1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A72 and Motorola Moto G82, focusing on their real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Moto G82 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 160.9 × 74.5 × 8 mm | A72 is slightly larger and may feel less comfortable for one-handed use. G82 is more compact and pocket-friendly. |
| Weight | 203g | 173g | G82 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. A72 feels heavier in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | A72 offers a slightly larger screen for immersive media consumption, but the difference is minimal. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed visuals, making them equally suitable for media consumption and text reading. |
| PPI | 394 | 402 | Both displays are equally sharp; pixel density difference is marginal. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both screens offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | G82 provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience when browsing or playing games. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is significantly better for outdoor visibility, as its brighter display will be easier to see in direct sunlight. G82 screen is unknown in brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | G82 offers a slight advantage in day to day tasks due to a newer chipset and overall better benchmark score. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 390,000 | G82 provides slightly faster app loading and smoother multitasking thanks to the higher benchmark score. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | G82's GPU is marginally better, offering a slightly better gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | A72 has higher resolution, theoretically allowing for more detailed photos, but pixel size also matters. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP f/2.4 | None | A72 offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities, allowing for better zoomed-in photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.2 | A72's front camera should capture more detailed selfies than the G82. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | A72 captures wider shots with more detail than G82. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | A72 captures macro images with a higher resolution than the G82. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@60fps | A72 can capture higher-resolution videos in 4K, making it better for users who frequently record content. |
| DXOMark | Main:92, Photo:100, Video:78 | N/A | A72's camera performance is confirmed with a DXOMark score, providing objective image quality data. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, Quad Camera | OIS, Laser AutoFocus, Triple Camera | A72 offers more versatile photography with optical zoom. G82 has laser autofocus, for improved focus performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life, easily lasting a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | G82 charges slightly faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (max 12) | Android 12 (max 13) | G82 ships with a newer Android version and is likely to receive one more update, which translates to newer features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both phones support common WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | G82 has a newer Bluetooth version with lower energy consumption, which can extend battery life for audio streaming. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Both offer standard GPS functionality, with the G82 having one additional feature (SUPL) which is only a slight advantage. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB/256 GB | 128 GB | A72 provides more internal storage options, suitable for users who keep a lot of files or apps on their devices. |
| RAM | 6 GB/8 GB | 6 GB | A72 can offer better multitasking performance with the 8GB RAM option. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows external storage expansion, so user must depend on internal memory and/or Cloud storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Both phones offer immersive audio experiences. G82 may offer slightly better call quality with 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | G82 offers a more modern fingerprint sensor, for fast and comfortable unlocks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Both offer standard sensor functionality, the G82 including a magnetometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Offers 800 nits brightness, greatly improving outdoor visibility.
- Superior Camera System: Includes a dedicated telephoto lens, higher resolution sensors across all cameras, 4k video recording, and OIS for sharper pictures and videos.
- More Storage Options: Offers a 256GB option and 8GB RAM option for users with higher storage needs.
- Official Camera Scores: Has been tested with DXOMark score, showing solid photo performance.
Motorola Moto G82 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for extended use and pocket-friendly.
- Newer Chipset: Offers better day-to-day performance, benchmark scores and 5G connectivity.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz display for smoother scrolling and animations.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging is slightly quicker than the 25W on the A72.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 12 and is likely to receive Android 13 for better features and security.
- More Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Provides fast and comfortable unlocking
- Better Audio Capture: Includes an additional microphone for better call quality and clarity in audio capture.
Trade-offs:
- A72: Heavier and bulkier, less ergonomic for one-handed use, outdated chipset, slower charging, older software.
- G82: Significantly less bright display, inferior camera system, less storage options, unknown official camera performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize camera quality, particularly those who frequently take photos in different lighting conditions or require optical zoom capabilities. Users who need a bright screen for outdoor use.
- Use Cases: Outdoor photography, capturing detailed images and videos, users who consume a lot of media in bright conditions, individuals who store lots of photos/videos directly on the device.
- Value: May be a good option if you can find it at a discounted price due to its age.
Motorola Moto G82:
- Ideal User: Users who prefer a lightweight, compact phone with smooth performance and a more modern software experience. Those who stream a lot of videos and appreciate the smooth scrolling of a high refresh rate display.
- Use Cases: Everyday browsing, social media, light gaming, users who prefer a lighter phone, individuals who prioritize long battery life and fast charging.
- Value: Provides a better price-to-value ratio if purchased at MSRP or below, with modern features and performance.
4. Decision Framework
Here are key questions for buyers:
- How important is camera quality to you?
- If photography is a top priority, the A72's versatility and better photo/video scores are more suitable.
- Do you prioritize ergonomics and day-to-day performance?
- If you prefer a lighter, more compact phone and smoother everyday usage, the G82 is the better choice.
- Do you need a bright screen for outdoor visibility?
- If you regularly use your phone in bright sunlight, then the A72 is the much better option due to its bright display.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Photography Enthusiast): Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its superior camera system and telephoto zoom.
- Scenario 2 (Everyday User): Choose the Motorola Moto G82 for its lightweight design, smooth 120Hz display, and newer Android experience.
- Scenario 3 (Outdoor User): Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its drastically brighter display.
- Scenario 4 (Budget-Conscious Buyer): Choose the Motorola Moto G82 for its better price-to-performance ratio.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Motorola Moto G82.
Here's why:
While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has a better camera system and brighter display, the Motorola Moto G82's advantages in ergonomics, performance, and software are more aligned with my personal needs and preferences. I prefer a lighter, more compact phone for daily use, and I appreciate the smoothness of a 120Hz display. While the G82's camera is not as good, it's still competent for casual photography and I feel that the other advantages it provides outweigh this. The newer chipset, faster charging, and newer Android version on the Moto G82 also provide a better long-term ownership experience for me.
