1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Apple iPhone 16 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2024-09-20 | iPhone 16 Pro is much newer, benefitting from more recent tech |
| Size | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm | A72 is larger and might feel bulky, iPhone 16 Pro is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 203g | 199g | Both feel similar in hand, negligibly different. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.3" | A72 has a larger screen, better for media consumption; iPhone 16 Pro offers a more compact experience |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1206x2622 | iPhone 16 Pro has a significantly sharper, clearer display due to higher pixel count |
| Pixel Density | 394 ppi | 460 ppi | iPhone 16 Pro has a noticeably sharper display |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks; the user won't see much difference |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | iPhone 16 Pro has smoother animations during scrolling and gaming |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 16 Pro is much easier to view outdoors, especially in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Apple A18 Pro (3 nm) | iPhone 16 Pro offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,947,255 | iPhone 16 Pro has vastly superior performance, smoother experience |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Apple 6-core GPU | iPhone 16 Pro is significantly better for graphically intensive tasks like gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | 48MP, f/1.78, 1.22µm, 1/1.3" Sony IMX903 | iPhone 16 Pro excels in low light due to larger sensor and pixel size; A72 has higher resolution. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" OV08A10, 1.0µm | 12MP, f/2.8, 1.12µm, Sony IMX913 | iPhone 16 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens, A72 has a telephoto + portrait lens |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 48MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sony IMX972, 0.70 µm | iPhone 16 Pro's wide-angle camera is superior, A72 has a standard wide angle |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | N/A | A72 has a macro camera for close up shots, iPhone does not |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | 12MP, f/1.9 Sony IMX714 | iPhone 16 Pro likely has better low-light performance, although A72 has higher resolution |
| ToF 3D Sensor | N/A | 0.8MP | iPhone 16 Pro includes a Time-of-Flight sensor, improving depth perception for AR applications. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 4K@120fps HDR | iPhone 16 Pro records higher quality video with more features; more versatile video recording experience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3582mAh | A72 has a larger capacity battery, potentially longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging, 25W Wireless Charging | iPhone 16 Pro offers wireless charging, providing more flexibility in power options |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | iOS 18 | iPhone 16 Pro offers a more current OS with consistent updates |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | iPhone 16 Pro has faster and more stable Wi-Fi for streaming and downloading |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | iPhone 16 Pro has a newer version for improved energy efficiency and connectivity speed. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | iPhone 16 Pro offers the flexibility of eSIM activation. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512/1024 GB | iPhone 16 Pro offers more storage options, suitable for those with high storage needs |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | Both capable of smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone provides expandable storage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.7" screen is better for media consumption, gaming and anyone who prefers a big screen device.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh offers potentially longer battery life and could be a major factor for people who value battery over anything else.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 15W fast charger in the box.
- Cheaper The A72 is usually cheaper than the flagship iphone models, offering a budget-friendly option.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Easy to access fingerprint sensor Practical Implications: The A72 caters to users who prioritize a large screen, potentially longer battery life, and the versatility of a macro camera, while also being more budget conscious.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: A18 Pro chip offers vastly superior performance for smooth multitasking, demanding apps, and gaming and is much faster than the A72.
- Significantly Better Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and refresh rate resulting in a sharper, smoother, and brighter display.
- Enhanced Camera System: More versatile camera system with better low light performance, Telephoto Lens, Wide Angle + Macro camera and advanced features like Cinematic Mode, Pro Video Mode and ToF 3D sensor.
- More Storage Options: Option of more storage is always a nice thing to have if you are planning on using the device to record lots of videos.
- Wireless Charging: Offers the convenience of wireless charging.
- Modern Software: Runs the latest iOS, ensuring regular updates and access to new features.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions, offering faster and more efficient connections.
- Advanced Sensors: Barometer for environmental data.
- Enhanced Audio: Noise cancellation microphone and 3 microphones.
- eSIM Support: Easier for digital carrier switching. Practical Implications: The iPhone 16 Pro targets users who demand top-tier performance, a cutting-edge camera experience, and a premium build quality with the latest software and features.
Significant Trade-offs:
- iPhone 16 Pro has a smaller battery than the A72 but more optimized software and a more efficient chip, therefore battery is about the same. The iPhone is also much more expensive.
- Samsung Galaxy A72 has an older operating system, slower processor, lower display quality, and a less refined camera system compared to the iPhone 16 Pro.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who value a large screen, long battery life, and a versatile camera system, but do not require top-of-the-line performance.
- Use Cases:
- Media consumption (watching videos, browsing social media).
- Everyday tasks and basic gaming.
- Users who prefer Android OS.
- Travelers who value a large battery.
- Price-to-Value: A good option for those who prefer larger screens and who can make do with slightly less performance for a reduced price.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro:
- Ideal User: Demanding users who require the best possible performance, a high-quality camera, and a premium user experience.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming and content creation.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts.
- Users who prefer iOS and the Apple ecosystem.
- Professionals who need a fast and reliable device.
- Price-to-Value: High price point justifies the features and performance for the right user, making it suitable for someone who wants the latest and greatest mobile technology.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The iPhone 16 Pro will be significantly more expensive than the Galaxy A72.
- What are your primary uses for the phone? Are you a gamer, photographer, casual user, or a media consumer?
- Do you prefer iOS or Android? This is a critical factor that should not be overlooked.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-conscious media consumer: The Samsung Galaxy A72 is suitable if you want a large display and reasonable battery life without breaking the bank.
- Demanding gamer or content creator: The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is the superior option due to its performance, excellent display, and versatile camera.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts: The Apple iPhone 16 Pro offers far better photography and video recording features.
- Apple ecosystem user: The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is the natural choice for someone deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would pick the Apple iPhone 16 Pro. Here’s why:
- Performance: The massive performance difference between the A18 Pro and the Snapdragon 720G is undeniable. As someone who uses my phone for demanding tasks and likes to future-proof my devices, this is crucial.
- Camera Quality: The versatility and quality of the iPhone's camera system are superior, especially for low-light photography and videography.
- Display: The higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness of the iPhone's display are major advantages, resulting in a better visual experience for any user.
- Software: I prefer the iOS ecosystem for its streamlined performance, consistent updates, and focus on privacy.
- Connectivity: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth version are more reliable and future proofed.
- Ecosystem Integration: If you are already using other Apple products, it’s a no-brainer.
While I appreciate the Samsung Galaxy A72's larger battery and display, the overall experience of the iPhone 16 Pro is significantly better and worth the higher price tag for me.
