Galaxy A73 5G vs Google Pixel 6a

Galaxy A73 5G
Galaxy A73 5G
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Google Pixel 6a
Google Pixel 6a
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$236.00

Versus A$569.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G, released in March 2022, and the Google Pixel 6A, launched in July 2022, are both Android smartphones designed to offer a balanced experience. While both devices operate on the Android platform, they present distinct approaches to display technology, camera capabilities, and overall performance, catering to different user preferences.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Software Support: The Galaxy A73 5G is expected to receive four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its support until approximately March 2027. The Pixel 6A, on the other hand, is slated for three major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, with support extending until July 2027.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A73 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on its front display and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. The Pixel 6A utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for its display protection and also carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. User reports indicate the Pixel 6A demonstrates robust structural integrity in durability tests.
  • Expected Lifespan: Both devices offer a substantial period of software updates, contributing to a practical lifespan where they remain secure and compatible with current applications. The A73 5G's slightly longer OS update promise may appeal to users prioritizing the latest Android features for an extended duration.

Release year

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to multitasking and gaming. Both the Galaxy A73 5G and the Pixel 6A deliver capable performance, though they achieve this through different hardware configurations.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a processor that provides snappy and fluid performance, handling demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. The Pixel 6A features a processor designed by Google, which offers strong performance, particularly in tasks leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning.
  • Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy A73 5G offers various storage options and supports expandable storage via a microSD card, providing flexibility for users who require more space for media and applications. The Pixel 6A comes with a fixed internal storage capacity and does not offer expandable storage. Both devices are generally responsive for everyday use and multitasking.
  • Battery Performance: The Galaxy A73 5G includes a larger battery capacity, which generally translates to longer usage times for many users, often lasting a full day or more with moderate use. The Pixel 6A's battery life is considered decent for a full day of typical use, though some heavy users may find it requires more frequent charging.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy A73 5G and the Pixel 6A offer quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy A73 5G features a larger 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The Pixel 6A comes with a more compact 6.1-inch OLED display, which also provides rich colors and deep blacks.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A significant difference lies in the refresh rate. The Galaxy A73 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to noticeably smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, enhancing the overall user experience, especially during gaming or browsing. The Pixel 6A has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is adequate for most tasks but does not offer the same level of visual fluidity.
  • Clarity and Brightness: Both displays offer a Full HD+ resolution, ensuring sharp and clear visuals for text and images. The Super AMOLED Plus panel on the A73 5G is also noted for its brightness, making it comfortable for outdoor use.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Super AMOLED Plus

OLED

Audiovisual

Camera performance is a key consideration for many users, and both devices offer capable systems, albeit with different strengths and approaches to image processing.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A73 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a high-resolution 108-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and dedicated macro and depth sensors. It captures detailed photos with good color accuracy in well-lit conditions. The Pixel 6A relies on a dual-camera system with a 12.2-megapixel main sensor with OIS and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. Google's computational photography is a strong point, often producing excellent results across various lighting conditions.
  • Low-Light and Video: Both phones perform decently in low-light scenarios, with the Pixel 6A often praised for its ability to capture detail in challenging conditions due to its software processing. Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at 30 frames per second, with the Pixel 6A also offering 4K at 60 frames per second.
  • Front Camera and Audio: The Galaxy A73 5G includes a 32-megapixel front camera, while the Pixel 6A has an 8-megapixel front camera. Both devices feature stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption.

Main camera

108 megapixels

12.2 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy A73 5G and the Pixel 6A support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The A73 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, while the Pixel 6A offers Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, providing slightly newer wireless standards. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and notably lack a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: For secure unlocking, both smartphones incorporate an optical under-display fingerprint sensor.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A73 5G is a larger device, measuring 163.7 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm and weighing 181 grams, offering a more expansive screen. The Pixel 6A is more compact at 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm and weighs 178 grams, making it potentially easier for one-handed use. The A73 5G features a plastic back and Gorilla Glass 5 front, while the Pixel 6A has a plastic back and Gorilla Glass 3 front.

Weight

181 oz

250 oz

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G and the Google Pixel 6A each offer a compelling set of features, appealing to different user priorities. The Galaxy A73 5G is often praised by users for its large, vibrant 120Hz Super AMOLED Plus display, which provides an immersive viewing experience, and its generally long battery life. Some users note its capable main camera and the benefit of extended software support. However, criticisms sometimes point to the absence of a telephoto lens and charging speeds that are not the fastest compared to some competitors.

The Google Pixel 6A receives acclaim for its exceptional camera performance, largely due to Google's advanced computational photography, allowing it to capture high-quality images even in challenging conditions. Its compact size and robust build quality are also frequently highlighted as positive attributes. Conversely, common user concerns include its 60Hz display, which lacks the smoothness of higher refresh rate screens, and battery life that, while adequate, may not satisfy heavy users. The lack of expandable storage is another point of consideration for some.

Users prioritizing a large, fluid display for media consumption and gaming, coupled with extensive battery life and expandable storage, may find the Galaxy A73 5G better suited to their needs. Those who value a more compact device, prioritize top-tier photography capabilities, and appreciate Google's streamlined software experience might lean towards the Pixel 6A. Both devices represent solid choices in their category, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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