1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm | The A72 is noticeably larger, which might feel less comfortable in hand for some, while the Pixel 9 is more compact and pocketable. The A72 has a larger overall volume and might be harder to use one-handed. |
| Weight | 203g | 198g | The Pixel 9 is slightly lighter, which can be more comfortable during extended use and less fatiguing to hold. |
| Build | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The Pixel 9 has superior screen protection, meaning it is more durable and less prone to scratches and cracks than the A72 (unspecified). |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.3" | The A72 offers a larger screen, which can be better for media consumption and multitasking. The Pixel 9's smaller size might be more convenient for some users. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2424 | Both have very similar resolutions. No noticeable difference in sharpness for the user. |
| PPI | 394 | 422 | The Pixel 9 has a slightly sharper display, with more pixels per inch. The difference might be noticeable to users with sharp eyesight. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both phones utilize similar high-quality display technology, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Pixel 9 offers a smoother experience, especially when scrolling or playing games, due to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | The A72 has dramatically higher outdoor visibility (800 nits higher brightness). The Pixel 9's brightness is unknown and is likely to be less visible in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | The Pixel 9's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to much faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. It's also more energy-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,071,616 | The Pixel 9 has much better performance (approx. 3.7x higher) and will provide a smoother experience in all tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G715 MC7 | Different GPUs, but the Pixel 9’s GPU is much more capable and paired with the Tensor G4 chipset for enhanced performance in graphics and gaming. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | The A72 has a slightly larger battery capacity, potentially offering slightly better battery life, but real world usage will depend on the device usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 27W fast charging | The Pixel 9 supports slightly faster wired charging. |
| Features | Non-removable, 15W Fast Charger included | Reverse charging, Non-removable, Wireless charging 15W | The Pixel 9 offers more versatility with wireless charging and reverse charging. The A72 charger is included and provides a good charging speed |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80 µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.3" sensor, 1.20 µm pixel size | The Pixel 9 has a wider aperture and a larger sensor with bigger pixels which means better low light performance. The A72 has a higher megapixel count, which may result in sharper images in well-lit environments. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" sensor, 1.00 µm pixel size | None | The A72 offers dedicated telephoto capabilities for zoom shots and portrait mode. The Pixel 9 does not have this feature, however, it's primary sensor is more capable. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80 µm pixel size | 10.5MP, f/2.2, pixel size | The A72 has a much higher resolution selfie camera, which may result in better details and better low light due to pixel binning, but the pixel size for the Pixel 9 selfie is missing which impacts the analysis. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | None | The A72 includes a dedicated wide angle lens for more versatile photography. The Pixel 9 doesn't have a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm pixel size | None | The A72 includes a dedicated macro lens for more versatile photography. The Pixel 9 doesn't have a dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 48MP, f/1.7 | The Pixel 9 utilizes a Wide Angle + Macro Lens for more versatile photography. The A72 doesn't have a dedicated wide-angle + macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (EIS) | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps (HDR, OIS, EIS) | The Pixel 9 offers more advanced video features with higher frame rates and HDR, OIS, & EIS for video. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 92; Photo: 100; Video: 78 | Mobile: 154; Photo: 161; Video: 150 | The Pixel 9 significantly outperforms the A72 in camera performance, especially in photo and video quality according to DxOmark. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Flicker sensor, Noise reduction, Pro Video Mode, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), NPU AI Engine, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | The Pixel 9 has a more modern and feature-rich camera system with AI-enhanced capabilities. The A72 has more lenses, but the Pixel 9 has superior image processing and feature set. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (upgradable to 21) | The Pixel 9 has a much more recent version of Android, offering the latest features and security updates. The A72 will be several Android versions out of date, without updates or support. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | The Pixel 9 supports newer Wi-Fi standards, offering faster wireless speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | The Pixel 9 has a newer and more efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), NavIC System, GNSS | The Pixel 9 has more accurate and reliable location tracking with more systems supported. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Both offer dual SIM capabilities but the Pixel 9 includes the more modern eSIM standard, while the A72 includes dual physical SIM support. |
Storage and Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256 GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both devices offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 12 GB | The Pixel 9 has much more RAM, offering smoother multitasking and better performance for demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both devices lack expandable storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | The Pixel 9 should deliver better audio quality for calls with additional microphones and noise cancellation. The A72 includes Dolby Atmos enhancements. |
Security, Sensors, and Other Features
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both include a fingerprint sensor for basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | The Pixel 9 includes a barometer sensor for additional environmental data, while the A72 includes a compass and Hall sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen is better for media consumption, browsing, and users who prefer larger displays.
- Better Brightness: The 800 nits brightness means better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens allows for optical zoom, a feature missing on the Pixel 9.
- More Camera Lenses It includes dedicated macro and wide angle lens.
- Included Fast Charger: Comes with a 15W fast charger.
- Dual SIM: It offers dual physical SIM support.
Google Pixel 9 Advantages
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Google Tensor G4 chip provides much smoother and faster performance compared to the Snapdragon 720G.
- Superior Camera Quality: The primary sensor has much better image quality and is further enhanced by Google's computational photography.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate means smoother scrolling and animations.
- More Advanced Video Features: Offers HDR, OIS, EIS and 4K@60fps and slow motion at 240fps.
- More Modern Software: Runs the latest Android version, with years of software updates and support.
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 LE and better location with more GPS systems.
- Wireless Charging: Supports wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
- More RAM: The Pixel 9 has 12GB of RAM compared to 6GB or 8GB for the A72.
- eSIM Support: Provides support for digital SIM cards.
Trade-offs
- Pixel 9: While it offers superior performance and camera quality, it lacks the dedicated telephoto, macro, and wide angle lenses found on the A72. Its outdoor display brightness is unknown but is likely to be less visible compared to the A72.
- Samsung A72: Despite the additional lenses and the larger screen, it is far behind on performance, software, and overall image quality compared to the Pixel 9. Its build quality is inferior to the Pixel.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A72
- Users with a focus on media consumption: They appreciate the larger screen for video watching and browsing, as well as its superior brightness in outdoors.
- Budget-conscious users: It could be a more affordable option depending on the price, and users who value having multiple lenses for different shots.
- Users who prefer a physical SIM: Dual physical SIM for users who want to use multiple carriers, in older markets where eSIM is not supported.
- Users who prefer older devices: Users who don't need the latest and greatest performance but require a bigger screen at a low price.
Specific Use Cases for A72
- Watching videos on a bigger screen.
- Users who require a basic device with good screen visibility in outdoors.
- Basic photography with varied shooting options
Ideal Users for Google Pixel 9
- Users who want the best possible camera experience: The Pixel 9's image processing and camera features offer superior image quality and flexibility.
- Users who want the fastest performance: The Google Tensor G4 chipset provides an exceptional user experience for demanding applications and gaming.
- Users who want the latest software and updates: Running Android 14 with many years of updates ensures longevity and security.
- Users who require modern features: Wireless charging, eSIM, improved connectivity.
- Users who prefer a more compact device: It may be easier to use for people with small hands due to its smaller size and weight.
- Users who want long-lasting battery: Its efficiency and battery capabilities will make it a very reliable device.
- Users who value the latest technology: With superior performance, camera, and a plethora of features, this is the device for users that want cutting edge technology.
Specific Use Cases for Pixel 9:
- Taking high-quality photos and videos.
- Demanding gaming and multitasking.
- Using the device for a long time with the latest software updates and features.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- The Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a decent value if you are looking for a basic phone with good outdoor visibility and bigger screen, but it is seriously lacking in performance and software, being out of date.
- The Google Pixel 9 provides excellent value for users who need superior camera quality, performance, and modern software and will be a much better overall choice if the price is right.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is your primary use case? (Media consumption, photography, gaming, productivity, social media, etc.)
- What are your absolute must-haves? (e.g., performance, camera, battery life, specific features, large screen, affordability)
- How important are software updates and future support?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- If you prioritize a large screen and good outdoor visibility on a basic phone with multiple lenses on a budget: The Samsung Galaxy A72 might be adequate.
- If you prioritize performance, camera quality, and want the latest technology, software, and features: The Google Pixel 9 is the much better choice.
- If you require the newest software, performance, and camera performance regardless of price: The Google Pixel 9 is the superior choice and will provide a much better experience.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would unequivocally choose the Google Pixel 9.
Here's why:
- Future-Proofing: The Pixel 9's significantly more powerful chipset (Google Tensor G4) and modern Android version (14) offer a smoother, faster experience and provide years of software updates and support. The A72 is already outdated on software and will soon become obsolete in terms of updates.
- Superior Camera: The Pixel 9's camera system, even with fewer lenses, excels in image quality, thanks to its superior sensor, larger aperture, and Google's image processing. The DxOMark scores alone are a clear indication of the immense difference in image quality. I prioritize camera performance for daily usage and the Pixel 9 is miles better.
- Performance: The Tensor G4 provides a much better overall experience (3.7x the AnTuTu score), which ensures a smooth multitasking and gaming. The Pixel 9's 120Hz display enhances the user experience by providing a smoother visual performance.
- Modern Features: The Pixel 9 includes features like wireless charging, reverse charging, eSIM support, and superior Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- Value: Even if the Pixel 9 is more expensive, the significant gains in performance, software support, and camera quality make it a much better long-term investment.
While the Samsung A72 has a larger display, more lenses, and better brightness, these benefits are overshadowed by the Pixel 9's advantages in performance, camera, software, features and overall user experience. The Pixel 9 is simply a much better overall device that would provide a vastly superior and more enjoyable user experience.
