Galaxy A73 5G vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

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

• Release and Software Support: The Galaxy A73 5G, released in March 2022, launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four major Android OS updates, with security updates extending until April 2027. This means its last major OS update is likely Android 16 (One UI 8). The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, released in September 2024, launched with Android 14 and received an update to Android 15 shortly after. Google has committed to providing seven years of OS and security updates, ensuring support until 2031.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software longevity will find the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a significantly longer period of guaranteed updates, keeping the device current with the latest features and security protocols for several additional years compared to the Galaxy A73 5G.
• Durability Features: The Galaxy A73 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection and boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, offering protection against immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, as a foldable, incorporates a stainless steel hinge and an aluminum alloy cover, along with an IPX8 water resistance rating, indicating protection against continuous immersion in water.

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones reflect their different generations and design philosophies, impacting how they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

• Processing Power and Responsiveness: The Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly. Users report snappy performance for general use. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a current-generation Tensor processor, designed for advanced AI tasks and efficient handling of demanding applications and complex multitasking, particularly beneficial for its foldable form factor.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy A73 5G offers configurations with 6 GB or 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB or 256 GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card up to 1 TB. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with 16 GB of RAM and storage options of 256 GB or 512 GB, utilizing faster storage technology, but without expandable storage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A73 5G includes a 5000 mAh battery, with users frequently reporting that it can last for up to two full days on a single charge with moderate use, supported by 25W fast charging. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a 4650 mAh battery and supports 30W fast charging and Qi wireless charging. While its battery capacity is slightly smaller, its power efficiency and foldable design contribute to a full day of use, with some users finding its battery life good for a foldable device.

The display experience is a primary distinction between these two devices, offering different technologies and form factors for viewing content and interacting with the device.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy A73 5G features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a dual-screen setup: a 6.3-inch OLED cover display and an expansive 8-inch foldable OLED inner display. The inner display utilizes LTPO technology, allowing for a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing power consumption and smoothness.
• Resolution and Brightness: Both devices offer Full HD+ resolution, with the Galaxy A73 5G at 1080x2400 pixels. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's inner display has a resolution of 2076x2152 pixels, providing a sharp viewing experience across its larger surface. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's inner display can reach peak brightness levels of up to 2,700 nits, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
• Viewing Experience: The Galaxy A73 5G provides a traditional, immersive viewing experience on its flat, large display. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers the versatility of a compact smartphone when folded and an expansive tablet-like canvas when unfolded, suitable for multitasking and media consumption. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features thinner bezels around its inner display compared to its predecessor, enhancing the screen-to-body ratio.

The camera systems of the Galaxy A73 5G and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold approach photography with different hardware configurations and processing strengths.

• Rear Camera System: 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 lens, a 5 MP macro lens, and a 5 MP depth sensor. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a triple-camera system on the rear, including a 48 MP wide-angle camera with OIS, a 10.5 MP ultrawide camera with a wide field of view, and a 10.8 MP telephoto camera offering 5x optical zoom and up to 20x Super Res Zoom.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy A73 5G's 108 MP main sensor captures detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting, with decent stabilization for videos. However, its low-light performance is noted as decent rather than exceptional, and the ultrawide camera may struggle in dark conditions. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold leverages its advanced processing for image quality, offering strong performance in various conditions, though its main sensor is smaller than those found in its non-foldable Pixel 9 Pro counterparts.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording video at 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. For selfies, the Galaxy A73 5G has a 32 MP front camera. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a 10 MP front-facing camera on both its cover and inner displays, allowing for consistent selfie quality regardless of the phone's state.

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

• Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity. The Galaxy A73 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, and features a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, but lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold supports 5G sub-6 and mmWave, Bluetooth 5.3, and offers satellite emergency services. It also uses a USB-C port and does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack.
• Design and Handling: The Galaxy A73 5G has a slim profile at 7.6 mm thick and weighs 181g, featuring a plastic back with a frosted finish that resists fingerprints. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is designed to be thin and light for a foldable, measuring 5.1 mm when unfolded and approximately 10.5 mm when closed, weighing 257g. Its foldable design allows for a compact form factor when closed and an expansive screen when open.
• Security and Other Features: The Galaxy A73 5G incorporates an under-display optical fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. It also integrates advanced AI features, including those powered by its Tensor processor, for enhanced user interaction and photo editing capabilities.