Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Huawei nova Y90
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm | A72 is slightly larger, may feel less comfortable for smaller hands. Both have similar thickness. |
| Weight | 203g | 195g | Nova Y90 is slightly lighter, may be more comfortable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both offer a large display suitable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Visually indistinguishable in everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 391 PPI | Practically identical sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, better for media consumption and outdoor use. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight due to higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | A72's chipset has marginally better performance for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 249,000 | A72 benchmarks slightly higher, suggesting smoother experience for apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 | A72 has slightly better GPU performance for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life for all-day use. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 40W fast charging | Nova Y90 charges significantly faster, reducing charging downtime. |
| Features | 15W Charger included | Non-removable | A72 includes a charger, reducing out-of-box costs. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A72 offers slightly higher detail in standard photos. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 has better zoom capabilities and portrait mode versatility. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | A72 has higher resolution front camera with more detail, Nova Y90 has slightly wider aperture for better low light performance |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | A72 captures wider scenes and group photos. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 offers better close up and macro photography. |
| Secondary Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nova Y90 has a depth sensor for better bokeh effects. |
| Tertiary Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nova Y90 has an additional secondary camera |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 has significantly higher video recording resolution and smoother video with 60fps recording and EIS. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | N/A | A72's camera quality is ranked higher. |
| Features | Quad, OIS, Night Mode | Triple | A72 has better low-light performance and image stabilization due to OIS. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | A72 has a known OS and upgrade path. Nova Y90 OS is unknown. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both have similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Both support basic Bluetooth audio, A72 offers more advanced features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Nova Y90 has a more accurate GPS due to additional satellite systems |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB | A72 offers more storage capacity, important for large media collections. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Both have multiple options of RAM for better multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | A72 offers a more immersive audio experience with better sound quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Nova Y90 offers a more convenient fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A72 has a wider range of sensors for a more versatile user experience. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have screen protection but the exact specs are unknown. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher brightness provides better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Better Camera System: Features a telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lens along with OIS and higher resolution selfie camera.
- Higher Performance: Slightly faster processor and GPU for better gaming and app performance.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos for immersive audio experience.
- Higher Video Quality: Records up to 4k with 60fps and EIS for smoother and higher quality videos.
Huawei nova Y90 Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 40W fast charging gets the phone back to full power quicker.
- More Accurate GPS: Includes QZSS for better location tracking.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More ergonomically placed for unlocking the device.
- Lower Price: Usually more budget-friendly option.
Trade-offs:
- A72: Higher price, slower charging, heavier.
- Nova Y90: Lower display quality, less versatile camera system, slower processor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User: Media consumers, frequent photographers, gamers, users who need a bright display for outdoor use.
- Use Cases:
- Watching videos and movies with superior color and contrast.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos in different scenarios.
- Playing graphics-intensive games with smoother performance.
- Using the phone comfortably in bright daylight for navigation and reading.
- Price-to-Value: Offers better features in areas like display and camera but comes at a higher cost.
Huawei nova Y90:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, users who prioritize fast charging and long battery life, basic mobile use.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday social media browsing and communication.
- Quickly charging the phone to full.
- Occasional photography and video recording.
- Basic navigation needs.
- Price-to-Value: Provides good value for the price, focusing on essential features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? If you prioritize vibrant colors, deep blacks, and outdoor visibility, the A72's AMOLED display is a must.
- How much do you value camera versatility and quality? The A72 offers a telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lens for more flexibility.
- Is fast charging essential? The Nova Y90's 40W charging is significantly faster, reducing downtime if charging speed is a priority.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Media Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its superior display, better audio, and higher video quality.
- For the Photographer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 due to its superior and more versatile camera lenses and higher quality photos.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Huawei nova Y90 for its faster charging and lower price point, while still offering a decent user experience.
- For Gamers: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 due to its better GPU and performance for a better gaming experience.
My Choice:
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. While the Huawei nova Y90 has the advantage of faster charging and a lower price, the superior AMOLED display, significantly better camera system with telephoto, wide angle, macro lenses and OIS and better performance make the A72 a more compelling option for my personal use. I watch a lot of media, take a lot of photos, and enjoy smooth gaming experiences so these factors are far more important to me. The improved audio is also a nice bonus. Even though it costs more, the added features justify the investment.
