1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 158.6 × 74.8 × 8.9 mm | The A72 is noticeably taller and slightly wider, while the Pixel 6 is a bit thicker. The A72 might feel less compact in hand, while the Pixel 6 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 203g | 207g | Both phones are virtually the same weight, so no real difference in hand feel based on weight alone. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | The A72 provides a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. The Pixel 6 is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have identical sharpness; no visible difference in pixel density. |
| PPI | 394 | 411 | The Pixel 6 offers a slightly sharper display, but the difference isn't noticeable to the average user. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast ratios. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations; there's no difference in display fluidity. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | The A72 will be much more visible outdoors in bright sunlight, the lack of brightness info for the Pixel 6 is a huge drawback. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) | The Pixel 6's Tensor chip provides significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 721,000 | The Pixel 6 offers a drastically better performance in benchmarks, resulting in faster overall speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G78 MP20 | The Pixel 6’s GPU will handle demanding graphics tasks significantly better, especially for mobile gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Higher resolution doesn't always mean better quality. The A72 will offer slightly more detail but the overall image quality might not be better. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.85 | Very similar apertures, which means both cameras will perform similarly in low light situations. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.31" | Pixel 6's larger sensor captures more light, leading to better low-light performance and dynamic range. | |
| Telephoto Camera | Yes | No | The A72 has a dedicated zoom lens which is a practical advantage for taking close-up photos. |
| Macro Camera | Yes | No | The A72 has a dedicated macro lens, which is good for close up shots. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 8MP | A72 takes more detailed selfies, but resolution isn't everything; the Pixel 6's larger sensor and aperture might provide better quality. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | The Pixel 6's wider aperture lets in slightly more light for better low-light selfies. |
| Standard Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS | 4K@60fps with OIS, EIS | The Pixel 6 is capable of higher quality videos thanks to the higher framerate and OIS. |
| DxoMark Mobile | 92 | 126 | The Pixel 6's camera system is significantly superior in both photo and video quality; noticeable difference in real-world results. |
| DxoMark Selfie | Not Tested | 129 | The Pixel 6 has a very good selfie camera according to DxoMark. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4600mAh | The A72 may offer slightly longer battery life due to its larger capacity, but real-world usage varies. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 23W fast charging | The A72 will charge marginally faster than Pixel 6. |
| Charging Features | 15W Charger included | 21W Wireless Charging | The A72 provides an included charger, while the Pixel 6 has wireless charging, a matter of user preference. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max 12 | Android 12, max 14 | The Pixel 6 has more up-to-date software and will likely receive more updates in the future |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The Pixel 6 has faster Wi-Fi that works better in crowded environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | The Pixel 6's Bluetooth 5.2 is newer and can be more power-efficient and stable. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | The Pixel 6 has access to more satellite networks, leading to better accuracy in navigation. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | The Pixel 6 has the flexibility of eSIM, but both phones offer dual SIM functionality for international travelers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both have identical storage options; choose based on the available files needed. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB | The Pixel 6 provides a faster and more efficient multitasking experience. |
| Expandable | No | No | No way to add extra storage; users are limited to the internal storage capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | The A72 has Dolby Atmos for a more immersive audio experience with deeper bass and clearer highs |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both have standard fingerprint sensors for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Pixel 6 has far superior screen protection, making it less prone to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity, Fingerprint, Barometer | The Pixel 6 has a barometer for tracking altitude changes and a magnetometer, which the A72 lacks. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7-inch screen is better for media consumption, gaming, and multi-tasking.
- Telephoto and Macro Cameras: Offers more versatility in photography with dedicated zoom and close-up lenses.
- Dolby Atmos Support: Provides a slightly more immersive audio experience.
- Included Charger: Comes with a charger in the box, which is convenient.
- Higher Screen Brightness: Much better visibility outdoors in bright sunlight.
Google Pixel 6 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Tensor chip is much more powerful than the Snapdragon 720G, leading to faster overall responsiveness and better gaming.
- Superior Camera Quality: The Pixel 6 takes much better photos and videos overall, according to DxoMark.
- More Up-to-Date Software: Starts with Android 12 and will get more future updates than the A72.
- Better Build Quality: Features Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for faster and more stable connections.
- Wireless Charging: Offers the convenience of wireless charging.
- More GPS Satellite Support: More accurate location tracking.
- Barometer: Can track altitude changes.
Trade-offs:
- The A72 has a slightly larger battery, but the Pixel 6's superior efficiency could make up for the difference.
- The A72 has more camera lenses, but the Pixel 6 offers superior image processing.
- The A72 has a brighter screen, but lacks info about brightness for the Pixel 6.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize a large screen for watching movies, videos, and playing games.
- Casual Photographers: Users who want a versatile camera system with telephoto and macro capabilities, even if the quality isn't the best.
- Users Seeking Basic Features: Those who prioritize having a charger included in the box.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: If the A72 is significantly cheaper than the Pixel 6, it might be a good value.
Specific Use Cases for Galaxy A72:
- Watching movies and TV shows on the go, with the large screen for an immersive experience
- Taking close-up photos of flowers, insects, and small objects with the dedicated macro camera.
- Taking photos of people from far away using the telephoto zoom capabilities.
- Basic productivity, web browsing, and social media use where performance isn't as important.
Ideal User for Google Pixel 6:
- Performance Seekers: Gamers and power users who need the fastest possible performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value superior image quality, especially in low light.
- Software Update Fans: Users who want the latest Android features and the best possible support.
- Tech Savvy Users: People who appreciate advanced features like wireless charging and barometer.
Specific Use Cases for Pixel 6:
- Playing demanding games at the highest settings.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in all lighting conditions.
- Using the latest Android features and apps as soon as they are released.
- Relying on accurate navigation with better GPS support.
- Using wireless charging at home or at the office for convenient daily use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is raw performance? If you prioritize speed and gaming, the Pixel 6 is the clear winner. For basic tasks and media consumption, the A72 is adequate.
- How much do you value camera quality? If photography is critical, the Pixel 6's superior image processing makes it the better choice. If you need versatility with different lenses, A72 is better.
- What's your budget and are the extra features worth it? Consider the price difference between the two; if the A72 offers significant savings and you don't need the Pixel 6's advanced features, it can be a good option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User - If cost is a major concern and you only need basic smartphone functionalities, the A72 is a decent option that covers all the basics.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Driven User - If you're a gamer, a heavy app user, or anyone who values speed and smooth performance, the Pixel 6 is the only choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast - If you need the best image quality in a variety of lighting conditions, the Pixel 6 is the better choice thanks to its image processing and sensor.
- Scenario 4: Media Consumer on a Budget - If you primarily watch videos and movies on your phone and want a large screen on a budget, the A72 is a good option if the price is better.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Google Pixel 6.
Reasoning:
- Performance: The Google Tensor chipset is a clear differentiator. The Pixel 6 offers a vastly superior experience in terms of app loading, multitasking, and gaming. As a user that is constantly using the phone for various tasks, performance is my highest priority.
- Camera Quality: While I appreciate the A72's telephoto and macro lenses, the Pixel 6's image quality in all scenarios, but especially low-light, is undeniably better. As I take many photos and videos daily, I prioritize quality over lens variety.
- Software Experience: I prefer timely Android updates and I prefer Google's approach to software. The Pixel 6 also has the benefit of a longer software support lifecycle.
- Build Quality: The Gorilla Glass Victus protection on the Pixel 6 provides a much better peace of mind compared to the unknown screen protection of the Samsung.
- Advanced Features: While the Samsung's bigger battery and included charger are a nice addition, features like wireless charging, better Bluetooth, and more accurate GPS outweigh those minor features in my opinion.
- Practical Usage: I appreciate the more compact form factor, as the A72 is much bigger which makes it harder to use. The Pixel 6's better performance is a much more practical improvement for my daily usage.
In summary, the Pixel 6’s strengths in performance, camera quality, software, and build quality make it the better choice for my use case. Although, I would definitely advise someone looking for a bigger screen and more camera flexibility that A72 is also a decent option.
