Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Asus Zenfone 10
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Asus Zenfone 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2023-07-10 | The Zenfone 10 is a newer phone, likely with more modern features and software. |
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm, 203g | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.4 mm, 172g | A72 is larger and heavier, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. Zenfone 10 is more pocketable and lighter for easier handling. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 5.92" | A72 has a larger screen, better for media consumption. Zenfone 10 has a smaller, more compact screen, preferred by some users for easier handling. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have identical resolution, but combined with different sizes, affects PPI. |
| PPI | 394 | 445 | Zenfone 10's higher pixel density results in a sharper, clearer display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones utilize vibrant AMOLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 10 has a significantly smoother scrolling and animation experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1100 nits | Zenfone 10 offers much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | Zenfone 10 has a much more powerful and efficient processor, leading to significantly better performance across the board. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 10 offers vastly superior speed for all tasks, including gaming and intensive applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 740 | Zenfone 10's GPU will handle demanding graphics much better. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | A72 has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life in normal usage scenarios. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 30W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer, 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse Wired | Zenfone 10 charges slightly faster and offers wireless and reverse charging capabilities, providing greater convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1.00µm, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | A72 has higher megapixel count; Zenfone 10's main camera has a larger sensor and pixel size and a well-regarded sensor, usually leading to better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 offers optical zoom capabilities; Zenfone 10 doesn't offer a dedicated zoom lens |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 (shared with macro) | Both offer wide-angle shots; A72 has a dedicated wide-angle while Zenfone 10 combines it with macro functionalities. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | 13MP, f/2.2 (shared with wide-angle) | A72 has a dedicated macro; Zenfone 10 shares a lens for wide-angle and macro shots |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 32MP, f/2.5, 0.70µm, 1/3.2", Omnivision OV32C | A72 has a wider aperture; Zenfone 10 likely has higher image quality due to its sensor. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 8K@24fps, EIS, HDR, Gimbal | Zenfone 10 offers significantly higher video recording capabilities and advanced stabilization. |
| DxOMark | 92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | No Score | A72 has some testing scores available, indicating decent photo quality but Zenfone 10's camera has more modern hardware. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | Zenfone 10 has a newer OS and a longer guaranteed upgrade path. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | Zenfone 10 provides much faster and more reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | Zenfone 10 features a newer and more efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Standard systems | Expanded system support | Zenfone 10 offers more accurate and reliable GPS tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Zenfone 10 offers more storage options, including a higher-capacity 512GB variant. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/16 GB | Zenfone 10 offers significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and running demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Zenfone 10 offers higher quality audio, including better call clarity, while A72 offers standard immersive sound. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Zenfone 10 offers a more modern and convenient fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Zenfone 10 has more durable screen protection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption, easier to see text and images.
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life for users who prioritize endurance.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers dedicated optical zoom capabilities.
- Lower Cost: Likely to be more affordable due to its older release date.
Asus Zenfone 10 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers substantially better CPU and GPU performance, leading to faster app loading and smoother gaming.
- Superior Display: Higher refresh rate, better brightness, and sharper image quality for an improved visual experience.
- Better Camera Performance: Larger sensor on main camera, combined with improved processing, results in better image and video quality.
- Advanced Video Features: Including 8K recording, HDR, and gimbal stabilization
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: More convenient battery management.
- More Modern Software: Newer version of Android with longer software support.
- Better Connectivity: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 LE provide faster and more reliable connections.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Better for multitasking and storing media.
- More advanced security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced durability
Significant Trade-offs:
- A72: The older processor can result in slower performance and an older camera system, but offers a larger screen and battery at likely lower cost.
- Zenfone 10: Smaller screen and slightly less battery capacity but significantly better all-around performance and modern features; may be more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a functional phone without breaking the bank.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a large display for watching videos, browsing, or reading.
- Users Who Value Battery Life: Those who prioritize a long-lasting battery over cutting-edge performance and are ok with slower charging.
- Users that like to have optical zoom: The A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens that the Zenfone 10 lacks.
- Less Demanding Users: Those who mostly use their phone for basic tasks like social media, messaging, and web browsing.
Ideal Users for Asus Zenfone 10:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers and power users who demand high performance.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users who want a higher-quality camera and advanced video recording features.
- Users Who Value a Compact Phone: Those who prefer a smaller, pocketable device.
- Users Who Value a premium experience: Those who want a premium experience, advanced features and cutting-edge technology.
- Users Who Want Future-Proofing: The more modern processor, software, and connectivity features will make this a more viable phone in the long run.
Specific Use Cases:
- Galaxy A72: Good for watching movies on the go, basic photo taking, and day-to-day tasks.
- Zenfone 10: Excellent for gaming, creating and editing high-quality video content, social media content creation, and heavy multitasking.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my primary use case? Is it casual browsing, media consumption, gaming, or photography?
- How important is performance and smoothness? Do I need the best possible processing power for resource-intensive tasks?
- What is my budget? Am I looking for the best value, or am I willing to pay more for a premium experience?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the primary concern.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better choice given its lower price point while still offering a decent experience.
- Scenario 2: Performance and speed are crucial.
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 10 is the better choice given its vastly superior processing capabilities.
- Scenario 3: A smaller, more compact phone is a must.
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 10 is the better choice given it's smaller form factor.
- Scenario 4: Prioritizing video recording and future proofing.
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 10 is better due to it's higher video recording capabilities and up to date software.
Final Decision
If I were choosing, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 10.
While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has its merits, particularly its larger screen, and potential cost savings, the Zenfone 10 offers a far more compelling package for my needs. I value performance and a smooth user experience. The Zenfone 10's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and 144Hz display are game-changers for gaming and multitasking. The superior camera, especially for video, also seals the deal for me, as I find myself taking videos more often than ever. I do prefer a smaller phone for convenience, and the Zenfone 10's modern features make it a more future-proof investment. While the A72 is likely the cheaper phone, the significant gains in performance, camera quality, and features offered by the Zenfone 10 are well worth the extra investment for my use case.
