1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm | A72 is significantly larger and thicker, may be less comfortable for small hands or pockets, iPhone SE is more pocketable and easier to handle one-handed. |
| Weight | 203g | 144g | iPhone SE is much lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. A72 might feel bulky after prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 4.7" | A72 offers significantly more screen real estate, better for media consumption, gaming and multitasking. iPhone SE is smaller, more convenient for one-handed use, may feel cramped. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 750x1334 | A72's higher resolution leads to sharper text and images, more detail. iPhone SE display can appear less detailed. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 326 | A72 has a sharper display with a noticeable difference in clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72's AMOLED provides deeper blacks, better contrast, and vibrant colors. iPhone SE's IPS LCD provides good color accuracy but cannot match the contrast and vibrancy of an AMOLED. A72 also offers better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A72 offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the user experience feel more fluid. iPhone SE display may appear less smooth. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | Samsung Galaxy A72 offers dramatically better outdoor visibility, making it suitable for use in bright sunlight. Apple iPhone SE brightness is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | A15 Bionic offers significantly better performance in all tasks; faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance. A72 is still capable, but noticeably slower. |
| Antutu Score | 285,000 | 1,225,939 | A15 Bionic provides a much more powerful and responsive user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Apple A15 is more powerful for graphics intensive tasks including gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 64MP | 12.2MP | A72's main camera captures more detail in good light. However, resolution is not the only indicator of photo quality. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | Yes | No | A72 offers optical zoom for closer shots without losing quality, dedicated portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes | No | A72 lets you capture more in a single shot, useful for landscapes and group photos. |
| Macro Lens | Yes | No | A72 allows detailed close-up shots. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 7MP | A72's front camera offers more detail. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS, Stereo Sound | iPhone SE offers more advanced video recording capabilities and better stabilization. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 92 | 100 | iPhone SE has a higher score, indicating overall better camera performance. |
| DxOMark Photo Score | 100 | 126 | iPhone SE has a higher score, indicating better photo quality. |
| DxOMark Video Score | 78 | 106 | iPhone SE has a higher score, indicating better video quality. |
| Camera Features | Multiple lens options, OIS, Night Mode, PDAF, Manual focus | OIS, 4K Video, RAW, limited manual controls | A72 offers versatile camera features, while iPhone SE excels in video. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 2018mAh | A72 has significantly larger battery, potentially leading to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | A72 charges slightly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | iOS 15.4 (upgradable to 18) | Android provides more customization. iOS offers consistent performance and a simpler user experience with frequent updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | iPhone SE supports newer Wi-Fi standards offering faster speeds, lower latency and better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Both have the same bluetooth version, but the Samsung has more profiles, and Apple uses Low Energy. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Wi-Fi, Cell ID | A72 offers more satellite systems, and therefore more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | iPhone SE offers eSIM for convenient carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | iPhone SE offers 64 GB as a base option. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4 GB | A72 has more RAM, which can improve multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | A72 offers better audio for immersive experience and better sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer standard fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection information is missing for both devices. |
| Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | iPhone SE includes a barometer, which provides altitude and air pressure data. A72 includes Hall and Geomagnetic. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger and Smoother Display: The 6.7" 90Hz AMOLED display provides a more immersive and fluid viewing experience, great for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
- Versatile Camera System: The quad-camera setup, including a telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lens, offers greater creative flexibility and zoom capabilities.
- Significantly Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides potentially longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Enhanced Audio: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provides a more immersive audio experience.
- More RAM: Offers either 6 or 8 GB of RAM depending on the model.
Practical Implications for A72:
- Ideal for users who prioritize media consumption, mobile gaming, or multitasking on a larger screen.
- A versatile camera system suits those who enjoy photography and want multiple shooting options.
- The larger battery is beneficial for users who need all-day battery life without frequent charging.
- Enhanced audio is better for multimedia playback and immersive experiences.
Apple iPhone SE (2022) Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip is significantly more powerful than the Snapdragon 720G, providing a smoother, more responsive user experience and better performance in demanding tasks like gaming.
- Advanced Video Recording: The video recording capabilities, including 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS, and stereo sound, exceed A72's video quality.
- Compact Form Factor: The smaller size and lighter weight make the iPhone SE more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use.
- Software Ecosystem and Updates: iOS provides a seamless and secure user experience and consistent long-term software updates.
- Higher DxOMark Scores: The camera has better scores for still photos and video compared to the Galaxy A72
Practical Implications for iPhone SE:
- Ideal for users who prioritize top-tier performance in a compact device.
- Better for those who take video and want smooth stabilized footage with high quality.
- Excellent for users who prefer a smaller, easier-to-handle phone.
- iOS ecosystem users benefit from ease of use and continuity with other Apple devices.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- A72: Larger size and weight, less powerful chipset, less capable video recording.
- iPhone SE: Smaller display, shorter battery life, less versatile camera, basic audio features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Users who consume lots of media (videos, streaming, browsing).
- Gamers who appreciate a larger screen and smoother display, and better RAM.
- Users who prefer a versatile camera system for various shooting scenarios.
- Users who need all-day battery life.
- Users who prefer the Android operating system and its customization options.
- Users who value better speakers for listening to media.
Specific Use Cases for A72:
- Watching movies and videos on the go.
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Taking photos in diverse environments, including landscape shots, close-up shots, and portraits.
- All-day usage without frequent charging.
Ideal User for Apple iPhone SE (2022):
- Users who prioritize performance above all else.
- Users who value a smaller, compact device that's easy to carry and use one-handed.
- Users who often record videos and need high quality.
- Users who prefer a secure, user-friendly operating system and consistent updates from Apple.
- Users who prefer a basic and reliable audio experience.
Specific Use Cases for iPhone SE:
- Fast app launching and multitasking.
- Playing mobile games with demanding graphics.
- Capturing high-quality videos, especially in challenging conditions.
- Everyday use with a focus on simplicity and reliability.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy A72 may offer a better price-to-value ratio for users looking for a larger display, more versatile camera system and longer battery life.
- The Apple iPhone SE (2022) offers a better price-to-value ratio for users wanting top-tier performance in a compact form factor.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What's more important to you: a large immersive display or a compact form factor?
- Do you need a versatile camera system or top-tier performance for smooth and fast operation?
- How important is all-day battery life versus compact size for you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Media Enthusiast: If watching videos, movies, and playing games on a large screen is important, choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. The larger, higher-resolution AMOLED display, along with the enhanced audio, makes it ideal for multimedia consumption.
- For the Performance Seeker: If top-tier performance and a fast, smooth experience is your priority, choose the Apple iPhone SE (2022). The A15 Bionic chip outclasses the Snapdragon 720G, and it has excellent video recording capabilities.
- For the On-the-Go User: If you value a smaller and more compact device that's easier to carry and use one-handed, the Apple iPhone SE (2022) is a better choice.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: If you want a more versatile system with multiple lenses, choose the Galaxy A72. If you prioritize higher-quality stills and especially high quality video, choose the iPhone SE.
- For the Value Seeker: Both phones offer great value, but which is more valuable to you depends on your needs and wants.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the Apple iPhone SE (2022).
Here's why:
While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has its advantages, particularly in display size and battery capacity, my priority is performance and overall smoothness. The A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone SE is a clear winner in terms of speed, responsiveness, and future-proofing. The difference in processing power is significant and directly translates to a better user experience. Additionally, for my usage patterns, a smaller, more pocketable form factor is a plus.
Though the camera on the Samsung may seem better on paper, the DxOMark scores and video recording capabilities of the iPhone SE show that Apple offers better overall quality.
While I will miss the larger screen and potentially longer battery life of the A72, the superior performance and more consistent software experience of the iPhone SE are more important to me. The overall smoothness and speed of the iPhone SE will provide a better long-term experience.
