Galaxy A73 5G vs Motorola Razr 40 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G (released March/April 2022) and the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra (released June 2023) are distinct smartphones offering different user experiences. The Galaxy A73 5G is a traditional slab-style device, while the Razr 40 Ultra features a foldable design with a prominent external display. Both devices operate on the Android platform, but their form factors and core hardware cater to varied preferences.

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

• Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G was released in March/April 2022, making it an older model compared to the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, which launched in June 2023. This difference in release year impacts their respective software support cycles.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy A73 5G was promised four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, with Samsung extending security support for some devices, including the A73, to up to seven years as of January 2024. It is expected to receive Android 16 (One UI 8) as its last major OS update, with security updates scheduled until April 2027. The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra is expected to receive three major Android OS upgrades and four years of bi-monthly security updates, with Android 16 anticipated as its final major OS update.
• Repairability and Durability: The Galaxy A73 5G features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance and Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection. Its repairability score is noted at 6.5 out of 10, with the battery and screen being relatively accessible despite adhesive use. The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra has an IP52 water-repellent coating and Gorilla Glass Victus on its cover screen. However, its foldable design presents unique durability considerations, with some stress tests highlighting potential vulnerabilities in the cover screen. Its repairability is rated lower, at 4 out of 10, due to the complexity of its folding mechanism and adhesive use.

Performance in smartphones is determined by the efficiency of their internal components, affecting how smoothly applications run and how effectively the device handles demanding tasks.

• Processing Power: The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra is equipped with a more advanced current-generation processor, which translates to smoother operation for demanding applications and more efficient multitasking. The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G uses a capable mid-range processor that handles everyday tasks and many games smoothly, though it may not offer the same performance headroom for future intensive applications.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With options for 8GB or 12GB of RAM, the Razr 40 Ultra provides ample memory for extensive multitasking, allowing users to switch between numerous applications without noticeable slowdowns. The Galaxy A73 5G, available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, also offers a responsive experience for typical daily usage and multitasking.
• Storage Capabilities: The Razr 40 Ultra offers internal storage options of 256GB or 512GB, providing substantial space for apps and media without expandable storage. The Galaxy A73 5G comes with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage and includes a microSD card slot, allowing for expandable storage up to 1TB, which can be beneficial for users with large media libraries.

The display is a primary interaction point, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences tailored to their form factors.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks, with a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 pixels) that provides clear and sharp visuals. The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra boasts a 6.9-inch foldable pOLED main display with a slightly higher Full HD+ resolution (1080x2640 pixels), also delivering rich colors and contrast. Its unique feature is a 3.6-inch pOLED external cover display, which is highly functional for quick interactions.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both phones offer a high refresh rate for smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy A73 5G has a 120Hz refresh rate. The Razr 40 Ultra surpasses this with a 165Hz refresh rate on its main display and a 144Hz refresh rate on its external display, providing an exceptionally smooth visual experience.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy A73 5G's display can reach up to 800 nits of brightness, offering good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Razr 40 Ultra's main display can achieve a peak brightness of 1400 nits, while its external display reaches 1100 nits, ensuring excellent readability even in bright outdoor environments.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and these devices approach photography with different hardware and software optimizations.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and dedicated 5 MP macro and depth sensors. This configuration allows for detailed photos and a range of photographic styles. The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra has a dual-camera system on the rear, consisting of a 12 MP main sensor with OIS and a wider f/1.5 aperture, alongside a 13 MP ultrawide lens that also functions for macro photography.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy A73 5G is noted for producing detailed and vibrant photos, with good dynamic range, especially in well-lit conditions. Its 108 MP sensor can capture significant detail. The Razr 40 Ultra's main camera performs well in good lighting and can capture quality images, though its ultrawide lens may show a drop in quality compared to the main sensor. Its unique form factor allows for creative use of the main cameras for selfies.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices support 4K video recording at 30 frames per second from their main cameras. The Razr 40 Ultra can record 4K video at 60 frames per second, offering smoother video capture. For selfies, both phones feature a 32 MP front-facing camera, capable of capturing detailed self-portraits and 4K video at 30 frames per second.