Galaxy A73 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G are both Android smartphones that offer a blend of features for different user needs. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, is part of Samsung's 'Fan Edition' line, aiming to deliver flagship-like experiences. The Galaxy A73 5G, launched a couple of months later in March 2022, sits at the higher end of Samsung's A-series. While both devices run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, they differentiate themselves primarily through their internal processing power, camera configurations, and specific durability features.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical resilience.

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, while the Galaxy A73 5G followed in March 2022. Both devices are part of Samsung's commitment to providing four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates. This means the Galaxy A73 5G will likely receive software support for a few months longer than the S21 FE 5G due to its later launch date.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on its display, offering robust protection against scratches and drops. It also boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. The Galaxy A73 5G comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection and an IP67 rating, providing protection against dust and immersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Both phones are designed for extended use, benefiting from Samsung's strong software update policy. The slightly superior physical protection of the S21 FE 5G might offer a marginal advantage in resisting accidental damage, but both are built to last several years with proper care.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications and gaming. These two devices offer distinct experiences in this regard.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that delivers a higher level of performance, enabling it to handle intensive applications and multitasking with greater ease. This translates to smoother operation during graphically demanding games and complex productivity tasks. The Galaxy A73 5G features a capable processor that provides a smooth experience for everyday use, including social media, web browsing, and moderate gaming.
• System Responsiveness and Multitasking: Users of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G will generally experience faster app loading times and more fluid transitions between applications, even with many running simultaneously. The Galaxy A73 5G also offers good responsiveness, with its processor and ample RAM ensuring that most users will find its performance satisfactory for typical smartphone activities.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A73 5G houses a larger 5000 mAh battery, which often translates to longer usage times on a single charge, with many users reporting it can last a full day or more with mixed usage. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which typically provides a full day of use for most users, though heavy usage might require a charge before the day ends. The S21 FE 5G also supports wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare, features not found on the A73 5G.

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy A73 5G and S21 FE 5G offer vibrant viewing experiences with some key differences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A73 5G features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colors, providing a clear and immersive viewing experience. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which also offers excellent color reproduction, contrast, and supports HDR10+ for enhanced visual quality in compatible content.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and fluid animations across the interface and in supported applications. Both displays also offer sufficient brightness for comfortable outdoor viewing, with the A73 5G reaching 800 nits peak brightness.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy A73 5G provides a larger 6.7-inch screen, which can be more appealing for users who prioritize screen real estate for media consumption or productivity. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's slightly smaller 6.4-inch display offers a more compact form factor, which some users might find easier to handle with one hand.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments, though their approaches to imaging differ.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A73 5G features a 108MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), which excels at capturing detailed photos in good lighting conditions. It is accompanied by a 12MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 5MP depth sensor. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a versatile triple-camera setup with a 12MP main sensor (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The dedicated telephoto lens on the S21 FE 5G provides clearer zoomed-in shots compared to the digital zoom on the A73 5G.
• Low-Light and Everyday Photography: In well-lit conditions, both phones produce vibrant and detailed images. The A73 5G's high-megapixel main sensor can capture a lot of detail, while the S21 FE 5G's processing often results in social media-ready photos. For low-light scenarios, the S21 FE 5G generally shows better performance, especially with its night mode, though the A73 5G's OIS on the main sensor also aids in capturing clearer images in dim settings.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at 30 frames per second from their rear cameras. The S21 FE 5G can also record 4K at 60fps and offers 4K video recording from its 32MP front camera, which is a notable feature for video calls and vlogging. The A73 5G also has a 32MP front camera, capable of 4K@30fps video.