1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Motorola Razr 40 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Motorola Razr 40 offers a unique, compact foldable design. |
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 170.8 × 74 × 7.4 mm | Razr 40 is taller, narrower, and thinner when unfolded, more pocketable when folded. A72 has a larger overall volume, potentially feeling bulkier. |
| Weight | 203g | 188.6g | Razr 40 is lighter, offering a more comfortable experience during long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.9" | Razr 40 has a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption and better multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2640 | Razr 40 offers slightly sharper visuals due to higher pixel count. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 413 PPI | Both are very similar and provide very sharp displays. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | Galaxy A72's AMOLED offers richer colours, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to an unspecified technology in Motorola Razr 40. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Razr 40's higher refresh rate offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1400 nits | Razr 40 has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, improving usability. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Razr 40's newer, more efficient chipset offers faster performance and improved power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 699,600 | Razr 40 delivers substantially higher performance, making it faster for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 644 | Razr 40 offers significantly improved graphical performance for gaming and GPU-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.8 | Similar primary camera capabilities on paper. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | Galaxy A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities and better portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.45 | Galaxy A72 has a slightly wider aperture, which can result in slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Galaxy A72 features a dedicated wide-angle camera for more expansive landscape shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Galaxy A72 features a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | Razr 40 has one lens that combines both wide and macro functionality. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS | Both offer similar video recording features, including stabilization. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 92 | Not Available | Galaxy A72 has an overall score of 92 with 100 in photo and 78 in video, Razr 40 does not have scores. |
| Camera Features | Various including OIS, Optical zoom | Various including OIS, Laser Autofocus | Galaxy A72 offers optical zoom, while Razr 40 provides Laser Autofocus. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4200mAh | Galaxy A72 has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 33W fast charging, 8W wireless | Razr 40 charges faster and offers wireless charging, providing more convenience. |
| Battery Features | 15W Charger Included | Reverse, 8W Wireless | Razr 40 has wireless charging and reverse charging support. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max 12 | Android 13, max 16 | Razr 40 has a newer operating system with a longer potential update window. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Razr 40 supports a faster Wi-Fi standard, which is advantageous for better internet speeds and less latency on compatible routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | Razr 40 has a newer Bluetooth version for better connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Razr 40 has an additional SUPL for faster location acquisition. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM / eSIM | Razr 40 offers eSIM, providing more flexibility for managing multiple mobile plans. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Razr 40 has more RAM, which improves multitasking performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Razr 40 has an additional 3 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic | side-mounted | Razr 40 offers a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Razr 40 offers superior protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Similar sensor suite, with Razr 40 having Gravity and A72 Hall and Geomagnetic. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Razr 40 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Unique, compact design, and offers a secondary display when folded
- Superior Performance: Newer chipset and higher AnTuTu score result in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Smoother Display: Higher refresh rate (144Hz) provides a much smoother visual experience.
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher brightness (1400 nits) ensures better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging plus wireless charging capabilities for better convenience.
- Newer Software: Android 13 offers better features and a longer update window.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster, more reliable connections.
- Additional Features: Includes eSIM support, 3 microphones, superior screen protection, side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Higher RAM Options: Offers up to 12 GB of RAM for improved multitasking and app performance.
- Practical Implications: The Razr 40 offers a more modern, premium experience with a higher performing chipset, smoother display, and additional features. This phone is better suited for power users, gamers, and those who prioritize a unique design.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery for potentially longer battery life.
- Dedicated Camera Lenses: Features a telephoto lens for optical zoom and a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens for versatility.
- Camera DxOmark Score: Having a DxOMark score indicates a better camera overall.
- More established Camera Features: Having optical zoom, more camera settings and overall features means more versatility when taking photos and video.
- Practical Implications: The Galaxy A72 is for users who prioritise a diverse camera system, need all-day battery life and are not concerned about having a foldable or modern design.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Razr 40 sacrifices some battery capacity and dedicated lens variety for a foldable design and a higher performing chipset.
- The Samsung Galaxy A72 lacks modern features like a high refresh rate display, the latest software, wireless charging and has a less powerful chipset.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Motorola Razr 40:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who value innovative design and the latest technology.
- Power Users: Individuals who require high performance for multitasking and gaming.
- Content Consumers: Users who watch videos, browse social media, and play games.
- Professionals: Those who need eSIM support and reliable connectivity.
Style-Conscious: Users who want a modern and stylish phone.
- Use Cases: Gaming, multitasking, media consumption, travel (eSIM), photography (though more limited than A72), and those who want a compact design when the phone is folded.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a mid-range phone with a focus on camera capabilities and great battery life.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who desire optical zoom capabilities, and dedicated wide and macro lenses.
Everyday Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for communication, social media, and casual use.
- Use Cases: Everyday photography, long battery life requirements, and users that want a more traditional smartphone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Design Preference: Do you prioritize a standard phone or do you want the modern foldable form factor and unique compact design of the Motorola Razr 40?
- Performance Needs: Do you need high performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps, or is basic everyday performance sufficient?
- Camera Versatility vs Battery: Do you want the diverse camera system with multiple lenses of the A72 or do you prioritize faster charging and great battery performance in the Razr 40?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: High-Performance and Unique Design:
- Recommendation: Motorola Razr 40. Its newer chipset, higher refresh rate, and foldable design make it ideal for demanding users who also want a stylish phone.
Scenario 2: Battery Life and Camera Versatility:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72. Its larger battery and more diverse camera system make it suitable for those who prioritize camera flexibility and long battery life.
Scenario 3: Balanced Budget:
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a more complete traditional smartphone experience if you want a great camera for the price.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Motorola Razr 40. Here's why:
The biggest draw for me is the foldable design. While I acknowledge the A72 has a better camera system, I prefer a unique and more modern design. The fact the Razr 40 has significantly better performance means I can do everything faster and more smoothly. The smoother 144hz display is also a big plus in everyday use, and the wireless charging is more convenient. Additionally, I value the faster updates with the newer Android version, along with better connectivity standards. Although the A72 has a larger battery, the difference is likely less significant with the Razr 40's more efficient processor, and the faster charging means I will have less downtime.
While the Razr 40 is more expensive, the trade-offs it has compared to the A72, I consider it to be a more premium and more future proof device.
