Galaxy A73 5G vs Galaxy S22 5G

Galaxy A73 5G
Galaxy A73 5G
See options
Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$353.00

Versus A$1,189.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G (released March 2022) and the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G (released February 2022) are both Android smartphones from Samsung, launched within a month of each other. While both offer 5G connectivity and a premium Android experience, the Galaxy S22 5G is positioned as a compact flagship device, whereas the Galaxy A73 5G offers a larger display and battery capacity, targeting users who prioritize endurance and screen real estate.

Scores

Durability

Both devices were released in early 2022, meaning they share a similar starting point for software support and overall longevity. Samsung has committed to providing four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for both models, ensuring they remain current and secure for an extended period.

  • Software Support: Both the Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy S22 5G launched with Android 12 and are expected to receive updates up to Android 16, offering comparable software longevity.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A73 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on its screen and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, capable of submersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S22 5G, on the other hand, boasts Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, coupled with an Armor Aluminum frame and an IP68 rating, allowing for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes, suggesting a slightly more robust build.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both devices are designed with modern smartphone construction, which typically involves professional servicing for most component replacements.

Release year

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two devices cater to different user demands, primarily due to their internal components and battery configurations.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A73 5G handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly, allowing users to navigate the interface and run demanding games without significant slowdowns. The Galaxy S22 5G, however, offers a more powerful processor, providing a noticeable advantage in intensive tasks such as high-fidelity gaming, advanced photo and video editing, and running multiple complex applications simultaneously.
  • Battery Endurance: The Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a larger 5000 mAh battery, which generally translates to longer usage times, often lasting a full day or even two with moderate use. The Galaxy S22 5G has a smaller 3700 mAh battery, which for heavy users, may require more frequent charging throughout the day.
  • Storage and Responsiveness: Both models offer 8GB of RAM in their higher configurations, ensuring efficient multitasking. The Galaxy A73 5G provides expandable storage via a microSD card up to 1TB, a feature not present in the Galaxy S22 5G, which relies solely on its internal 128GB or 256GB storage options.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones offer high-quality displays, but there are distinctions in their technology, size, and brightness that influence the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy A73 5G features a larger 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks across a more expansive screen area. The Galaxy S22 5G comes with a more compact 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which also delivers rich colors and excellent contrast.
  • Resolution and Refresh Rate: Both devices offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels for A73 5G, 1080 x 2340 pixels for S22 5G), resulting in sharp visuals. Both also feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S22 5G's Dynamic AMOLED 2X display can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions. While the Galaxy A73 5G's Super AMOLED Plus display is also bright and clear, it typically offers slightly lower peak brightness compared to the S22 5G, which might be a factor in direct sunlight.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED Plus

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy S22 5G are designed with different strengths, impacting their photographic and videographic capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A73 5G features a 108 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and two 5 MP sensors for macro and depth. This setup excels in capturing detailed photos in good lighting conditions. The Galaxy S22 5G offers a more versatile triple-camera array, including a 50 MP main sensor with OIS, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, providing greater flexibility for various shooting scenarios, especially for zoomed shots.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: Both phones perform well in everyday photography. The Galaxy S22 5G's advanced processing and larger main sensor pixels generally offer an advantage in low-light conditions, producing clearer and brighter images. For video, the Galaxy S22 5G supports 8K recording at 24fps, alongside 4K at 30/60fps, while the Galaxy A73 5G records up to 4K at 30fps. Both offer stable video recording.
  • Front Camera and Audio: The Galaxy A73 5G has a 32 MP front camera, capable of 4K video recording, suitable for detailed selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S22 5G features a 10 MP front camera with Dual Pixel PDAF, also capable of 4K video, offering fast and accurate focusing. Both devices include stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption.

Main camera

108 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features differentiate the user experience of these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy A73 5G uses Bluetooth 5.0 and a USB-C 2.0 port, while the Galaxy S22 5G features the slightly newer Bluetooth 5.2 and a faster USB-C 3.2 port, which can offer quicker data transfer speeds. Neither phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: Both smartphones incorporate in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The Galaxy A73 5G uses an optical sensor, while the Galaxy S22 5G employs an ultrasonic sensor, which can offer enhanced security and reliability. Both also support face recognition.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A73 5G is a larger device, measuring 163.7 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm and weighing 181g, offering a more expansive screen for content consumption. The Galaxy S22 5G is more compact and lighter at 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and 167g, making it easier for one-handed use and pocketability. The A73 5G has a plastic back, while the S22 5G features a glass back and aluminum frame, contributing to a more premium feel.

Weight

181 oz

195 oz

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.6

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy S22 5G cater to distinct user preferences, each offering a compelling set of features.

The Galaxy A73 5G is often praised by users for its exceptional battery life, which can comfortably last a full day or more, and its large, vibrant Super AMOLED Plus display, making it suitable for media consumption and users who prefer a bigger screen. Its main 108 MP camera also receives positive remarks for detailed photos in good lighting. Some users note the absence of a telephoto lens and the plastic build as minor drawbacks, but generally find it a reliable and smooth performer for everyday tasks.

Conversely, the Galaxy S22 5G is frequently lauded for its compact form factor, premium glass and metal construction, and powerful performance that handles demanding applications and games with ease. Its versatile camera system, including a dedicated telephoto lens with optical zoom, is a significant advantage for photography enthusiasts. However, a common point of criticism for the Galaxy S22 5G is its battery life, which many users find to be average and often requires careful management or a mid-day charge, especially with heavy use.

Users prioritizing extended battery life and a larger display for media and general use may find the Galaxy A73 5G to be a more suitable choice. Those who value a compact, premium design, top-tier processing power, and a more versatile camera system with optical zoom, and are comfortable with potentially more frequent charging, might lean towards the Galaxy S22 5G. Both devices represent quality-assured options, and considering a refurbished model can be an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons