1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Nokia C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mm | Nokia C31 is slightly taller and thicker, but both are similar in hand feel. |
| Weight | 203g | 200g | Negligible difference; both feel similarly weighted. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.75" | Very similar viewing area; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | A72's higher resolution provides much sharper images and text. |
| PPI | 394 | 260 | A72's significantly higher pixel density means clearer and less pixelated visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A72's 90Hz results in smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is significantly more visible in bright sunlight; Nokia C31's brightness spec is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) | A72's chipset is significantly more powerful, offering faster app loading and smoother performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 109,200 | A72 is much faster and suitable for gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | IMG8322 | A72's GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks much better, better gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | 13MP | A72 captures much more detailed and clearer standard photos. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.0µm (OV08A10) | None | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | 5MP, f/2.2 | A72 captures much sharper and detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | None | A72 has a dedicated ultra-wide lens for expanded field of view. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | C31 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72 captures more detailed macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (EIS) | 1080p@30fps | A72 captures higher resolution videos with better image stabilization. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 92 | Not Tested | A72 offers higher image quality according to DXOMark scores. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5050 mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, likely similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | A72 charges much faster. |
| Charger Included | 15W Fast Charger included | Not specified | A72 includes a charger, C31 unclear. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | C31 has a slightly newer version of Android out of the box, unclear if upgrade is available. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11b/g/n | A72 supports faster Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 LE | A72 has more modern Bluetooth with more features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | A72 supports more satellite navigation systems for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both offer dual SIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | A72 offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4 GB | A72 provides much smoother multitasking due to more RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | A72 offers significantly better audio quality and a more immersive sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have standard fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection is not specified for both, making it difficult to compare. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer | A72 offers a more comprehensive array of sensors, enabling more advanced functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher PPI, 90Hz refresh rate, and higher brightness provide a significantly better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Much Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset and higher RAM result in significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Better Cameras: Superior image quality in all camera aspects (standard, telephoto, ultrawide, selfie, macro), 4K video recording, and better video stabilization.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging is significantly faster compared to the Nokia C31's 10W charging.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide a much more immersive and higher-quality audio experience.
- More Modern Connectivity: Features newer Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth version with more features, resulting in better overall connectivity experience.
Nokia C31 Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 12 out of the box, although upgradeability is unclear for both phones.
- Slightly larger battery: 50mAh more capacity although it won't make a significant impact on battery life.
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated 2MP depth sensor for portrait mode photography.
Trade-offs:
- The A72's advantages in display, performance, and camera come at the cost of a potentially higher price.
- The C31's newer Android version is a minor advantage, as the A72 can be upgraded to Android 12.
- Both phones lack expandable storage
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, browse social media, and play games, benefiting from its superior display and audio.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value higher-quality photos and videos, enjoying the A72's superior camera system and features.
- Power Users: Those who need fast performance for multitasking, app loading, and gaming, benefiting from the powerful chipset and ample RAM.
- Users who need good outdoor visibility: Those who live in sunny places and need a phone they can use outdoors easily.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies/TV shows in high quality
- Playing graphically demanding games
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions
- Using the phone outdoors in bright sunlight
Nokia C31 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a reliable smartphone with basic functionalities at a lower price point.
- Users with Basic Needs: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and simple social media browsing.
- Users who prefer simplicity: Those looking for a simple experience and will appreciate the basic features.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing and social media usage
- Casual photography and video recording
- Everyday communication needs
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The A72 is likely more expensive, while the C31 is more budget-friendly.
- How important is display quality to you? The A72 has a significantly better display, so consider if that's a key requirement.
- What type of performance do you need? The A72 excels in performance and gaming, while the C31 is more suited for basic tasks.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I need a high-quality device for entertainment and photography."
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72. Its superior display, camera system, audio, and performance make it ideal for media consumption and content creation.
- Scenario 2: "I need a basic phone for calls, texts, and occasional browsing on a tight budget."
- Recommendation: Nokia C31. It provides reliable basic functionality at a lower cost, and is suitable for undemanding users.
- Scenario 3: "I want to play games and run demanding apps smoothly."
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72. Its superior chipset and ample RAM make it the better choice for demanding tasks.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
Here's why: While both phones have their strengths, the Galaxy A72 simply provides a far superior experience in all areas that matter to me: display, performance, and camera. The AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate is a major advantage for daily use, offering better visual quality and smoothness. The significantly more powerful Snapdragon 720G chipset would ensure the phone feels responsive and capable, even with heavy multitasking or gaming. Additionally, the substantially better camera system, including its telephoto lens and 4K video recording, would make the phone more versatile and allow for higher quality photos and videos.
While the Nokia C31 is a decent budget phone, the A72 is the phone that suits my needs and preference for high-quality performance. The slightly higher price of the Samsung Galaxy A72 is justified by the significant improvements to screen, performance, and overall user experience.
