1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G73 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, focusing on the practical impact of each specification:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G73 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Foldable offers a unique large screen experience that fits in a smaller form factor when closed. |
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm | 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mm | Moto G73 is taller, while the Z Fold 5 is much wider when unfolded, and thinner; Z Fold 5 is bulkier overall. |
| Weight | 181g | 253g | Moto G73 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use, Fold 5 feels denser. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 7.6" | Z Fold5 has a significantly larger screen, offering an immersive experience for content consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1812 x 2176 | Z Fold5 provides sharper and more detailed visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 373 PPI | Moto G73 has slightly sharper text and images; Z Fold 5 still provides very clear visuals. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Missing | Moto G73 has an LCD panel, While the Z Fold5 technology is unknown in this context, however, it is commonly known to be AMOLED offering better colors and contrast than IPS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness. Note: Zero value, should be corrected if real value provided. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Z Fold5 offers significantly faster performance, better for demanding tasks and gaming; Moto G73 is good for general tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 497,466 | 1,538,914 | Z Fold5 is much faster, handles multitasking and gaming much better. |
| GPU | IMG BXM-8-256 | Adreno 740 | Z Fold5's Adreno 740 offers higher graphics performance, better for mobile gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4400 mAh | Moto G73 likely offers longer battery life due to higher capacity. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Moto G73 will charge faster using included wired charger. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass, Wireless, Reverse, Non-removable | Z Fold5 offers more charging versatility with wireless and reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.00µm | Both have similar main cameras, but Z Fold5 has larger sensor that can capture slightly more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | Moto G73 offers more detail in good lighting but the Z Fold5 has a slightly wider aperture which helps in low light with slightly bigger pixels. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm | Z Fold5 offers optical zoom capabilities, a feature missing from the Moto G73. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Z Fold5 has slightly higher resolution for wide-angle shots. |
| Video Resolution | 1080p@60fps | 8K@30fps with HDR, EIS | Z Fold5 supports much higher resolution video recording, suitable for pro-level videos, the Moto G73 is capped at 1080p videos. |
| Features | Dual Camera, Front Flash, etc. | Triple Cam, Optical Zoom, OIS, etc. | Z Fold5 offers advanced features, including optical stabilization and better low-light performance. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13 | Both offer the same base OS. However, Samsung is expected to get 4 major android updates while the Moto G73 is unclear about software update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Z Fold5 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard which means higher speeds, better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 LE | 5.2 LE | Moto G73 has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth with newer audio codecs, but Z Fold 5 offers broader profile support. |
| GPS | QZSS, NavIC System | GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Both offer accurate positioning, but Moto G73 offers more compatibility to satelite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Z Fold5 offers eSIM support, providing more flexibility with carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Z Fold5 offers significantly more storage capacity, suitable for users with lots of files/media. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | Z Fold5 enables much smoother multitasking for power users. |
| Expandable | Not Expandable | Not Expandable | Neither phone has support for external memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo, 2 Mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Moto G73 offers better voice capture and spatial audio through dual microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both offer quick and secure fingerprint access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Missing | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Z Fold5 has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Z Fold5 offers much more sensor capabilities for enhanced use with software and apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G73 Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: Easier to hold and carry for long periods.
- Larger Battery: Likely offers longer battery life.
- Faster Wired Charging: Charges faster with the included charger.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Supports newer audio codecs, offering more options for high-quality audio.
- More Comprehensive Satellite System Support: Better accuracy in GPS and location-based services.
- More microphones for improved voice capture and spatial audio: Better voice quality during calls and voice recordings.
- Significantly more affordable: Offers better value for basic smartphone use cases.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Advantages:
- Foldable design with larger display: Offers a unique tablet-like experience in a pocketable format.
- Much Higher Performance Chipset: Handles demanding tasks and gaming with ease.
- Significantly Higher Benchmark Scores: Demonstrates much faster performance in benchmark tests.
- More RAM: Ensures smoother multitasking and better performance with heavy applications.
- Higher Resolution Display and Larger Size: Offers more immersive visual experience, suitable for media consumption.
- Superior Camera Features: Telephoto lens, optical stabilization, and better video recording capabilities, significantly better video performance.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Provides versatile charging options.
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexibility with carrier options.
- Much More Internal Storage Options: Provides ample storage for files and media.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection.
- More Sensor Capabilities: Provides enhanced usability with software and apps.
- Newer Wi-Fi Standard: Supports the latest WiFi 7 standard for faster speeds, lower latency, and better network performance.
- More Comprehensive Software Support: Expected to have several major OS upgrades.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G73: Trades performance and camera quality for affordability, battery life, and a lighter build.
- Galaxy Z Fold5: Trades price, weight, bulk and battery life for an advanced foldable display and much higher performance, plus enhanced video recording.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G73 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Looking for a reliable smartphone for daily tasks without breaking the bank.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Need a phone that can last a full day on a single charge.
- Casual users: Primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Users that prefer lighter phones: Prefers a lightweight device.
- Users that prefer slightly newer bluetooth and satellite support: The moto G73 supports these over the Fold 5.
Use Cases:
- Everyday communication (calls, texts, emails)
- Social media browsing
- Casual photography
- Streaming videos and music
- Navigation
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Ideal User:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Love new tech and want a premium, cutting-edge device.
- Power Users: Need a phone for heavy multitasking, productivity, and gaming.
- Content Creators: Want the best possible camera and video recording capabilities.
- Users who prioritize a large screen experience: Prefers a larger display for media consumption and multitasking.
- Users with higher budget: Price is not a limiting factor for them.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming
- Professional photography and video recording
- Advanced multitasking
- Media consumption
- Productivity tasks (editing documents, etc.)
- Business use
- Users who use the s-pen
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions buyers should consider:
- What is my budget? The price difference is very significant.
- What are my primary use cases? Do you prioritize performance and a large screen, or are basic features and battery life more important?
- How important is portability vs. functionality? The Moto G73 is lighter, while the Z Fold5 offers unique functionality at the expense of bulk.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Shopper: If budget is a primary concern, the Motorola Moto G73 offers excellent value for basic to mid level smartphone needs.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Oriented User: If you need a phone for gaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is the superior choice, regardless of the price.
- Scenario 3: Unique Form Factor Lover: If you want a larger tablet-like screen with a smaller form factor, and don't mind the weight/price, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is the only choice in this comparison.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. Despite its significantly higher price, the benefits it provides align more closely with my personal preferences and use cases. I value having a large, high-quality display for media consumption and productivity, as well as top-tier performance for demanding applications, and the Fold 5 clearly delivers on these aspects in ways the Moto G73 cannot. Also, I highly prefer the improved camera quality, wireless charging, and much superior performance for gaming and multitasking, which justify its significantly higher price for my personal use case, and I am also willing to compromise on the battery life compared to the Moto G73.
While I acknowledge the Moto G73 offers great value for its price and would be a better fit for budget-conscious users, the features of the Z Fold5 - especially the large display, premium performance, improved camera and cutting edge design - are the main drivers for my choice.
