1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A72 and Motorola Edge 50 Neo, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 154.1 x 71.2 x 8.1 mm | A72 is larger and bulkier, making the Neo more pocketable and comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 203g | 171g | Neo is significantly lighter, reducing fatigue during extended use. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Neo has known protection against scratches and minor impacts, improving durability. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | A72 offers slightly larger screen real estate, potentially better for media consumption, while Neo is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1256x2760 | Neo has a sharper display with more detail, improving image clarity and text readability. |
| PPI | 394 | 474 | Neo's higher pixel density results in a visibly crisper display, reducing pixelation and improving sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar display quality technologies. Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Neo provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 3000 nits | Neo's dramatically higher peak brightness offers superior visibility in bright sunlight, a huge advantage for outdoor use. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | Neo offers significantly faster processing speeds and better energy efficiency due to its newer, more advanced chipset. |
| Antutu Score | 285,000 | 675,000 | Neo provides a considerably faster experience, with smoother app loading, multitasking, and better performance in games. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Neo's GPU is more powerful, allowing for a better gaming experience with higher frame rates and smoother graphics. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" sensor, 1.00µm pixel size, Sony LYT-700C | While A72 has a higher megapixel count, the Neo's larger sensor and pixel size, along with its superior Sony sensor, should result in better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, with more light intake. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" sensor, 1.00µm pixel size, OV08A10 | 10MP, f/2.0, unknown sensor, unknown pixel size | The A72 has a telephoto lens for optical zoom, which the Neo lacks, but the Neo has its own telephoto lens. |
| Ultrawide/Macro | 12MP f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size; 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixel size | 13MP, f/2.2, unknown sensor, unknown pixel size | A72 has dedicated ultrawide and macro lenses, while Neo combines them, potentially compromising quality in one aspect for versatility. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm pixel size | 32MP, f/2.2, unknown pixel size | Both offer high-resolution front-facing cameras suitable for detailed selfies. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS, Slow-motion: 120fps | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@240fps with EIS, Slow-motion: 120fps | Neo has 1080p@240fps recording capability, while A72 does not have this capability. |
| DXOMARK | Mobile: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Mobile: 115, Photo: 118, Video: 107 | Neo significantly outperforms A72 in camera performance, capturing higher-quality photos and videos. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, OIS | Triple camera, Laser autofocus | Both have different camera features. OIS is great for low-light photography, but Laser AF enhances focus speed and accuracy, depending on the user's priority. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4310mAh | A72's larger battery suggests better battery life for a given level of usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 68W fast charging | Neo's significantly faster charging allows for quick top-ups, reducing downtime and making the phone more convenient for busy individuals. |
| Features | 15W Charger Included | 15W wireless charging | A72 has an included fast charger. Neo offers more convenient charging options with wireless charging feature. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (upgradable to 19) | Neo has a more up-to-date operating system, with a longer update support, leading to more modern features and enhanced security. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E | Neo offers faster wireless speeds, lower latency, and improved performance in congested environments, suitable for streaming and online gaming. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, Various Profiles | Bluetooth 5.0 LE, A2DP, LE | Both offer similar connectivity, but A72's wider profile support may enhance compatibility with older devices and specific audio use cases. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Neo supports eSIMs, providing more flexibility in managing multiple carrier profiles. A72 supports using two SIMs simultaneously. |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512 GB | Neo offers a higher starting storage option, providing significantly more space for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Neo's higher RAM configurations allow for smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones do not support expandable storage, so users need to manage storage effectively or purchase a higher storage variant. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both provide high-quality audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos for immersive sound. |
Security & Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Edge 50 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Provides basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both phones have basic sensors for common tasks. A72 additional sensors can enhance compass and gaming experience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen is beneficial for those who prefer more screen real estate for media consumption and gaming.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may offer slightly longer usage between charges.
- Telephoto lens + Wide Angle lens + Macro Lens: It has dedicated lenses that might provide a better photography experience.
- Additional Sensors: Geomagnetic and Hall sensors can enhance specific user experiences
- Included 15W fast charger: Provides an included charger that users might find convenient.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo Advantages
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and significantly higher brightness offer a much better viewing experience, particularly outdoors.
- Significantly Better Performance: The newer chipset and higher AnTuTu score translate to noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Significantly Better Camera System: Larger sensor, better DXOMARK score, and laser autofocus leads to better photo and video quality overall.
- Faster Charging: 68W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- More Modern Software: Android 14 provides the latest features, security updates, and longer support.
- Wireless Charging: Provides more convenient options for charging.
- More Storage: Higher storage variants, better RAM configurations provide more room for files and smoother multitasking.
- eSIM Support: Greater flexibility in carrier management.
Trade-offs
- The Galaxy A72 is not as pocketable due to its dimensions and heavier compared to the Neo.
- The A72 has weaker performance, an older OS, and lower camera scores in comparison to the Neo.
- While A72 has a slightly larger battery, Neo compensates for its smaller battery with very fast charging.
- While Neo offers wireless charging capabilities, the A72 has a standard fast charger included.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a larger screen for media consumption and prefer a slightly larger battery for extended use. Those who require basic photography tools and appreciate included accessories.
- Use Cases:
- Watching videos and movies.
- Casual gaming.
- Basic photo and video capture.
- Users who prefer a phone that is slightly bigger with additional sensors.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a high-quality display, excellent performance, and a superior camera experience. Those who appreciate the latest software and faster charging.
- Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Frequent multitasking and app switching.
- Users who appreciate the convenience of wireless charging.
- Those who want up-to-date software and a phone with faster wireless capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions buyers should consider:
What is the importance of display quality?
- If a bright, sharp display is paramount, especially for outdoor use, the Neo is the clear choice.
- If a slightly larger screen size is the primary concern and brightness is less of a priority, the A72 may be sufficient.
How important is performance and longevity?
- If you want a fast phone with the latest software that performs well under heavy use, the Neo is the better choice.
- If you are a light user and do not need top performance, the A72 is still capable, albeit slower and with older software.
What is your camera preference and usage?
- If a superior camera system is important for better photos and videos, particularly in low light, the Neo is clearly superior based on DXOMARK scores, sensor quality, and autofocus systems.
- If camera quality is less of a priority or you want a flexible camera system, A72 with its dedicated lenses might be a consideration.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- Outdoor Photographer: Choose the Motorola Edge 50 Neo for its bright display, superior camera, and faster performance.
- Casual Media Consumer: The Samsung Galaxy A72 with a larger screen and battery may be sufficient, but the overall experience on the Neo would still be preferable.
- Power User: The Motorola Edge 50 Neo's superior performance and faster charging are ideal for intensive tasks, gaming, and general use.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Edge 50 Neo.
Here's why:
The Motorola Edge 50 Neo offers a significantly better user experience in areas that matter most to me: the display is dramatically brighter and sharper, making it more enjoyable to use in any lighting condition. The performance difference is substantial; the faster chipset and more RAM make the phone feel much more responsive and smoother for everyday tasks and demanding games. While the battery is slightly smaller, the 68W fast charging more than compensates for it, and I would prefer the convenience of wireless charging. Finally, the Neo's camera system produces better quality images and videos overall. The overall technology and user experience is a generation ahead with the Neo, and is the best option in my opinion. The newer OS and longer support lifespan is also a huge factor for choosing the Neo.
While the A72 has its merits, particularly the larger battery and display, the Neo's advantages in key areas make it a much better choice for me.
