1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature Category | Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Google Pixel 7 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2022-10-13 | The Pixel 7 is significantly newer, meaning it will likely receive software updates for longer. |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm | The A72 is noticeably larger and wider, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands. The Pixel 7 is slightly thicker but more compact overall. | |
| Weight | 203g | 197g | The Pixel 7 is marginally lighter, which may be a benefit during extended use, though both phones are relatively similar in weight | |
| Display | Size | 6.7" | 6.3" | The A72's larger display is better for media consumption and multitasking. The Pixel 7 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same clarity, so neither has a visual advantage in sharpness. | |
| PPI | 394 | 416 | The Pixel 7 has slightly higher pixel density, resulting in slightly sharper images. The difference may not be very noticeable for most people. | |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both displays will offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. | |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. | |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1400 nits | The Pixel 7 will be much more readable in bright outdoor conditions. | |
| Performance | Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | The Pixel 7's chipset is significantly more powerful, offering much better performance in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, and smoother overall responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 827,033 | The Pixel 7 has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating it will perform much faster and more efficiently. | |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G710 MP7 | The Pixel 7's GPU is much more powerful, resulting in smoother graphics for gaming. | |
| Battery | Capacity | 5000mAh | 4355mAh | The A72 has a larger battery, potentially providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging, 23W Wireless Charging | The A72 charges faster with a cable, while the Pixel 7 offers wireless charging, offering more convenience. | |
| Features | 15W Charger Included | Reverse Charging, No Charger In Box, Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | Pixel 7 provides advanced battery features like wireless charging and reverse charging, while the A72 comes with a charger. | |
| Camera | Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.85, 1.20µm, 1/1.31" Sensor | Pixel 7 has a larger sensor and pixel size, which is generally better for low light, despite lower megapixel count. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 offers a dedicated telephoto lens. | |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1.22µm, 1/2.65" Sensor | The A72 has a higher megapixel selfie camera, but the Pixel 7 has larger pixels. | |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.55µm, 1/2.3" Sensor | Pixel 7 has larger pixels, which is generally better for low light. | |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photos. | |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@60fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | The Pixel 7 offers more advanced video capabilities, including higher frame rate 4K recording, and more features such as HDR, OIS | |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 92 | 140 | Pixel 7 has a much higher camera rating, demonstrating superior photo and video quality. | |
| DXOMark Score (Selfie) | N/A | 138 | Pixel 7 has a high selfie camera score. | |
| Camera Features | Optical Zoom, Quadruple Camera, OIS, PDAF | 4K Video, Dual Camera, LAF, OIS, PDAF, RAW | Pixel 7 features are geared towards computational photography and advanced video, while the A72 focuses on physical lenses. | |
| Software | OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 14) | The Pixel 7 has a more recent Android version, will receive updates for longer, and offers a cleaner Google experience. |
| Connectivity | WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E | Pixel 7 has faster Wi-Fi, with higher throughput, lower latency, and less interference. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2, LE, aptX, LDAC | The Pixel 7 has a newer version of Bluetooth, offering faster data transfer and better audio codec support. | |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Pixel 7 offers more satellite support and improved location accuracy. | |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Pixel 7 supports eSIM, which can be useful for international travel. A72 uses two physical SIM cards. | |
| Storage | Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same maximum storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | Pixel 7 provides sufficient RAM for smooth performance. | |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. | |
| Audio | Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers, 3 Mics | Pixel 7 has more advanced microphone technology for better call quality, while the A72 has Dolby Atmos for enhanced media playback. |
| Security | Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have standard fingerprint sensors. |
| Build | Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Pixel 7 has a much more durable glass screen for improved scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer, Proximity | Pixel 7 has more sensors, including a barometer which can be useful for weather tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen is better for those who prioritize media consumption and multitasking.
- Larger Battery: The 5000 mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life between charges.
- Dedicated Telephoto and Macro Lenses: Provides more versatility in photography, including optical zoom and close-up shots.
- Included Charger: Ships with a 15W fast charger in the box.
- Dual Physical SIM Support: Supports two physical SIM cards simultaneously.
Practical Implications: The A72 caters to users who need a large screen and long battery life, alongside versatile camera options. It may be appealing to those who want a physical sim and a charger included in the box.
Google Pixel 7 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Google Tensor G2 chip provides significantly faster performance for all tasks, including gaming.
- Much Better Camera: Higher image quality, especially in low light, and more advanced video features.
- Brighter Display: The 1400 nits display is much more readable outdoors.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Adds more convenient charging options.
- More Recent Software: Ships with the latest Android version and guaranteed long-term updates.
- Better Connectivity: Supports faster Wi-Fi 6E and more modern Bluetooth standards.
- Enhanced Audio Quality: Has noise cancellation microphones for better call clarity.
- More Durable Screen: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better protection against damage.
- eSIM Support: Supports eSIM for flexible carrier options.
- Better overall camera: Higher dxomark score demonstrates better photos and videos.
- More sensors: Magnetometer and Barometer add more environmental data.
Practical Implications: The Pixel 7 is a more powerful, premium phone with significantly better performance and a superior camera system. It's for those who prioritize speed, photography, and a modern software experience.
Trade-offs:
- The A72 sacrifices performance and camera quality for a larger display and battery.
- The Pixel 7 sacrifices the convenience of a larger battery and a dedicated telephoto/macro lens for superior processing power and camera quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Users who consume a lot of media (videos, browsing) and prefer a larger screen size.
- Individuals who prioritize battery life and need their phone to last all day without frequent charging.
- People who desire versatile camera options with a telephoto and macro lens.
- Those who prefer having dual physical SIM capabilities.
- Users on a tighter budget but still want an AMOLED display and decent mid range specs.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows.
- Reading e-books or articles.
- Longer periods of GPS usage.
- Casual photography with occasional zoom and macro shots.
- For users who want to have a charger included in the box.
Google Pixel 7 Ideal User:
- Tech enthusiasts who want the best performance and camera quality.
- Users who value a clean Android experience with timely updates.
- Individuals who take a lot of photos and videos, especially in low light conditions.
- People who frequently use wireless charging and appreciate the convenience of reverse wireless charging.
- Users who need a fast and snappy device for demanding apps and gaming.
- Those who value a more compact design with a high screen to body ratio.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Video editing on the go.
- Using a range of Google Apps with smooth performance.
- Travelers who need a reliable GPS with accurate location.
- Users who want a phone that is future-proof with software updates.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Galaxy A72 is an older mid-range phone, so it may be more affordable on the used market. It offers a good balance of features at a lower price point.
- The Pixel 7 is a newer and more premium phone, offering cutting-edge features and a higher overall experience but at a higher price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case for the phone? (Media, gaming, photography, daily communication)
- How important is camera quality and performance to me?
- What is my budget and am I willing to trade camera quality and performance for lower price?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Media Consumption & Long Battery: If you mainly watch videos, browse, and need your phone to last all day, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a good choice.
- Scenario 2: Top-Tier Camera & Performance: If you prioritize camera quality, want the smoothest performance, and appreciate the latest Android updates, the Google Pixel 7 is the superior option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Budget & Functionality: If you want a phone that will perform the basics well without breaking the bank and don't mind some compromises, then the A72 may be a suitable option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Google Pixel 7.
Here's why:
As a smartphone analyst, I value the latest tech and cutting-edge experiences. The Pixel 7 significantly outperforms the Galaxy A72 in key areas like the chipset, camera, and software, aligning with my priorities.
While the A72's larger display and battery are appealing, the performance and camera trade-offs are too significant. The Pixel 7's Tensor G2 chip offers a substantial boost in processing power, leading to a smoother, more responsive user experience, which is essential for my workflow involving multitasking and media management. The camera quality of the Pixel 7 is far superior for both photos and videos.
I also appreciate the Google's clean Android experience and their commitment to timely updates, ensuring the phone remains future-proof. The advanced connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi 6E and newer Bluetooth standards, are also critical for maintaining high performance. Additionally, having wireless charging is a significant advantage in terms of convenience.
While the A72 is a capable mid-range device, it doesn't compare to the flagship performance and software experience offered by the Pixel 7. The Pixel 7's ability to handle demanding tasks and capture incredible photos/videos makes it my personal choice.
