Galaxy A73 5G vs Oppo Reno 8 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G (released March 2022) and the Oppo Reno 8 Pro (released July 2022) are both Android smartphones that offer a blend of features for everyday use. While both devices aim to provide a capable user experience, they differ in their camera systems and software longevity approaches.

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

• Software Updates: The Galaxy A73 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four major OS updates, extending its software support until Android 16, with security updates scheduled until April 2027. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro also launched with Android 12 but, under Oppo's policy for this series, typically receives two major OS updates, meaning it will likely conclude its OS updates with Android 14.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software support and security patches will find the Galaxy A73 5G offers a longer period of official updates. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro, while still receiving updates, has a shorter guaranteed update window.
• Durability and Repairability: The Galaxy A73 5G features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, offering a degree of protection against environmental elements. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro has a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, and while some sources mention splash resistance, it lacks an official IP rating. The Galaxy A73 5G has a repairability score of 6.5/10, with the battery and screen being relatively accessible despite adhesive use. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro has a repairability score of 8.0/10, indicating good ease of repair.

Both smartphones are designed to handle daily tasks efficiently, but they approach performance with different underlying architectures.

• Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy A73 5G provides smooth performance for general use, including browsing, social media, and moderate gaming, with users reporting a fluid experience. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro also delivers strong performance, capable of running demanding applications and games smoothly without significant overheating, thanks to its efficient processor and cooling system.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy A73 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro offers 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, but it does not support expandable storage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A73 5G is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, which typically provides over a full day of use for most users, and often up to two days with moderate usage. It supports 25W wired charging. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro has a 4500 mAh battery, which generally lasts a full day of heavy use, and can extend to about 1.5 days with moderate usage. It features faster 80W wired charging, allowing for quicker recharges.

The visual experience on both devices is characterized by vibrant displays, though with some distinctions in technology and brightness.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A73 5G features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ display, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro also has a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2412 pixels, providing a crisp and bright viewing experience.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both phones offer a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable during gaming or navigating interfaces.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Oppo Reno 8 Pro's display can reach a peak brightness of 950 nits, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy A73 5G also offers a bright display, described as gorgeous and closer to premium devices.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, with a focus on different strengths for photography and videography.

• Rear Camera Capabilities: The Galaxy A73 5G features a quad-camera setup with a 108 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide, a 5 MP macro, and a 5 MP depth sensor. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro has a triple camera system, including a 50 MP main sensor with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide, and a 2 MP macro lens.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy A73 5G's main camera performs well in good lighting conditions, producing sharp images with accurate colors. Its low-light performance is decent but can show some decline. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro's main camera also produces good results in various lighting, with users praising its low-light photography and 4K night videography capabilities, partly due to its dedicated imaging chip.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording video at 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. For selfies, the Galaxy A73 5G has a 32 MP front camera, while the Oppo Reno 8 Pro also features a 32 MP front camera, which includes autofocus.