1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | Motorola is taller and thicker, slightly less pocketable. A72 more compact and easier to hold. |
| Weight | 203g | 208g | A72 is slightly lighter. Difference is not hugely noticeable, but might be during long use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone builds. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Very similar screen size, negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness. |
| PPI | 394 | 387 | Very similar pixel density, both displays are equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72 has superior display, offering better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Motorola has slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 has much better outdoor visibility, ideal for use in sunlight. The Motorola phone's brightness is unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Different chipsets, impacting performance characteristics. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 381,000 | Motorola scores higher, suggesting faster app loading and smoother performance in everyday tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | Different GPUs, but both can handle casual gaming well. The Motorola may offer a slight edge. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | A72 has higher resolution for more detail but smaller pixel size. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | Not available | A72 offers optical zoom capabilities, useful for portraits. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | A72 has a much higher resolution selfie camera, potentially capturing more detail in selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, 1.12µm | A72 captures more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, 1.75µm | A72 allows for slightly more detailed macro photography. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@60fps | A72 supports 4K video recording for higher video quality. |
| DXOMark | 92 (Overall), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | Not available | A72 has a significantly higher camera score. |
| Features | OIS, Quad Camera, Night mode, Optical zoom | Triple camera, Laser AF, RAW | Different feature sets. A72 is focused on more versatile shooting modes, the Motorola on some professional options and is missing OIS. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | A72 charges significantly faster. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger Included | None specified | A72 includes a faster charger in the box, Motorola doesn't. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology provides vibrant colors, better contrast, and deeper blacks, improving the viewing experience.
- Better Brightness: 800 nits brightness significantly improves outdoor visibility.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens, higher resolution selfie camera, optical image stabilization (OIS), and shoots 4K videos.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging is significantly faster compared to 10W.
- Stereo Speakers: Enhanced audio quality for media consumption.
- Established Camera Score: Verified performance metrics via DxOMark.
- More feature-rich: OIS, optical zoom and additional camera modes.
Motorola Moto G51 5G Advantages
- Higher Performance: Slightly better chipset and higher AnTuTu benchmark scores translate to smoother app loading and faster operation.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling smoother, although with a less impressive LCD panel.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.1 LE for better connectivity efficiency.
- More raw options: laser autofocus, RAW photo capture.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More convenient than A72's sensor.
Trade-offs
- Display Quality: The Moto G51's IPS LCD panel is significantly inferior to the A72's AMOLED panel.
- Camera Versatility: The Motorola lacks a telephoto lens and advanced video recording options. It also has a lower score according to DXOMark.
- Charging Speed: Motorola's slower charging can be inconvenient for users on the go.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72
- Ideal User: Media consumers, casual photographers, users who prioritize display quality and camera versatility.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos with vibrant colors and deeper blacks.
- Taking photos in various scenarios, including portraits, with decent optical zoom and versatility.
- Enjoying fast charging, essential for users on the go.
- Users needing good outdoor screen visibility, such as tourists and outdoor workers.
- Price-to-Value: Provides a premium display and camera experience for its price, making it a good value for users focused on these aspects.
Motorola Moto G51 5G
- Ideal User: Users who value performance, smoother display and a more affordable price point over a premium screen and a more versatile camera.
- Use Cases:
- Smooth multitasking and app usage
- Casual gaming with a slightly higher refresh rate display
- Basic photography and videography.
- Users looking for a device with newer Bluetooth technology and side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a competitive price-to-performance ratio for users seeking a budget 5G device.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Quality: How important are vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good outdoor visibility?
- Camera Needs: Do you need versatile shooting options (zoom, OIS, 4K video) or is basic performance sufficient?
- Battery Charging: Is fast charging a must-have for your daily use?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Media Lovers and Casual Photographers: If you prioritize screen quality, versatile camera options and high-quality video capture, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better choice.
- For Budget-Conscious Users: If your focus is on general performance, a smoother screen, and 5G connectivity at a lower price point, the Motorola Moto G51 5G is preferable.
- For Outdoor Users: If you frequently use your phone outdoors, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is better due to its brighter display.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally pick the Samsung Galaxy A72. While the Motorola Moto G51 5G offers a slightly smoother display and a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor, I prioritize the overall better display quality (AMOLED with better brightness), the versatile camera system (with OIS, optical zoom, and 4K video), and the faster charging. The enhanced audio experience with stereo speakers is also a plus for me. I believe that the advantages of the A72 in terms of camera and display significantly outweigh the performance and refresh rate advantage of the G51, especially for my use case which involves media consumption, casual photography and using the phone outdoors.
