Samsung A73 Vs S24 Ultra Is It Worth Upgrading Or Is The A73 Still Good Enough

The Samsung Galaxy A73 and Galaxy S24 Ultra sit at opposite ends of Samsung’s smartphone spectrum—one built for value and longevity, the other engineered as a flagship powerhouse. For users currently on the A73 wondering whether to upgrade, the decision isn’t just about specs. It’s about how your phone fits into your life: productivity needs, photography habits, long-term software support, and budget constraints.

While the S24 Ultra dazzles with AI features, a titanium frame, and a 200MP camera, the A73 remains a capable mid-ranger that launched with solid performance and clean Android integration. So, is the jump truly necessary? Let’s break down where each device excels and what kind of user benefits most from making the leap.

Performance and Hardware: Generations Apart

The core difference between these phones lies in their processors. The A73 runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 778G, an efficient mid-tier chipset released in 2021. It handles everyday tasks smoothly—browsing, messaging, streaming, and even moderate gaming—but begins to lag under sustained loads or graphically intensive apps.

In contrast, the S24 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (or Exynos 2400 in select regions), one of the fastest mobile chips available in 2024. This translates to snappier multitasking, faster app launches, and better thermal management during extended use. If you regularly edit 4K video, run multiple virtual workspaces, or play high-end mobile games like Genshin Impact, the performance gap becomes immediately noticeable.

Tip: If your usage revolves around social media, email, and light photo editing, the A73’s processor remains more than adequate—even in 2024.

Camera Capabilities: From Good to Professional-Grade

Photography is where the divide widens significantly. The A73 features a 108MP main sensor, which delivers crisp daylight photos and decent low-light results. Its ultrawide and macro lenses are functional but not exceptional. Video recording maxes out at 4K@30fps, limiting creative flexibility.

The S24 Ultra, however, redefines mobile imaging. It sports a 200MP main sensor with adaptive pixel binning, two telephoto lenses (3x and 5x optical zoom), and up to 100x digital zoom via Space Zoom. More importantly, its computational photography engine produces sharper detail, richer dynamic range, and vastly superior night shots. Features like Expert RAW mode, 8K video recording, and AI-enhanced editing tools make it a viable alternative to entry-level DSLRs.

“Smartphone cameras aren't just for snapshots anymore—they're becoming primary imaging tools for professionals. The S24 Ultra bridges that gap.” — David Kim, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechLens

Battery Life and Charging: Practical Endurance vs Premium Convenience

The A73 packs a 5,000mAh battery, identical to the S24 Ultra. However, due to its lower-resolution display (FHD+ AMOLED) and less power-hungry chipset, it often achieves longer screen-on time than the S24 Ultra under typical use. Many A73 owners report consistent two-day battery life with moderate usage.

The S24 Ultra compensates with smarter power management, faster charging (45W vs 25W), and wireless power sharing. While heavy users may need to charge daily, the inclusion of reverse wireless charging and optimized AI-driven background app control improves convenience despite slightly reduced endurance.

Display and Build Quality: Plastic vs Titanium

Both devices feature flat AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates, but the materials differ drastically. The A73 uses a plastic back panel and aluminum frame, making it lightweight but prone to scratches without a case. Its display is sharp and vibrant, though peak brightness (~650 nits) limits outdoor visibility compared to premium models.

The S24 Ultra adopts a titanium frame, Gorilla Glass Armor front, and IP68 rating designed for durability. Its display hits 2,600 nits peak brightness—ideal for direct sunlight—and supports advanced features like Vision Booster and anti-reflective coating. The overall build feels substantial, refined, and built to last five years or more.

“The shift to titanium isn’t just aesthetic—it reduces weight while increasing structural integrity, especially important as screens grow larger.” — Lena Park, Materials Engineer at MobileBuild Insights

Software and Longevity: Where Future-Proofing Matters

This is perhaps the most critical factor when considering an upgrade. The A73 launched with Android 12 and is guaranteed up to four OS upgrades (up to Android 16). While respectable for a mid-range device, this pales next to the S24 Ultra’s promise of seven years of OS and security updates—taking it to Android 21 and beyond.

Seven-year support means enhanced security, access to future AI features (like Galaxy AI tools now exclusive to S24 series), and prolonged resale value. For users planning to keep their phone for four years or more, this alone may justify the investment.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria has used her Galaxy A73 since 2022. She’s a freelance writer who relies on her phone for note-taking, research, and occasional video calls. Her current device performs well, but she’s noticed slower response times when switching between writing apps and cloud storage. She also wants better portrait mode quality for social media content.

After testing the S24 Ultra at a retail store, she was impressed by the S Pen integration for quick annotations and the clarity of Zoom calls on the brighter display. However, after calculating the cost ($1,299 vs reselling her A73 for ~$250), she realized the financial impact wasn’t justified by her actual usage.

Instead, she opted to extend her A73’s lifespan: installed a protective case, cleared cached data monthly, and began using One UI’s built-in focus mode to improve responsiveness. She concluded that unless her workflow evolves toward multimedia creation, upgrading now would be overkill.

Comparison Table: Key Specs at a Glance

Feature	Samsung Galaxy A73	Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Processor	Snapdragon 778G	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM / Storage	6–8GB / 128–256GB	12GB / 256GB–1TB
Main Camera	108MP (f/1.8)	200MP (f/1.7, OIS)
Zoom	Digital only	3x & 5x Optical, 10x Hybrid, 100x Digital
Battery	5,000mAh	5,000mAh
Charging	25W wired	45W wired, 15W wireless
Display	6.7” FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED	6.8” QHD+ 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X
OS Update Support	4 generations (until Android 16)	7 generations (until Android 21)
Special Features	IP57, no S Pen	S Pen, AI tools, Titanium frame, IP68

Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready for the S24 Ultra?

• ✅ Do you frequently shoot photos or videos in low light?
• ✅ Is multitasking between large documents, spreadsheets, or design apps becoming sluggish?
• ✅ Do you want built-in stylus functionality for notes or sketches?
• ✅ Are you planning to keep your phone for 4+ years?
• ✅ Does AI-powered transcription, real-time translation, or generative photo editing interest you?
• ✅ Can your budget accommodate $1,000+ upfront or through trade-in programs?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the S24 Ultra offers tangible benefits. Otherwise, your A73 likely still has meaningful life left.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy A73 still run modern apps smoothly?

Yes. Most mainstream apps—including Instagram, WhatsApp, Google Workspace, and streaming platforms—run without issue. Only highly demanding games or professional editing tools may show limitations.

Does the S24 Ultra’s AI justify the price increase?

For power users, yes. Features like Circle to Search, live call translation, and AI summarization save time and enhance productivity. Casual users may find these novelties rather than necessities.

Will the A73 receive new Android versions after 2025?

Predicted to receive Android 15 in late 2024 and Android 16 in 2025. After that, only security patches will continue until 2026. No further OS upgrades are expected.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Only If Your Needs Have Evolved

The Galaxy A73 remains a surprisingly capable device in 2024. It balances performance, battery life, and clean software in a way few mid-range phones achieve. Unless you’re hitting clear bottlenecks—slow camera processing, frequent app crashes, or desire for pro-grade photography—there’s no urgent reason to replace it.

The S24 Ultra, meanwhile, is a technological showcase. It’s built for creators, executives, and early adopters who demand top-tier hardware, future-proof software, and maximum versatility. But its strengths come at a steep cost—one that doesn’t always translate to better daily usability for average consumers.

💬 Still on the fence? Try the S24 Ultra on loan for a weekend. Real-world feel often trumps spec sheets. Share your experience below—your insight could help another user decide.