1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | A72 is slightly taller, while ROG 8 Pro is thicker. The difference is unlikely to be noticeable for most users. |
| Weight | 203g | 225g | A72 is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. ROG 8 Pro feels more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Virtually identical screen sizes; difference is negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Same sharpness and detail; neither is more crisp than the other. |
| PPI | 394 | 388 | Almost identical pixel density; no visible difference in clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 165Hz | ROG 8 Pro has much smoother scrolling and animations, particularly noticeable during gaming. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 2500 nits | ROG 8 Pro is significantly easier to see in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | ROG 8 Pro offers far superior performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 2,020,000 | ROG 8 Pro is dramatically faster in all aspects: app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 750 | ROG 8 Pro has a much more powerful GPU for graphics-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | ROG 8 Pro likely offers longer battery life; though actual use can vary widely. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 65W fast charging | ROG 8 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer (ROG 8 Pro) offers a slight edge in safety and lifespan. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1.00µm | A72 captures more detail in ideal lighting; ROG 8 Pro captures better in low-light due to larger pixel size. |
| Standard Camera Sensor | - | 1/1.56" Sony IMX890 | ROG 8 Pro’s main sensor is larger which typically allows for superior image quality. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" | None | A72 offers optical zoom for portraits, ROG 8 Pro lacks this feature. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" | ROG 8 Pro has a telephoto lens for optical zoom, missing on A72. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | None | A72 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for wider shots, missing on ROG 8 Pro. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | None | A72 has a macro lens for very close-up photos, missing on ROG 8 Pro. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3" | ROG 8 Pro has a combination lens, missing on A72. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 32MP, 1/3.2", 0.70µm | Both phones have capable front cameras, with minor differences in light capture. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | ROG 8 Pro offers higher resolution and frame rate options for video recording, better HDR capture. |
| Slow Motion | Up to 120fps | Up to 480fps | ROG 8 Pro captures much faster slow-motion. |
| DxOMark | Overall: 92; Photo: 100; Video: 78 | Not tested | A72 is tested; ROG 8 Pro's performance is unknown. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, OIS, PDAF | Triple Camera, OIS, Gimbal, LAF | A72 has a dedicated macro & ultrawide. ROG 8 Pro has advanced stabilization with Gimbal & Laser autofocus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 12) | Android 14 (Up to 16) | ROG 8 Pro has newer OS and will likely receive more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | up to 802.11ac | up to Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | ROG 8 Pro offers faster Wi-Fi speeds, better for gaming and large downloads. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | ROG 8 Pro has a more modern Bluetooth version with lower power consumption. |
| 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) | ROG 8 Pro uses more satellites for more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 512GB/1024GB | ROG 8 Pro offers substantially more storage for apps, media, and games. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 16GB/24GB | ROG 8 Pro has significantly more RAM, smoother for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | DTS / DTS X, 3 Microphones | Both have stereo speakers; ROG 8 Pro's audio is more immersive with slightly better recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG 8 Pro has superior screen protection for added durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Both phones have comprehensive sensor suites. ROG 8 Pro has a gravity sensor. A72 has hall and geomagnetic sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: Easier to handle for extended periods.
- More Camera Lenses: Includes a dedicated telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lens.
- Tested Camera Performance: Has DxOMark scores, indicating its camera performance has been benchmarked.
- Potentially Lower Cost: Launched at a lower price point, likely available used for even less.
Practical Implications: The A72 is more comfortable to hold, has more versatility with a wide variety of lenses for different shooting situations and has been independently tested for camera performance. It is likely to be more budget friendly.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much faster chipset, GPU, and more RAM for demanding tasks and games.
- Much Smoother Display: 165Hz refresh rate for more responsive scrolling and gameplay.
- Brighter Display: Easier to use in bright outdoor conditions.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging to reduce downtime.
- Larger Storage Options: Significantly more internal storage.
- Newer Software: Up-to-date Android version with more software support.
- Advanced Video: 8K video recording and higher slow motion fps
- More Advanced Sensors: Offers newer GPS and has more sensors.
- Better Bluetooth: newer version with low power consumption.
- Superior Screen Protection: More durable screen.
Practical Implications: The ROG Phone 8 Pro delivers superior performance for resource-intensive activities like gaming, video editing and multitasking, with a smoother and brighter screen. It charges faster, stores more, and has better software support.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A72: Sacrifices performance for a lighter build and some more camera lens options.
- ROG Phone 8 Pro: Sacrifices some camera lens versatility for more advanced video capabilities and substantially better overall performance, while being significantly heavier and more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 - Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a lighter and more comfortable phone for everyday use.
- Individuals who value camera versatility with a dedicated telephoto, wide angle, and macro lenses.
- Budget-conscious users who want a decent all-around phone without spending a premium.
- Users who prefer a tested camera system.
Specific Use Cases:
- General photography and casual social media posting.
- Everyday communication, browsing, and social media.
- Users who often need to take various styles of photos
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro - Ideal User:
- Serious mobile gamers who demand the best possible performance.
- Power users who do heavy multitasking and resource-intensive tasks.
- Users who value a smooth and bright display.
- Users who want the latest in software and future-proofing.
- Users who need superior video recording and slow motion.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing demanding games with maximum settings.
- Video editing or rendering on the go.
- Users who frequently take video and high-motion shots.
- Power users who need the most available RAM and storage.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The A72 will typically be more affordable, making it suitable for budget-conscious users, while the ROG Phone 8 Pro targets users willing to pay a premium for top-tier performance and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for your typical use? (Gaming, heavy multitasking vs. basic tasks).
- How much do you value camera versatility vs video quality? (Various lenses vs. advanced video features).
- What is your budget, and how important are premium features like a higher refresh rate and brightness?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: A user who mainly browses the web, checks email, and takes occasional photos should prioritize the A72 for its lighter build and lower price.
- Scenario 2: A user who plays games regularly or edits videos on their phone should choose the ROG Phone 8 Pro for its superior performance and display.
- Scenario 3: A user who frequently takes photos in diverse situations, including macro and portraits, would find the A72's camera setup more versatile and better suited for their needs.
- Scenario 4: A user who primarily takes video and high motion shots will find the ROG phone more suitable for its higher fps and higher resolution.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. My reasoning is primarily based on the fact that I am someone who frequently uses my phone for more than just communication or basic social media. I often play games, edit video and photos and use my phone as a secondary source of work with multitasking and documents. For these reasons, the superior performance of the ROG Phone 8 Pro far outweighs its increased weight and loss of some dedicated camera lenses that I can easily live without. The brighter screen and faster charging are also features I value greatly. Despite its increased cost, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is the better choice for my specific use cases.
