Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Huawei nova 9 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Huawei nova 9 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 164.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm | A72 is slightly larger and thicker, may feel more substantial, but also less comfortable for small hands |
| Weight | 203g | 191g | Huawei is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Negligible difference in screen size, both offer a large viewing area |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2388 | Similar sharpness, no noticeable difference in everyday use |
| PPI | 394 | 387 | Both displays are very sharp, with no significant difference |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colours, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is significantly brighter, providing much better visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | A72's chipset is faster and more efficient, leading to smoother overall performance and better gaming experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 248,000 | A72 has a noticeable edge in performance, handling demanding tasks better |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 | A72 has a better GPU, providing better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4000 mAh | A72 is likely to have significantly longer battery life on a single charge |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Nova 9 SE charges much faster, reducing downtime |
| Battery Features | 15W Fast Charger included | Reverse Charging | A72 includes fast charger in the box, Nova 9 SE can charge other devices |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 108MP, f/1.9, 0.70µm | Nova 9 SE captures more detail, A72's wider aperture may perform better in low light |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 offers better zoom capabilities and dedicated portrait photos |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | A72 can capture a wider field of view |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72 takes better macro shots with more detail |
| Portrait mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nova 9 SE can take portrait photos with simulated background blur |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Nova 9 SE allows taking a wider picture and taking macros with the same lens |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.2 | A72 captures more detailed selfies |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps with EIS | A72 offers higher video quality, 4K recording support. |
| DxOMark | 92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | N/A | A72 has been tested with higher scores overall |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 11 | A72 is upgradeable to Android 12, while there is no indication for Nova 9 SE |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Nova 9 SE offers faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks with WiFi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | A72 has more bluetooth profiles, while Nova 9 SE has higher quality audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Nova 9 SE supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both provide ample storage, but neither is expandable |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Similar multitasking capabilities |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | A72 provides better sound for music and video playback |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Huawei features a more advanced fingerprint sensor |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | A72 has a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED display with better contrast, colour accuracy, and brightness makes it ideal for outdoor use and media consumption.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset offers a noticeable performance edge over the Snapdragon 680, leading to a smoother user experience, especially in gaming.
- Versatile Camera System: Features a telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, and a dedicated macro lens, offering greater versatility for different photography scenarios.
- Better Battery Life: The larger 5000 mAh battery should provide significantly longer usage time per charge.
- Superior Audio: Stereo Speakers and Dolby Atmos provide a more immersive audio experience.
- Better video recording: The Samsung Galaxy A72 is capable of shooting video in 4k, whilst the Huawei is limited to 1080p
- Better camera score: Samsung Galaxy A72 has a higher camera score on the dxomark.
Practical Implications:
- Better for users who value media consumption and gaming (due to better display and performance)
- Superior camera system offers more creative freedom, better zoom and macro shots
- Longer battery life is ideal for users with heavy usage
Huawei nova 9 SE Advantages:
- Faster Charging: The 66W fast charging is a significant advantage, quickly replenishing the battery.
- Newer WiFi Standard: Faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: The 108MP main sensor can capture highly detailed images.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More secure and easier to access fingerprint unlock feature.
- Reverse Charging: Ability to charge other devices using your phone.
- Ultra stable video: Capability to record more stable videos while on the move.
Practical Implications:
- Ideal for users who need to charge their phone quickly and often.
- Good for users who value detailed photos from the main camera and high quality sound.
- Practical for users who may need to occasionally charge other devices
Significant Trade-offs:
- Display Quality: The Nova 9 SE's IPS LCD display cannot match the vibrancy and contrast of the A72's AMOLED display.
- Battery Life: The smaller battery in the Nova 9 SE results in shorter usage times.
- Camera Versatility: The lack of telephoto and wide-angle lenses limits the photography capabilities of the Nova 9 SE.
- Performance: The Nova 9 SE may struggle with demanding tasks and high-end mobile games when compared to the A72.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who watch a lot of videos, movies, or play games will appreciate the vibrant AMOLED display and stereo speakers.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want a versatile camera system with telephoto and wide-angle capabilities.
- Heavy Users: Individuals who need a long-lasting battery to get through the day without needing to recharge.
- Outdoor Users: Users who often use their phones in bright conditions due to high brightness display.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows on the go.
- Capturing photos and videos in diverse settings.
- Playing demanding mobile games.
- Long workdays or travel where charging is limited.
Huawei nova 9 SE Ideal User:
- Users on the go: People that value fast charging and may need to charge their devices often.
- Everyday Photographers: Users who want to capture detailed images using the primary 108MP camera.
- Value-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a capable phone at a potentially lower price point.
- Users who value practicality: Individuals that want to use their phone to charge other devices.
Use Cases:
- Quickly charging the phone before going out.
- Capturing photos and videos of everyday moments.
- Basic daily tasks (browsing, social media, communication).
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy A72 may be pricier but offers a more complete experience with a superior display, performance, and camera system.
- The Huawei nova 9 SE is a more budget-friendly option that still delivers good value for the price, especially with its fast charging capability.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for a smartphone? (Media, photography, gaming, communication)
- How important is battery life and charging speed to you?
- What is your budget and how much value do you place on display quality, and camera versatility?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Media Consumption & Gaming: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its AMOLED display, superior performance and immersive audio.
Scenario 2: Fast Charging is a Priority: Choose the Huawei nova 9 SE if you prioritize quick charging and you don't mind a less vibrant display and less versatile camera system.
Scenario 3: Versatile Camera is a must: The Samsung Galaxy A72 offers more versatility due to its additional telephoto and wide-angle lenses and better main camera.
Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious: Choose the Huawei nova 9 SE if you value a good camera and a more affordable price.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
Reasoning:
While the Huawei Nova 9 SE has its merits, especially with its faster charging speed, the Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a more well-rounded experience that aligns with my priorities for a smartphone. The AMOLED display is a major draw for me, as I highly value vibrant colours and deep blacks for watching videos and browsing. The significantly better battery life on the A72 is also a key factor for my needs, as I tend to use my phone extensively throughout the day and prefer not to worry about needing to recharge often.
The camera system on the A72, while not as high resolution as the main camera on the Nova 9 SE, is much more versatile with its telephoto and wide-angle lenses. I find this flexibility crucial for capturing different types of shots, from landscapes to portrait shots. While the charging speed on the A72 is slower, I am willing to accept this compromise for the other advantages it offers.
Finally, the stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support on the A72 would enhance my media consumption experience, which is an important aspect of my daily usage. The better performance would also make the phone feel more responsive during all the tasks.
Overall, while the Nova 9 SE is a good phone for specific needs, the Galaxy A72 provides a better overall user experience due to its significantly superior display, battery life, camera versatility, audio, and overall performance.
