Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.7 mm | A72 is slightly taller and thicker, might feel less sleek in hand, but both have a similar width. |
| Weight | 203g | 240g | A72 is significantly lighter making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Unknown | Unknown | No information on build materials or back material. This can affect the device's durability and premium feel. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical display size, both phones provide ample screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1284 x 2778 | iPhone 13 Pro Max has much sharper and more detailed images, better for viewing high-res content. |
| PPI | 394 | 458 | iPhone 13 Pro Max display looks noticeably sharper and clearer due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and excellent viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | iPhone 13 Pro Max's display looks smoother during scrolling, gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1200 nits | iPhone 13 Pro Max offers better visibility in bright outdoor conditions, making it easier to use in sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | iPhone 13 Pro Max has much faster processor, leading to noticeably better performance in apps, games, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,327,255 | iPhone 13 Pro Max is significantly faster, loading apps quicker and providing smoother experience with demanding games. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Apple GPU (5-core) | iPhone 13 Pro Max has a much more powerful GPU for demanding graphics. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera Res | 64MP (f/1.8, 0.80µm) | 12MP (f/1.5, 1.90µm) | A72 has higher resolution, but iPhone 13 Pro Max has better low-light performance due to larger pixels. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP (f/2.4, 1.00µm) | 12MP (f/2.8, 1.00µm) | A72 offers a telephoto + portrait camera, while the 13 Pro Max has a telephoto zoom. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | 12MP (f/1.8, 1.00µm) | iPhone 13 Pro Max has a wider aperture, leading to better low-light wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4, 1.12µm) | N/A | A72 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 32MP (f/2.2, 0.80µm) | 12MP (f/2.2, Unkown µm) | A72 has a higher resolution front camera but without pixel size info, the real world difference is hard to determine. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | N/A | 12MP | iPhone 13 Pro Max has a Time-of-Flight sensor which helps with better portrait mode effects and AR applications. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | iPhone 13 Pro Max can record smoother 4K videos with HDR, better for creating high quality content. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 92 | Not Tested | A72 camera is rated at 92 from DXOMark, but the 13 Pro Max hasn't been tested on it. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4373mAh | A72's larger battery may offer longer usage, but real-world battery life depends on the device's power consumption. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | A72 charges slightly faster with a 25W charger. |
| Wireless Charging | No | MagSafe 15W, Qi 7.5W | iPhone 13 Pro Max offers convenient wireless charging options. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Lighter: Significantly lighter (203g vs 240g), better for prolonged use.
- Larger Battery: Larger capacity (5000 mAh vs 4373 mAh), potentially longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster 25W wired charging.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Provides close-up photography capabilities lacking in the iPhone.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers biometric security and accessibility.
- Lower Price: The A72 is more affordable than the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
- Expandable Storage: Although both phones lack expandable storage, the A72 can come with 128GB or 256GB internal storage while the Pro Max can come with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: A15 Bionic chip provides blazing fast performance for all tasks.
- Superior Display: Sharper (higher resolution, PPI), smoother (120Hz refresh rate), brighter (1200 nits).
- Better Camera System: Enhanced low-light performance, ToF 3D sensor, Telephoto lens with better zoom capabilities.
- Better Video: Can shoot 4k@60fps with HDR
- Wireless Charging: Convenient MagSafe and Qi wireless charging.
- More Storage Options: Can go up to 1TB of internal storage
- Enhanced Audio Quality: Features like Dolby Digital Plus, DTS/DTS X, and noise cancellation for better sound and clear calls.
- Better Software Support: Apple provides longer software support than Android.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung A72: Sacrifices performance and display quality for better battery life and affordability.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: Significantly more expensive and heavier, lacks a fingerprint sensor, macro lens and has slightly slower wired charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Looking for a reliable phone without breaking the bank.
- Everyday users: Focus on battery life and general use without demanding tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: People who want a versatile camera with macro lens.
- Users who prefer physical biometric security: People who prefer a fingerprint sensor.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Extended browsing, social media, video streaming
- Casual gaming, photography and macro close-ups
- Users who want a budget friendly phone that can last all day.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Ideal User:
- Power Users: Need the fastest performance for gaming, video editing, and intensive apps.
- Content Creators: Benefit from the superior camera system and video recording capabilities.
- Users invested in the Apple ecosystem: Want seamless integration with other Apple devices.
- Users seeking a premium experience: Desire the best display, build quality and features, and are willing to pay a premium.
Use Cases for iPhone 13 Pro Max:
- Professional photography and videography
- High-end mobile gaming, augmented reality apps
- Demanding tasks such as video editing and graphics work
- Users who want a phone that will last for a long time, even with intensive use.
Price-to-Value:
- Samsung Galaxy A72: Offers good value for its price with a focus on battery life and a versatile camera system.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: Justifies its premium price with exceptional performance, a superior display and a better camera system.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The iPhone 13 Pro Max is much more expensive than the Samsung A72.
- What is my primary use case? Heavy gaming, video editing? Or just general use and social media?
- What features are most important to me? (Battery life? Camera? Performance? Display?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72 offers the best bang for your buck with decent performance and great battery life.
- Scenario 2: Power User/Content Creator:
- Recommendation: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max offers the ultimate performance, camera quality, and advanced features.
- Scenario 3: Camera Focused, with a budget:
- Recommendation: Samsung A72 offers a better camera system with a dedicated macro lens than the iphone.
- Scenario 4: General User with Long-Lasting Battery:
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A72 will probably offer a longer battery experience, but the iPhone is much faster and has a better screen.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max. Although the Samsung Galaxy A72 has some good features, especially for the price, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is simply a better phone in almost every way.
Here’s why:
- Performance: The A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone is significantly more powerful than the Snapdragon 720G. As someone who uses their phone for a variety of demanding tasks, I would greatly benefit from this extra performance.
- Display: The iPhone's 120Hz refresh rate, higher resolution and brightness will make everyday usage much more enjoyable. This would make media consumption and gaming more immersive.
- Camera: While the Samsung A72 has more flexibility with the macro lens, the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s camera quality is better, especially when it comes to low light and video quality.
- Software: Apple's software is better supported.
Although I would sacrifice the fingerprint sensor and macro lens and also pay more money, the superior overall performance, the better screen, better camera system and longer software support on the iPhone 13 Pro Max make it my choice.
