Galaxy A73 5G vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G, released in 2022, is a mid-range Android smartphone known for its large display and capable camera system. In contrast, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, launched in late 2024, represents a flagship offering from Google, emphasizing advanced computational photography and a long software support commitment. These devices cater to different user priorities, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL focusing on cutting-edge features and the Galaxy A73 5G providing a balanced experience.

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

• Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G was released in April 2022, making it an older device compared to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, which launched in August 2024. This difference in release year directly impacts their remaining software support.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy A73 5G was promised 4 Android OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates from its launch with Android 12. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, however, offers a significantly longer commitment with 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates, extending its support until Android 22. This means the Pixel 9 Pro XL will receive updates for a considerably longer period.
• Durability Features: Both devices offer water and dust resistance, with the Galaxy A73 5G featuring an IP67 rating and the Pixel 9 Pro XL boasting an IP68 rating. The Pixel 9 Pro XL also incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for display protection, while the A73 5G uses Gorilla Glass 5.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, app usage, and multitasking. Both devices offer smooth experiences, but with different underlying capabilities.

• Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy A73 5G handles general use and demanding applications smoothly, with users reporting a fluid experience even with graphically intensive games. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, powered by its custom processor, is designed for smooth operation and efficient handling of advanced AI features.
• Multitasking 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 microSD up to 1TB. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a substantial 16GB of RAM and is available with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of internal storage, though it lacks expandable storage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, capable of lasting up to two days with light usage and providing 7-8 hours of screen-on time with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 5060 mAh battery and has demonstrated exceptional endurance, with some tests showing nearly 19 hours of continuous use.

The visual experience is a significant aspect of smartphone usage, and both devices offer impressive displays with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A73 5G features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels), providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a 6.8-inch QHD+ OLED display (1344 x 2992 pixels), offering even greater clarity and detail.
• Brightness and Smoothness: Both phones offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Galaxy A73 5G reaches 800 nits in high brightness mode, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL can achieve a peak brightness of 3000 nits, making it exceptionally bright for outdoor visibility. The Pixel's display also features LTPO technology, allowing for an adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz for improved power efficiency.
• Viewing Experience: The larger screen size of the Pixel 9 Pro XL provides a slightly more expansive viewing area. Both displays are well-suited for media consumption and general browsing, with the Pixel's higher resolution and peak brightness offering a more premium visual experience.

Camera capabilities are often a deciding factor for many users, and both smartphones offer versatile camera systems, albeit with different strengths.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A73 5G includes a quad-camera setup with a 108MP main sensor (with OIS), a 12MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro and depth sensors. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a triple-camera system comprising a 50MP main sensor (with OIS and EIS), a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens (with OIS and EIS).
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy A73 5G excels in daylight photography with its high-resolution main sensor, but its low-light performance is noted as a weakness. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's camera system is designed for advanced computational photography, offering strong performance across various conditions, including improved low-light capabilities and a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom.
• Video and Audio: Both devices support 4K video recording at 30fps. The Galaxy A73 5G has stereo speakers, providing a good audio experience for media consumption. The Pixel 9 Pro XL also includes dual stereo speakers.