Galaxy A73 5G vs Google Pixel 8 Pro

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates.

• Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G was released in March 2022, making it an older device compared to the Google Pixel 8 Pro, which debuted in October 2023. This difference in release year directly impacts their remaining software support.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy A73 5G was promised four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates from its launch, meaning it will receive updates until approximately 2026-2027. In contrast, the Pixel 8 Pro offers an industry-leading commitment of seven years of OS and security updates, extending its software support significantly further into the future.
• Durability Features: Both devices offer good protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy A73 5G features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance and Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection. The Pixel 8 Pro steps up with an IP68 rating and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, providing enhanced durability against drops and scratches.

Performance in daily use is shaped by the underlying hardware and software optimization, affecting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles demanding tasks.

• Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy A73 5G, powered by its processor, delivers snappy performance for general use, handling demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. Users report that most games run well without significant issues.
• Advanced Processing: The Pixel 8 Pro features Google's custom-designed processor, which is engineered for advanced computational tasks, particularly excelling in AI-powered features and complex image processing. This results in a highly responsive experience, especially with Google's integrated services and machine learning applications.
• Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy A73 5G comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of microSD card expansion up to 1TB. The Pixel 8 Pro offers a more robust 12GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 128GB up to 1TB, providing ample space and memory for extensive multitasking and large applications.

The display is a primary interface for user interaction, and differences in technology, resolution, and brightness can significantly impact the visual experience.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels). This technology provides vibrant colors and deep blacks, contributing to an immersive viewing experience. The Google Pixel 8 Pro also has a 6.7-inch display, but it utilizes an LTPO OLED panel with a sharper QHD+ resolution (1344 x 2992 pixels), offering superior clarity and detail.
• Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy A73 5G's screen reaches a peak brightness of 800 nits, which is generally sufficient for outdoor visibility. It also boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations appear fluid. The Pixel 8 Pro significantly surpasses this with a peak brightness of up to 2400 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. Its LTPO technology allows for a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing battery life while maintaining smooth visuals.
• Viewing Experience: Both devices offer large screens suitable for media consumption. The Pixel 8 Pro's higher resolution and greater brightness provide a more detailed and impactful visual experience, particularly for high-quality video content and intricate graphics.

Camera capabilities are a key differentiator, with both devices offering distinct approaches to photography and videography.

• Rear Camera Systems: 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, and dedicated 5 MP macro and depth sensors. The Pixel 8 Pro features a triple-camera system, including a 50 MP main sensor with OIS, a 48 MP ultrawide lens with autofocus and Macro Focus, and a 48 MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy A73 5G captures detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions, with its 108 MP sensor providing ample resolution. Its low-light performance is considered decent but not on par with flagship devices. The Pixel 8 Pro's main camera offers enhanced light sensitivity for improved low-light photos and videos, and its ultrawide lens gathers significantly more light. The Pixel's computational photography, driven by its custom processor, excels in image processing, especially in challenging conditions.
• Video and Front Camera: Both phones support 4K video recording at 30 frames per second from their main cameras. The Pixel 8 Pro extends its video capabilities with 4K at 60fps and features like Video Boost and Dual Exposure for sharper, less grainy footage in difficult lighting. For selfies, the Galaxy A73 5G has a 32 MP front camera, while the Pixel 8 Pro features a 10.5 MP ultrawide front camera with autofocus, designed for improved selfies.

Beyond core specifications, various practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, from connectivity to physical design.

• Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy A73 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, along with a USB-C 2.0 port. The Pixel 8 Pro offers more advanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, and a faster USB-C 3.2 port. Neither phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
• Biometrics and Sensors: Both smartphones feature in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The Pixel 8 Pro also incorporates a wider array of sensors, including a temperature sensor, which is a unique addition.
• Design and Handling: The Galaxy A73 5G has a slim profile at 7.6 mm thick and weighs 181g, featuring a matte plastic back and Gorilla Glass 5 on the front. The Pixel 8 Pro is slightly thicker at 8.8 mm and heavier at 213g, with a premium build that includes Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, and a frame made from recycled aluminum. The Pixel 8 Pro's design emphasizes a refined feel with a matte glass back.