Galaxy A73 5G vs iPhone 15 Plus

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G, released in March 2022, and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus, launched in September 2023, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both offer large displays and 5G connectivity, they cater to different ecosystems and user preferences. The Galaxy A73 5G operates on Android, offering a customizable experience, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated services and streamlined interface.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its initial release, software support, and physical durability. These two devices offer different timelines for software longevity and varying levels of physical resilience.

• Software Support: The Galaxy A73 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four major Android OS updates, reaching Android 16 by October 2025, with security updates extending until early 2027. The iPhone 15 Plus, released with iOS 17, typically receives iOS updates for about 5-7 years from its release, potentially extending its software support well into the future.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy A73 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for 30 minutes. The iPhone 15 Plus incorporates a Ceramic Shield front cover and an IP68 rating, offering protection in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes, alongside a color-infused glass back and an aluminum frame.
• Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, the iPhone 15 Plus has been noted for having a design that allows for cheaper and easier repairs, particularly for the back glass, compared to previous iPhone generations.

Performance in daily use is a key differentiator, with both devices offering capable hardware for their respective operating systems. The experience of app loading, multitasking, and gaming varies between the two.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications and moderate gaming smoothly, providing a responsive user experience for general tasks. The iPhone 15 Plus features a current-generation chip that delivers robust performance, making it well-suited for demanding applications, intensive gaming, and complex video editing tasks.
• Storage and RAM: The Galaxy A73 5G offers storage options of 128GB and 256GB, with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, and includes expandable storage via microSD up to 1TB. The iPhone 15 Plus comes with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage and 6GB of RAM, without expandable storage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A73 5G houses a 5000 mAh battery, which users often report can last up to two days on a single charge with moderate use. The iPhone 15 Plus, with a 4383 mAh battery, is also noted for its extended battery life, often providing a full day or more of usage for many users.

The visual experience is central to smartphone interaction, and both devices offer large, vibrant displays with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Size: Both phones feature a 6.7-inch display. The Galaxy A73 5G utilizes a Super AMOLED+ panel, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone 15 Plus features a Super Retina XDR OLED display, which also delivers rich colors and high contrast.
• Resolution and Brightness: The Galaxy A73 5G has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing clear visuals. The iPhone 15 Plus offers a higher resolution of 1290 x 2796 pixels, resulting in a slightly sharper image. The iPhone 15 Plus also boasts higher peak brightness levels, reaching up to 2000 nits outdoors, making it highly visible in bright sunlight.
• Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A73 5G features a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 15 Plus maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both devices offer advanced systems for capturing photos and videos, though with different strengths.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A73 5G features a quad-camera setup with a 108 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide, and two 5 MP sensors for macro and depth. The main sensor includes optical image stabilization (OIS). The iPhone 15 Plus has a dual-camera system, featuring a 48 MP main sensor with sensor-shift OIS and a 12 MP ultrawide camera, along with a 2x telephoto option enabled by the main sensor.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy A73 5G's 108 MP main camera captures detailed images, performing well in good lighting conditions. The iPhone 15 Plus excels in capturing high-resolution photos with improved low-light performance and advanced computational photography features like Photonic Engine and Smart HDR 5.
• Video Recording: Both devices support 4K video recording. The Galaxy A73 5G can record 4K at 30 frames per second. The iPhone 15 Plus offers more versatile video recording, including 4K Dolby Vision HDR at up to 60 frames per second and Cinematic mode.
• Audio: The Galaxy A73 5G includes stereo speakers, which provide a good audio experience for media consumption. The iPhone 15 Plus also features stereo speakers, delivering clear audio with good bass and resonance.