Galaxy A73 5G vs Google Pixel 7

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G and the Google Pixel 7 are Android smartphones released in 2022, offering distinct approaches to mobile technology. The Galaxy A73 5G, launched in April 2022, is part of Samsung's mid-range A series, while the Google Pixel 7, released in October 2022, represents Google's flagship line. These devices differentiate themselves primarily through their camera philosophies, software experiences, and overall performance focuses. Both operate on the Android platform, with the A73 initially running Android 12 and the Pixel 7 launching with Android 13.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its build quality, software support, and the availability of replacement parts.

• Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G was released in April 2022, making it slightly older than the Google Pixel 7, which launched in October 2022. This difference in release dates impacts their respective software support windows.
• Software Support: The Galaxy A73 5G was promised four Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from its release. The Pixel 7, initially guaranteed at least three years of Android upgrades, later had its support extended to five years of OS and security updates from its launch date, meaning support until October 2027. This extended support for the Pixel 7 provides a longer period for receiving the latest Android features and security patches.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy A73 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection and carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. Its back panel and sides are constructed from frosted plastic. The Google Pixel 7 is equipped with more advanced Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on both its front and back, and an aluminum frame, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance. It also boasts an IP68 rating, providing superior dust and water protection compared to the A73 5G.

The performance of these devices is shaped by their internal components, affecting how smoothly they handle applications, multitasking, and demanding tasks.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy A73 5G is powered by an octa-core processor, with cores clocked at up to 2.4 GHz. This configuration allows for smooth general use and can handle demanding games, though some users report slight heating during intensive gaming sessions. The Google Pixel 7 features a processor designed by Google, which focuses on optimizing artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks. This design contributes to efficient handling of daily tasks, quick app loading, and seamless app switching.
• Memory and Storage: Both devices offer 8GB of RAM in their standard configurations, with the Galaxy A73 5G also available in a 6GB RAM variant. For internal storage, both come with 128GB or 256GB options. A notable difference is that the Galaxy A73 5G supports expandable storage up to 1TB via a microSD card, offering flexibility for users who require more space for media and files. The Pixel 7 does not offer expandable storage.
• Real-world Responsiveness: Users generally find the Galaxy A73 5G to be responsive for everyday use, maintaining a smooth experience even with its high refresh rate display. The Pixel 7 is also noted for its fluid performance in daily tasks, with apps opening quickly and multitasking occurring without noticeable lag. While casual games run well on the Pixel 7, extended sessions with graphically intensive games may lead to some thermal management, similar to the A73 5G.

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely determined by its display technology, resolution, and refresh rate, impacting clarity and smoothness.

• Display Technology and Size: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ Infinity-O display. This technology is known for producing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Google Pixel 7 has a slightly smaller 6.3-inch AMOLED display, also offering rich colors and good contrast.
• Resolution and Clarity: Both devices provide a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. This resolution ensures sharp text and clear images for typical viewing distances.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy A73 5G offers a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. It has a peak brightness of 800 nits. The Pixel 7 features a 90Hz refresh rate, which still provides a smooth experience, though it is not as high as the A73 5G. The Pixel 7 compensates with a higher peak brightness of 1400 nits (1000 nits HBM), enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions.

The camera systems of these smartphones offer different strengths, catering to various photography and videography preferences.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a quad-camera setup, including 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. The Google Pixel 7 features a dual-camera system, comprising a 50 MP wide lens with OIS and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The Pixel 7's camera system is highly regarded for its computational photography capabilities, which enhance image quality across various scenarios.
• Photography Performance: Users of the Galaxy A73 5G report decent photographic results, suitable for everyday use and casual content creation, despite the high megapixel count. The Pixel 7 is known for producing excellent photos with natural colors, sharp details, and strong low-light performance, often outperforming competitors in its class. Its Night Sight mode is particularly effective in dimly lit environments. The Pixel 7 does not include a dedicated macro lens.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording video in 4K resolution, with the Galaxy A73 5G supporting 4K at 30 frames per second (fps) and the Pixel 7 supporting 4K at up to 60 fps. The Pixel 7 also offers strong video stabilization. Both phones feature stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption.
• Front Camera: The Galaxy A73 5G has a 32 MP front-facing camera, while the Pixel 7 features a 10.8 MP ultrawide front camera. The Pixel 7's front camera is noted for producing sharp and social-media-ready selfies, even in less ideal lighting conditions.