Galaxy A73 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold4

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G (released March 2022) and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 (released August 2022) represent distinct approaches within Samsung's smartphone lineup. The A73 5G offers a traditional smartphone experience with a large, flat display, while the Z Fold4 introduces a foldable design, transforming from a compact phone into a larger tablet-like device. Both run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, but their form factors and underlying hardware cater to different user priorities.

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

• Software Updates: Both the Galaxy A73 5G and the Galaxy Z Fold4 are eligible for up to four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates from their respective release dates. This means the Z Fold4, being released later, will receive software support for approximately one year longer than the A73 5G.
• Repairability: The Galaxy A73 5G has a repairability score of 6.5 out of 10, with its battery and screen being relatively accessible, though strong adhesive is used for the back cover and battery. The Galaxy Z Fold4, due to its complex foldable design, presents more challenges, with users on forums noting that inner screen replacements can be costly and prone to recurring issues.
• Practical Lifespan: For users prioritizing software longevity, the Z Fold4 offers a slightly extended period of official updates. However, the A73 5G's more conventional design may offer a simpler and potentially less expensive repair path for common component failures, contributing to its practical lifespan.

The performance of these two devices varies significantly, largely due to their different target segments and internal components.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday tasks, app loading, and multitasking smoothly. It can manage demanding applications, though some users report it may struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact at higher settings. The Galaxy Z Fold4 features a more powerful, current-generation processor designed for high-performance tasks, ensuring very smooth operation, rapid app launches, and efficient handling of multiple applications simultaneously, which is crucial for its multitasking-focused design.
• Storage and RAM: The A73 5G offers 6 GB or 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB or 256 GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via microSD up to 1 TB. The Z Fold4 comes with a substantial 12 GB of RAM across all configurations and offers 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB of internal storage, but it does not support expandable storage.
• Battery Behavior: The A73 5G, with its 5000 mAh battery, is noted for its long battery life, often lasting up to two days with moderate usage and providing around 7-8 hours of screen-on time at a 120Hz refresh rate. The Z Fold4, despite having a smaller 4400 mAh battery, benefits from a more power-efficient processor, allowing it to comfortably last a full day even with heavy use and its larger, power-hungry displays.

The display experience is a primary differentiator between the Galaxy A73 5G and the Galaxy Z Fold4, offering distinct advantages based on user needs.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy A73 5G features a single 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a resolution of 1080x2400 pixels, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy Z Fold4 offers a dual-screen setup: a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED cover display (904x2316 pixels) for quick interactions and a large 7.6-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display (1812x2176 pixels) when unfolded.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both devices feature a 120 Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The Z Fold4's main display offers a peak brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The A73 5G's display also provides good brightness for outdoor use.
• Viewing Experience: The A73 5G provides a consistent, expansive viewing area for media consumption and general use. The Z Fold4's foldable design allows for a compact phone experience and then expands into a large, immersive screen ideal for multitasking, reading, and media, though a visible crease is present on the main foldable display.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but they are designed with different photographic priorities and capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A73 5G features a quad-camera setup with a 108 MP main sensor (with optical image stabilization), a 12 MP ultrawide, a 5 MP macro, and a 5 MP depth sensor. It lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, relying on digital zoom. The Galaxy Z Fold4 has a triple-camera system, including a 50 MP main sensor (with optical image stabilization), a 12 MP ultrawide, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This system is similar to that found in the Galaxy S22 series.
• Photography Performance: The A73 5G captures good photos in daylight with accurate colors and detail, and its 4K video recording is well-stabilized. The Z Fold4 offers improved image quality over its predecessor, particularly in low-light conditions, and its dedicated telephoto lens provides better zoom capabilities.
• Front Camera and Audio: The A73 5G has a 32 MP front camera that produces clear selfies and supports 4K video. The Z Fold4 features a 10 MP camera on its cover display and a 4 MP under-display camera on the main screen, with the cover camera offering better quality for selfies. Both devices offer stereo speakers, providing a good audio experience for media consumption.