Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Motorola Edge (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | The A72 is larger and slightly thicker, potentially feeling less comfortable for smaller hands or prolonged use. |
| Weight | 203g | 170g | The Motorola Edge is significantly lighter, making it easier to handle and carry for extended periods. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | The A72 offers a slightly larger screen, which may be preferable for media consumption, but the difference is marginal. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer identical sharpness, providing crisp and detailed images. |
| PPI | 394 | 399 | Negligible difference, both offer very similar pixel density and sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use high-quality display tech, resulting in vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the difference is often negligible for the naked eye. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | The Motorola Edge offers noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, especially beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | The A72 offers substantially better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The Motorola Edge's brightness is not specified, which is a major point of concern. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | The Motorola Edge's chipset is newer and more powerful, resulting in better performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 522,375 | The Motorola Edge demonstrates significantly faster performance, loading apps and handling multitasking significantly better. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | The Motorola Edge's GPU is more modern and offers better gaming performance, especially with high frame rate games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Lens | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor, 1.00µm pixel size | Both perform well in good light. The larger sensor of Motorola's main lens can produce better low light photos. Higher resolution of A72 may offer more cropping capability. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" sensor, 1.00µm pixel size | None | The A72 offers more versatile zooming capabilities with its dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Lens | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm pixel size | 32MP, f/2.45, 0.70µm pixel size | A72 has wider aperture for better low light performance, but the difference in practice is not that significant. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 13MP, f/1.5, 1.12µm pixel size | The Motorola Edge has a wider aperture, potentially leading to better low-light and shallower depth of field wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixel size | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2.83" sensor, 0.90µm pixel size | Motorola Edge offers much more detail and better macro shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, also 1080p@120fps | Both offer similar basic video quality, but Motorola offers higher frame rate recording at 1080p. |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | Not Listed | A72 provides a tested photo and video quality. No camera benchmark rating is available for the Motorola Edge. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life, generally providing all-day usage for moderate users. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Motorola Edge charges slightly faster, reducing the time spent waiting for a full charge. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included | 15W wireless charging, 5W reverse charging | Motorola Edge has added versatility with wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities, which the A72 lacks. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Edge (2022) Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 1050 chipset and higher AnTuTu score provide a significant boost in overall speed and responsiveness, leading to a smoother user experience and better gaming performance.
- Smoother Display: The 144Hz refresh rate offers a visibly smoother visual experience, which is beneficial for fast-paced content and gaming.
- More advanced Wireless Charging: Includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Better low light Wide Angle and Macro shots: Wider apertures and superior sensors.
- Newer Bluetooth and WiFi standards: Newer connectivity standards lead to better connection stability and lower latency.
- Lighter Design: The significantly lighter weight makes the Motorola Edge more comfortable for extended usage.
- Newer OS: Comes with a newer operating system version out of the box, potentially having a longer support period.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Better outdoor visibility: Significantly higher screen brightness makes it easier to use in direct sunlight.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers more versatile zoom capabilities.
- Tested Camera Performance: Offers DxOMark rating for quality.
- Included Fast Charger: It comes with a fast charger in the box, which is convenient.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Edge lacks a telephoto lens, limiting zoom versatility. It also lacks a known brightness rating, a critical factor in visibility.
- The Samsung A72, while having a telephoto lens, offers inferior overall performance and a lower refresh rate display. It also lacks the convenience of wireless charging and a newer operating system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Motorola Edge (2022):
- Gamers: The higher refresh rate and superior processing power offer a better gaming experience.
- Power Users: Those who need faster app loading, multitasking, and overall smoother performance.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who value a smooth display, and versatile charging capabilities.
- Tech Enthusiasts: People who appreciate having the latest connectivity standards and OS.
Use Cases for Motorola Edge (2022):
- High-performance mobile gaming.
- Seamless multitasking between multiple demanding apps.
- Smooth media consumption with minimal lag.
- On the go charging flexibility with wireless charging and reverse charging.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Outdoor users: People who frequently use their phone in bright daylight conditions.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who value optical zoom and are fine with the tradeoffs in other areas.
- Users who prefer a well-established brand: Those who prefer Samsung's ecosystem and features.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Taking photos and videos in various conditions with optical zoom capabilities.
- Using the phone comfortably outdoors in bright sunlight.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance and gaming? If you prioritize smooth operation, the Motorola Edge is the clear choice.
- How important is outdoor screen visibility? If you spend a lot of time outdoors in direct sunlight, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better option.
- How important is a versatile camera? The Samsung A72 offers better zoom capabilities but the Motorola edge features better macro and wide angle performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance and Gaming are Top Priority: Choose the Motorola Edge (2022) for its superior processor, GPU, and higher refresh rate screen.
- Scenario 2: Outdoor Use and Camera Zoom are Critical: Opt for the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its higher brightness screen and telephoto lens.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Usage and Modern features: Choose Motorola Edge for its better performance and more modern features.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Edge (2022).
Here's why: While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has its strengths, namely in its brighter display and telephoto lens, the Motorola Edge (2022) offers a more well-rounded experience for my needs. I prioritize overall performance, and the Dimensity 1050 chipset and higher AnTuTu score are a significant step up. The 144Hz refresh rate will make my daily usage, including browsing and social media, smoother and more enjoyable. The fact that it has faster charging, wireless charging, and reverse charging is a major bonus. Additionally, the slightly lighter design makes it more comfortable to use, especially for extended periods. While I appreciate a good camera, the loss of a telephoto lens is acceptable to me given the improvements to overall system and display quality. The lack of a specified brightness rating for the Motorola is a concern, but the combination of other significant advantages makes it the better pick for me. I also appreciate that the Motorola Edge comes with a newer version of Android, and thus likely longer support.
