1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Motorola Moto G72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2022-10-03 | The Motorola Moto G72 is significantly newer, likely benefiting from more recent technology and software updates. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 160.5 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | The Moto G72 is slightly taller and thinner, while the A52 is slightly wider and thicker. The difference in size is minor, but the G72's thinner profile might feel more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 166g | The Moto G72 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less tiring to hold for long periods. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Motorola Moto G72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Both phones have very similar screen sizes; the 0.1" difference is negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both displays will offer similar levels of sharpness. |
| PPI | 407 | 402 | Both phones offer nearly identical pixel density, leading to similar image clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both technologies provide vibrant colors and good contrast; AMOLED is generally considered slightly better for blacks and contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Moto G72's 120Hz refresh rate will provide a noticeably smoother experience when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | The peak brightness is unknown for both, which is a major missing specification. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Motorola Moto G72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Helio G99 (6 nm) | The Helio G99 is a newer chipset manufactured on a smaller node, which tends to offer better power efficiency and slightly better performance than the Snapdragon 720G. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 415,300 | The Moto G72's significantly higher score suggests faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better performance in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | While both GPUs are decent, the benchmarks suggest the Mali-G57 MC2 in the G72 provides better graphics performance. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Motorola Moto G72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Moto G72's larger battery will likely offer longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | The Moto G72's faster charging will result in less time waiting for the phone to charge. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0, AFC | Non-removable | The A52 supports QC2.0 and AFC, which offer fast charging options, in addition to fast charging using the specified watt. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Motorola Moto G72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 64MP (f/1.8) | 108MP (f/1.7) | The Moto G72's higher megapixel sensor allows for more detailed and higher resolution pictures and slightly better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2) | 16MP | The A52 has a higher resolution selfie camera, which means better quality for social media, video calls and overall selfie picture quality. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/1.9) | The A52 offers higher resolution wide-angle photos, while the G72 has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 5MP (f/2.4) | Not available | The A52 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode results (background blur). |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | The A52 has higher resolution for macro shots which translates to more detail. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@60fps | The A52 has the significant advantage of 4K video recording, making it better for higher quality videos and vlogs. The A52 also has OIS and EIS for more stable video. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Better Camera System Overall: It offers 4K video recording, optical stabilization, a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode, and a higher resolution selfie camera.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Includes Dolby Digital Plus and stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience compared to the Motorola's Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
- Screen Protection: Offers the protection of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 which makes the screen more durable and less prone to scratches.
- Additional Features: Boasts more camera features such as Optical Image Stabilization, Ultra stable video and continuous auto focus.
Motorola Moto G72 Advantages:
- Newer and Better Performance: The Mediatek Helio G99 chipset offers better performance and efficiency.
- Smoother Display: Features a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations.
- Significantly Lighter: More comfortable to use for extended periods due to its lighter weight.
- Longer Battery Life: The larger 5000mAh battery and efficient chipset should result in significantly better battery endurance.
- Faster Charging: Supports 33W fast charging which enables faster recharge times.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 108MP main camera sensor allows for more detailed photos.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A52: Offers a slightly older chipset, lower refresh rate display, and is heavier, but has a more complete camera system.
- G72: Lacks 4K video recording, a dedicated depth camera, a lower resolution wide-angle lens, and lacks some of the more advanced camera features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Ideal User: Social media enthusiasts, amateur photographers, and users who value video quality.
- Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos for social media.
- Video conferencing and online meetings with a higher-quality front-facing camera.
- Users who enjoy media consumption with slightly better audio.
- Users seeking advanced camera and photography features.
Motorola Moto G72:
- Ideal User: Gamers, users who prioritize battery life, and those seeking smooth performance.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with smooth 120Hz display and better performance.
- Extended usage throughout the day without constant recharging.
- Everyday users who value smooth multitasking and fast app loading.
- Users looking for a lighter and more portable phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Camera Priorities: Do you value higher-quality videos (4K), a better selfie camera, and a more feature-rich camera system, or a main camera with a higher megapixel count?
- Performance Needs: Is smooth performance in gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications more important than high-resolution videos, a depth camera or better audio?
- Battery Life and Portability: Is long battery life and lightweight design a priority over some camera and audio features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Photography Enthusiasts & Video Creators: The Samsung Galaxy A52's versatile camera system and 4K video recording capabilities make it a better choice.
- For Gamers & Heavy Users: The Motorola Moto G72 is recommended due to its better performance, 120Hz display, and significantly longer battery life.
- For Everyday Users: If you don't have specific camera needs, the Moto G72 provides more value with its faster performance, lighter weight, and better battery life.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola Moto G72. Although the Samsung A52 has a better camera overall, I find the performance and battery life of the G72 to be more attractive. The G72 would be more comfortable to use throughout the day due to its lighter weight and the 120Hz display would be better for gaming. While I will miss the 4K recording capabilities and the better front camera of the A52, the faster charging capabilities and the better performance of the G72 is more valuable to me personally.
