Galaxy A73 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip6

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G, released in March 2022, is a traditional slab-style smartphone designed for a balanced everyday experience. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, launched in July 2024, offers a distinct foldable form factor that prioritizes portability and a unique user interaction. Both devices run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, but they cater to different user preferences through their fundamental design and feature sets.

The expected practical lifespan and software support differ between these two Samsung smartphones, primarily due to their release timelines and product categories.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy A73 5G was released in March 2022, making it an older model compared to the Galaxy Z Flip6, which launched in July 2024. This two-year difference impacts their remaining software support and overall longevity.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy A73 5G was promised up to four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning it is expected to receive updates up to Android 16 and security patches until 2027. The Galaxy Z Flip6, being a newer flagship foldable, is slated for a more extended support period, with seven generations of Android OS updates and seven years of security updates. This provides the Z Flip6 with a significantly longer period of official software support.
• Repairability: The Galaxy A73 5G has a repairability score of around 6.5/10 to 8/10, with its battery and screen being relatively accessible, though adhesive can make repairs challenging. The Galaxy Z Flip6 received an 8/10 repairability score from PBKReviews, noting improvements in screen replacement compared to its predecessor, and its batteries are considered easily replaceable. However, some reports indicate that screen replacements and hinge repairs for foldable devices like the Z Flip6 can still be complex.

Performance capabilities vary between the two devices, influencing how smoothly they handle demanding applications and multitasking.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday tasks smoothly and supports its 120Hz display effectively. It can manage demanding games without significant issues, though heavy multitasking with intensive apps might cause momentary stutters. The Galaxy Z Flip6 features a more advanced, current-generation processor designed for high-performance tasks, ensuring very smooth operation for demanding apps, gaming, and complex multitasking.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy A73 5G offers 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the option to expand storage using a microSDXC card up to 1 TB. The Galaxy Z Flip6 comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of faster internal storage, but it does not offer expandable storage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A73 5G houses a 5000 mAh battery, which generally provides ample power for a full day of use, though some users have reported faster-than-expected drain. The Galaxy Z Flip6 has a 4000 mAh battery capacity. Both devices support 25W fast charging.

Both smartphones offer vibrant displays, but their underlying technology and form factors present distinct viewing experiences.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy A73 5G features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus flat display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy Z Flip6 has a 6.7-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display, which can be folded in half, and a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED cover display for quick interactions when closed.
• Resolution and Clarity: Both devices offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 for A73 5G, 1080x2640 for Z Flip6 main display), providing clear and sharp visuals for typical viewing distances.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A73 5G features a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and an 800 nits high brightness mode for outdoor visibility. The Galaxy Z Flip6's main display also boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and significantly higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, enhancing visibility in bright conditions. Its cover display has a 60Hz refresh rate.
• Durability and Crease: The A73 5G's screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 5. The Z Flip6's main foldable screen has a PET plastic screen protector that is susceptible to scratches at lower Mohs levels, while its cover screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The Z Flip6 also features an improved, less noticeable crease on its main display compared to previous foldable generations.

The camera systems on these devices offer different strengths for capturing photos and videos.

• Rear Camera System: 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, a 5 MP macro, and a 5 MP depth sensor. The Galaxy Z Flip6 has a dual-camera system on the rear, consisting of a 50 MP wide-angle lens and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens.
• Photography Performance: The A73 5G's 108 MP main camera is capable of capturing detailed images, and its overall camera performance is considered strong for a mid-range device. The Z Flip6's 50 MP main camera offers improved performance, and its camera quality is generally good, though some users note that zooming in to its maximum 10x digital zoom can result in blurriness.
• Front Camera: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy A73 5G features a 32 MP front camera. The Galaxy Z Flip6 comes with a 10 MP front camera.
• Video Recording: Both devices support 4K video recording at 30 frames per second.
• Audio Experience: While specific details on speaker output are less prominent for the A73 5G, the Z Flip6's earpiece design may offer improved audio volume during calls.