1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 161.9 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | A72 is slightly taller and wider, G31 is slightly thicker. A72 might feel more substantial, while G31 might be easier for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 203g | 181g | G31 is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. A72 feels heavier, which can be a downside for some. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | A72 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. G31 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness. |
| PPI | 394 | 411 | Both have very similar pixel density, leading to similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A72 has smoother animations and scrolling. G31's is less fluid but sufficient for most tasks. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits (Data not provided) | A72 is significantly brighter, making it much easier to view in direct sunlight. G31's brightness is not specified and may be a significant drawback. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | A72 has a more efficient and powerful chipset for smoother app performance and slightly better gaming. G31's is suitable for basic to moderate usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 225,154 | A72 benchmarks better, indicating generally faster performance than G31. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 MC2 | A72's GPU is more capable for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. G31 is suitable for casual gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm, 1/2.76", S5KJN1 | A72 has higher resolution photos. G31 has a slightly smaller sensor but details are not provided for A72's sensor. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm, OV08A10 | Not present | A72 offers optical zoom for better close-up shots and portrait photography. G31 lacks this capability. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | A72 has slightly higher resolution, and G31's wider aperture may capture slightly more light. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | A72 captures higher-resolution macro shots. G31 might have slightly better low light macro due to a larger pixel size. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | A72 has higher-resolution selfies, leading to more detailed images. G31 has larger pixel sizes on it's sensor which might perform better in low light. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@60fps (EIS) | 1080p@30fps | A72 can record higher-resolution videos and has better video stabilization features. |
| DXOMark Score | 92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | Not Available | A72's camera performance is rated positively by DXOMark (though not the best), G31 is unrated and this makes a good comparison more difficult. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery life (though battery performance depends heavily on usage and software optimization). |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 10W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | A72 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. G31 will take much longer to fully charge. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 11 | A72 has a slightly newer Android version available. G31's future upgrades are unconfirmed. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual Band | 802.11ac, Dual Band | Both support similar Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with Multiple Profiles | 5.0 LE | A72 supports more Bluetooth profiles, enhancing compatibility with a broader range of devices. G31 is focused on power efficiency via LE. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Both offer similar location capabilities. G31 also supports SUPL. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 64/128GB | A72 offers more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 4GB | A72 offers significantly more RAM, improving multitasking and gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Supported | Not Supported | Neither phone can have memory increased. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | A72 provides a more immersive sound experience with stereo speakers, and G31 has clearer calls with dual microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | G31 features a more convenient and faster fingerprint sensor placement for faster unlocking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Brighter display (800 nits vs unknown), smoother 90Hz refresh rate, and larger screen. Better for outdoor visibility and overall viewing.
- Better Performance: More powerful Snapdragon 720G chipset and more RAM (up to 8GB), resulting in smoother app performance, better multitasking, and superior gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution main, telephoto, wide-angle, and selfie cameras; better video recording capabilities (4K@30fps, EIS); and more features like OIS, Optical Zoom and a higher DXOMark score. More versatile and produces higher quality photos.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging vs 10W, allowing for much quicker battery top-ups.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides a more immersive audio experience for music and media.
Motorola Moto G31 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Lighter and slightly smaller, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods and better for one-handed use.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Often considered more convenient and faster to use.
- Potentially Better Low light Macro: Larger pixels on macro lens might perform better in low light conditions (however this is negated with much lower resolution).
- Lower Price: Typically more budget-friendly, offering good value for money for basic needs.
- Low energy Bluetooth: Bluetooth LE for better battery life.
- Better placement of microphones: Dual microphones could help in noisy environment with clearer audio.
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A72 offers a better overall experience but comes at a likely higher cost. The Moto G31 sacrifices some performance and camera quality for better ergonomics, cost, and other minor features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos and movies on their phones, thanks to its large, bright, and smooth display, and stereo speakers.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who enjoy playing mobile games and need a more powerful device that runs smoothly.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with good image quality, zoom capabilities, and features like OIS.
- Power Users: Those who need a reliable phone for multitasking and productivity, thanks to its more powerful processor and more RAM.
Motorola Moto G31 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who want a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and communication, for whom the performance of the Moto G31 will be sufficient.
- Users who want a lighter and more comfortable phone: People who prioritize one-handed usability.
- Users who prefer a side mounted sensor: People who want a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, potentially more convenient.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much am I willing to spend? The Galaxy A72 is likely more expensive.
- Primary Use: What is my main purpose for the phone (e.g., gaming, photography, basic use)?
- Comfort: How important is the device's size and weight for long-term use?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media and Gaming: If you are a heavy media consumer or mobile gamer, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better choice due to its brighter, smoother display, better processor, and stereo speakers.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Basic Use: If you are looking for an affordable, reliable phone for everyday tasks, the Motorola Moto G31 is a cost-effective solution.
- Scenario 3: Photography is a Priority: If you want a higher quality versatile camera system with better video and features like Optical Zoom, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 4: Ergonomics and Comfort is Key: If you prioritize a lighter device that’s more comfortable to hold, and prefer a side-mounted fingerprint reader, the Motorola Moto G31 is better.
What I would choose and why:
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. While I appreciate the lighter weight and side-mounted fingerprint scanner of the Motorola Moto G31, the superior display with its much higher brightness and smoother 90Hz refresh rate is a key factor for me. The camera versatility and video recording capabilities with OIS and 4K recording also weigh heavily in the A72’s favor. The faster charging speed is another critical advantage for my daily use. While it is likely the more expensive option, the improved performance, display, camera quality and extra features of the A72 make it worth the investment for my priorities.
