Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Asus ROG Phone 6
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Asus ROG Phone 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2022-07-13 | ROG Phone 6 is newer by 1 year and 3 months, indicating potentially longer software support and newer hardware features. |
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm, 203g | 173 × 77 × 10.3 mm, 239g | ROG Phone 6 is bulkier, taller, and heavier, less comfortable for one-handed use and prolonged carrying compared to the lighter A72. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2448 | Virtually identical sharpness, both offer crisp visuals. |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Identical pixel density, both displays appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 6 offers noticeably smoother scrolling, animations, and gameplay; a huge advantage for gaming. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1200 nits | ROG Phone 6 is much more visible in direct sunlight, offering better outdoor usability. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | ROG Phone 6 provides significantly faster performance in all tasks, from app loading to gaming; better efficiency due to smaller process size. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,203,000 | ROG Phone 6 is drastically faster, offering a superior experience for demanding apps, games, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 730 | ROG Phone 6 offers significantly better graphics performance, especially for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | ROG Phone 6 offers longer battery life, extending usage time significantly. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | ROG Phone 6 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Charger Included | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging 10W | ROG Phone 6 can act as a power bank for other devices and support bypass charging while gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 64MP f/1.8, 0.8µm | 50MP f/1.9, 1.0µm, 1/1.56" IMX766 | ROG Phone 6 has a larger sensor and pixel size, potentially better in low light, but lower resolution than A72. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP f/2.4, 1/4.4" OV08A10 | None | A72 offers optical zoom capabilities, whereas ROG 6 relies more on digital zoom. |
| Selfie | 32MP f/2.2, 0.8µm | 12MP f/2.0, 1.22µm, 1/2.93" IMX663 | ROG Phone 6 uses a larger sensor and pixel size for better low-light selfies, even with lower resolution. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | 13MP f/2.2, Unknown Pixel Size | Both phones have similar wide angle capabilities. |
| Macro | 5MP f/2.4, 1.12µm | 5MP f/2.4, Unknown Pixel Size | Both phones have similar macro cameras. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps w/EIS | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps w/EIS | ROG Phone 6 has much better video recording capabilities for professional video capture. |
| DxOMark | Mobile (92), Photo (100), Video (78) | Not tested | A72 has a tested, good overall camera score, while ROG 6 has no rating. |
| Camera Features | Quad, Optical Zoom, OIS | Triple, 8K Video, RAW | A72 excels in versatile zoom capabilities, while ROG 6 focuses on high-quality video and professional modes. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | ROG Phone 6 ships with a newer OS out of the box, indicating a longer software support period. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | ROG Phone 6 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | ROG Phone 6 has newer and more advanced Bluetooth codecs for better audio and connection stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | More comprehensive satellite systems | ROG Phone 6 will offer better location accuracy, especially in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | ROG Phone 6 offers more storage capacity options and is better for large media libraries. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12/16 GB | ROG Phone 6 offers more RAM for better multitasking and performance, particularly useful for heavy use. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | DTS/DTS X, Hi-Res, 4 Mics, Stereo | ROG Phone 6 offers superior audio quality with features aimed at gamers, includes noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | ROG Phone 6 has superior scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | Geomagnetic, Proximity, Motion | Proximity, Motion | Both include standard set of sensors for common tasks, however, Samsung includes Geomagnetic sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Lighter and Slimmer: More comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation, better for carrying around in pockets.
- Optical Zoom Camera: Offers true optical zoom capabilities, better for photography enthusiasts who frequently use zoom.
- Tested Camera Performance: Has been tested by DxOMark, giving a good understanding of its camera capabilities.
Practical Implications:
- The A72 prioritizes portability and versatility in photography for everyday use.
Asus ROG Phone 6 Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: Provides a much smoother experience for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding apps, a future-proof device.
- Superior Display: 165Hz refresh rate and higher brightness offer much better visual clarity and smoothness, essential for gaming and multimedia.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Longer battery life and faster charging are significant for heavy users and gamers.
- Advanced Audio System: The inclusion of DTS:X, Hi-Res audio, and multiple mics significantly improves the audio experience for immersive gaming.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions offer faster, more reliable connections.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior scratch resistance.
Practical Implications:
- The ROG Phone 6 is tailored for heavy mobile gaming and demanding users, providing extreme performance, impressive battery, and a top-notch display.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A72: sacrifices performance and gaming features for a lighter design and more versatile zoom camera.
- ROG Phone 6: compromises on physical portability and zoom camera for exceptional performance, display and gaming features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Everyday User: Someone who needs a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks, casual social media use, and photo capture with moderate gaming.
- Photography Enthusiast: Users who value optical zoom capabilities and versatility in photography.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a good balance of features and price, with a lighter and more compact design.
- Non-Gamers: People who want a solid daily phone without the focus on extreme performance or gaming.
Specific Use Cases for Galaxy A72:
- Casual Photography: Taking everyday pictures and utilizing the optical zoom for various scenarios.
- Social Media: Browsing, communicating, and consuming media content.
- General Productivity: Handling daily tasks like email, web browsing, and basic applications.
- Multimedia Consumption: Watching videos and movies with good AMOLED display quality.
Ideal User for Asus ROG Phone 6:
- Hardcore Mobile Gamer: Individuals who prioritize the best possible gaming experience, demanding top performance and visuals.
- Performance-Focused Users: Those who require a device that handles demanding applications and heavy multitasking without lag.
- Power Users: Professionals or enthusiasts who utilize their phone for intensive tasks, media creation or consumption.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Early adopters who want the latest tech, fastest connections, and maximum customizability.
Specific Use Cases for ROG Phone 6:
- Competitive Gaming: Playing demanding games with high refresh rates and zero lag.
- High-Performance Multitasking: Running multiple apps simultaneously without slowdowns.
- Mobile Content Creation: Recording and editing videos, capturing high-quality audio, and processing large files.
- Demanding Multimedia: Watching high-resolution videos with top-tier audio.
- Extended Usage: Long gaming and work sessions, aided by its huge battery and bypass charging.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- A72: Offers good value for everyday users, focusing on balanced performance, good display, versatile zoom camera, and lighter design.
- ROG Phone 6: Priced higher for those seeking high-end gaming performance and features, demanding a premium for its niche focus.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Everyday use vs heavy gaming/performance)?
- What is more important to you? (Portability/Zoom vs. performance/Display)?
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay a premium for high-end gaming features)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious Casual User): If you need a reliable, everyday phone for general use, casual photography, and moderate media consumption and are on a tighter budget, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is recommended. Its lighter design makes it easier to carry around.
- Scenario 2 (Enthusiast Photographer): If the main concern is versatility in photography, including a dedicated optical zoom, then the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the best fit, due to optical zoom capabilities
- Scenario 3 (Hardcore Mobile Gamer): If mobile gaming is your main priority and you want the best possible performance, battery, display and features, the Asus ROG Phone 6 is the clear choice, despite it’s higher price tag and heavier build.
- Scenario 4 (Performance-Focused User): If you need a powerful phone for heavy multitasking, demanding apps, and content creation the Asus ROG Phone 6 is recommended due to it’s higher performance capabilities.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 6. My primary use for a smartphone involves heavy app usage for work, often multitasking between several apps. While I do appreciate a good camera, my priority lies in performance and user experience. The significantly better processing power, faster display, and larger battery of the ROG Phone 6 align perfectly with my needs.
Although the Galaxy A72 offers advantages in optical zoom and portability, the overall experience of the ROG Phone 6 is superior for my typical usage scenarios. The additional benefits of advanced audio, and newer connectivity standards, make the ROG Phone 6 a device that would be a better long-term fit despite the higher price point.
