Galaxy A73 5G vs Motorola Razr 40

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G (released in March/April 2022) and the Motorola Razr 40 (launched in June 2023) represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy A73 5G offers a traditional, flat-screen experience, the Razr 40 introduces a foldable form factor, allowing it to compact into a smaller size. Both devices operate on the Android platform, but they cater to different user preferences through their unique designs and feature sets.

The expected lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its physical resilience and the duration of software support it receives.

• Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G was released with Android 12 and is promised up to four major Android OS updates, potentially extending its software support to Android 16. The Motorola Razr 40, launched with Android 13, is expected to receive three major Android OS upgrades and four years of bi-monthly security updates.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy A73 5G features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes, and its display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The Motorola Razr 40 has an IP52 water-repellent coating, offering protection against splashes, and its external display is safeguarded by Gorilla Glass Victus. The Razr 40's foldable design, while innovative, introduces unique considerations for hinge durability, though user reports suggest the hinge holds up well over time.
• Repairability: The repairability of the Motorola Razr 40 is considered challenging due to the complex internal structure and extensive use of adhesive, making component replacement difficult. Information on the specific repairability score for the Galaxy A73 5G is less detailed, but traditional slab phones generally offer more straightforward repair processes compared to foldables.

Performance in both devices is driven by their respective processors, influencing how smoothly applications run and how efficiently they manage power.

• Processing Power: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and moderate gaming smoothly, with users reporting fluid animations and quick app loading. The Motorola Razr 40 features a processor designed to manage demanding applications and provide a responsive user experience.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy A73 5G offers configurations with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the added benefit of expandable storage via a microSD card up to 1TB. The Razr 40 comes with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, but it does not support expandable storage.
• Battery Life and Charging: The Galaxy A73 5G houses a 5000 mAh battery, which often provides a full day of use, and for some users, up to two days with moderate usage. It supports 25W wired fast charging. The Motorola Razr 40 has a 4200 mAh battery, and despite its smaller capacity, users indicate it can last a full day. It supports 30W wired charging and 5W wireless charging.

The visual experience on these devices is shaped by their display technology, size, and refresh rates, offering distinct viewing characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a resolution of 1080x2400 pixels, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Motorola Razr 40's main display is a 6.9-inch foldable LTPO AMOLED panel with a resolution of 1080x2640 pixels, offering a similar level of clarity.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A73 5G's display offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and an average brightness of 800 nits, making it visible in various lighting conditions. The Razr 40's main screen boasts a higher 144Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1400 nits, contributing to an exceptionally fluid and bright viewing experience, even outdoors.
• Unique Display Features: A key differentiator for the Motorola Razr 40 is its 1.5-inch external OLED cover display, which can show notifications, widgets, and even run full applications, enhancing usability when the phone is folded. The Razr 40 also incorporates a teardrop hinge design, which aims to minimize the visibility of the screen crease when unfolded.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but they differ in sensor configurations and specific features for capturing photos and videos.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a versatile 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 Motorola Razr 40 has a dual-camera system on the rear, comprising a 64 MP main sensor with OIS and a 13 MP ultrawide lens.
• Front Camera and Video: Both devices feature a 32 MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. The Galaxy A73 5G supports 4K video recording at 30 frames per second. The Razr 40 also offers 4K video recording capabilities. A notable advantage of the Razr 40 is the ability to use its higher-quality main rear cameras for selfies and video calls by utilizing the external cover screen as a viewfinder.
• Audio Experience: Both the Galaxy A73 5G and the Motorola Razr 40 include stereo speakers, providing an immersive audio experience for media consumption.