1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 30 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 152.9 x 71.2 x 7.8 mm | A72 is larger and bulkier, Edge 30 Neo is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 203g | 155g | Edge 30 Neo is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.28" | A72 offers a larger screen for media consumption, Edge 30 Neo is more manageable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same clarity, though the pixel density on the Edge 30 Neo is slightly higher. |
| PPI | 394 | 419 | Edge 30 Neo has slightly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both display technologies offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Edge 30 Neo provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | Samsung A72 is substantially brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight, the 0 nits for Motorola is likely an error in the specs provided and will require further clarification |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Edge 30 Neo’s newer chipset results in better performance and efficiency in everyday use. |
| Antutu Score | 285,000 | 425,200 | Edge 30 Neo is significantly faster in benchmarks and provides smoother performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | Edge 30 Neo has a newer GPU, potentially better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.8 | 64MP f/1.8 | Similar main cameras. Motorola's sensor has a smaller pixel size (0.70 µm vs 0.80 µm). |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP f/2.4 | Not Available | A72 offers a dedicated zoom lens, allowing for better portrait shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | Not Available | A72 allows users to capture wider scenes with a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | Not Available | A72 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not Available | 13MP f/2.2 | Edge 30 Neo combines wide-angle and macro functions into one lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2 | 32MP f/2.4 | A72 selfie camera has a slightly wider aperture, possibly better in low light. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (with EIS), 1080p@60fps (with EIS) | 1080p@60fps | A72 can record in higher resolution (4K) with EIS, capturing more detailed video. |
| DxOMark Score | 92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | Not Available | A72 has been rated on DxOMark, giving a baseline for camera quality, the Motorola phone has not been tested by DxOMark. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, OIS, Optical Zoom, Manual, Night Mode | Dual Camera, OIS, LAF | A72 offers a more versatile camera system with optical zoom and night mode. Edge 30 Neo has Laser autofocus (LAF). |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4020mAh | A72 has a significantly larger battery for longer usage on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging, 5W Wireless Charging | Edge 30 Neo charges much faster and includes convenient wireless charging. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer batteries, as on the Edge 30 Neo, generally have higher energy density and better safety profiles. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 15) | Edge 30 Neo ships with a newer Android version with longer future software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Edge 30 Neo has a newer Bluetooth version with potential for better energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | A72 supports Beidou for possibly more reliable location. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer similar storage options, adequate for most users. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8GB | The Edge 30 Neo comes standard with 8 GB of RAM, and the A72 comes in 6 GB and 8GB versions. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage, limiting the amount of media they can hold. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Edge 30 Neo might have slightly better audio clarity with 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | The specific screen protection for either model is unknown, limiting information on durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | A72 has the inclusion of hall and geomagnetic sensors that enhance the phone's use in specific environments. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.7" screen provides a more immersive viewing experience for media and games.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes a telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lens, offering more creative options.
- 4K Video Recording: Captures higher resolution videos, useful for detailed footage and vlogging.
- Significantly Brighter Screen: At 800 nits, the A72 can be used in outdoor environments with better visibility.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life, ideal for heavy usage.
- More Robust GPS: Inclusion of Beidou satellite system for more reliable location data.
- Additional sensors: The addition of hall and geomagnetic sensors allows for additional functionality in specific circumstances.
- DxOMark Score: The A72 camera has been reviewed and rated, giving more clarity to the overall quality of the phone's camera.
Motorola Edge 30 Neo Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and carry in pockets.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid visual experience.
- Better Performance: Newer chipset and GPU offer significantly better app loading and gaming.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 68W charging and 5W wireless charging for added convenience and speed.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 12 and is likely to receive updates longer, with a plan to be updated to android 15.
- Improved Audio Capture: The Edge 30 Neo includes 2 microphones that help to provide more spatial audio, better audio separation and immersion, and better voice capture.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.1 LE with low-energy capabilities.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung A72 trades faster performance and a smoother display for a more versatile camera system and larger battery.
- The Motorola Edge 30 Neo trades a dedicated telephoto, macro, and wide-angle lens as well as a larger battery and higher display brightness for a more compact design, faster performance, and faster charging.
- The Edge 30 Neo lacks a high-resolution video capture capability compared to the A72.
- The A72 trades a smaller form factor for a more robust camera and additional battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of videos and media, benefitting from the larger screen and long battery life.
- Photography Lovers: Users who enjoy experimenting with different camera modes and capturing various perspectives, requiring the additional lenses.
- Travelers and Outdoor Users: Those who need a long-lasting battery and brighter screen for better visibility outdoors.
- Those needing robust location functionality: The additional Beidou satellite system offers a more comprehensive location experience.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows while commuting.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos during trips.
- Using mapping and navigation apps outdoors.
Ideal User for Motorola Edge 30 Neo:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Those who prioritize speed and responsiveness for daily tasks and gaming.
- Users Who Value Convenience: Those who want the convenience of fast charging and wireless charging.
- On-the-Go Individuals: Users who appreciate a lighter, more compact device for ease of handling.
- Users looking for the latest software: Those who want to use the latest android software and will want to keep their phone for longer periods of time.
- Those wanting better audio: the additional microphone on the Edge 30 Neo could be important for some users.
Use Cases:
- Playing mobile games with smoother graphics and faster frame rates.
- Quickly charging before heading out.
- Easily carrying the phone throughout the day.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung A72 provides a good value if the user prioritizes the versatility of the camera system, a larger display, and a larger battery.
- The Motorola Edge 30 Neo offers great value for those who seek a fast, sleek, and modern phone with a smoother display and quick charging capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is the primary use case? (e.g., media consumption, photography, gaming, daily tasks)
- How important is battery life? (Do you prioritize having it for long periods of time, or having it charge quickly?)
- How important is camera versatility vs performance? (Do you prioritize having a better camera with dedicated lenses or a faster and more responsive device?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast: If you value a versatile camera with telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses, and do not mind the larger size and slightly heavier weight, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is better.
- Scenario 2: Gaming & Performance User: If smooth performance, fast charging, and a more compact design are priorities, the Motorola Edge 30 Neo is better.
- Scenario 3: Daily Use & Media Consumption: If you value a larger display and longer battery life for everyday tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is better.
- Scenario 4: On the go user: If you value portability and a smaller profile phone, with quick charge, the Motorola Edge 30 Neo is better.
- Scenario 5: Long term use: If you want a phone that will be supported for longer with the latest android operating system, the Motorola Edge 30 Neo is better.
My Choice:
I would choose the Motorola Edge 30 Neo. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a more versatile camera system and a larger battery, the Edge 30 Neo's faster performance, smoother display, much quicker charging, and more compact design align better with my preferences for daily use. The updated software and increased audio capabilities also make it the better long-term pick.
