Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Samsung Galaxy A72
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | A72 is larger and may feel less comfortable for one-handed use. Realme 8 is more compact. |
| Weight | 177g | 203g | Realme 8 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods of use and pocketable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | A72 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption, while Realme 8 is slightly more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 394 | Very similar pixel density. Negligible difference in sharpness in real world use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | A72's 90Hz offers smoother scrolling and animations for a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 800 nits | Realme 8 has better visibility in bright outdoor conditions, making it easier to see the screen in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Realme 8's chipset offers better benchmark performance, which translate to better gaming and app loading speeds. However, real-world differences might not be huge for daily tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 285,000 | Realme 8 exhibits better raw performance according to benchmarks, resulting in quicker overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 618 | Different GPU configurations. Realme 8's GPU is generally better for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70µm | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | Similar standard camera specs. Realme 8's wider aperture may slightly improve low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | None | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities, which is a big advantage for more versatile photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.00µm | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | A72 has a higher-resolution selfie camera and wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | A72's wide-angle lens offers higher resolution and wider aperture , capturing more detailed shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | A72 has higher resolution for better macro shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 has a dedicated black and white camera for artistic shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, up to 120fps Slow Mo | 4K@30fps with EIS, up to 120fps Slow Mo | Both phones record 4K, but Samsung has better stabilization overall. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 92 (Mobile), Photo (100), Video (78) | Samsung A72 is a superior camera phone as per DxOMark. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity for all-day usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Realme 8 charges slightly faster for quicker top-ups. |
| Charger | - | 15W Fast Charger included | Samsung A72 Includes 15W charger within the box |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | A72 offers at least one Android version update, potentially offering more features and security updates in the long run. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, MIMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer similar WiFi capabilities but only Realme 8 supports MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 | Realme 8 has a more recent version of Bluetooth for better performance and power efficiency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer similar location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both allow using two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB / 128GB | 128 GB / 256 GB | A72 offers greater storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB / 6GB / 8GB | 6GB / 8GB | Both come with good RAM options for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | A72 offers a better multimedia experience with its stereo speakers and enhanced Dolby Atmos audio, better separation and immersion, Realme 8 supports high-quality audio via headphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensors for unlocking the phone. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both use similar screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | A72 offers additional sensors like compass and Hall sensor useful for AR applications, navigation, while Realme 8 has Magnetometer sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Higher Benchmark Performance: The Helio G95 chipset offers better benchmark scores, potentially leading to slightly better gaming performance and faster app loading times.
- Lighter and More Compact: The Realme 8 is lighter and smaller, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and carrying around.
- Brighter Display: Offers better screen visibility in direct sunlight with a higher maximum brightness of 1000 nits compared to 800 nits on the A72.
- Slightly Faster Charging: 30W charging is slightly faster for topping up.
- Hi-Res Audio: High-quality audio playback for audiophiles.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display with 90Hz Refresh Rate: Offers a slightly bigger screen and smoother scrolling experience with a 90Hz refresh rate display.
- Telephoto Lens: Has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities in the camera.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher-resolution selfie camera with a wider aperture for better low-light selfies.
- Better Wide and Macro lens: Higher resolution and wider aperture for wide and macro shots.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Offers OIS for steadier photos and videos, plus better night mode results.
- Better Video Stabilisation: Offers better video stabilisation overall.
- Dolby Atmos with Stereo Speakers: Enhanced multimedia experience with better audio quality and immersion.
- More Storage Options: Offers up to 256GB internal storage.
- Included Charger: Comes with a charger in the box.
- Software Updates: Guaranteed to have at least one more major android update.
- Better Overall Camera Performance: DxOMark score suggests a superior camera setup overall.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8: Trades off some camera versatility (no telephoto lens or OIS) and a slightly less smooth screen for better raw performance, brightness, and a more compact design.
- Samsung Galaxy A72: Trades off slightly benchmark performance, a bit of weight and brightness for a more versatile camera system, better display smoothness, better audio, more storage options and the guarantee of a software update.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Realme 8:
- Gamers: Users who prioritize gaming performance and smooth gameplay.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Users who want a high performance phone on a budget.
- Those seeking compactness: Users who prefer a smaller, lighter phone for everyday use.
- Outdoor Users: Users who need a brighter display that is easier to see in direct sunlight.
Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games.
- Everyday tasks and media consumption while having a long battery life.
- Users who prioritise high quality audio over speakers.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with good zoom capabilities and OIS.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who watch videos and enjoy good audio with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos.
- Users seeking a premium experience: Those who value features like a smoother display, OIS, and more storage.
- Users who want to receive future software updates: Those who value having the latest features and security on their phones.
Use Cases:
- Taking a variety of photos and videos in different situations.
- Watching movies, tv series and listening to music on their phone.
- General everyday use with the guarantee of a software update.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize gaming performance or camera versatility? If gaming is the primary focus, the Realme 8 is better. For a more versatile camera system, the Samsung A72 is the preferred choice.
- Is a compact size and lightweight design important to you? If so, the Realme 8 is the more comfortable choice for handling.
- Do you need a larger screen with a smoother display and better audio for media consumption? The A72 offers a slightly larger display with a smoother refresh rate, and enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: You are a gamer and want the best possible performance on a budget.
- Recommendation: Realme 8. The Helio G95 offers better benchmark performance for gaming, and it's more compact.
Scenario 2: You love photography and want the best possible camera.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72. Its telephoto lens, OIS, higher resolution cameras, and better DxOMark score make it superior for photography.
Scenario 3: You primarily consume media on your phone and value a premium experience.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72. Its larger screen, smoother refresh rate, Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers make it more suitable for watching videos and listening to music and the extra storage is beneficial for storing more files.
My Choice:
If I were choosing, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A72.
While the Realme 8 offers a slight edge in raw processing power and is more affordable, the A72 provides a more well-rounded user experience that better suits my needs. The inclusion of a telephoto lens, OIS, the higher resolution wide and macro lenses, better selfie camera, stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and the smoother 90Hz display make a significant difference in everyday usage. For me, the A72's camera versatility, enhanced multimedia experience, and guarantee for a future software update outweigh the slightly better gaming performance of the Realme 8.
