1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 20 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 163 × 76 × 7 mm | A72 is slightly larger and thicker, Edge 20 is slimmer and more compact in hand. |
| Weight | 203g | 163g | Edge 20 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical display sizes, similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same clarity and detail. |
| PPI | 394 | 385 | Very similar pixel density, negligible visual difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Edge 20 provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 has much better outdoor visibility in sunlight; brightness is not listed for Edge 20. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Edge 20's chip offers significantly better performance, faster app loading, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 589,200 | Edge 20 provides much faster app loading and better multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 642L | Edge 20 has a more powerful GPU, better gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4020mAh | A72 is likely to offer longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Edge 20 charges slightly faster. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger Included | Reverse Charging | A72 includes a charger in the box; Edge 20 can be used to charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.9 | Edge 20 captures more detailed images. A72 might perform slightly better in low-light due to wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.4 | Both feature a telephoto lens with identical apertures. However, A72 has an additional dedicated 8MP Telephoto + Portrait lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.2 (Wide Angle + Macro) | A72 has a dedicated wide-angle lens. Edge 20 has a combination wide-angle/macro lens. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.2 (Wide Angle + Macro) | A72 has a dedicated macro lens. Edge 20 has a combination wide-angle/macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.3 | A72 has a slightly wider aperture, possibly better low-light selfies. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS | Both offer similar main video capabilities, but the Motorola Edge 20 offers more slow-motion options. Motorola Edge 20 video recording has no OIS. |
| DXOMark | 92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | Not Tested | Samsung Galaxy A72 is the only device with a score - reliable indicator for camera quality, particularly for still photos. |
| Features | OIS, PDAF, Night Mode, Quadruple Camera | 4K Video, Triple Camera | A72 has OIS for stable photos and videos, PDAF, Night Mode and a Quadruple Camera setup while the Edge 20 has 4K video recording and a triple camera setup. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgrade to 12 | Android 11, Upgrade to 12 | Both support Android 11 and are upgradable to 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Edge 20 offers faster speeds, better performance on crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Edge 20 has the latest Bluetooth version for more efficient connections and higher data throughput. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Both have standard GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both have the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 6/8GB | Sufficient for most tasks and multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offer expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | A72 offers better audio quality with immersive sound and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Edge 20 offers more reliable and faster fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Edge 20 has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Both offer comprehensive sensor suites. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Much higher brightness (800 nits) makes it significantly better for outdoor use in sunny conditions. The lack of brightness information on the Edge 20 makes it significantly disadvantageous for those in sunny environments.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery provides potentially longer usage time between charges.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers offer enhanced audio experience for media consumption and gaming.
- More Versatile Camera System: Dedicated telephoto, wide-angle and macro lenses, OIS for steady shots, better low-light performance. The DXOMark scores also indicate a higher camera quality, particularly for stills.
- Includes Charger: Comes with a 15W fast charger in the box.
Motorola Edge 20 Advantages:
- Significantly Lighter: 163g vs 203g makes it more comfortable for extended use and carrying.
- Much Faster Performance: Snapdragon 778G chipset offers significantly better overall performance.
- Smoother Display: 144Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid and responsive user experience.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging offers faster top-up times.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can be used to charge other devices wirelessly.
- Newer Connectivity Standards: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 offer faster and more efficient connections.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Potentially more convenient and reliable.
Trade-offs:
- A72: Heavier, slower processor, lacks Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Better camera versatility and battery, but not as strong in performance.
- Edge 20: Smaller battery, less impressive audio, lacks a dedicated macro and wide-angle lens. Offers superior processing power and display smoothness, but may not have as strong photography performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User: Someone who values a brighter display, great audio experience, versatile camera setup, and longer battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Frequent outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Extensive media consumption and gaming, valuing audio quality.
- Users who prioritize versatile camera system for different shooting scenarios.
- Users who value a larger battery that can last them all day long.
- Users who want a charger in the box.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a good balance of features, with a focus on camera and multimedia.
Motorola Edge 20:
- Ideal User: Someone who prioritizes performance, a smooth display, and a lightweight design.
- Use Cases:
- Heavy multitasking and gaming.
- Users who value fast performance and a smooth scrolling experience.
- Users who prefer a lightweight and comfortable phone.
- Users who appreciate the latest wireless connectivity standards.
- Users who use their phone for quick top-up charging through a fast charger.
- Price-to-Value: Provides superior performance for the price, while still being a solid contender in other areas.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance and display smoothness, or a versatile camera and battery? If performance is a priority, the Motorola Edge 20 is the clear choice. If a versatile camera and longer battery life are more important, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a better option.
- How important is outdoor visibility and audio quality to you? If you frequently use your phone outdoors or enjoy media with high audio fidelity, the A72 is the better choice. However, if you need a lightweight phone with fast wireless connectivity, the Edge 20 is a better option.
- Do you need a dedicated macro lens or do you value smooth performance? If you need a dedicated macro and wide-angle lens, the A72 has the upper hand. However, if you value fast performance, the Edge 20 is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoor Enthusiast: If you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in bright sunlight, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is better due to its significantly brighter display.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Power User: For gamers and those who need the best performance, the Motorola Edge 20 is the preferred option due to its faster processor and smoother display.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you enjoy taking photos in different scenarios and need OIS, the Samsung Galaxy A72’s versatile camera setup will be more beneficial.
- Scenario 4: Media Consumption: If you watch a lot of videos and enjoy good audio, the Samsung Galaxy A72's Dolby Atmos stereo speakers would make this a better pick.
- Scenario 5: Travel Enthusiast: If you are a travel enthusiast and need a lightweight device with a more compact body, the Motorola Edge 20 is a great choice.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Motorola Edge 20. Although the Samsung Galaxy A72 has strengths in terms of camera versatility, battery, and display brightness, the Motorola Edge 20 offers a much more compelling experience due to its superior performance, lighter design, smoother 144Hz display, and faster connectivity. These factors are more important for my typical use, which includes a lot of multitasking, app switching, browsing, and a bit of gaming. The fast charging, newer WiFi standard and Bluetooth version would also give a much better user experience. While the camera might be slightly less versatile, the performance boost would make day-to-day use much more enjoyable. The trade-off of a smaller battery is acceptable for me given the faster charging and lighter form factor.
