Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Motorola Moto G72
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Moto G72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 160.5 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm | A72 is larger and slightly thicker; G72 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 203g | 166g | G72 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | A72 has a slightly larger screen, suitable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness, both offer crisp visuals. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 402 | Negligible difference in sharpness; both are very clear. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; similar viewing experience |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | G72 offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is significantly brighter, offering better outdoor visibility; Moto G72 brightness data is missing, potentially a significant limitation. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | G72's chipset is newer and more efficient, offering slightly better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 415,300 | G72 has a substantially better score, translating to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPUs, but G72 has a better AnTuTu score, potentially meaning better gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 108MP | G72 captures more detail in photos, allowing for better cropping and larger prints. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | G72 gathers slightly more light for better low-light photos. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP (with OIS) | None | A72 offers better optical zoom capabilities. |
| Ultra-wide Camera | 12MP | 8MP | A72 has a higher resolution ultrawide for more detailed photos |
| Macro Camera | 5MP | 2MP | A72 has higher resolution for more detailed close-up photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP | 16MP | A72 captures more detail in selfies. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30/60fps | A72 can shoot higher-resolution videos with better stabilization. |
| DXOMark | Main: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Not Available | A72 has a better camera rating; Note that the G72 was not tested |
| Features | OIS, Quad Camera | LAF, Triple Camera | A72 has Optical Image Stabilization and Optical Zoom while the G72 has Laser Autofocus |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | G72 charges faster. |
| Charger Included | 15W Charger | No Information | A72 comes with a charger included in box |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 12 | G72 comes with a newer OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support similar WiFi Standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Both support Bluetooth 5.0, A72 offers more features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | G72 has better GPS compatibility |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer similar storage options, Neither support expandable storage |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 6/8GB | Both offer similar RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos | Both have similar quality audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Both have a wide array of sensors, G72 has Magnetometer, A72 has Geomagnetic, Hall |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: 800 nits brightness offers significantly better outdoor visibility.
- Optical Zoom: Dedicated telephoto lens provides true optical zoom capability which provides better quality at zoomed in photos.
- Higher Quality Video Recording: 4K video recording capability, excellent for quality vlogs and video creation.
- Better Overall Camera System: Offers more features such as OIS, Quad Camera, Optical Zoom.
- Included 15W Charger: A small additional perk
- DXOMark: Higher camera rating, but was the only one tested
Motorola Moto G72 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More pocketable and comfortable for prolonged use.
- Faster Performance: Newer chipset and higher AnTuTu scores offer snappier performance in everyday tasks.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz display provides a smoother and more responsive user experience.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging for quicker battery top-ups.
- Better GPS: Supports more GPS technologies than the A72.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A72: Trades performance and weight for a superior display and camera setup with telephoto capabilities.
- G72: Trades camera versatility and brightness for better performance and a smoother display. It's missing brightness data, making it a question mark for outdoor visibility
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Who value optical zoom, detailed photos, OIS, higher resolution main and selfie cameras and the ability to record in 4K.
- Outdoor Users: Who need a bright screen for easy visibility in sunlight.
- Media Consumers: Who appreciate a slightly larger display for videos and gaming.
Use Cases:
- Capturing detailed photos and videos during travel.
- Shooting clear photos in bright sunlight.
- Watching videos and playing games with good color accuracy.
Motorola Moto G72 Ideal User:
- Gamers and Multitaskers: Who prioritize smooth performance and quick app loading.
- Everyday Users: Who want a lightweight phone with a fast refresh rate for general use.
- Users on the Go: Who need a device that charges quickly.
- Users on a budget who want the best performance for the money.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Switching between apps frequently.
- Quickly charging the phone before heading out.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Moto G72 potentially offers better performance for less money but with sacrifices in the camera and screen brightness.
- The Samsung A72 may be more expensive due to the camera and display.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality, specifically optical zoom and 4k recording? (A72 excels here)
- How much do you prioritize smooth performance and fast charging over camera quality? (G72 has the edge)
- Do you need a bright display for outdoor use? (A72 is brighter but G72 has missing data)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the avid photographer/videographer: The Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better choice thanks to its optical zoom and 4k recording capabilities.
- For performance focused users: The Motorola Moto G72 is recommended as it performs better and has a smoother display, as well as faster charging.
- For those who primarily use their phone outdoors: The Samsung Galaxy A72 wins with its brighter screen, assuming the missing Moto G72 information doesn't indicate it has a comparable brightness.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A72. While the Motorola Moto G72 offers a more modern processor and a higher refresh rate, which are great for gaming and daily performance, the advantages of the A72's camera are more compelling for my priorities. The brighter display is a must-have for outdoor visibility, and the telephoto lens paired with 4K recording capabilities adds a lot of versatility for photography and videography. The A72's camera system, with the optical zoom, is a significant advantage that caters to my usage patterns. If I were more concerned with performance on a budget I would choose the G72, but as it stands I would pick the A72.
