Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Huawei Mate X3
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Huawei Mate X3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Huawei Mate X3 offers a unique foldable design with a larger screen that can be easily carried. Samsung Galaxy A72 is a traditional smartphone. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 | 156.9 x 141.5 x 5.3 | Samsung Galaxy A72 is taller and thicker while the Huawei Mate X3 is wider when unfolded. Huawei Mate X3 is significantly thinner when unfolded. |
| Weight | 203g | 239g | Samsung Galaxy A72 is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. Huawei Mate X3 is heavier due to its foldable mechanism and larger size. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 7.85" | Huawei Mate X3 offers a significantly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 2224x2496 | Huawei Mate X3 has a much sharper display, leading to clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 426 | Huawei Mate X3 provides slightly sharper visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | Samsung Galaxy A72's AMOLED display will likely offer richer colours and better blacks. The technology for the Mate X3's display is unspecified. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Huawei Mate X3 offers smoother scrolling and animations, resulting in a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | Samsung Galaxy A72's display is significantly brighter and more usable in outdoor environments. The brightness of the Mate X3 display is unspecified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Huawei Mate X3 has a much more powerful chipset for faster app loading, smoother gaming, and better multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 285,000 | 1,238,400 | Huawei Mate X3 has significantly higher performance, making it suitable for intensive tasks and demanding games. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 730 | Huawei Mate X3's GPU provides a noticeable improvement in graphics performance, especially for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | Samsung Galaxy A72 has a marginally higher battery capacity, but real world use may vary. |
| Charging | 25W wired | 66W wired, 50W wireless | Huawei Mate X3 charges much faster and offers wireless charging for added convenience. |
| Features | 15W charger included, Li-Ion | 50W wireless charging, Li-Polymer | Huawei Mate X3 has faster charging and convenient wireless charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm (Sony IMX766) | Samsung Galaxy A72 has slightly higher resolution, but Huawei Mate X3 has a larger sensor size and larger pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.0µm | None | Samsung Galaxy A72 has a dedicated telephoto camera for optical zoom and portrait shots. Huawei Mate X3 does not have a dedicated camera for this purpose. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | 8MP, f/2.4, Unknown µm | Samsung Galaxy A72 has much higher resolution selfie camera, but the pixel size is unknown on the Huawei, making it difficult to determine quality without further information. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 16MP, f/3.4, 1/3.09", 1.0µm (Sony IMX351) | Huawei Mate X3 has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | None | Samsung Galaxy A72 has a dedicated ultrawide lens. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | None | Samsung Galaxy A72 has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 12MP, f/2.2, (Sony IMX688), Unknown µm | Huawei Mate X3 has a wide angle and macro camera combo lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Both phones are capable of recording high-quality 4k video. The Mate X3 has faster slow motion. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | Not Tested | Samsung Galaxy A72 has been tested by DXOMark with a decent score. The Mate X3 has no available score, making a quality comparison impossible without further testing. |
| Camera 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 | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Main camera for Selfies, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | The phones have different strengths in terms of their camera features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Unspecified | The operating system on the Huawei is unknown, making a comparison impossible. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | Huawei Mate X3 supports newer Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Huawei Mate X3 has a newer Bluetooth version with potentially better power efficiency and enhanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Huawei Mate X3 supports a wider range of satellite systems, potentially leading to more accurate GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Full Active | The Mate X3 can use two SIMs at the same time, while the A72 can only use one at a time. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | Huawei Mate X3 offers more internal storage options, suitable for users who store a lot of media. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Huawei Mate X3 has more RAM for improved multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Samsung Galaxy A72 has Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio. Both have stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Huawei Mate X3 has a more convenient and modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have an unknown screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Huawei Mate X3 has a barometer for better altitude tracking, and a gravity and RGB sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable for extended use and pocketable.
- Brighter AMOLED Display: Significantly better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Dedicated Macro & Ultrawide Lenses: More versatile photography options with dedicated lens for wide and close-up shots.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Enhanced audio experience with richer, more immersive sound for media.
- Tested Camera: Has a dxoMark score for quality comparison.
- Lower Price Point: Likely to be more affordable (not specified, but typical for mid-range vs. foldable phones).
Huawei Mate X3 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Unique form factor with a large, immersive display that folds down for portability.
- Much Better Performance: Significantly more powerful processor and GPU for gaming and heavy tasks.
- Faster Charging: Much faster charging speeds, both wired and wireless.
- Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
- More Storage and RAM: Larger storage options and more RAM for handling multiple tasks.
- Larger and Higher Resolution Display: Superior display clarity and immersive viewing.
- Better Telephoto Lens: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom performance
- Additional Sensors: Has a barometer for altitude tracking, and a gravity and RGB sensor.
- Main Camera for Selfies: Can utilize the main rear camera for selfies.
- Dual Active Sim: Can use two SIMs simultaneously
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A72: Trades performance, charging speed and screen size for a lower price, traditional design and a brighter display.
- Huawei Mate X3: Trades portability, cost, and brightness for a much more immersive screen, high performance and fast charging. The weight of the phone is also a trade-off.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Prioritizing a good display and a reliable camera system without breaking the bank.
- Everyday Users: Those who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic photography.
- Users who need outdoor visiblity: Those who need a display that is easy to see in bright sunlight.
- Traditional Smartphone Users: Preferring a standard, non-folding phone design.
- Users who require an ultrawide and macro lens: Those who prefer to have the versatility of these lenses for photography.
- Users who want a more established OS
Ideal Users for Huawei Mate X3:
- Power Users: Requiring top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or other demanding tasks.
- Multitasking Experts: Who need high amounts of RAM and screen real estate for productivity.
- Early Adopters: Who are interested in cutting-edge technology and the foldable form factor.
- Users who want fast charging: Those who require their phone to quickly recharge.
- Media Consumers: Who would appreciate the large, high-resolution display for watching videos and movies.
- Users who require a telephoto lens: Those who need a zoom for photography.
- Users who prefer a more novel form factor
- Users who prefer dual active SIMs
Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Daily social media and browsing
- Casual photography and video recording
- Watching videos in indoor settings
- Everyday use for a less expensive phone.
- Huawei Mate X3:
- Mobile gaming on the go
- Multitasking with multiple apps
- Viewing high-quality content and video editing
- Using a phone for advanced photography with zooming
- Using the dual SIM for multiple phone numbers
- Using the phone as a small tablet
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Usage: What will be the primary use of the phone (media, gaming, work, social media, photography)?
- Form Factor: Do you prefer a traditional smartphone or a foldable one? Practical Implications: The A72 is a better choice for those looking for a traditional smartphone at a lower price point, with more versatility in its camera. The Mate X3 will be preferable to those looking for a premium experience with a foldable form factor, a larger display, and significantly better performance and faster charging capabilities.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget & Everyday Use): Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 if you prioritize a traditional form factor, good display for everyday use, and a dependable camera system while staying within budget.
- Scenario 2 (Performance & Multimedia): Choose the Huawei Mate X3 if you prioritize high performance, an immersive display, and advanced features for gaming, multitasking, or media consumption, and are willing to pay more.
- Scenario 3 (Foldable Experience): Choose the Huawei Mate X3 if you desire the unique foldable form factor, its larger screen, and the premium experience.
- Scenario 4 (Outdoor Use) Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 if you prioritize having a screen that can easily be seen outside in sunlight.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Huawei Mate X3. Although the price point will be significantly higher, the overall package is much more impressive. The sheer leap in performance, the significantly larger display, the faster charging, and the more robust build quality make it a much better device for me. While I appreciate the practicality of a traditional smartphone like the A72, I am interested in the foldable form factor, and the larger screen would allow me to use the phone like a small tablet. The advantages of the Mate X3 outweigh the benefits of the A72, making it my choice.
