Galaxy A73 5G vs Galaxy S25 Ultra

Galaxy A73 5G
Galaxy A73 5G
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Galaxy S25 Ultra
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$1,106.00

Versus A$2,149.00 new

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The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G, released in April 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, launched in February 2025, represent distinct tiers within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both operate on the Android platform, the S25 Ultra, as a flagship device, introduces significant advancements in processing power, camera technology, and display quality compared to the A73 5G, which is positioned as a capable mid-range option.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is often influenced by its initial release date and the manufacturer's commitment to software support. These two devices offer different trajectories in this regard.

  • Release Timeline & Software Longevity: The Galaxy A73 5G, launched in 2022, typically receives four major Android operating system upgrades and five years of security updates, meaning its software support is expected to conclude around 2027. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, released in 2025, benefits from Samsung's extended commitment, offering seven years of both operating system upgrades and security updates, extending its functional software life significantly further into the future. [4, 20, 24, 29, 32]
  • Build & Protection: The Galaxy A73 5G features a plastic back and a Gorilla Glass 5 front, along with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, providing protection against splashes and submersion in shallow water. [4, 5] The Galaxy S25 Ultra elevates durability with a titanium frame, Corning Gorilla Armor 2 on both the front and back, and an IP68 rating, offering enhanced resistance to dust and water, including deeper submersion. [1, 3, 25, 27]
  • Repairability Considerations: While specific repairability scores are not detailed for either model, flagship devices like the S25 Ultra often feature more complex internal designs, potentially impacting the ease and cost of repairs compared to mid-range devices like the A73 5G.

Release year

2022

2025

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, with the S25 Ultra designed for demanding tasks and the A73 5G offering solid everyday capabilities.

  • Processing Power & Responsiveness: The Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a processor that handles daily applications, web browsing, and moderate gaming smoothly. Users can expect a responsive experience for typical smartphone activities. [4, 7, 12, 23] The Galaxy S25 Ultra, featuring a current-generation flagship processor, delivers substantially more power, enabling seamless multitasking with numerous applications open, fluid high-fidelity gaming, and rapid processing for intensive tasks like video editing or advanced AI features. [1, 2, 9, 11, 16, 19, 27, 28]
  • Multitasking & Storage: The A73 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users to switch between apps without significant slowdowns. It offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card. [4, 5, 12, 26] The S25 Ultra generally starts with 12GB of RAM, with some configurations offering up to 16GB, providing ample headroom for heavy multitasking and ensuring applications remain active in the background. [1, 2, 3, 11, 16, 25, 27, 28] Its storage options range from 256GB to 1TB, but it does not support expandable storage. [1, 2, 3, 11, 16, 25, 27, 28]
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices house a 5000 mAh battery. The A73 5G provides reliable all-day power for average use, supported by 25W fast charging. [4, 5, 6, 12, 14, 23, 26] The S25 Ultra, despite its powerful components, is optimized for efficient power consumption, with user reports indicating it can last over 17 hours in some tests, and it supports faster 45W wired charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. [8, 11, 16, 19, 25, 28, 30, 35, 36]

Memory (GB)

6 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is vibrant, though the S25 Ultra offers a more advanced display.

  • Display Technology & Clarity: The Galaxy A73 5G features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ display with Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 pixels), providing clear and colorful visuals suitable for media consumption and daily use. [4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 17, 23, 26] The Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a larger 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a sharper QHD+ resolution (1440x3120 pixels), delivering exceptional detail and clarity, particularly noticeable with high-resolution content. [1, 2, 3, 9, 11, 13, 16, 25, 27, 28]
  • Brightness & Smoothness: The A73 5G's display offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations, with sufficient brightness for indoor and most outdoor conditions. [4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 17, 23, 26] The S25 Ultra's display also features a 120Hz refresh rate, but it is adaptive (1-120Hz), allowing it to dynamically adjust based on content for power efficiency. It also reaches a significantly higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright sunlight, and includes an anti-reflective coating for improved outdoor viewing. [1, 2, 3, 9, 11, 13, 16, 25, 27, 28]
  • Screen Protection: The A73 5G is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. [4, 5] The S25 Ultra features the more advanced Corning Gorilla Armor 2, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance. [1, 3, 9, 16, 25, 27]

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1440x3120

Audiovisual

Both phones offer capable camera systems, but the S25 Ultra provides a more versatile and advanced photographic experience.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A73 5G includes a quad-camera setup with a 108 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide, and two 5 MP sensors for macro and depth. This configuration is well-suited for capturing detailed everyday photos and decent wide-angle shots. [4, 7, 14, 17, 22, 24, 26] The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a more comprehensive quad-camera system, including a 200 MP main sensor with OIS, a 50 MP ultrawide lens, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50 MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. This setup provides greater flexibility for various photographic scenarios, from expansive landscapes to distant subjects. [1, 2, 3, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 19, 25, 28]
  • Low-Light & Video Performance: The A73 5G performs adequately in well-lit conditions, with its 108 MP sensor capable of capturing good detail. Video recording is supported up to 4K at 30 frames per second. [4, 7, 14, 17, 22, 24, 26] The S25 Ultra excels in low-light conditions due to its larger sensors and advanced image processing, producing brighter and more detailed images. It offers superior video recording capabilities, including 8K resolution at 30 frames per second and 4K at up to 120 frames per second, along with features like log format video recording and the ability to record directly to external storage. [1, 2, 3, 9, 11, 15, 18, 25]
  • Front Camera & Audio: The A73 5G has a 32 MP front camera for selfies and video calls. [4, 7, 17, 24, 26] The S25 Ultra features a 12 MP front camera, which benefits from advanced processing for clear self-portraits and video calls. [1, 2, 3, 9, 11, 25, 28] Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption, with the S25 Ultra providing a richer audio experience. [1, 4]

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements distinguish these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity & Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity. The Galaxy A73 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0/5.1, along with a USB-C 2.0 port. [4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 26] The Galaxy S25 Ultra features more advanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, offering faster and more stable wireless connections, and a USB-C port for data transfer and charging. [1, 25] Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. [1, 4]
  • Biometric Security & Unique Features: Both phones incorporate an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The A73 5G uses an optical sensor. [4, 5, 24, 26] The S25 Ultra utilizes an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, which can offer enhanced security and reliability. [3] A notable exclusive feature of the S25 Ultra is the integrated S Pen, offering precise input for note-taking, drawing, and navigation, though its Bluetooth functionality has been removed. [3, 27]
  • Physical Design & Materials: The A73 5G has dimensions of 163.7 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm and weighs 181 grams, featuring a plastic back and a flat display. [4, 5, 7, 12, 26] The S25 Ultra is slightly larger and heavier at 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm and 218 grams, with a premium build of glass and a titanium frame, and a subtly refined design with rounded edges. [1, 9, 25, 27]

Weight

181 oz

218 oz

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.9

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Galaxy A73 5G often praises its vibrant display, reliable battery life, and capable camera for its segment, making it a strong contender for everyday use. Common criticisms sometimes point to its plastic build compared to more premium devices. [7] The Galaxy S25 Ultra, on the other hand, receives widespread acclaim for its exceptional camera system, powerful performance, and stunning, bright display. Users frequently highlight its long-lasting battery and the versatility offered by the S Pen. Some discussions mention its substantial size and weight as factors to consider. [19, 28, 30, 35, 36]

Users prioritizing extended software support, cutting-edge camera capabilities, and top-tier performance for demanding applications and gaming will find the Galaxy S25 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Its advanced display technology and premium build materials also cater to those seeking a high-end experience. Conversely, individuals looking for a dependable smartphone that handles daily tasks efficiently, offers a good display, and provides solid camera performance without the need for the absolute latest flagship features may prefer the Galaxy A73 5G. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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