Motorola One 5G Ace vs Samsung Galaxy A72 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date January 14, 2021 March 26, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 125.14 cm³ 107.28 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.16 "/g 3.3 "/g
Weight 212 g 203 g
Height 166.1 mm 165 mm
Width 76.1 mm 77.4 mm
Thickness 9.9 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Frosted Silver
  • Volcanic Gray
  • Awesome Black
  • Awesome White
  • Awesome Blue
  • Awesome Violet

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.7 % 84.9 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 394 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 800 nits
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 111.38 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 39.96 mAh/cm³ 46.61 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver)
GPU Adreno 619 Adreno 618

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 11
Maximum OS Version 12

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola One 5G AceSamsung Galaxy A72Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm, 212g165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm, 203gMotorola is slightly taller and thicker, feels bulkier; Samsung is slightly wider but thinner and lighter; Samsung feels more ergonomic
Display
Size6.7"6.7"Identical screen size; both offer ample viewing space
Resolution1080 x 24001080 x 2400Identical sharpness; both offer a crisp display
TechnologyIPS LCDAMOLEDSamsung offers deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes; superior viewing experience
Refresh Rate60Hz90HzSamsung provides smoother scrolling and animations; more fluid visual experience
Brightness0 nits800 nitsSamsung is much better for outdoor use in bright sunlight; screen is easier to see
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm)Snapdragon 720G (8 nm)Motorola is slightly faster in benchmarks; translates to smoother app launches and faster multitasking
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 618Motorola offers slightly better graphics performance for gaming and graphic-intensive tasks
Antutu Score330,000285,000Motorola shows better performance in benchmarks; smoother overall operation
Camera
Main Camera48MP, f/1.764MP, f/1.8Samsung captures more detailed images; Motorola may perform slightly better in low-light situations
Telephoto CameraNone8MP, f/2.4Samsung offers optical zoom capabilities which the Motorola lacks
Selfie Camera16MP, f/2.232MP, f/2.2Samsung takes more detailed selfies
Wide Angle Lens8MP, f/2.212MP, f/2.2Samsung captures wider scenes with slightly more detail
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.45MP, f/2.4Samsung offers more detailed close-up shots
Video Recording4K@30fps with EIS4K@30fps with EISBoth offer high-quality video; Samsung offers more advanced video stabilization
StabilizationNoYesSamsung's video is more stable thanks to better features
Slow Motion60fps120fpsSamsung's provides better slow motion capability
DxoMarkNot Available92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video)Samsung is rated with good overall camera performance, specifically for still images
Battery
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhIdentical battery capacity; both offer similar battery life
Charging15W fast charging25W fast chargingSamsung charges faster, reducing downtime waiting for full charge
Charger10W rapid charger in-box15W fast charger in-boxSamsung's in-box charger is faster
Software
OSAndroid 10Android 11, upgradable to 12Samsung offers a newer OS and better long-term software support
Connectivity
WiFi802.11a/b/g/n/ac802.11a/b/g/n/acSimilar WiFi performance on both phones
Bluetooth5.15.0Motorola has slightly newer Bluetooth; offers some minor improvements in energy efficiency and range
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoSamsung offers more accurate GPS due to more satellite options
SIMSingle SIMDual SIM Dual StandbySamsung offers dual SIM functionality which is better for travelers or users managing multiple numbers
Storage
Internal Storage64GB or 128GB128GB or 256GBSamsung offers larger storage options, suitable for large media libraries
RAM4GB or 6GB6GB or 8GBSamsung offers more RAM for better multitasking performance
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone offers expandable storage, storage limitation for users with high storage needs
Audio
Audio Quality2 MicrophonesDolby Atmos, Stereo SpeakersSamsung provides a richer and immersive audio experience
Security
Fingerprint Sensorrear-mounted fingerprint sensorbasic fingerprint sensorBoth offer basic biometric security features
SensorsBiometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeBiometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, GeomagneticSamsung provides more sensor features allowing for better gaming experience and additional functionality
## 2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:

  • Slightly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 750G chipset offers marginally better performance in benchmarks, leading to smoother multitasking and quicker app launches.
  • Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 offers minor improvements in range and power efficiency.

Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:

  • Superior Display: AMOLED screen provides much better color reproduction, deeper blacks, and better outdoor visibility due to higher brightness. The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling smoother.
  • Better Camera System: The main camera has a higher megapixel count (64MP vs 48MP), and the addition of a telephoto lens with optical zoom provides more versatility. It also features OIS for better stabilization.
  • Better Video Recording Features: Features like video stabilization and better slow motion is better in the Samsung.
  • Faster Charging: 25W fast charging significantly reduces battery charging times.
  • More RAM and Storage Options: The Samsung offers configurations with more RAM and storage, better for multitasking and storing more media.
  • Better Software Support: Comes with Android 11 and upgradeable to Android 12, which means longer support and access to newer features.
  • Dual SIM Support: Provides dual SIM functionality, which can be very useful for international travel or managing multiple phone numbers.
  • Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos offer a superior audio experience.
  • Better GPS: Offers more accurate GPS due to more satellite options.
  • More Sensors: Offers Hall and Geomagnetic sensors.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • Motorola: Sacrifices display quality and camera versatility for slightly higher benchmark performance and newer Bluetooth.
  • Samsung: Sacrifices benchmark performance for a superior display, camera system, and better software support.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal User for Motorola One 5G Ace:

  • Budget-Conscious Gamers: Users who prioritize raw performance and don't need the highest-end display or camera.
  • Users on a Tight Budget: Those who are looking for a 5G phone with decent performance at a lower cost.
  • Users who value slightly newer Bluetooth standard

Use Cases for Motorola One 5G Ace:

  • Mobile gaming, especially on a budget.
  • Basic productivity tasks and web browsing.
  • Users who do not use their phone camera often.

Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:

  • Media Consumers: Users who value a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing social media, and playing visually rich games.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera with more options like zoom and OIS.
  • Frequent Travelers: Those who need dual SIM support and a reliable GPS.
  • Users who prefer a newer software experience with longer support
  • Users who value rich audio experience
  • Users who value better video recording features

Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A72:

  • Multimedia consumption (videos, photos, gaming with great visuals).
  • High-quality photography and videography.
  • Frequent travelers who need dual SIM and better GPS.
  • Daily use for work and personal communication with good multitasking.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • If budget is a primary concern, the Motorola One 5G Ace provides decent performance at a lower price.
  • If display quality, camera capabilities, and additional features are a priority, the Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a better value despite the higher price.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. Display Quality: How important is a high-quality screen for your usage, such as watching videos, gaming, or using social media? If high importance, choose the Samsung.
  2. Camera Needs: How important are camera versatility, zoom capabilities, and image stabilization? If these are high, choose the Samsung.
  3. Budget & Performance: Are you looking for a 5G device on a tight budget, or are you willing to pay more for additional features?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1 (Budget Gamer): If your main concern is gaming and you want 5G on a tight budget, and are willing to sacrifice display and camera, the Motorola One 5G Ace could be a good choice.
  • Scenario 2 (Multimedia Enthusiast): If you prioritize a great screen for multimedia, versatile camera features and longer software support, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the clear winner.
  • Scenario 3 (Traveler/Business User): If dual SIM, accurate GPS, and good communication capabilities are key, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better choice, especially with the enhanced audio.
  • Scenario 4 (Casual user): If your phone usage involves mostly web browsing, occasional camera usage, and basic tasks, you should pick the Motorola One 5G Ace as the better value buy.

What I would choose and why!

Given these specifications and my personal preferences, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. Here's why:

  • Superior Display: As someone who consumes a lot of media (videos, browsing, social media), the AMOLED display with its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high brightness is a significant advantage. The 90Hz refresh rate also enhances daily usage, providing a much smoother visual experience.
  • Better Camera System: I value camera versatility, and the inclusion of the telephoto lens with optical zoom on the Samsung is very important. Additionally, video stabilization is crucial for me.
  • Faster Charging: The 25W fast charging is a practical benefit that saves time, which I appreciate in a busy lifestyle.
  • Better Software Support: The fact that the Samsung comes with Android 11 and the ability to upgrade to 12 is essential for having the latest features.
  • Enhanced Audio: The addition of stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos is an important consideration for an immersive media experience.

While the Motorola One 5G Ace offers slightly better benchmark performance and a lower price, the Samsung's enhanced display, camera capabilities, and general user experience is worth the extra investment for my needs and usage patterns. The AMOLED display and versatile camera system outweigh the marginal performance gains of the Motorola. The overall better user experience and modern features are why the Samsung is my clear choice.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.