1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 161.9 × 73.1 × 7.9 mm | A72 is larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for small hands, Fusion is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 203g | 174.9g | Fusion is significantly lighter, making it easier to hold for long periods and less tiring for extended use. |
| Build Quality | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Fusion's screen is more resistant to scratches and drops. A72's screen protection is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both offer a large display suitable for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp and detailed visuals for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 393 PPI | Practically identical, both offer crisp visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; Differences are minimal for typical use. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Fusion will display smoother animations and scrolling, especially noticeable in fast-paced content and gaming. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1600 nits | Fusion will be significantly more visible in bright sunlight. A72 might struggle in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Fusion has a newer and more efficient chipset resulting in better overall performance and battery usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 776,541 | Fusion offers vastly superior performance for gaming, multitasking and demanding applications. A72 will feel slower. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 710 | Fusion has a better GPU, leading to improved graphics performance in games and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" sensor, 1.00µm pixel size, Sony LYT-700C | Fusion's larger sensor and pixel size should result in better low-light performance, while A72 has a higher megapixel count which may lead to more detail in perfect conditions. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" sensor, 1.00 µm pixel size, Omnivision OV08A10 | Not Available | A72 offers optical zoom capabilities, which allows for better zoomed shots than digital zoom. Fusion relies solely on digital zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm pixel size | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/3.14" sensor, 0.70 µm pixel size, Samsung S5KJD1 | A72's wider aperture should allow it to capture slightly more light in selfies. Fusion has a smaller sensor and pixel size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | Not Available | A72 can take ultrawide shots, capturing more of a scene in one image. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm pixel size | Not Available | A72 can take dedicated macro shots, for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not Available | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3" sensor, 1.12 µm pixel size, Hynix Hi-1336 | Fusion offers a combined ultrawide and macro camera for more versatility in different shooting scenarios. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS, slow-mo 120fps | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS, 1080p@120fps with EIS, slow-mo 960fps | Both have 4K recording with EIS, Fusion offers a 120fps option at 1080p, and has significantly better slow-motion capabilities. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Not Available | A72 has a good camera rating from DXO, but it is still subjective in real-world usage. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, OIS, PDAF, etc. | Time-Lapse, 4K Video, Dual camera, OIS, PDAF, etc. | A72 has optical zoom while Fusion has features such as time-lapse and dual capture. Both have their own advantages based on use case preference. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life under normal usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 68W fast charging | Fusion charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included, Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Fusion can act as a power bank for other devices. A72 comes with its own charger. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, Max 12 | Android 14, Max 17 | Fusion has a newer version of Android, guaranteeing more updates and features compared to the older A72. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | Fusion supports faster Wi-Fi 6/6E, offering superior performance in compatible networks, including lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP | 5.3 LE, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC | Fusion has a newer version with improved battery efficiency and better codec support for wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Fusion offers more accurate GPS tracking, including newer GPS bands (L1+L5) and additional satellite systems compared to A72, especially useful in urban environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Fusion offers eSIM support for digital carrier switching. A72 only supports two physical SIMs. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128 GB / 256 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512GB | Fusion offers more storage options, allowing users to store more content locally. |
| RAM | 6 GB / 8 GB | 8 GB / 12 GB | Fusion has more RAM which leads to better multitasking and smoother app switching, particularly in demanding use cases. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for microSD card expansion, limiting storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both offer Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, but Fusion has two microphones, improving voice clarity. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both devices offer standard fingerprint sensor security. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have the standard suite, A72 has additional Hall and Geomagnetic sensors. Both can be used for their respective applications like compass usage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Optical Zoom: Dedicated telephoto lens provides true optical zoom capabilities, offering superior image quality when zooming.
- Quadruple Camera System: Offers more distinct camera options (telephoto, ultrawide, macro) for versatile photography.
- Good DXOMark Scores: Offers a decent camera performance if you take the numbers at face value.
- Hall and Geomagnetic sensors: Has additional sensors that can be useful for niche users.
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The newer Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset offers much faster processing speed, better multitasking, and smoother gameplay.
- Superior Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness (1600 nits) display offer a smoother, more vibrant, and more visible experience, especially in direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 68W fast charging drastically reduces battery charging time compared to A72's 25W.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: larger 1.0 µm pixel size and 1/1.56" sensor should result in better low light performance and overall image quality.
- Newer Software: Runs on Android 14, guaranteeing more software support and updates compared to the older Android 11 on the A72.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi 6/6E standards and Bluetooth 5.3 LE, along with more comprehensive GPS features (L1+L5, Galileo E1+E5a).
- Lighter Build: The lighter build makes it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry.
- eSIM Support: The Edge 50 fusion offers eSIM support.
- Additional features: Offers reverse wireless charging and dual capture.
- Faster Slow-motion Recording: Offers superior slow-motion at 960 fps.
Trade-offs:
- Camera Versatility: The A72 offers a dedicated telephoto zoom lens while the Fusion does not. The Fusion also uses a combined macro/ultrawide lens instead of individual lenses which may be a con to some users.
- Build: The A72's screen protection is unknown and the Fusion has Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Casual photographers who value optical zoom capabilities and a variety of camera lenses.
- Users on a budget looking for a large screen and decent battery at a lower price point.
- Users already in the Samsung ecosystem looking for a dependable device.
Specific Use Cases:
- Taking photos of distant objects with better zoom.
- Users comfortable with the older hardware and software.
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users who prioritize speed, gaming, and multitasking.
- Users who need a bright display for outdoor use.
- Users who want fast charging for less downtime.
- Users that like cleaner stock Android.
- Users that require more modern connectivity.
- Users who require a lighter phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games with higher frame rates.
- Using the phone outdoors in sunny conditions without readability issues.
- Quickly charging the phone during a busy day.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion generally provides better value due to its significantly superior performance, display, and charging capabilities. The extra cost is justified by the substantial improvements in user experience.
- The Samsung Galaxy A72 might be suitable for those who prioritize the optical zoom camera at a lower price point, but will feel old compared to newer devices.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for your daily use? (Gaming, multitasking)
- Do you often take photos with optical zoom?
- How important is a bright display for outdoor use and fast charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User with Basic Needs
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72 if the price is significantly lower and you need an optical zoom. Otherwise, even with a lower budget, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is the overall better device.
Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Power User:
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. Its superior performance, 120Hz display, and faster charging will drastically enhance the gaming experience.
Scenario 3: Outdoors User Who Needs Bright Display:
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. The 1600 nits of brightness will ensure the screen is readable even in direct sunlight.
Scenario 4: Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72 only if the optical zoom is essential, otherwise the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion's overall better image quality (due to better sensor and pixel size) will likely suit a wider variety of photography conditions.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would definitively choose the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has a decent set of features, the Edge 50 Fusion offers a far superior experience in nearly every aspect that matters for a modern smartphone user. The significantly better performance of the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, combined with the smoother 120Hz display, faster charging, better overall camera sensor, and more modern Android version make it a much more compelling device.
While the optical zoom on the A72 is a nice feature, the Edge 50 Fusion's overall camera quality is likely to be better due to its superior main sensor and image processing, and this is backed up by real world comparisons online. The additional advantages like the significantly lighter build, superior connectivity, and reverse charging further push it ahead. In my opinion, the Edge 50 Fusion represents far better value and a more future-proof device overall.
