Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Motorola Moto G73. I'm putting on my tech journalist hat, so get ready for a blend of engineering insights and user-focused analysis.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specifications, with a focus on what they actually mean for you:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Motorola Moto G73 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 161.4 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm | Moto G73 is more compact and thinner, likely more comfortable in hand and pocket. |
| Weight | 195g | 181g | Moto G73 is slightly lighter, which can be noticeable with extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | Moto G73’s higher resolution means sharper, clearer visuals. Think crisper text and more detail in images and videos. |
| PPI | 270 | 405 | Moto G73 delivers significantly more pixel density, translating to a more refined and less pixelated visual experience. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Moto G73's IPS LCD generally offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G73's higher refresh rate gives smoother scrolling and animations, a generally better experience all-around. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness at 0 nits, which is a data error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm) | Moto G73’s Dimensity 930 is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app launches and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 497,466 | Moto G73 is significantly faster for everything – from everyday tasks to demanding games; it’s a completely different class of device. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | IMG BXM-8-256 | Moto G73's GPU is much more potent, providing a better gaming and graphics rendering experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00 µm | Both phones have a similar main camera on paper. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.00 µm | Moto G73 has a higher resolution selfie camera, capturing more detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | Moto G73 has an additional wide-angle lens, offering more versatility for landscape and group photos. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung A04s has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung A04s has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps | Moto G73 offers 60fps recording for smoother video. |
| Slow-motion | 34 fps | 240 fps | Moto G73 captures higher frame rate slow-motion for better results. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, HDR | 4K Video, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Manual focus, Panorama, Night Mode | Moto G73 has more features, but Samsung A04s has Phase detection autofocus (PDAF). |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have large batteries suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Moto G73 charges much faster, meaning less time plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 13 | Moto G73 has a newer Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Moto G73 supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE, aptX, LDAC, AAC | Moto G73 uses Bluetooth 5.3 and supports higher quality audio codecs (aptX, LDAC, AAC), delivering enhanced audio over wireless. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | Moto G73 offers more precise and reliable location tracking with more supported GPS systems. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 128/256GB | Moto G73 offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 8GB | Moto G73 has substantially more RAM, which is key for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Moto G73 delivers much richer and immersive audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have side-mounted fingerprint sensors for basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones use similar screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Samsung A04s additionally features: Ultrasonic proximity virtual; Motorola Moto G73 additionally features: Proximity, Compass |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Strengths: The A04s provides a very basic Android experience, with a decent battery life. It has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots and a macro lens.
- Competitive Advantages: This phone is aimed at users who need a very basic smartphone for simple tasks and calls.
- Limitations: The display resolution, performance, and overall camera capabilities are subpar compared to the competition. It struggles with multitasking and more demanding tasks.
Motorola Moto G73:
- Strengths: The Moto G73 stands out with its higher resolution display, very powerful processor, and more advanced camera features, including an ultrawide lens. It offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling, fast charging, and a better audio experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
- Competitive Advantages: This phone is designed for those who want a fluid user experience for media consumption, mobile gaming, and photography at a budget-friendly price.
- Limitations: It lacks a dedicated macro lens and a depth sensor, which some users may find a drawback.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s is best for:
- Basic users who need a phone for calls, messaging, and light browsing.
- Budget-conscious shoppers who prioritize affordability over performance.
- Those who value a macro lens and depth sensor for creative photography.
Motorola Moto G73 is best for:
- Users who consume media on their phones, thanks to the high-resolution display and stereo speakers.
- Mobile gamers who will benefit from the powerful chipset and 120Hz display.
- Photography enthusiasts looking for versatility, especially with the wide-angle lens and overall better camera features.
- Users who prioritize smooth performance and overall better experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, consider these questions:
- What is my primary use for the phone? (Basic calls/messaging vs. media, gaming, photography)
- How important is smooth performance and multitasking to me?
- What is my budget and how much value do I place on higher-quality display, audio, and camera features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User on a Tight Budget - You mainly need a phone for calls and texts and are on a very tight budget. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A04s (it will perform basic tasks)
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption & Casual Gaming - You watch videos, listen to music, and play games occasionally, and you want a smooth experience. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G73 (much better display, processor, and audio).
- Scenario 3: Mobile Photography Enthusiast - You like taking photos and want versatile camera options. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G73 (wide angle lens, better overall photo quality)
- Scenario 4: Performance-Oriented User - You need a phone that's responsive and can handle multitasking and heavier apps without lag. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G73 (significantly faster processor and more RAM).
Which Would I Choose?
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Moto G73 without hesitation. The performance difference alone, as indicated by the AnTuTu benchmark scores, is massive, making the Moto G73 a significantly more fluid device. The display is also far superior, and the camera, while missing a dedicated macro lens, is more versatile with its wide-angle option and overall better image quality. The faster charging and improved audio are icing on the cake. While the Samsung A04s has a lower entry price point, the compromises it makes on performance and display, in particular, put it in a different league.
The Moto G73 provides a far superior user experience overall and is, in my opinion, the obvious choice for anyone who values performance, display quality, and a well-rounded smartphone experience in this price range.
