Alright, let's break down the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G. Both are solid mid-range contenders, but they cater to slightly different needs. Here's a deep dive into their specs, what they mean for you, and ultimately, which one might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | 163.7 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | Edge 20 Pro is slightly thicker (0.4mm). Both are large phones. |
| Weight | 190g | 181g | A73 5G is noticeably lighter (9g). More comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen real estate. Good for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp and clear visuals on both. |
| PPI | 385 | 393 | Almost identical pixel density, meaning very similar sharpness. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | High-quality display, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 20 Pro offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, particularly noticeable in gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | This is strange, all modern smartphones must have at least 400-500 nits of brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 870 is significantly faster and more capable. Better for demanding games, multitasking, and overall responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 575,551 | Edge 20 Pro offers 41% better performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 642L | Adreno 650 is a more powerful GPU. Better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" Samsung S5KHM2, 0.70µm | 108MP, f/1.8 | A73 5G has a wider aperture, which should allow it to capture more light, resulting in brighter and clearer images in low-light conditions |
| Selfie Lens | 32MP, f/2.3, 0.70µm | 32MP, f/2.2 | A73 5G has a slightly wider aperture, potentially resulting in brighter and clearer selfies, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/3.4 | None | Edge 20 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, useful for getting closer to subjects without significant quality loss. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2 | A73 5G allows for capturing wider scenes in a single shot, ideal for landscapes and group photos. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 5G can create a blurred background effect for portrait shots, adding depth and focus to the subject. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 5G is capable of capturing detailed close-up shots of small objects, revealing intricate details. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 16MP, f/2.2 | None | Edge 20 Pro can capture both wide-angle shots and close-up macro shots, offering versatility in photography. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps w/EIS | 4K@30fps w/EIS | Edge 20 Pro offers higher resolution video recording capabilities, allowing for more detailed and cinematic video content. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes | A73 5G has optical image stabilization (OIS) for smoother videos and sharper photos, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Manual focus | Quadruple camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) | Edge 20 Pro stands out with 8K video recording and Optical zoom; A73 5G excels with OIS and PDAF. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A73 5G should provide noticeably longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Edge 20 Pro charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Bypass Charging | Edge 20 Pro can charge other devices wirelessly. A73 5G offers bypass charging so you can charge and use the phone at the same time to prevent overheating. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | A73 5G has a newer version of Android. More features and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Very similar wireless connectivity options. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Edge 20 Pro has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) | GPS | Edge 20 Pro is more precise in GPS, providing better navigation and location services. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Ample storage space on both. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 6/8 GB | Edge 20 Pro handles multitasking and demanding apps better. |
| Expandable | No | No | No expandable storage on either device. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | A73 5G offers a more immersive audio experience, enhanced spatial audio, and clearer sound separation for multimedia consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Edge 20 Pro has a more seamless unlocking experience. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Durable screen protection on both. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Strengths: Superior processing power (Snapdragon 870), higher refresh rate (144Hz), better GPS, and optical zoom.
- Competitive Advantages: Ideal for gamers and power users who need smooth performance and excellent responsiveness.
- Trade-offs: Smaller battery, older software, no water resistance.
- Samsung Galaxy A73 5G:
- Strengths: Larger battery, newer software (Android 12), better speakers, IP67 water resistance, and a more versatile camera setup.
- Competitive Advantages: Caters to users who prioritize battery life, multimedia consumption, and software support.
- Trade-offs: Less powerful processor, lower refresh rate.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Best Suited For: Gamers, power users, and anyone who needs a fast and responsive phone.
- Use Cases: Demanding mobile games, video editing, heavy multitasking.
- Recommendation: If performance is your top priority, this is the better choice.
- Samsung Galaxy A73 5G:
- Best Suited For: Casual users, media consumers, and anyone who values long battery life, software updates, and a versatile camera.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, browsing social media, taking photos, and everyday tasks.
- Recommendation: If battery life, software, and water resistance are more important, go with the A73 5G.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is gaming and raw performance to you? If it's crucial, the Edge 20 Pro is the better pick.
- Do you prioritize long battery life and frequent software updates? The A73 5G has the edge here.
- Which camera features do you value more? Optical zoom (Edge 20 Pro) vs. wide-angle lens and OIS (A73 5G).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gamer: Motorola Edge 20 Pro for smoother gameplay.
- Photographer: Depends on your style. The A73 5G's ultrawide and OIS are generally more useful, but the Edge 20 Pro's optical zoom has its place.
- Everyday User: Samsung Galaxy A73 5G for better battery life and software support.
- Traveler: Samsung Galaxy A73 5G because of the larger battery, water resistance, and software support for longer.
My Choice:
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G. Here's why:
- Battery Life: As a tech journalist, I'm often on the go, and a long-lasting battery is crucial.
- Software Support: Samsung's commitment to updates is a huge plus, ensuring the phone stays secure and feature-rich for years to come.
- Versatile Camera: While I appreciate the Edge 20 Pro's optical zoom, I find a wide-angle lens and OIS more useful in my daily photography.
- Good Audio: I listen to music and podcasts constantly.
While the Motorola Edge 20 Pro's performance is tempting, the A73 5G's overall package better suits my needs. It's a well-rounded device that excels in the areas that matter most to me.
