Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Honor X8b
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 161.1 x 74.6 x 6.8 mm | Honor X8b is noticeably thinner and more compact, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use. A72 has larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 203g | 166g | Honor X8b is significantly lighter, making it easier to hold for extended periods and carry around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size, offering a similar viewing experience for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Practically identical; both offer sharp, clear images. |
| PPI | 394 | 394 | Both have the same pixel density, so the image sharpness will be the same. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both provide a smoother scrolling experience compared to standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 2000 nits | Honor X8b offers significantly better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Samsung A72 is expected to have slightly better performance for gaming and demanding tasks due to its more powerful chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 250,000 | A72 has a slightly better benchmark score, but the real-world difference in daily usage might be minimal. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 | A72’s GPU will offer slightly better graphics rendering for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | A72 is expected to have longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 35W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Honor X8b charges faster, reducing downtime. Li-Polymer is known for being lighter and safer compared to Li-ion. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.75 | Honor X8b has a much higher megapixel count, potentially capturing more detail in good lighting. It has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 offers optical zoom capabilities for better zoomed photos. This feature is not available on X8b. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.1 | Honor X8b captures more detailed selfies with a wider aperture allowing more light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A72 offers better wide-angle photos due to its higher resolution lens. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72 has a slightly higher megapixel count for Macro Photography. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 supports higher-resolution video with better electronic image stabilization. X8b does not provide any EIS. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Not Available | A72's camera performs well according to DxOMark with very good photo scores. X8b lacks official DxOMark scores. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, Quad Camera | Front Flash, Triple Camera | A72 offers better stabilization and optical zoom, while X8b has a front flash. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | Honor X8b has a newer OS out-of-the-box and offers potentially longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Both offer Bluetooth 5.0, but A72 provides more advanced Bluetooth profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, GPS (L1+L5) | A72 has more satellite systems for more accurate positioning, while X8b offers dual-band GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Honor X8b offers a larger storage option (512GB) and has more options. Both do not have expandable storage. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | Honor X8b comes standard with 8 GB of RAM, ideal for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage via SD Card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | A72 offers better audio quality with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Honor X8b provides a more convenient and faster unlock with its side-mounted sensor, while A72 has an in-display fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones lack specific information about screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A72 offers more sensors like gyroscope, useful for gaming; while X8b has an ultrasonic proximity sensor instead of a standard proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Camera System: Offers a more versatile camera setup with optical zoom, higher resolution wide-angle lens, and 4K video recording with EIS, resulting in better quality images and video. Also has telephoto lens for zooming capabilities.
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset provides better overall performance compared to the Snapdragon 680, particularly in gaming and demanding apps.
- Enhanced Audio: Features stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos for a more immersive audio experience.
- Better Video Recording: 4k recording is supported on the A72 which may appeal to some video recording users, especially combined with the enhanced EIS
- Wider variety of Sensors: has a gyroscope which is important for gaming applications.
- Larger Battery: The A72 has a bigger battery of 5000mAh compared to the 4500 mAh battery on the X8b.
- More GPS Satellites: It utilizes a larger variety of GPS Satellites
Practical Implications: The A72 is suitable for users who prioritize camera quality, gaming performance, and multimedia consumption with superior audio.
Honor X8b Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly brighter screen (2000 nits) makes it much more usable in bright sunlight.
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold and carry around due to its reduced weight and slimmer profile.
- Faster Charging: 35W fast charging allows quicker recharge times, beneficial for users on the go.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Better for detailed selfies and video calls.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 13 out-of-the-box.
- Larger Internal Storage Options: Comes with a 512GB option.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Many find this faster and more reliable.
Practical Implications: The X8b is a better fit for users who value portability, outdoor visibility, quick charging, and latest software and larger storage options.
Trade-offs:
- The A72 sacrifices some portability and screen brightness for better camera and processing performance.
- The X8b compromises camera versatility and performance for a more lightweight design and better screen visibility in daylight.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal Users:
- Mobile photographers who need versatile cameras with good zoom, great stabilization, and 4K video.
- Gamers who require smoother performance and a better overall gaming experience
- Users who consume a lot of multimedia and appreciate a good audio experience with stereo speakers.
- Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Playing graphically demanding mobile games.
- Enjoying movies and music with good sound quality.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a more premium camera experience with good audio and better performance but might be slightly pricier.
Honor X8b:
- Ideal Users:
- Users who need a phone that’s easy to handle and carry around, particularly users with smaller hands.
- People who frequently use their phones in bright outdoor conditions.
- Those who prioritize quick charging and a modern, up-to-date software experience.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday use, including browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Taking lots of selfies and video calls.
- Quickly topping up the phone's battery during the day.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a very competitive phone, especially if price point is a big factor, while still having a good user experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Camera Priority: How important are camera quality, versatile lenses and video capabilities (4k recording, OIS)?
- Performance vs. Portability: Do you prioritize raw performance for gaming, or are a lighter build, bright screen, and faster charging more important?
- Outdoor Usage: How often do you use your phone in bright sunlight?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Photographer: If you take lots of photos and videos, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is recommended because of its superior camera system with optical zoom, 4k recording, and OIS.
- Scenario 2: Casual User with Outdoor Needs: If you primarily use your phone for day-to-day tasks, and need good visibility in bright sunlight, then the Honor X8b would be a better fit.
- Scenario 3: Gamer on a Budget: For a good gaming experience the A72 is superior, however if on a budget the X8b would still perform well for many games while saving some money.
My Choice
Given the specifications, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
While the Honor X8b offers a more modern design, lighter build, and a brighter screen, my priority would be the A72's superior camera capabilities, more capable performance, and enhanced audio experience. I value high-quality photos and videos, and the optical zoom and OIS features on the A72 are very important to me. Additionally, the better chipset would also be beneficial for demanding apps or gaming, while not sacrificing too much battery life. While the display is not as bright, the overall package of the A72 is more appealing to me for its versatile and capable features, and would be the more reliable choice.
However, if I were a user with a limited budget or prioritised outdoor visibility, the Honor X8b would be an excellent alternative offering a better user experience in those specific scenarios.
