Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Motorola Moto G Power (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Moto G Power (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2022-02-22 | Motorola is newer by ~11 months, potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm | Moto G Power is slightly taller & thicker, may feel more bulky. |
| Weight | 203g | 203g | Both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | Galaxy A72 offers more screen real estate for media consumption, gaming, and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | Galaxy A72's higher resolution (FHD+) results in sharper text, crisper images, and better overall clarity. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 270 | Galaxy A72’s higher pixel density offers noticeably sharper visuals and more detail. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Galaxy A72 delivers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors; also better for dark mode efficiency |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling, but no difference in smoothness here. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | Galaxy A72 is much better in bright sunlight, with a vastly brighter screen for easy readability. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Helio G37 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 720G in Galaxy A72 provides better overall performance (faster app loading and better gaming). |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 159,800 | Galaxy A72's faster processing translates to smoother multitasking, and better performance for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | PowerVR GE832 | Galaxy A72’s GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks more smoothly. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.65µm | Galaxy A72 has slightly higher resolution primary camera (64MP vs. 50MP). |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | N/A | Galaxy A72 provides optical zoom capabilities for better zoomed photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | Galaxy A72 provides much higher resolution selfies, but the Moto G has a slightly wider aperture for low light. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | N/A | Galaxy A72 can capture more in a single frame, offering more versatile photography. |
| Portrait (Depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Moto G Power has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait background blur. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | Galaxy A72 has slightly higher macro camera resolution. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps with EIS | Galaxy A72 records in higher resolution 4K video, useful for more detailed footage. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | N/A | Galaxy A72 has a rated photo score of 100 and overall mobile score of 92, indicating great camera performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery size; real-world battery life will depend on usage and optimization. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | Galaxy A72 charges much faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 11 | Galaxy A72 can be upgraded to Android 12. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | Galaxy A72 can come with 256GB which provides significantly more space for media, apps, and files. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB | Galaxy A72's 6/8 GB of RAM, allows for better multitasking and handling more demanding apps and games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, users may need to rely on cloud solutions |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution and brightness provides much better visual experience, especially outdoors.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset offers smoother performance, faster app loading, and better gaming capabilities.
- More Versatile Camera: Includes a telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, and higher resolution main & selfie cameras, and 4K recording.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging reduces downtime and provides a much better experience.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Offers up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, providing flexibility.
- Software Updates: Can be upgraded to Android 12, offering longer software support.
Motorola Moto G Power (2022) Advantages:
- Newer Device: Released nearly a year later, potentially has a newer build and better long-term support.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: The depth sensor enables better portrait mode background blur, improving the bokeh effect.
- Barometer: This device comes with a Barometer environmental sensor, which can be useful for fitness tracking and weather applications
Practical Implications & Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A72 is a better all-around phone for those who prioritize display quality, performance, and camera versatility. However it is an older device.
- The Moto G Power (2022) is a budget-friendly option that is newer and offers a dedicated depth sensor and Barometer. However, it falls behind in overall quality of display, camera quality, charging speed and performance.
- The Galaxy A72's superior display is a significant advantage for media consumption, gaming, and outdoor use.
- The Moto G Power (2022) is a good choice for someone who needs a newer device on a budget that offers excellent battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 - Ideal For:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who watch a lot of videos, movies, or play games will appreciate the AMOLED display and stereo speakers.
- Photographers: Users who want a versatile camera with telephoto, wide-angle, high-resolution selfies, and 4K video recording.
- Power Users: Individuals who need smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and better gaming capabilities will benefit from the stronger chipset and RAM options.
- Outdoor Users: Individuals who need a bright screen for outdoor use.
Motorola Moto G Power (2022) - Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a basic smartphone for everyday use without breaking the bank.
- Long Battery Life: Users who value battery life over everything, and do not care about display, camera, and performance.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Those looking for a solid, everyday phone that can get the basic tasks done and is newer than a device that was released nearly a year prior
- Fitness and Environmental Enthusiasts: Users looking for a barometer sensor.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Quality: How important is a high-quality display with vibrant colors and good outdoor visibility?
- Performance Needs: Will you be doing demanding tasks like gaming or heavy multitasking?
- Camera Priorities: Do you need a versatile camera system with features like telephoto zoom and high-resolution recording?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious, Battery Focused): If you are on a tight budget and need a newer phone with good battery life for basic tasks, the Motorola Moto G Power (2022) is a reasonable option.
- Scenario 2 (Best all-around experience): If you value a high-quality display, better performance, a versatile camera, and faster charging speed, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better choice, but keep in mind that it is an older device.
- Scenario 3 (Photography/Media Focused): If you watch movies, play a lot of video games, and want better quality pictures, the Samsung Galaxy A72 will provide a much better overall user experience.
My Choice:
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. While it is an older device, it offers a much more premium experience, with a better display, better performance, and a more versatile camera system. It is a better all-around phone for the majority of users, and it addresses the most important points to me personally, those being the display, camera, and performance. While the Moto G Power (2022) is newer and a decent budget phone, the trade-offs in display quality and overall performance are too significant. The 25W fast charging alone is a massive improvement for convenience, and the higher resolution, AMOLED display is game changing when used daily.
