1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 mm | The A72 is slightly taller and wider, while the Moto G Stylus is a bit thicker. This could impact one-handed use and pocket fit. |
| Weight | 203g | 202g | Virtually identical weights, making them feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | A72 has a slightly larger display, providing a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming, although the difference is small. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both displays are sharp, with similar clarity for text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 399 | Negligible difference in pixel density; both offer similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The A72’s AMOLED screen delivers deeper blacks, richer colors, and better contrast. It's superior for watching videos and using dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G Stylus 5G offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, which could improve perceived responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | Samsung Galaxy A72 has significantly better outdoor visibility. Motorola's brightness is unknown, making it a potential issue in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Moto G Stylus has a newer and more efficient chip (4nm vs 8nm), resulting in better performance and battery efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 565,000 | Moto G Stylus 5G offers significantly better performance for gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 710 | Moto G Stylus has a more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | The A72 has a higher-resolution sensor on paper, which may translate to more detail, but image processing is also important. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.88 | Slightly wider aperture on the A72, potentially better in low light. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Moto G Stylus has larger pixels that may capture more light, potentially better low-light performance despite a lower resolution. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | Yes | No | A72 offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed and portrait photos. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 16MP | A72 has a higher resolution front camera for more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.5 | Wider aperture on the A72 allows more light for better selfies in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes | No | A72 has a dedicated wide-angle camera for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Macro Lens | Yes | No | A72 has a dedicated macro camera for capturing extreme close-up photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | Yes | The Moto G Stylus combines wide-angle and macro capabilities into one lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Both record high-quality video. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | EIS/OIS | Both feature video stabilization, with the Moto G Stylus having a feature called "Ultra Stable Video". |
| DXOMark Score | 92 Mobile (100 Photo, 78 Video) | Not Tested | A72 has been independently tested by DXOMark, scoring well, especially for photos. Moto G has no independent score. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, likely lasting a full day of moderate usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | The A72 charges slightly faster. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Different chemistries with minor practical differences. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | Moto G Stylus offers a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Moto G Stylus supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, providing better wireless speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Moto G Stylus has a newer Bluetooth version for better range and efficiency. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | A72 supports two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar internal storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offer similar options for RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G Stylus potentially has slightly better audio due to the additional microphone and other audio enhancements. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Moto G Stylus features a more convenient and faster side-mounted sensor. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | The A72 has an additional compass sensor. |
| Stylus | No | Yes | The Moto G Stylus includes a built-in stylus for note-taking and drawing. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection information for both is missing. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: The AMOLED display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making media consumption more enjoyable.
- Better Brightness: The 800 nits brightness makes it much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Telephoto and Macro Cameras: Dedicated telephoto and macro lenses provide more versatile shooting options for photography enthusiasts.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Offers more detail for selfies and video calls.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows users to manage two phone numbers on one device.
- DXOMark Tested Camera: Independent testing validates camera quality, particularly for photos.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) Advantages:
- Newer and More Powerful Chipset: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 offers significantly better performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother and more responsive user experience.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 13 out of the box, offering the latest software features and security updates.
- Built-in Stylus: The included stylus makes it ideal for note-taking, drawing, and other creative tasks.
- Newer Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 allows for faster and more reliable internet connections.
- Potentially Better Audio: The dual-microphone system with spatial audio enhancement could result in clearer calls and better audio immersion.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more convenient and faster than the basic fingerprint sensor found on the Samsung.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A72 trades newer chipset performance and a higher refresh rate for better display technology (AMOLED vs IPS LCD) and a more versatile camera system.
- The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) sacrifices the dedicated telephoto and macro cameras and superior outdoor brightness of the A72 for much better performance, newer software, and stylus functionality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize display quality for media consumption.
- Photography enthusiasts who want versatile camera options, including telephoto and macro lenses.
- Users who need a phone for outdoor use, thanks to its high screen brightness.
- Users who travel or need to manage multiple phone numbers with dual SIM capability.
- Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos with deep blacks and vibrant colors.
- Taking detailed photos in various scenarios using the telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses.
- Using the phone comfortably in bright daylight conditions.
- Managing separate work and personal phone numbers.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):
- Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize performance for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Note-takers, artists, and other creative users who want stylus functionality.
- Users who value the latest Android features and security.
- Users who want better Wi-Fi performance on newer networks.
- Specific Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games with smooth graphics.
- Taking quick handwritten notes and annotations with the stylus.
- Using the phone for work that requires the latest software updates.
- Enjoying a better and faster internet experience with Wi-Fi 6.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is display quality to you? If you prioritize vibrant colors and deep blacks, the Samsung A72 is the better option. If a smoother display and higher refresh rate matter more, the Moto G Stylus wins.
- What is your primary use for the camera? If you want versatile lenses and better selfie quality, the A72 is better. For more general use, the Moto G Stylus still has a capable camera.
- How important is Performance for you? If you plan on gaming or multitasking, the Moto G Stylus offers significantly better performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Media Enthusiasts: If you watch a lot of movies and videos, the Samsung A72’s AMOLED display is far superior.
- For Gamers and Power Users: The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G, with its faster chipset, is the clear choice for demanding tasks and gaming.
- For Stylus Users: If you need a stylus for note-taking, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is the only option.
- For Outdoor Use: The A72 is better suited due to its high brightness.
- For Budget-Conscious Users Price is not known, but the newer chipset on the Moto is usually an indicator of higher costs
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023).
While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has a superior display and more camera versatility, the performance difference is too significant to ignore. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset in the Moto G Stylus offers a much smoother and more responsive experience for everyday tasks and more demanding applications like gaming. The inclusion of a stylus is also a major benefit for note-taking and creativity, which is a personal preference. While I would prefer an AMOLED screen, the IPS LCD screen on the Moto is still acceptable and the 120Hz refresh rate makes it a smooth user experience. Given my preference for a fast and modern user experience along with the versatility of the stylus, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is the better choice for me. Finally, I tend to not use telephoto or macro lenses often. I prefer the newer chipset to camera versatility, this is a personal preference.
