1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Moto G85 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2024-06-25 | Motorola is significantly newer, with potential for longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 161.9 x 73.1 x 7.6 mm | Moto G85 is more compact and pocketable; A72 is bulkier. |
| Weight | 203g | 171g | Moto G85 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness and detail. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 395 PPI | Virtually identical screen clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar display quality, vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G85 offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1600 nits | Moto G85 is much more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm) | Moto G85's newer chip is more power-efficient and likely more capable. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 475,000 | Moto G85 offers significantly better performance for apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | Moto G85 has a newer GPU for potentially better graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, expected similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Moto G85 charges slightly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Features | 15W Fast Charger included | A72 includes a charger in box, Moto G85 may not. | |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | A72 has higher megapixel count, though this doesn't guarantee better quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.79 | Moto G85 has negligibly wider aperture, may perform slightly better in low light. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Sony LYT-600 1/2" | Moto G85's larger sensor size and sensor model might offer better low-light performance. | |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Moto G85 has larger pixel size, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | None | A72 has dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 12MP | 8MP | A72 captures wider shots with higher details. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | None | A72 has dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 32MP | Both have high-resolution selfie cameras. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | A72's wider aperture can result in better low-light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.70 µm | A72's larger pixel size could provide slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | A72 can record in higher quality 4K video. |
| Slow-motion | Yes, 120fps | No, 30fps | A72 has higher frame rate for slow-motion footage. |
| Camera Score (DXOMark) | Mobile: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Mobile: 88, Photo: 83, Video: 109 | A72 performs better in photo tests; Moto G85 has superior video performance. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Quad Camera, Manual Focus, Night Mode | OIS, Dual Camera, Laser Autofocus, RAW | A72 offers more versatile shooting modes, while Moto G85 has more advanced focus and RAW capture capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | Moto G85 ships with a newer version of Android and likely longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | up to Wi-Fi 5 | up to Wi-Fi 6 | Moto G85 has faster, more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Moto G85 has a newer, more efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Moto G85 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM/eSIM | Moto G85 supports eSIM for greater flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Moto G85 has more RAM, better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G85 has more advanced audio capabilities for clearer recordings and immersive sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security via fingerprint. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Moto G85 is more likely to withstand accidental drops and scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung A72 includes additional sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G85 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 and higher AnTuTu score mean faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Brighter Display: 1600 nits brightness dramatically improves visibility in bright sunlight.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14, offering a more modern experience and longer software support.
- Better Video Score Higher video score suggests overall better quality and features for video recording.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging reduces charging time.
- Newer Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 offer faster speeds and better efficiency.
- eSIM Support: Offers greater flexibility in carrier switching.
- Larger RAM Options: 12GB option for smoother multitasking and gaming
- Superior screen protection Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides more protection from scratches and drops.
- Lighter and more compact More comfortable for extended use.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes dedicated telephoto and macro lenses, offering more creative shooting options.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 64MP main camera can capture more detail in good lighting.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera With Wider Aperture: 32MP with wider aperture for superior selfies.
- 4K Video Recording: Supports 4K recording for higher-quality video.
- More advanced photo features: Manual focus, Night Mode
- Slow Motion at Higher Frame Rate: Capture slow motion videos at 120fps
- Included Charger: Ships with a 15W charger in the box.
- Additional sensors Additional sensors for advanced features and gaming.
- Better photo score: Superior quality for still images.
Trade-offs:
- A72: Older processor, lower performance, heavier build.
- Moto G85: Lacks a telephoto and macro lens, 4k video recording capabilities, not as good for photos as the A72.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Motorola Moto G85:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Those who prioritize smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and good gaming experience.
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and need good screen visibility.
- Modern Tech Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the latest connectivity standards and software.
- Users who prioritize video recording: Those who need great quality videos.
- Users who prioritize lightweight phones Lighter and more compact.
Use Cases for Moto G85:
- Gaming, streaming, browsing social media, GPS navigation in bright daylight.
- Recording high-quality video on the go.
- Professional who need access to fast and reliable cellular and internet connections
- Everyday users wanting a light phone for extended use
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value versatile camera systems with optical zoom, macro, and 4k video recording.
- Users who like to take still images: Those who value the photo aspect of camera, and want high-quality still images.
- Users who like to take varied photos: Those who like a versatile camera system with zoom, wide and macro lenses.
- Users who prefer included accessories: Those who prefer the convenience of a charger included in the box.
Use Cases for A72:
- Capturing detailed photos and videos in various settings, including close-ups and zoomed shots.
- Casual photography.
- Users who don't need the latest software.
- Users who can appreciate the additional sensors.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G85 has a better price to value as it provides better performance, screen quality and features while being a newer device.
- The Samsung Galaxy A72 might be a better option for people that prioritize camera features more than performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is more important: performance or camera versatility? The Moto G85 excels in performance, while the A72 offers more camera options.
- Do you need a phone with great outdoor visibility? The Moto G85's much brighter screen is a major advantage for outdoor use.
- Do you need a telephoto and macro lenses and the ability to record in 4k? The Samsung A72 has dedicated telephoto and macro lenses with 4k video capabilities, while the Motorola doesn't.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers/Heavy Users: If you play graphic intensive games and need smooth multitasking, choose the Motorola Moto G85.
- For Photo Enthusiasts: If you prioritize a versatile camera system with telephoto, macro lenses, and 4k video, choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
- For Everyday Use: If you value a modern experience and good performance with a great screen, the Motorola Moto G85 is the better choice.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Motorola Moto G85. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has a more versatile camera system with dedicated telephoto and macro lenses, the G85’s overall package is more compelling for the majority of users in 2024. The significantly better performance thanks to the newer processor, the much brighter display for outdoor usability, the faster charging, and the more modern software make it the superior device in my opinion. I do enjoy a phone with a versatile camera system, however, the higher video quality in the G85 along with the better performance wins me over in this situation.
My primary use case is heavy daily use including streaming, browsing, social media, gps navigation, and gaming from time to time. For these reasons, the Moto G85 is the clear winner for me.
