1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Moto G52 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 160.1 × 74.5 × 8 mm | A72 is slightly larger and bulkier, G52 is more compact and lighter for easier handling. |
Weight | 203g | 169g | G52 is significantly lighter making it more comfortable for longer use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | A72 offers slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of display detail. |
PPI | 394 | 402 | Negligible difference in sharpness; both are very crisp. |
Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is significantly brighter, offering much better outdoor visibility under sunlight. Note: G52's brightness is missing. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | A72 offers better performance overall for apps and games. |
AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 216,000 | A72 is noticeably faster, handles demanding apps better, better for gaming. |
GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 | A72's GPU offers higher graphics performance, better for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life for regular use. |
Charging | 25W | 30W | G52 charges slightly faster, quicker to top up the battery. |
Charger | 15W charger Included | Not Specified | A72 comes with a charger, but the wattage is lower than what the phone supports. |
Camera | |||
Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm | A72 captures more detailed images with higher resolution. |
Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | None | A72 offers optical zoom capability, absent in the G52. |
Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | 16MP, f/2.45, 1.0µm | A72 takes sharper, brighter selfies; better low light capability due to wider aperture |
Wide Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, *µm | A72 offers wider angle photos with more detail. |
Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4, *µm | A72 captures higher quality macro shots. |
Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps, No EIS | A72 captures higher quality video, has better stabilization. |
DxoMark | Main: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | None | A72's camera has been rated well for photos and video |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11, max 12 | Android 12 | G52 has a more recent Android version out of the box. |
Connectivity | |||
WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual-band, Direct | 802.11ac, Direct | A72 supports dual-band and Wi-Fi Display in addition to the G52's capabilities |
Bluetooth | 5.0, Extensive Features | 5.0 LE, APT-x | G52 offers Bluetooth Low Energy and APT-x; A72 has more feature support (e.g. MAP) but lacks APT-x |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | A72 has better satellite support, increasing location accuracy. |
SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both allow using two SIMs at the same time. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both offer up to 256GB, but G52 has the option of a lower 64GB model. |
RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6 GB | A72 can have more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Sp. | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Sp. | Both offer great audio experience, G52 has 2 microphones for better audio. |
Security | |||
Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | G52's fingerprint sensor is more convenient and advanced. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | G52 has superior screen protection, making it more durable. |
Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | A72 has more sensors, better for advanced features and gaming. |
Note: Some specs are missing for Motorola Moto G52 like brightness, camera details, pixel size for wide angle and macro, and charger information.
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 720G and Adreno 618 offer better overall performance, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming compared to G52.
- Better Display Brightness: Significantly brighter screen at 800 nits, more usable under direct sunlight.
- Enhanced Camera System: Higher resolution cameras across the board (main, telephoto, selfie, wide, macro) with better video capabilities, OIS, and a dedicated telephoto lens. DXOMARK scores indicate better image quality.
- More RAM: Up to 8GB of RAM for better multitasking
- More Wifi Features: Wi-Fi Display capability
- More Sensors: Includes Hall, Geomagnetic in addition to the basics
- More GPS Support: Includes Beidou
- More Bluetooth Features: Includes MAP in addition to the basics.
Motorola Moto G52 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to hold and carry, more comfortable for extended use due to its reduced weight.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging vs 25W for faster battery top-ups.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 12, likely to receive updates longer.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and faster than basic fingerprint sensor on the A72.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5: Provides better screen protection.
- More Audio Features: Better audio quality due to two microphones.
- More Bluetooth Features: Supports Bluetooth LE and APT-x.
- More Storage Options: Includes 64GB option.
Trade-offs:
- A72: Offers significantly better performance and a more versatile camera system at the cost of being heavier, bulkier, and older.
- G52: Provides better battery charging, a lighter design, more modern Android version, and superior screen protection but compromises significantly on camera quality, performance, and display brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 is Ideal for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and versatility (telephoto lens, better low-light, OIS)
- Mobile Gamers: Those who need smoother gameplay and faster loading times due to the more powerful processor.
- Multitaskers: Those who benefit from more RAM, smoother performance, and a more powerful processor.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need good screen visibility under sunlight.
- Media Consumers: Those who prefer a larger, brighter display for watching videos.
Motorola Moto G52 is Ideal for:
- Casual Users: People who want a reliable phone for daily tasks without intense processing or demanding camera needs.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a more affordable device that still has essential features, with the option for a lower storage option.
- Ergonomics Lovers: Users who prioritize comfort and ease of handling.
- Users Needing Better Battery Charging: Those who need a phone that charges faster.
- Security-Focused Buyers: Those who prefer a side mounted fingerprint scanner.
- Those looking for a newer device: Those who want the latest Android version out of the box.
- Those who need better screen protection: Those who prioritize Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do I prioritize a smoother, faster phone for gaming or heavy apps, or is basic performance enough?
- Camera Importance: Is camera quality and versatility (telephoto lens, OIS) a primary concern, or is a basic camera sufficient?
- Size and Ergonomics: Do I prefer a more compact and lighter phone, or is size less important than other features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography & Gaming: If you enjoy taking photos and play graphics-intensive games, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better choice due to its superior camera system, performance, and brightness.
- Scenario 2: Daily Use & Affordability: If your needs are focused on daily tasks, with a priority on comfort, good battery charging, and budget-friendliness, then the Motorola Moto G52 is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Use: If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is much better due to its brighter display.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A72. Although it is older, its advantages in performance, camera, and screen brightness are compelling for me. As a user who occasionally games and prioritizes a good camera, the A72’s capabilities outweigh the advantages of the G52. I find the performance gains and much brighter display to be essential for my daily usage. The slightly larger size and weight are drawbacks, but the benefits in display and camera quality and overall speed outweigh these minor issues. While the G52's faster charging and updated Android version are desirable features, the A72's hardware capabilities match my needs more closely.