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Galaxy A73 5G vs iPhone 17 Pro Max

  • 1-year warranty
  • Free standard shipping
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Galaxy A73 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$249.00

Versus A$1,488.00 new

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iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$1,746.00

Versus A$1,749.00 new

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Differences at a glance

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G (2022) and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (2025) represent entirely different generations, operating systems, and device tiers within the mobile market. While the Galaxy A73 5G runs Android and caters to practical everyday functionality, the iPhone 17 Pro Max operates on iOS and targets maximum hardware capability, offering a distinct contrast in user ecosystems and design philosophy.

Available Models

Colour

Storage (GB)

Scores

Durability

When examining longevity and physical durability, these two devices reflect different release timelines and software support windows.

  • Software Support and Age: The Galaxy A73 5G launched earlier in 2022, meaning a significant portion of its total OS update cycle has already elapsed. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro Max debuted in late 2025 and benefits from Apple's extended software maintenance timeline, ensuring compatibility with new features for many years.
  • Repairability and Build: Both smartphones feature water resistance ratings (IP67 for the Samsung and IP68 for the Apple), helping protect against accidental liquid exposure. Professional repair accessibility varies by region for both models, though choosing a quality-assured refurbished option provides a sustainable way to extend device lifecycles.
  • Expected Lifespan: Because of its newer release date and robust internal components, the iPhone 17 Pro Max retains performance headroom for future software demands, whereas the Galaxy A73 5G suits users looking for a reliable device for standard daily tasks over a shorter remaining window.

Release year

2022

2025

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

System responsiveness and daily multitasking capabilities differ significantly due to the processing hardware and memory configurations inside each phone.

  • Multitasking and App Loading: The iPhone 17 Pro Max handles heavy professional applications, high-end mobile gaming, and intensive background tasks with exceptional fluidity. The Galaxy A73 5G manages everyday apps, web browsing, and casual switching smoothly, though demanding workloads reveal limitations compared to newer flagship silicon.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A73 5G relies on a generous battery capacity to comfortably navigate a standard day of moderate use. The iPhone 17 Pro Max utilizes advanced power efficiency to deliver prolonged endurance even under heavy screen-on time workflows.
  • Storage Configurations: Samsung offers expandable storage via a microSD card slot on the Galaxy A73 5G, allowing flexible capacity increases. Apple relies on fixed internal storage tiers scaling up to massive capacities on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, requiring users to choose their permanent capacity at purchase.

Screen quality

Viewing media, reading text, and interacting with content involve distinct display panels tailored to different visual preferences.

  • Display Technology: The Galaxy A73 5G features a large Super AMOLED Plus screen providing sharp contrasts and vivid colors. The iPhone 17 Pro Max employs a Super Retina XDR OLED display with exceptional pixel density and color accuracy.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Legibility: Both screens reach high peak brightness levels, ensuring readability under direct sunlight, though the iPhone panel maintains an edge in peak outdoor luminance.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices support a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in fluid scrolling through web pages and smooth animation transitions throughout the user interface.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

2868x1320

Screen type

Super AMOLED Plus

Super Retina XDR

Audiovisual

Photography and media capture capabilities vary extensively based on the optical hardware and computational processing built into each chassis.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A73 5G incorporates a high-resolution main sensor accompanied by supporting lenses for ultrawide and macro shots. The iPhone 17 Pro Max utilizes a versatile triple-lens 48MP setup (including main, ultrawide, and telephoto options) that excels in optical zoom and detail retention.
  • Low-Light Performance: Advanced image signal processing on the iPhone 17 Pro Max preserves details and controls noise effectively in challenging dark environments. The Galaxy A73 5G captures serviceable low-light photos, though it benefits significantly from steady hands or stable lighting.
  • Video and Audio Recording: The iPhone 17 Pro Max delivers professional-grade video stabilization, cinematic recording modes, and high-fidelity microphone arrays. The Galaxy A73 5G supports stable 4K video recording suitable for casual home videos and social sharing.

Main camera

108 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

18 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical daily usability elements such as physical dimensions, connectivity standards, and biometric security shape the overall user experience.

  • Dimensions and Weight: The Galaxy A73 5G adopts a lighter plastic-composite build that rests comfortably in the hand during extended calls. The iPhone 17 Pro Max utilizes denser glass and metal materials, resulting in a heavier, more substantial feel during one-handed use.
  • Connectivity and Ports: The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a universal USB-C port alongside modern wireless and satellite connectivity protocols. The Galaxy A73 5G equips a USB-C port and dependable 5G network compatibility for fast data streaming.
  • Security Sensors: Samsung implements an optical under-display fingerprint scanner alongside facial recognition. Apple utilizes secure facial recognition technology housed within the upper display area.

Weight

181 oz

233 oz

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.9

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

What the community thinks

User discussions across community forums highlight distinct sentiments regarding both smartphones. Owners of the Galaxy A73 5G frequently praise its lightweight comfort, reliable daily battery endurance, and the convenience of expandable storage. Common discussions note that while it handles standard communication and browsing effortlessly, demanding applications push its older hardware to its limits. Conversely, users of the iPhone 17 Pro Max frequently commend its extensive battery longevity, high-tier camera flexibility, and fluid system performance, though some note its heavier physical footprint and premium size can feel cumbersome for one-handed navigation.

Users prioritizing a lightweight device with expandable storage for everyday tasks, media consumption, and general communication will find the Galaxy A73 5G well-suited to their needs. Meanwhile, users prioritizing advanced photographic versatility, maximum processing power for heavy workflows, and long-term software support will lean toward the iPhone 17 Pro Max. For consumers seeking an eco-friendly alternative, exploring a quality-assured refurbished option provides a sustainable path to acquiring either device without compromising performance expectations.

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