy A73 5G features a capable mid-range processor that handles everyday tasks and most applications efficiently, providing a responsive user experience for general use.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices typically come with 8GB of RAM, allowing for effective multitasking. However, the S21 5G's more powerful processor provides a noticeable edge in maintaining fluidity when switching between numerous applications or running several heavy apps simultaneously.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A73 5G houses a larger 5000 mAh battery, which generally translates to extended usage times for many users. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery. While the S21 5G's processor is more power-efficient, the A73 5G's larger capacity often results in less frequent charging for average use.

Both the Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy S21 5G offer high-quality displays, but there are distinctions in their technology, size, and overall viewing experience.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy A73 5G features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, providing a large viewing area. The Galaxy S21 5G has a more compact 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Both technologies deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks, characteristic of AMOLED panels.
• Resolution and Refresh Rate: Both phones offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 pixels) and a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The S21 5G's Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel also supports HDR10+ and can reach a higher peak brightness of 1300 nits, which can be beneficial for outdoor visibility and HDR content.
• Viewing Experience: Users prioritizing a larger screen for media consumption or productivity might prefer the A73 5G. Those who prefer a more compact device that is easier to handle with one hand may find the S21 5G's size more appealing.

The camera systems on the Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy S21 5G approach photography with different strengths, influencing their performance in various scenarios.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A73 5G features a quad-camera setup with a 108MP main sensor, accompanied by a 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth sensor. The Galaxy S21 5G offers a triple-camera system, including a 12MP main sensor, a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
• Photography Performance: The A73 5G's high-megapixel main sensor can capture detailed images in good lighting conditions. However, user comparisons suggest the S21 5G's camera system, particularly its dedicated telephoto lens, often provides more consistent and versatile results, especially for zoomed shots and overall image processing, with better dynamic range and color accuracy in some situations. The S21 5G also offers 8K video recording.
• Front Camera and Audio: The A73 5G has a 32MP front camera, while the S21 5G has a 10MP front camera. For audio, both devices provide stereo speaker output for media consumption. The S21 5G is noted for improved speaker assembly and richer stereo sound.

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy S21 5G, impacting daily usability and convenience.

• Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity and modern Wi-Fi standards. They both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, but neither includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. A notable difference is that the Galaxy A73 5G offers a microSD card slot for expandable storage up to 1TB, which the Galaxy S21 5G lacks.
• Biometric Security: Both devices feature in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The S21 5G's ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is generally considered fast and reliable.
• Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy A73 5G is larger and slightly heavier at 163.7 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm and 181g. The Galaxy S21 5G is more compact and lighter, measuring 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm and weighing 169g. The S21 5G also supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, features not present on the A73 5G.