1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Samsung is slightly taller, Asus is slightly thicker; overall, both have very similar physical footprints; may impact pocketability and one-handed use, but minimal difference. |
| Weight | 203g | 225g | Samsung is noticeably lighter (22g difference), making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods, while the Asus feels more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Very similar screen sizes. A negligible difference in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution; both offer sharp, detailed visuals. |
| PPI | 394 | 388 | Practically identical pixel density, resulting in very similar visual clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 165Hz | Asus provides dramatically smoother scrolling, animations, and a more fluid gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 2500 nits | Asus offers dramatically better outdoor visibility, ensuring screen readability in bright sunlight, while Samsung might struggle. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Asus provides significantly faster performance, better multitasking, and smoother gaming performance compared to Samsung, which could struggle with demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 2,020,000 | Asus is significantly faster in real-world use with much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance and overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 (Qualcomm Adreno 618) | Adreno 750 (Adreno 750) | Asus has a significantly more powerful GPU, leading to much better gaming performance and graphical capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | Asus provides longer battery life for more extended usage between charges, while Samsung might need an earlier recharge. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | 65W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Asus charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime; Samsung requires longer charging times. The different battery tech doesn't cause any real-world difference. |
| Features | Non-removable, 15W Fast Charger included | Non-removable | Samsung includes a charger, though it is slower than the Asus's, which might require an additional purchase. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80 µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1.00 µm, 1/1.56" Sony IMX890 | Samsung has a higher resolution, but the Asus's larger sensor size and pixel size, paired with a superior sensor, generally translate to better low-light and overall image quality. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" Omnivision OV08A10, 1.00 µm | None | Samsung has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities. Asus doesn't offer an optical zoom, relying on digital zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80 µm | 32MP, pixel size: unknown | Both have similar resolution selfie cameras. Asus' pixel size is unknown so direct comparison isn't possible. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | None | Samsung has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more of a scene. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm | 5MP, f/2.4, pixel size: unknown | Both have similar macro lens, for capturing close-up details. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2, pixel size: unknown | Asus has one lens that performs both wide angle and macro, it is unknown if this offers the same experience as dedicated lenses. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Asus offers far superior video capabilities, including higher resolutions and frame rates. |
| DxoMark | Mobile: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Not Tested | Samsung's camera has been tested and scored well. Asus does not have a DxoMark score so no direct comparison can be made in terms of score. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, PDAF | Triple camera, Gimbal, LAF | Samsung is more versatile with more camera lenses, while Asus focuses on high quality imaging features and stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 12 | Android 14, upgradeable to 16 | Asus offers a newer version of Android and will likely receive software updates for longer, ensuring access to the latest features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Up to Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Up to Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Asus supports the newest Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7), offering faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks, while the Samsung is limited to older standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | Asus has newer Bluetooth version with better efficiency and supports higher-quality audio codecs like aptX Adaptive, providing better audio quality with compatible devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Asus has support for more satellite systems, offering significantly more accurate and reliable location services, especially in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB | Both phones offer the same maximum storage capacity, but the Samsung has a lower option while Asus does not. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 12GB or 16GB | Asus offers much more RAM, resulting in better multitasking, faster app loading, and improved gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage through microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Asus has a more advanced audio setup, offering better audio quality, surround sound and better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Asus has significantly better screen protection with the latest Gorilla Glass technology, offering better scratch and drop resistance, where as the Samsung's protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Asus has a slightly more comprehensive sensor package, while both phones have the standard sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter (22g) making it more comfortable for long-term use.
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities.
- Wide Angle Lens: Offers a dedicated wide-angle lens, not present on Asus.
- More Camera Lenses: Features a Quadruple camera with more variety.
- Inclusion of 15W Charger: The device includes a 15W charger in the box.
- Lower Price: Likely available at a significantly lower price than the ROG Phone 8.
- DXoMark: The phone has a DXoMark score making it easier to compare the camera to other devices.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers dramatically better performance in all aspects of usage, including gaming and multitasking.
- Significantly Smoother Display: The 165Hz refresh rate provides a much smoother and more responsive visual experience.
- Much Brighter Display: The 2500 nits brightness offers vastly superior outdoor visibility.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Offers a larger battery capacity (5500 mAh) and much faster 65W charging.
- Advanced Camera Features: Offers 8K Video, Gimbal stabilization, and Laser Autofocus (LAF) for high-quality imaging and videography.
- Superior Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards provide faster speeds and better performance.
- More RAM: Up to 16GB of RAM for seamless multitasking and smoother operation.
- Better Audio Quality: DTS / DTS X offers better surround sound and overall audio immersion.
- Better Screen Protection: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for significantly better scratch and drop resistance.
- Newer Operating System: Comes with Android 14, likely receiving updates for longer.
- More Accurate Location Services: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung sacrifices raw performance, display quality, battery capacity, charging speed, and video quality for a lower price, a slightly lighter device and dedicated camera lenses.
- The Asus is more expensive and heavier but offers superior performance, display, battery and camera features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and basic photography and appreciate a lighter device.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday communication (calls, texts, email).
- Casual browsing and social media usage.
- General photography with a variety of lenses.
- Multimedia consumption (videos, music).
- Value Proposition: Offers a good balance of features and a lower price point.
Asus ROG Phone 8:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, content creators, and those who prioritize top-tier performance and advanced features.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming (high-performance, competitive).
- Video recording and content creation (8K video, advanced features).
- Heavy multitasking and demanding app usage.
- Multimedia consumption (high-quality video and audio).
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight, thanks to high display brightness.
- Value Proposition: Provides cutting-edge performance, advanced features, and a premium experience, justifying the higher price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, content creation, everyday tasks, etc.)
- How important are performance and display quality? (Do you need top-tier speed and a super smooth, bright display or something less demanding is acceptable?)
- What is my budget? (Are you willing to pay extra for premium features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious): If you have a limited budget and need a reliable phone for basic use, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a reasonable option, focusing on value for money.
- Scenario 2 (Gaming & Performance): If you are a serious gamer, content creator, or power user who needs top-tier performance, a high-refresh-rate display, long battery life, and fast charging, the Asus ROG Phone 8 is the clear choice, despite its higher cost and weight.
- Scenario 3 (Photography & Multimedia): The Samsung Galaxy A72 offers more variety with its dedicated lenses, but the Asus ROG Phone 8 has much better image quality and superior video recording. So if you prioritise quality over lens versatility the Asus ROG Phone 8 is a better choice.
What I Would Choose and Why
Based on the provided specifications and my preferences, I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 8.
Here's why:
Performance is Key: As a user who values smooth performance for gaming and multitasking, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and 12GB/16GB of RAM on the ROG Phone 8 are significantly more appealing. The 6x higher AnTuTu score points towards a huge performance difference in daily tasks.
Display Quality: The 165Hz refresh rate and 2500 nits brightness make a noticeable difference in user experience. The smoother scrolling and superior outdoor visibility are major advantages, especially when using the phone frequently outside.
Future Proofing: The ROG Phone 8 with its newer OS, higher RAM, and cutting-edge components will remain relevant for longer than the older Samsung Galaxy A72.
Battery: The larger battery capacity is great to have and the much faster charging is a major time saver.
Superior Camera Quality: Although the Samsung has more lenses, the primary camera on the Asus uses a higher quality Sony sensor that will most likely lead to better photos, and it can also record in 8K, a huge upgrade.
Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are desirable for higher speeds and better performance in general.
While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has advantages in terms of weight, and a more budget-friendly price point, the Asus ROG Phone 8 offers a premium experience that aligns with my needs for top performance, great visual experience, long battery life, and future-proofness, and because of this I would happily pay more for the Asus ROG Phone 8.
