1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | A72 is slightly taller and wider but thinner; A02s has a larger overall volume, potentially feeling bulkier |
| Weight | 196g | 203g | A02s is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during long use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | A72 has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | A72 offers significantly sharper visuals, making text and images clearer |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 394 PPI | A72 has a much sharper display; finer details, less pixelation |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | A72 has superior contrast and color reproduction; deeper blacks and better viewing angles |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | A72 has slightly smoother scrolling and animations, more responsive feel |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 800 nits | A72 provides much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (14nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | A72 offers much faster app loading, better multitasking and better gaming performance due to higher processing power; More efficient chipset |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 285,000 | A72 has much better general performance, better responsiveness, and future-proofing |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 618 | A72 offers better graphics capabilities, enabling smoother gameplay in demanding titles |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.8 | A72 captures significantly more detail, better for printing photos and cropping |
| Telephoto/Portrait | None | 8MP, f/2.4 | A72 allows for optical zoom and portrait mode with depth effect |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.2 | A72 offers much better selfie quality, clearer video calls and more detail |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2 | A72 allows to capture wider scenes, more versatile for landscape photography |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | A72 is capable of capturing better close-up shots |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A02s offers depth sensing for portrait mode |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | A72 records in higher quality, with stabilization, and at higher frame rates. Better for video creation |
| DXOMark | - | 92 (Mobile) | A72 has much better camera performance, based on dxomark testing |
| Features | Triple camera, PDAF | Quad camera, OIS, Optical zoom | A72 has more versatile camera features, with better stabilization and zoom capabilities |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life for a full day of use |
| Charging | 15W | 25W | A72 charges much faster, reducing time spent plugged in |
| Charger | None Included | 15W Included | A72 comes with a fast charger included in the box |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (max 12) | Android 11 (max 12) | A72 has slightly newer software with more features at launch. Both can upgrade to Android 12 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | A72 supports newer WiFi standards, offering potentially faster and more stable connections |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.0 | A72 has more advanced Bluetooth, faster connection speeds and broader compatibility |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Similar location capabilities on both devices |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM usage is supported on both devices |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64GB | 128/256GB | A72 offers significantly more storage, allowing for more apps, photos and videos |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 6/8GB | A72 handles more demanding tasks, and apps can load faster |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device has a MicroSD card slot |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | A72 offers better audio quality for music and video, including spatial audio |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | Fingerprint sensor | A72 provides biometric security with fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection technology is not specified for either device. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | A72 offers a more advanced array of sensors, enabling better gaming and more capabilities |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for some users for longer usage periods.
- Lower price point, better for users on a strict budget.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Sharper, more vibrant AMOLED screen with a higher refresh rate (90Hz) and much higher brightness. Better viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: More powerful chipset, GPU, and RAM, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming.
- Significantly Better Camera System: Higher-resolution sensors, telephoto/portrait lens, wide-angle lens, and better video capabilities. Enhanced photography.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging, reducing waiting time, especially with included charger.
- Better Connectivity: More advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos provide better sound quality, creating more immersive media experiences.
- Biometric Security: Fingerprint sensor for enhanced security.
- More Storage: Significantly more internal storage (128/256GB vs 32/64GB).
- Better Build: Improved design and general quality
Trade-offs:
- Price: The A72 comes at a higher price point.
- Weight: The A72 is slightly heavier than the A02s.
- Dimensions: The A72 is slightly taller and wider, which might be less comfortable for some people to hold.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals looking for the most affordable smartphone for basic tasks.
- Light Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, web browsing, and social media.
- First-Time Smartphone Buyers: Users who are new to smartphones and need a simple and reliable device.
Use Cases:
- Simple web browsing and email
- Basic social media browsing
- Messaging and calling
- Light media consumption
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Individuals who value a versatile camera system with optical zoom and high-resolution images.
- Mobile Gamers: Those who play demanding games and require smooth performance.
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos, streaming, and consuming content.
- Multitaskers: Users who need to switch between multiple apps and tasks efficiently.
Use Cases:
- High-quality photography and videography
- Demanding mobile gaming
- Watching HD videos, enjoying streaming
- Multitasking between apps
- Using navigation and location-based apps.
Price-to-Value:
- A02s: Provides acceptable functionality for its price, suitable for basic use.
- A72: Offers much more features and capabilities for a premium price tag, making it suitable for users who want a more sophisticated and versatile device.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend?
- Primary Use Cases: What will be the most demanding tasks for the device?
- Importance of Camera & Display: How important are high-quality photos, videos, and screen experience?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Use: If you're on a very tight budget and primarily use a phone for basic tasks like calls and browsing, the Samsung Galaxy A02s is a suitable option.
- Scenario 2: Balanced Use, Moderate Budget: If you want an improved performance, more storage, a better camera, and don't have a tight budget, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is an excellent pick.
- Scenario 3: High-Performance, Media Consumption & Photography: If you want an overall better device, a high-quality screen, and camera is of importance, and are willing to pay for that, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the clear winner.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy A72. While it is more expensive, the significant improvements in display quality (AMOLED, higher resolution and brightness, 90Hz refresh rate), performance (Snapdragon 720G, more RAM), camera versatility (multiple lenses, higher resolution), faster charging, enhanced audio, and extra sensors make it a far superior device. The A72 offers a more enjoyable and capable user experience for demanding tasks and media consumption. In my opinion, these upgrades are worth the extra cost. The A02s is too compromised in key areas for an enjoyable user experience.
