Galaxy A73 5G vs Galaxy S23 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G, released in March 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, launched in February 2023, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's diverse lineup. While both devices operate on the Android platform, they cater to different user expectations, with the S23 Ultra representing a premium offering and the A73 5G positioned for a broader audience. The primary distinctions lie in their processing power, camera systems, and overall build quality, reflecting their respective market segments.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

• Software Longevity: The Galaxy A73 5G, released in March 2022, is expected to receive four years of Android operating system updates and five years of security updates from its launch. The Galaxy S23 Ultra, launched in February 2023, also follows a similar commitment, offering four years of OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its software support one year further due to its newer release date.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy A73 5G features a Gorilla Glass 5 front, with a plastic frame and back, and carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers enhanced protection with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, coupled with an Armor Aluminum frame, and boasts an IP68 rating, allowing for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes.
• Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built to last, with their respective software update policies ensuring several years of current Android features and security. The S23 Ultra's more robust build materials and higher water resistance rating may offer a slight edge in resisting physical damage over time for users in demanding environments.

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy S23 Ultra differ significantly, impacting how smoothly they handle various tasks.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a processor that capably handles everyday applications, web browsing, and moderate multitasking. The Galaxy S23 Ultra, featuring a more advanced current-generation processor, delivers substantially greater power, resulting in faster app loading, smoother transitions, and superior performance for demanding tasks like intensive gaming, video editing, and running multiple complex applications simultaneously.
• Multitasking and Storage: The A73 5G offers RAM configurations of 6GB or 8GB, paired with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSD card up to 1TB. The S23 Ultra comes with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and internal storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB, without microSD card expansion. The S23 Ultra's higher RAM options and faster internal storage contribute to more fluid multitasking and quicker data access.
• Battery Behavior: Both devices house a 5000 mAh battery. However, the S23 Ultra's more efficient processor and adaptive display technology can optimize power consumption, potentially leading to extended usage times for some users, especially during varied tasks. The A73 5G supports 25W fast charging, while the S23 Ultra supports faster 45W charging.

The visual experience on both smartphones is a key differentiator, with distinct display technologies and features.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A73 5G features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+). The Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a higher resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels (Quad HD+), providing a sharper and more detailed visual experience.
• Brightness and Smoothness: Both displays offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. However, the S23 Ultra's display is adaptive, meaning it can dynamically adjust its refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz based on content, which can contribute to power efficiency. The S23 Ultra also achieves a significantly higher peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making it more easily viewable in bright outdoor conditions compared to the A73 5G.
• Viewing Experience: The S23 Ultra's higher resolution and superior brightness make it particularly well-suited for users who prioritize immersive media consumption, detailed content creation, or frequent outdoor use. The A73 5G still offers a vibrant and smooth viewing experience for everyday tasks.

The camera systems on the Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy S23 Ultra are designed for different levels of photographic capability.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A73 5G features a quad-camera setup with a 108 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide lens, a 5 MP macro lens, and a 5 MP depth sensor. The Galaxy S23 Ultra elevates this with a 200 MP main sensor with OIS, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and two 10 MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom, respectively. This allows the S23 Ultra to capture significantly more detail and offer greater versatility for distant subjects.
• Photography Performance: The S23 Ultra excels in low-light photography and offers advanced features for capturing crisp, detailed images across various scenarios, including impressive zoom capabilities. The A73 5G provides capable everyday photography with its high-resolution main sensor, producing vibrant and well-balanced photos in good lighting conditions.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones can record video at up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. For selfies, the A73 5G has a 32 MP front camera, while the S23 Ultra features a 12 MP front camera, both capable of capturing detailed self-portraits. The S23 Ultra also supports 8K video recording at 30fps.