1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Honor X8a | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 162.9 x 74.5 x 7.5 mm | A72 is slightly larger and thicker, the X8a is more compact and easier to handle, especially for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 203g | 179g | X8a is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and reducing strain during prolonged phone use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have large screens suitable for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Practically identical screen sharpness. Minor difference is negligible in real use. |
| PPI | 394 | 391 | Essentially the same level of pixel density. Both displays will appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency when using dark themes, providing a richer viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72's higher brightness offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. X8a has unlisted brightness, making its outdoor visibility unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Helio G88 (12 nm) | A72’s Snapdragon chipset is more powerful than X8a's Helio, offering smoother performance for demanding tasks and games. |
| Antutu Score | 285,000 | 253,700 | A72 demonstrates superior performance in benchmarks, which translates to slightly smoother everyday use and gaming experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Adreno 618 in A72 is generally more performant than the Mali-G52 MC2 in X8a, leading to better graphics in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear | 64MP, f/1.8 | 100MP, f/1.9 | X8a boasts a higher megapixel count but a slightly narrower aperture. A72's wider aperture might offer better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4 | Not present | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots, offering more versatility than X8a's camera system. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | A72's front camera has a higher resolution and wider aperture, potentially providing better selfies, especially in low light. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A72's wide-angle lens has a higher resolution, capturing more detail in wide shots compared to the X8a. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72's macro lens has a higher resolution, resulting in more detailed close-up shots than the X8a. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 captures higher resolution videos (4K), with EIS. X8a is limited to 1080p and lacks EIS. |
| DxoMark | 92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | Not Tested | Samsung Galaxy A72 has better camera performance based on DxOMark scores, though this is not available for the Honor X8a. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, Quad | CDAF, Triple | A72 provides better image stabilization and optical zoom features. Honor X8a provides contrast detection autofocus. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | A72 has a larger battery, likely providing better battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 22.5W fast charging | A72 supports faster charging, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | X8a has a newer Android version out-of-the-box. A72 supports an upgrade to 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support similar Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | X8a has a newer version of Bluetooth. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options, catering to users with various storage needs. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both have ample RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | Not supported | Not supported | Neither phone allows for storage expansion, meaning users are limited to their chosen model's internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | A72 offers superior audio with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, resulting in a more immersive and better listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | X8a offers a more modern side-mounted sensor. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity: Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity: Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass | Samsung Galaxy A72 has additional sensors like Gyroscope. Honor X8a has Gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology offers better contrast, color accuracy, and power efficiency, significantly enhancing the visual experience.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset and higher benchmark scores indicate smoother performance for gaming and resource-intensive tasks.
- More Versatile Camera: Includes a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots, higher resolution wide angle and macro lens, and better selfie camera, leading to higher quality shots in multiple scenarios. The inclusion of OIS also gives it better stability.
- Higher Video Quality: Captures videos in up to 4K resolution and with EIS, offering significantly better video recording than the X8a.
- Better Audio Experience: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provides a more immersive audio experience.
- Brighter Display: The 800 nit brightness makes it much better for outdoor use.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery ensures longer battery life between charges.
Honor X8a Advantages:
- Newer Model: Launched later with a more recent version of Android out of the box.
- Lighter and More Compact: Weighs less and is smaller, making it more comfortable to hold and carry.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The side mounted sensor is more advanced and modern.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.1 LE, offers improved connectivity and power efficiency compared to A72's 5.0.
- Higher Main Camera Megapixels: 100MP main camera could capture more detailed images.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A72: Heavier and bulkier than the Honor X8a.
- Honor X8a: Inferior display, performance, camera system, and audio experience. It also has no specified brightness, making its viability in sunlight questionable.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User: Media consumers, photographers, mobile gamers, users who need a reliable phone for everyday use, and those who prioritize display quality.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies/shows due to the AMOLED display and stereo speakers.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Playing graphically demanding games with smoother performance.
- Using the phone outdoors in bright sunlight.
- People who want enhanced audio experience.
- Price-to-value: The device offers better premium features, and a more versatile experience. It's generally a more well-rounded option if within budget.
Honor X8a:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a lightweight phone, a modern OS, and are on a stricter budget.
- Use Cases:
- Basic everyday tasks and social media browsing.
- Users who need a lighter and more compact phone.
- Users who want the latest Android version out of the box.
- Users who prioritize a side mounted finger print sensor.
- Price-to-value: The device is a decent choice in the budget segment, offering basic functionalities without many frills.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize display quality and viewing experience? If yes, the Samsung Galaxy A72's AMOLED display is superior.
- Are you a heavy user who plays games or does a lot of photography and video recording? If yes, the Samsung Galaxy A72's superior performance and camera system are more suitable.
- Do you need a more compact and lightweight phone? If yes, the Honor X8a is a more comfortable choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Casual User: For a user who primarily uses their phone for browsing, social media, and calls, and is price-sensitive, the Honor X8a is a decent choice, offering a good user experience for general day to day tasks. However, if they use their phone outdoors, or consume media they may be better off looking at the A72.
Scenario 2: Multimedia Enthusiast: A user who consumes a lot of media, plays games, and values a premium experience should go for the Samsung Galaxy A72.
Scenario 3: Photography Focused User: A user who wants to take high-quality pictures and videos should choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 which features a more versatile camera system.
Scenario 4: Budget Conscious: A user looking for the most budget friendly option could consider the X8a, but should note its limitations in performance, display and camera.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. While it's older and slightly bulkier, the superior AMOLED display, better performance, more versatile camera system with OIS, brighter display, and superior audio experience make it a more compelling option. The slightly larger battery and faster charging are also significant advantages. For me, the improved experience in multimedia, photography and gaming outweighs the lighter form factor of the X8a. Given that both are similar in price now, the A72 is the more compelling device, for the additional features it brings.
