1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Honor Magic6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 162.5 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | A72 is slightly taller and wider, while the Magic6 Pro is a bit thicker. The difference is minimal in hand. |
| Weight | 203g | 225g | A72 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. Magic6 Pro will feel more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Both are large, with a negligible difference of 0.1 inches. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1280x2800 | Magic6 Pro offers a significantly sharper and more detailed display due to higher pixel count. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 453 | Magic6 Pro's higher PPI leads to clearer text and images, noticeably better visual quality. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; negligible difference in day-to-day use. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Magic6 Pro provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations; a subtle but noticeable difference. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | The A72 offers considerably better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The value for the Magic6 Pro is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Magic6 Pro offers vastly superior performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 2,069,877 | Magic6 Pro delivers an absolutely massive performance increase, noticeable in every app. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 750 | Magic6 Pro's GPU is much more capable for graphics-intensive applications like gaming and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5600mAh | Magic6 Pro has a larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Magic6 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Charger Included | 80W Charging, Reverse Charging, Wireless 66W Charging, No Charger Inbox | Magic6 Pro offers more charging flexibility and faster wired charging, though no charger is included. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | A72 has slightly higher resolution; However, the Magic6 Pro's sensor has larger pixels and a wider aperture. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 | Magic6 Pro has a wider aperture allowing for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Resolution | 8MP | 180MP | Magic6 Pro’s telephoto lens offers significantly higher detail for zoomed shots. |
| Telephoto Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.6 | A72 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 50MP | Magic6 Pro's selfie camera has a higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Magic6 Pro has a wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes | No | A72 has a dedicated wide-angle lens. Magic6 Pro has a shared macro/wide. |
| Macro Lens | Yes | No | A72 has a dedicated macro lens. Magic6 Pro has a shared macro/wide. |
| Wide Angle/Macro Lens | No | Yes (50 MP) | Magic6 Pro provides a higher resolution wide/macro. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Magic6 Pro has more advanced video features including HDR and OIS for smoother, higher quality video. |
| Slow Motion | 120 fps | 960 fps | Magic6 Pro has much more capable slow motion capabilities. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 92 | 158 | Magic6 Pro's camera is significantly better based on the DXOMark scores. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Magic6 Pro ships with a newer OS and is expected to have longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | up to 802.11ac | up to WiFi 7 (802.11be) | Magic6 Pro supports newer WiFi standards offering faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Magic6 Pro has a newer version, providing better energy efficiency and possibly more advanced audio options. |
| GPS | Standard | Advanced (L1+L5) | Magic6 Pro has a more accurate GPS system. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM) | Magic6 Pro offers more flexibility, including eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | Magic6 Pro offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 12GB/16GB | Magic6 Pro has significantly more RAM for better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | DTS / DTS X | Both have stereo speakers. Samsung has Dolby and Honor has DTS. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Lighter and Slimmer: Easier to handle and more comfortable for extended use.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Dedicated Wide and Macro Lenses: Offers separate lenses for ultra-wide and macro shots for added versatility.
- Includes a Charger: Comes with a 15W charger in the box.
Honor Magic6 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Top-tier chipset delivers much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Significantly Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offer a more detailed and visually appealing screen.
- Faster Charging: 80W fast charging provides a much quicker top-up time.
- More Advanced Camera: Larger sensors, better aperture, higher telephoto resolution and more advanced video features.
- Newer Software: Android 14 offers a more up-to-date user experience and potentially longer software support.
- Larger Battery: Provides better battery endurance.
- More Connectivity Options: Supports WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, advanced GPS, and eSIM.
- More Storage and RAM: Greater capacity and multitasking ability.
- Higher DXOMark Scores: Significantly better overall camera quality.
Trade-offs:
- A72: Sacrifices performance, camera quality, and advanced features for a more affordable price point. The value is now considerably lower due to its age and the availability of much better phones for similar prices.
- Magic6 Pro: Heavier and bulkier. The lack of included charger can be inconvenient, but its superior overall performance and functionality more than make up for that.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a more affordable option with a decent display for everyday use.
- Users Prioritizing Size and Weight: Users who find the smaller dimensions and lighter weight more comfortable.
- Users Needing Bright Outdoor Visibility: Users who require clear visibility in sunny environments.
- Users needing dedicated macro and wide angle lenses.
Use Cases for Galaxy A72:
- Everyday browsing, social media, and multimedia consumption.
- Casual photography.
- Basic gaming.
Honor Magic6 Pro Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers, power users, and professionals who need the best performance.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want a versatile, high-quality camera system.
- Tech Savvy Individuals: Users who want the latest and greatest features.
- Multitaskers: Users who frequently switch between demanding apps and games.
- Users who need long battery life and super-fast charging.
Use Cases for Magic6 Pro:
- High-end gaming.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Demanding multitasking and productivity.
- Enjoying media on a sharp display.
- Travel where eSIM can be used.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The A72 offers a lower upfront cost but is now an older device with significantly weaker specifications when compared to what the same amount of money can buy now.
- The Magic6 Pro is more expensive, but the investment is justified by a vast performance increase, superior camera, modern features, and newer software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The price difference is significant, and the A72 will be significantly cheaper in the secondhand market.
- How important is performance and camera quality to you? The Magic6 Pro is drastically superior in both.
- How important is battery life and fast charging? The Magic6 Pro wins here also.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Priority): If the user is only concerned with basic smartphone functionality and has a strict budget, the used Samsung Galaxy A72 can be considered. However, for a similar price, many newer and better-performing phones will also be available.
- Scenario 2 (Performance & Camera Priority): If the user prioritizes cutting-edge performance, camera versatility, and a premium experience without concern for price, the Honor Magic6 Pro is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Approach): If the user desires good performance, a good camera, modern features, and better battery, the Honor Magic6 Pro is the recommended phone. It's worth saving more money for a far superior experience.
My Choice
I would choose the Honor Magic6 Pro.
Despite the lack of a charger, the superior performance, significantly better display, more capable camera system, and modern software and features make it the clear choice. The Samsung Galaxy A72, while being a decent phone in its time, simply doesn't compete with what the Magic6 Pro offers. The significant difference in AnTuTu scores, the much higher resolution display, and the vastly improved camera system make the Magic6 Pro the better device. The value proposition is much stronger with the Magic6 Pro.
