Galaxy A73 5G vs Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G, released in March 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, launched in January 2024, represent distinct offerings within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both operate on the Android platform, the S24 Ultra is positioned as a premium flagship device, incorporating the latest advancements, whereas the A73 5G serves as a capable mid-range option. The primary distinctions lie in their performance capabilities, camera systems, and long-term software support.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by both its physical resilience and the duration of its software support.

• Software Support: The Galaxy A73 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four major OS updates, extending its software support to Android 16, along with five years of security updates. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, released with Android 14, benefits from an extended commitment of seven major OS updates and seven years of security updates, projecting support until 2031. [32, 31, 2, 24]
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy A73 5G features a plastic frame and a Gorilla Glass 5 display for protection against scratches and drops, alongside an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. [36, 10, 2, 18] The Galaxy S24 Ultra elevates durability with a titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Armor on its display, which also offers enhanced anti-reflective properties. [9, 28, 1, 30] It carries an IP68 rating, indicating a higher level of dust and water resistance. [16, 32]
• Expected Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software longevity and advanced physical protection will find the Galaxy S24 Ultra better suited for extended use. The A73 5G still offers a respectable lifespan, particularly for those who do not require the absolute latest software versions for the maximum duration.

Performance differences between these two devices are notable, reflecting their respective market segments and release timelines.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy A73 5G handles everyday applications and moderate multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive experience for general use and casual gaming. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, equipped with a more advanced processor, delivers exceptional performance for demanding applications, intensive gaming, and complex AI-driven tasks, ensuring a fluid experience even under heavy loads. [3, 32, 5]
• Multitasking and Storage: The A73 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card. [2] The S24 Ultra features 12GB of RAM across its configurations, paired with larger internal storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB, catering to users who require significant storage and seamless multitasking without external expansion. [3, 6, 16]
• Battery Behavior: Both devices house a 5000 mAh battery. [1, 2] However, the S24 Ultra's more efficient internal components contribute to improved battery longevity in typical usage scenarios, often lasting more than a full day for many users. [7, 17] The A73 5G also offers solid battery performance for a full day of moderate use. [14, 15, 18]

The visual experience on both smartphones is delivered through high-quality displays, though with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A73 5G features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels). This technology provides vibrant colors and deep blacks, suitable for everyday viewing and media consumption. [10, 14] The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a sharper QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3120 pixels), offering superior clarity and detail. [1, 34]
• Brightness and Smoothness: The A73 5G's display has a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and animations, and reaches a brightness of 800 nits, which is adequate for most indoor and outdoor conditions. [10, 14] The S24 Ultra features an adaptive refresh rate that dynamically adjusts from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing power efficiency and smoothness. Its peak brightness of 2600 nits makes it exceptionally visible even in bright sunlight. [1, 34]
• Viewing Experience: The S24 Ultra's display also incorporates Gorilla Glass Armor with anti-reflective properties, significantly reducing glare and improving outdoor usability. [30] This makes the S24 Ultra particularly well-suited for users who frequently use their device outdoors or in varying lighting environments, while the A73 5G provides a strong visual experience for general use.

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra provides a more advanced and versatile photography experience.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a quad-camera setup featuring 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. This configuration is well-suited for capturing detailed everyday photos and offers good versatility. [2, 4, 22] The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a more sophisticated quad-camera system, including a 200 MP main sensor with OIS, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50 MP periscope telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom. [1, 3, 39] This setup allows for greater detail, enhanced zoom capabilities, and improved performance in various lighting conditions. [13, 23]
• Front Camera and Video: For selfies and video calls, the A73 5G has a 32 MP front camera. [2, 4] The S24 Ultra features a 12 MP front camera. Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at 30 frames per second, but the S24 Ultra extends its video capabilities to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second, offering higher fidelity for video content creators. [4, 1]
• Advanced Features: The S24 Ultra benefits from advanced AI processing for photography, enhancing image quality, low-light performance, and offering features like improved shot-to-shot speed and generative AI for video editing. [13, 23]