Galaxy A73 5G vs Google Pixel 7a

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G, released in April 2022, and the Google Pixel 7a, launched in May 2023, are both Android smartphones designed to offer a balanced experience. While the Galaxy A73 5G emphasizes a larger display and expandable storage, the Pixel 7a focuses on a compact form factor and Google's integrated software experience. Both devices run on the Android operating system, providing users with access to a wide ecosystem of applications and services.

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

• Software Updates: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G was promised four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from its Android 12 launch, extending its support into 2027. The Google Pixel 7a, launching with Android 13, is set to receive five years of OS and security updates, with support extending until at least May 2028. This means the Pixel 7a generally offers a slightly longer period of guaranteed software support.
• Build Durability: Both phones feature an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy A73 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for its display, offering good scratch and drop resistance. The Pixel 7a, on the other hand, utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which provides decent scratch resistance but is an older generation compared to the A73 5G.
• Practical Lifespan: Users can expect both devices to remain functional and receive critical updates for several years. The Pixel 7a's slightly longer software commitment and its integrated hardware-software approach may offer a marginally extended period of optimal performance, while the A73 5G's robust build materials also contribute to its longevity.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive user experience. The Pixel 7a features a current-generation processor designed by Google, which excels in AI-driven tasks and offers efficient performance for a wide range of applications, including more intensive gaming and complex computations.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy A73 5G comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the added benefit of expandable storage via a microSD card up to 1TB. This allows users to significantly increase their storage capacity for photos, videos, and apps. The Pixel 7a provides 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, but it does not support expandable storage.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy A73 5G houses a larger 5000 mAh battery, which typically provides extended usage times, often lasting a full day or more for moderate users. The Pixel 7a has a 4385 mAh battery, and while its processor is designed for efficiency, some users have reported varying battery life experiences, with some finding it sufficient for a full day and others needing more frequent charging, especially with heavy use.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct viewing experiences.

• Display Technology and Size: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G features a larger 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The Google Pixel 7a comes with a more compact 6.1-inch OLED display, which also delivers rich colors and good contrast. The larger screen on the A73 5G provides a more expansive viewing area for media consumption and multitasking.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy A73 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to very smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Pixel 7a offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which is also a noticeable improvement over standard 60Hz displays, providing a smooth visual experience during navigation and gaming.
• Brightness and Clarity: Both displays offer FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels for A73 5G, 2400 x 1080 pixels for Pixel 7a), ensuring sharp images and text. The Super AMOLED+ panel on the A73 5G is generally bright and performs well in various lighting conditions. The Pixel 7a's OLED display also provides good brightness, making it suitable for outdoor use, though some users have noted the A73 5G's display can be more vibrant.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but with different approaches to image processing and hardware.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A73 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, led by a 108 MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide, and dedicated 5 MP macro and depth sensors. This configuration allows for detailed shots and various photographic styles. The Pixel 7a has a dual-camera system with a 64 MP main sensor (with OIS and dual pixel PDAF) and a 13 MP ultrawide lens. Google's strength lies in its computational photography, which enhances image quality through software processing.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy A73 5G's 108 MP main sensor captures detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting, with OIS aiding in stability. Its ultrawide and macro lenses add flexibility. The Pixel 7a is highly regarded for its consistent image quality across various conditions, particularly its ability to produce natural colors and excellent dynamic range, even in challenging low-light scenarios, thanks to its advanced software algorithms.
• Video and Front Camera: Both devices support 4K video recording. The Galaxy A73 5G can record 4K at 30fps with its rear camera and 4K at 30fps with its 32 MP front camera. The Pixel 7a can record 4K at up to 60fps with its rear camera and 4K at 30fps with its 13 MP ultrawide front camera, offering good stabilization for video.