1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 40 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 158.4 × 72 × 7.6 mm | A72 is larger and thicker, while the Edge 40 is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 203g | 167g | Edge 40 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.55" | A72 has a slightly larger screen, which might be better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness; indistinguishable in daily usage. |
| PPI | 394 | 402 | Practically identical pixel density, ensuring similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; minor differences in color science. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Edge 40 provides smoother scrolling and animations; visibly better user experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1200 nits | Edge 40 is much better for outdoor use, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8020 (6 nm) | Edge 40's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 762,526 | Edge 40 offers drastically superior overall performance compared to A72. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G77 MC9 | Edge 40's GPU is more powerful, resulting in better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | A72 has a larger battery which may translate to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 68W fast charging | Edge 40 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included, Non-removable | 15W Wireless charging, Non-removable | Edge 40 has the convenience of wireless charging, while the A72 includes a charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.55", 1.00µm | Edge 40 has a wider aperture and larger pixels, making it better in low-light situations despite lower resolution. |
| Telephoto + portrait | 8MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots; Edge 40 lacks this feature. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.4 | A72 has a slightly wider aperture for better selfies in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | N/A | A72 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in the frame; Edge 40 lacks this feature. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A72 has a dedicated macro lens for closeup photography; Edge 40 lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2 | Edge 40 has a single camera for both wide-angle and macro photography; A72 does not have one. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS | Edge 40 offers HDR video, which may result in better dynamic range. Edge 40 also has more options for high-frame rate. |
| DXOMARK Score (Mobile) | 92 | N/A | A72 has a DXOMARK camera rating of 92; No rating for Edge 40 |
| Features | OIS, Digital Zoom, Quad camera, Panorama, HDR | OIS, Digital Zoom, Dual camera, Panorama, HDR, RAW | A72 offers more camera options, while Edge 40 offers RAW image capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 13 (up to 15) | Edge 40 has a newer OS, likely to receive longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | Edge 40 supports Wi-Fi 6 which has faster speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Edge 40 has newer Bluetooth version with power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1) | Edge 40 supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Edge 40 supports eSIM for digital carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB | Edge 40 comes with 256GB of internal storage. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB | Edge 40 has more RAM, which is ideal for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, limiting flexibility. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Edge 40 has 3 microphones for better audio capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensors, but no further details are provided |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection details are unavailable for both phones. |
| Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung also has hall and Geomagnetic sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Edge 40 Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Dimensity 8020 chipset offers a massive performance boost over the Snapdragon 720G, resulting in much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming experiences.
- Superior Display: With a 144Hz refresh rate and 1200 nits peak brightness, the Edge 40's display is smoother and much more visible in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: The 68W fast charging is considerably faster than the A72's 25W, reducing charging times. It also offers 15W wireless charging which is missing on A72.
- Newer Software: The Edge 40 ships with Android 13 and is expected to receive longer software support.
- eSIM Support: Edge 40 supports eSIM, allowing for more flexibility when choosing a carrier.
- Better Camera Sensor: Despite lower resolution, the main camera on Edge 40 has wider aperture and larger pixel size which results in better low-light performance.
- Better Audio: Edge 40 features 3 microphones for better audio recording.
- Lighter and more Compact: The Edge 40 is easier to handle and carry, making it more pocketable and comfortable.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The A72 has a 5000mAh battery, offering potentially longer battery life.
- Telephoto and Macro Camera: The A72 has dedicated telephoto and macro lenses for additional photography versatility.
- Slightly Larger Screen Size: The A72 has a slightly larger screen, which some might prefer for media consumption.
- Included Charger: A72 comes with a 15W charger included in the box, unlike the Edge 40
- DXOMARK Score: A72 has a DXOMARK score for camera which provides an idea about its image quality.
Trade-offs:
- The Edge 40 prioritizes performance, display quality, and charging speed at the cost of a slightly smaller battery and the absence of dedicated telephoto and macro lenses.
- The A72 has a larger battery and extra camera lenses but falls behind significantly in performance, screen quality, and charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Motorola Edge 40:
- Gamers: The powerful chipset, GPU, and high refresh rate display make this ideal for mobile gaming.
- Power Users: Those who prioritize fast performance, quick app loading, and smooth multitasking.
- Media Consumers: The bright and smooth display is perfect for watching videos and browsing content.
- Frequent Travelers: eSIM support offers easy digital carrier switching when traveling
- Users who value portability: The lighter, compact design makes it a great choice for those who want a pocketable and easy-to-handle device.
- Users who need good low-light camera: It has a wider aperture and larger pixel size to make up for lower resolution.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Users focused on battery life: Those who prioritize battery endurance over performance.
- Casual Photographers: Users who appreciate versatile camera setup with dedicated telephoto, wide angle and macro lenses.
- Users who prioritize a larger screen: Those who prefer bigger display size even if the screen is less bright.
- Users on a budget: A72 may be available at a lower price point compared to Edge 40.
- Users who want a phone with OIS and Optical Zoom
Specific Use Cases:
- Edge 40: Intensive gaming, outdoor photography, quick charging when on the move, viewing HDR content.
- A72: All day usage without needing to charge, taking photos from far, taking photos of small objects, and watching video/media.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for you? If you prioritize speed and smoothness, the Edge 40 is much better. If you are a casual user, then A72 can be fine.
- Do you value battery life or fast charging? If you prioritize longer battery life, the A72 has a bigger battery. If fast charging is key, then the Edge 40 is a clear winner.
- What kind of camera system do you prefer? If you prefer versatility and having extra lenses such as telephoto or macro, then the A72 is a better option. If a better primary camera in low light is needed, the Edge 40 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gamer/Power User - Choose Motorola Edge 40 due to superior performance and display.
- Scenario 2: Casual User with Battery Focus - Choose Samsung Galaxy A72 due to larger battery and versatile camera.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Enthusiast - Choose Motorola Edge 40 for its brighter display and fast charging.
- Scenario 4: Photography Enthusiast - The decision depends on preference; Edge 40 for main camera quality in low light, and A72 for versatile camera system and optical zoom.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go with the Motorola Edge 40. My reasoning is as follows:
- Performance is a priority for me. The Edge 40's significantly faster chipset and GPU mean it will be smoother and more responsive for everyday tasks, as well as for gaming.
- I value a better display experience. The 144Hz refresh rate and 1200 nits brightness are key for a smooth and enjoyable experience. The A72 has a bigger screen, but the overall display quality of Edge 40 is superior.
- Fast charging is a big convenience. I often need to top up my phone, and having 68W fast charging means less time plugged in.
- I would trade the telephoto and macro lenses for a better primary camera and overall experience.
- The newer OS and eSIM support are future-proof benefits.
- The lighter and more compact design would make it easier to carry and handle daily.
While the A72 has its strengths, the Edge 40's overall combination of performance, display, and charging speed makes it the better option for my needs.
