1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G and the Motorola Moto G73, highlighting their practical differences:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Moto G73 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 161.4 × 73.8 × 8.3 mm | Moto G73 is slightly more compact, potentially easier to handle for some users. |
| Weight | 193g | 181g | Moto G73 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.5" | Negligible difference; both offer large screens for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | Moto G73 has a noticeably sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 266 | 405 | Moto G73 has significantly higher pixel density, leading to a crisper viewing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A42 5G offers superior contrast and deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G73 provides smoother scrolling and animations, improving the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is the same; outdoor visibility may vary based on other factors (Not specified). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm) | Moto G73's chipset is newer, potentially offering better performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 392,400 | 497,466 | Moto G73 is likely to provide a snappier user experience with faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | IMG BXM-8-256 | Different GPUs may result in varying performance in graphic-intensive tasks. (Not directly comparable). |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Moto G73 has slightly higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Moto G73’s larger pixels may offer better low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | A42 5G captures slightly more detail in selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | A42 5G's wider aperture may result in slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 5MP | 8MP | Moto G73 captures more details in wide-angle shots. |
| Depth Sensor | Yes | No | A42 5G offers dedicated depth sensing for better portrait effects. |
| Macro Camera | Yes | No | A42 5G can capture dedicated macro shots. |
| Video Recording (Main) | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | A42 5G is capable of higher resolution 4k video recording |
| Slow-motion recording | 480 fps | 240 fps | A42 5G offers higher slow-motion frame rate for more dramatic effects. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, PDAF | Dual Camera, Digital Image Stabilization | A42 5G has a more versatile setup with dedicated depth and macro lenses. Moto G73 provides better video stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Moto G73 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 10 (upgradeable to 13) | Android 13 | Moto G73 comes with a newer OS out of the box, providing the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Moto G73 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering potentially faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | Moto G73 has a newer version, providing better energy efficiency and potentially faster pairing. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | Moto G73 has more satellite system support, providing better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Moto G73 offers a 256 GB option, providing more storage for users. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8 GB | Moto G73 has more RAM, contributing to smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G73 offers a more immersive audio experience with better sound quality and voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Moto G73 uses a faster, side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection technology is not specified for either phone. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | A42 5G offers gyroscope functionality for more advanced motion tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED screen offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, leading to a more visually appealing experience.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait shots, and a macro lens for close-up photography.
- Higher Video Resolution: Ability to record 4k videos is great for users who want high quality.
- More Slow-Motion Options: Recording at 480fps is good for more dramatic slow-motion captures.
Practical Implications: Ideal for users who prioritize display quality for media consumption, like the flexibility of a dedicated macro lens, and want higher quality video recording.
Motorola Moto G73 Advantages:
- Higher Display Resolution and Refresh Rate: Sharper and smoother visuals are excellent for gaming, scrolling, and overall viewing.
- Faster Performance: The newer chipset provides a snappier user experience, improving responsiveness and app loading.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging reduces charging times, enhancing convenience.
- More Storage Options: Offers a 256GB storage variant, suitable for users with large media libraries.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers and two microphones provide a great sound experience.
- More Accurate Location: Supports additional satellite systems, which provides more accurate location tracking.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, ensuring the latest features and security.
- Newer Bluetooth and Wifi: Has a newer Bluetooth and Wifi standard that provides better connectivity
Practical Implications: Perfect for users who want smooth performance, prioritize faster charging, appreciate good audio and great connectivity, and need ample storage, and appreciate a high refresh rate screen.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A42 5G: Offers a better display technology (AMOLED) at the expense of display sharpness and smoothness (lower resolution and refresh rate).
- Moto G73: Provides a sharper, smoother display and better performance at the cost of not having the same display technology (AMOLED) and lacking dedicated macro and depth cameras.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A42 5G:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of video content and appreciate vibrant and rich colors from an AMOLED display.
- Photography Fans: Users who like the flexibility of a dedicated depth and macro lens.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Who want a great display experience at a more affordable price.
Specific Use Cases:
- Enjoying movies and TV shows on the go.
- Casual photography with macro and portrait effects.
- General daily use with good battery life.
Ideal User for Motorola Moto G73:
- Gamers: Who value smooth performance and high refresh rates for an immersive experience.
- Power Users: Who need fast charging, better audio and more storage.
- Users who need great connectivity: Latest Bluetooth and Wi-Fi offer a smoother experience.
- Users who want great location accuracy: The extra satellite support is great for this.
- Multitaskers: Who appreciate responsive performance for running multiple apps.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and graphic-intensive applications.
- Fast charging on the go for busy users.
- Enjoying a great audio experience.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The price point for each phone was not provided, however, the Moto G73 is likely to be the more modern and expensive device.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize vibrant colors and deeper blacks (AMOLED) or higher sharpness and smoother visuals (higher resolution and refresh rate)?
- Performance Needs: Do you need the fastest possible performance for gaming and multitasking, or is good overall performance sufficient?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need a versatile camera system with depth and macro lenses, or is a capable main camera enough?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Focused Media Consumer): If display quality and a versatile camera is crucial, and you are not a very demanding user, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G could be a better fit, potentially at a lower price.
- Scenario 2 (Demanding User/Gamer): If you are a gamer who needs the best possible performance, smooth scrolling, and fast charging, the Motorola Moto G73 is the better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Well-Rounded Performer): If you're looking for a well-rounded phone with a great screen, great connectivity and a decent camera the Motorola Moto G73 is the better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go with the Motorola Moto G73. Here's why:
- Overall Performance: The newer chipset and higher AnTuTu score of the Moto G73 indicate a snappier user experience, which is important to me for everyday use and gaming.
- Smoother Visuals: The 120Hz refresh rate and higher resolution of the Moto G73 offer a noticeably smoother and sharper display, making for a more pleasant experience.
- Faster Charging: The 30W fast charging is a huge convenience factor for me, especially when I'm on the go.
- Newer Features: The newer bluetooth, wi-fi, operating system and satellite support are great features to have.
- Better Audio: The Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers are great for media consumption.
While the AMOLED display of the Samsung A42 5G is compelling, the trade-offs in performance, refresh rate, charging speed, audio and overall technology make the Motorola Moto G73 the more compelling choice for my needs. The slightly less vibrant display is something I am willing to sacrifice for a better all-round experience.
