1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Honor X7b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 166.7 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm | Similar size, the Honor X7b is slightly taller and thinner, may be imperceptible in daily use. |
| Weight | 203g | 199g | Both phones have almost identical weights. No significant difference in hand feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Negligible difference, both offer a large screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both offer sharp displays, small resolution differences are unnoticeable to the naked eye. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 389 PPI | Virtually identical sharpness, no visible difference in clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Major difference: AMOLED offers richer colors, true blacks, better contrast, and superior power efficiency for dark themes. More vivid and better viewing experience especially in dim lighting. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz, but similar experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | Major difference: Samsung's 800 nits means significantly better visibility in direct sunlight and bright outdoor conditions, while Honor X7b's is unknown but likely significantly lower, affecting outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | The Snapdragon 720G (8nm) generally offers better performance than the Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm), especially in gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 249,150 | Samsung Galaxy A72 will perform noticeably faster in demanding tasks, including gaming and running resource-heavy applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 | Adreno 618 offers better graphics performance, crucial for smooth gaming experience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5330mAh | Honor X7b’s larger battery may offer slightly longer usage times, but both should last a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | 35W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Honor X7b charges faster, reducing waiting time. Li-Polymer is slightly more durable. |
| Charger Inclusion | 15W Charger included | Charger not mentioned | The Samsung includes a charger which is a good value add, the Honor doesn't specify if charger is included. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 108MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm | Honor X7b has higher megapixel count, which doesn't always translate to better images. Samsung's larger pixel size is better in low light. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm, OIS | None | Samsung offers a dedicated zoom lens for better clarity at a distance. OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) reduces blur from shaky hands in photos and video |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 8MP, f/2.0 | Samsung has much higher resolution for detailed selfies, while Honor has a slightly wider aperture, better for low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 5MP, f/2.2 | Samsung's wide-angle captures more detail. |
| Depth | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Honor has a dedicated depth sensor to improve the quality of bokeh/portrait effect. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung captures more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Samsung records higher-resolution videos and at higher frame rates offering smoother videos with EIS. |
| DXOMark | Overall: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Not tested | Samsung Galaxy A72 performed better in DXOMark tests with 92 as overall, 100 for photos and 78 for video. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, Manual Focus, Night mode | CDAF | Samsung's OIS, zoom, manual and night mode offer advanced photography features, while Honor has CDAF to help focus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Honor has a newer version of Android, meaning it might get more software updates and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Honor X7b offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi, if your router supports it. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Honor has slightly newer Bluetooth for better connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer the same GPS capabilities |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM cards with Dual Standby. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both come with equal storage. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both offer similar RAM options, which should provide good multitasking. |
| Expandable | No expandable storage | No expandable storage | Neither allows for more storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Samsung offers slightly better audio with Dolby Atmos for enhanced sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Honor's side-mounted sensor might be more convenient. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have unknown screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Both have most standard sensors. A72 includes Hall and Geomagnetic, X7B includes Gravity. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher brightness offers much better viewing quality and sunlight readability.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 720G and Adreno 618 provide better overall and gaming performance.
- More Versatile Camera System: Telephoto lens with OIS, higher-resolution front-facing and wide-angle cameras, and 4K video recording provides much more flexibility and image quality.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos offers an improved audio experience.
- Camera Performance: The A72 demonstrated better performance in DXOMark test scores.
Honor X7b Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 13, potentially meaning longer software support and features.
- Slightly Larger Battery: A 330mAh larger battery might result in slightly longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 35W charging speeds will charge the phone faster than the A72.
- Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 offer better connectivity.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More convenient security.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A72 sacrifices a slightly larger battery and faster charging for a superior display, a better camera system, and enhanced audio and performance.
- Honor X7b sacrifices display quality and camera versatility for a slightly larger battery, faster charging, and newer software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: People who watch a lot of videos, browse photos, or play games. The superior AMOLED display and enhanced audio will be greatly appreciated.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want a versatile camera system with zoom capabilities, OIS, and higher-quality selfies.
- Gamers: The superior chipset and GPU will make gaming more smoother and enjoyable.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a screen that is clearly visible in bright sunlight due to its high brightness.
Use Cases:
- Watching HDR movies and shows on the vibrant AMOLED display.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos in various scenarios, especially with the zoom lens.
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Using the phone outdoors in bright conditions for navigation or photography.
Honor X7b Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a reliable phone at a lower price point with a decent battery life and newer software.
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phones for social media, web browsing, and messaging.
- Users who prioritize Software: Users who prefer to have the latest Android version and features.
- Battery-Life Focused: Those who value longer battery life and faster charging.
Use Cases:
- Long days away from a power outlet, relying on the larger battery and faster charging.
- Casual everyday usage such as browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Using the phone in areas with newer Wi-Fi standards.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Quality: How important is a vibrant, high-contrast display with good outdoor visibility to you? (If very important, pick Samsung A72)
- Camera Versatility: Do you prioritize a versatile camera system with zoom and high-quality video, or are simple shots enough? (If versatility is key, choose Samsung A72)
- Budget and Software: Are you on a strict budget, and do you want a newer operating system and possibly longer software support? (If yes, Honor X7b is a better value)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I want the best possible viewing and camera experience." Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its AMOLED screen and superior camera system.
- Scenario 2: "I need a phone that lasts all day and charges quickly, and I'm on a tight budget." Choose the Honor X7b for its larger battery and faster charging, newer software and better connectivity.
- Scenario 3: "I want the latest software, and I just use my phone for basic tasks." Choose the Honor X7b for its newer Android version and a focus on the basics.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. While the Honor X7b has some advantages like a newer Android version, slightly larger battery, and faster charging, the Samsung A72's superior display, versatile camera with features like OIS and optical zoom, better overall performance and the inclusion of a charger make it more appealing to me. The difference in display quality alone is significant for a user who consumes media on their phone. The improved camera capabilities are also crucial for capturing better quality pictures and videos. I also value the better audio features, performance and the overall value added with the included charger.
