Apple iPhone X vs Samsung Galaxy A72 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date November 3, 2017 March 26, 2021
Release Year 2017 2021

Physical

Volume 78.4 cm³ 107.28 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 3.3 "/g
Weight 174 g 203 g
Height 143.6 mm 165 mm
Width 70.9 mm 77.4 mm
Thickness 7.7 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Space Gray
  • Silver
  • Awesome Black
  • Awesome White
  • Awesome Blue
  • Awesome Violet

Display

Screen Size 5.8 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1125 x 2436 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.1 % 84.9 %
Pixel Density 458 PPI 394 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 625 nits 800 nits
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 80.74 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 34.64 mAh/cm³ 46.61 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2716 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm) Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm)
CPU Hexa-core 2.39 GHz (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver)
GPU Apple GPU (three-core graphics) Adreno 618

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 11.1.1 11
Maximum OS Version 16.7.7 12

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into a user-centered comparison of the Apple iPhone X and the Samsung Galaxy A72. Instead of just listing specs, we'll explore how these devices feel in real life, focusing on you, the user.

A Tale of Two Phones: iPhone X vs. Galaxy A72

Imagine you're at a bustling farmer's market on a bright, sunny day, or perhaps you're snuggled on the couch watching a show with your family. The phone you choose is a companion to these moments, not just a piece of technology. Let's see how the iPhone X and Galaxy A72 shape these experiences:

1. Design and Usability: A Tale of Two Approaches

CategoryApple iPhone XSamsung Galaxy A72User Experience Impact
Design PhilosophyPremium, compact, sleekFeature-rich, versatile, largeriPhone X: Appeals to users who want a premium feel and one-hand operability; Galaxy A72: Prioritizes screen size and versatile functionality.
Interface DesigniOS: Simple, intuitive, consistentAndroid: Customizable, feature-packediPhone X: Seamless experience for Apple ecosystem users; Galaxy A72: More flexibility for personalized experiences.
Interaction FlowGesture-based, streamlinedTraditional button navigation, more optionsiPhone X: Fluid and efficient navigation, may take some getting used to; Galaxy A72: More familiar navigation for Android users, extra buttons
Accessibility FeaturesVoiceOver, AssistiveTouchAccessibility suite, customizableBoth offer robust accessibility options for diverse needs.
Design ErgonomicsOne-hand friendly, easily pocketableLarger size, more substantial in handiPhone X: Ideal for users who value portability and one-handed use; Galaxy A72: Suitable for users who prioritize a bigger screen

Narrative Highlight:

  • Scenario 1: The Commute: Imagine you are on a crowded train; the iPhone X's compact design fits snugly in your hand, letting you reply to messages on the go. Whereas, on your bus ride home with some extra space, your Galaxy A72 can come in handy with its large screen where you can watch a video easily.
  • Scenario 2: The Photo Op: Picture yourself at a scenic overlook: The iPhone X's camera excels at capturing a quick landscape shot or an amazing portrait, while the Galaxy A72 offers versatility with different lens, making it a better choice for different types of photography like macro close ups.

2. The Stories Behind the Specs

Display Dynamics:

  • iPhone X: A "Retina Display" means crisp text and vibrant colors, perfect for reading ebooks or browsing social media. Its higher pixel density provides the feeling of looking at a well-printed photograph, almost like an actual magazine.
  • Galaxy A72: With its larger AMOLED display, your favorite shows feel more immersive. Imagine playing a mobile game – the 90Hz refresh rate makes every swipe feel smooth, almost as smooth as real life, plus the brightness will be perfect for sunny days.

Performance Power:

  • iPhone X: Think of the A11 Bionic chip as a sports car engine. It handles demanding tasks like editing videos or playing graphics-intensive games. It's older but still powerful enough for everyday tasks and some gaming.
  • Galaxy A72: The Snapdragon 720G processor is like a reliable family car – smooth and efficient for everyday use like using apps and browsing the web, but may lag behind for heavier tasks or gaming compared to the iPhone X.

Camera Capabilities:

  • iPhone X: The dual-lens system is great for creating stunning portrait photos with that professional blurred background effect; you'll find this perfect for a night out with friends.
  • Galaxy A72: The quad-camera system opens up a world of possibilities. You can capture stunning landscapes with the wide-angle lens or get up close and personal with the macro lens. This phone is perfect for those who want maximum versatility.

Battery Life & Charging:

  • iPhone X: Battery life is adequate for a full day of light usage, you may need a top-up by the end of the day if you use it heavily.
  • Galaxy A72: The larger battery means you could go a full day (or more!) on a single charge, especially with light use; plus, the fast charging will get you up and running in no time.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation

  • For the Tech Newbie: The iPhone X is straightforward, with a simple interface; whereas the Galaxy A72 has more customization options and may feel overwhelming.
  • For the Power User: The iPhone X offers solid performance, but the Galaxy A72's versatile camera system may attract those seeking creative control.
  • For the Multimedia Enthusiast: The Galaxy A72's larger, brighter screen and enhanced audio make it a good choice for those who love streaming videos and music.
  • For the One-Handed User: The iPhone X's smaller form factor and weight make it easier to use and carry.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework

Intuitive Comparison Criteria:

  1. Form Factor: Do you prefer a compact phone that fits in your hand and pocket easily (iPhone X), or a larger screen for media consumption (Galaxy A72)?
  2. Performance Needs: Are you a heavy gamer or do you need a solid device for everyday apps?
  3. Camera Versatility: Do you want the best results for portrait or is versatility more important for creative exploration?
  4. Battery Endurance: Do you need all-day battery life or are you happy with charging at the end of the day?
  5. Software Ecosystem: Are you entrenched in Apple's ecosystem, or do you prefer the flexibility of Android?

Design-Driven Insights:

  • iPhone X: Prioritizes user experience simplicity, premium materials, and a focus on a streamlined software ecosystem, with a focus on elegant design.
  • Galaxy A72: Prioritizes user empowerment through extensive customization, feature-richness, and versatility for a wider audience.

My Choice and Why

If I were to choose, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A72. Here's why, keeping in mind my emphasis on user-centered design and versatile functionality:

  • Versatile Functionality: The larger screen, enhanced audio, and versatile camera system make the A72 a more adaptable device for various needs. I appreciate the focus on providing a wide array of tools for the user, catering to diverse use cases.
  • Future-Proof Battery: The significantly larger battery capacity provides greater flexibility, knowing that a single charge can comfortably last the whole day. For me, that adds value to the day-to-day experience.
  • Flexibility in Use: Though I appreciate the simplicity of iOS, the customization of Android and the ability to have additional features such as Dual-Sim is key for my preference of technology.
  • Modern Features: While both phones offer great features for their time, the additional features of the A72 seem more modern, which I believe is an important factor in user experience.

While the iPhone X remains a beautifully designed phone with a strong performance for everyday use, the Galaxy A72's commitment to user choice, multimedia capabilities, and versatile functionality aligns perfectly with my design philosophy of inclusive technology. It is designed to empower the user, while ensuring that it remains intuitive enough for most users.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.