Alright, let's break down the Motorola Edge 20 and the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G. As a tech journalist, I'm going to dive deep into the specs, translate them into real-world experiences, and help you decide which phone might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison, focusing on what matters most to you:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 7 mm | 163.7 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | Edge 20 is slightly thinner, potentially feeling sleeker in hand. |
| Weight | 163g | 181g | Edge 20 is noticeably lighter, better for one-handed use over extended periods. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 5 | A73 5G has more durable screen protection against drops and scratches. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size offers the same viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have sharp, detailed displays for everyday use. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar quality displays with vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 20’s higher refresh rate offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | This is an error in provided data, real world brightness will vary. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G | Snapdragon 778G 5G | Identical chipsets mean similar performance for gaming and daily tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 589,200 | 575,551 | Nearly identical real-world performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 642L | Consistent graphics performance in games and apps. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Adequate for multitasking and modern apps; 8GB is preferable for heavier users. |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Sufficient for most users, but no expandable storage on either device. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | 108MP, f/1.8 | A73 5G's wider aperture potentially allows more light, enhancing low-light performance. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP (Wide Angle + Macro) | 12MP | Edge 20 does not have a dedicated Wide Angle lens but it can also be used as a Macro lens |
| Telephoto | 8MP | No Telephoto | Edge 20 offers dedicated zoom capabilities. |
| Other Cameras | No other cameras | 5MP (Depth), 5MP (Macro) | A73 5G has dedicated lenses for depth sensing in portraits and close-up macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Similar video quality, but A73 5G has better video stabilization. |
| Features | Digital/Optical Zoom, triple camera | OIS, Quadruple camera | A73 5G's OIS improves low-light photos and video stability. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 5000mAh | A73 5G offers significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Edge 20 charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Bypass Charging | Edge 20 can charge other devices; A73 5G minimizes heat during gaming while charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | A73 5G offers longer software support and more recent features. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | A73 5G has a richer, more immersive audio experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Edge 20 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Strengths:
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable for prolonged use.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother display experience.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated optical zoom capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Strengths:
- Longer Battery Life: Significantly larger battery for all-day usage.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 for enhanced durability.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes ultrawide, depth, and macro lenses.
- Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos: Superior audio experience.
- Longer Software Support: Guaranteed updates for a longer period.
Trade-offs:
- Edge 20 sacrifices battery capacity and versatile camera features for a slimmer design and telephoto lens.
- A73 5G is slightly bulkier but offers a more comprehensive feature set.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 20:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize a lightweight, sleek phone with a smooth display and telephoto lens.
- Use Cases: Perfect for travelers, photographers who want optical zoom, and anyone who values comfort during prolonged use.
- Samsung Galaxy A73 5G:
- Ideal For: Users who need all-day battery life, appreciate versatile photography options, and value durability and audio quality.
- Use Cases: Great for content creators, heavy smartphone users, and anyone who enjoys multimedia consumption on their device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself:
- How important is battery life to you? If you need a phone that lasts all day, the A73 5G is the clear winner.
- Do you prioritize a slim and lightweight design, or a more versatile camera system? Edge 20 excels in design, while A73 5G offers more camera options.
- How long do you plan to keep the phone? A73 5G has better long-term software support.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Frequent Traveler: Edge 20 for its lightweight design and optical zoom capabilities.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: A73 5G for its stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and large battery.
- Everyday User: A73 5G offers a more well-rounded package with better battery life and camera versatility.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd personally go with the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G.
As a tech journalist and analyst, I value reliability, battery life, and a versatile camera system for capturing content on the go. While the Motorola Edge 20's lightweight design and higher refresh rate are appealing, the Galaxy A73 5G's superior battery performance, more durable build, better audio, and extended software support make it the more practical and future-proof choice for my needs. Plus, the wide angle and macro lenses give the flexibility to capture more creative shots.
