Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Nokia G11
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Nokia G11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mm | A72 is slightly wider, G11 is a hair thicker; minimal difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 203g | 189g | G11 is lighter by 14g, which is noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | A72 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | A72 offers a much sharper display with significantly more detail. |
| PPI | 394 | 270 | A72 has significantly higher pixel density; text and images will appear noticeably clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and better color vibrancy, and better efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 will be vastly more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | A72's Snapdragon offers a better balance of performance and power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 253,300 | A72 shows marginally better overall performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MP1 | A72's GPU is better for graphically intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 13MP, f/1.8 | A72's main sensor captures much more detail. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 offers better zoom and portrait capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | A72's selfie camera produces much higher-resolution images, while G11 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | A72 allows you to capture more in the frame. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | G11 includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72 provides slightly better macro detail. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 captures higher-resolution videos, offering a crisper video experience. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | No | A72 provides electronic image stabilization, improving the quality of recorded videos. |
| Slow-motion | 120 fps | 30 fps | A72 provides smoother slow-motion video capture. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | N/A | A72's camera has been tested and scores well, especially for photos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5050 mAh | Very similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 18W fast charging | A72 recharges quicker. |
| Included Charger | 15W | 10W | A72 comes with a more powerful charger in the box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 12 | Android 11 | A72 is upgradable to Android 12, G11 is not. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11n | A72 supports a newer Wi-Fi standard, potentially faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | A72 offers a more comprehensive set of Bluetooth profiles. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 32GB/64GB | A72 offers significantly more storage space. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 3GB/4GB | A72 provides more RAM for smoother multitasking and better overall performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | 2 microphones | A72 delivers a superior audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | G11's side-mounted fingerprint sensor might be more convenient for some users. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | A72 offers more sensors, important for more advanced features and gaming. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both use similar screen protection tech. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology, higher resolution, higher pixel density, and greater brightness result in a much better viewing experience.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset offers better overall performance, especially for gaming, and multitasking.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes telephoto, wide-angle, and higher resolution main and selfie sensors. Also better video and stabilization capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging is significantly quicker than G11's 18W charging.
- More Storage and RAM: Comes with 128GB/256GB storage and 6GB/8GB RAM options compared to the 32GB/64GB and 3GB/4GB of the Nokia G11, offering greater flexibility.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos provide a richer audio experience.
- More Advanced Sensors: Includes Compass and Gyroscope, ideal for gaming and augmented reality.
- Software Upgrade: Android 12 upgrade available.
Practical Implications: The A72 is a better all-around device for anyone who consumes media, takes pictures, or plays games. The superior display and audio enhance the experience, while the more powerful chipset and larger RAM provide a smoother overall user experience.
Nokia G11 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: 14g lighter, potentially more comfortable for long usage periods.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient access for some users.
- Dedicated Depth Camera: Enables portrait mode, offering a depth effect to portrait shots.
- Slightly Larger Battery: 50mAh more battery capacity, which is negligible in real-world usage.
Practical Implications: The G11 is targeted at users with basic needs, focusing on affordability and practicality. The slightly larger battery, side-mounted fingerprint sensor and dedicated depth camera are minor perks that might appeal to specific users.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Nokia G11 sacrifices display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and storage in favor of a lower price point.
- Samsung Galaxy A72 might be more expensive, but provides a premium experience across several key features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who watch videos, browse social media, and read frequently.
- Casual Gamers: Those who play mobile games and need a smooth performance.
- Photography Lovers: Users who appreciate having multiple lenses and good quality photos and videos.
- Productivity Users: Those who do multitasking and need the extra memory and storage.
Use Cases:
- Enjoying vivid, high-quality visuals while watching movies or shows.
- Smoothly running modern games.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos in a variety of conditions.
- Multitasking between apps without lag.
- Enjoying immersive music experiences.
Nokia G11 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who want a functional smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, messaging, and some light browsing.
- Users Needing a Light Phone: Those seeking a lighter device.
Use Cases:
- Simple web browsing and social media scrolling.
- Basic photography.
- Sending messages and making calls.
- Listening to music.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Galaxy A72 offers a better price-to-value ratio for those who need performance, good camera, and high-quality display. It justifies the cost with significant improvements in key features.
- The Nokia G11 is for users looking for the cheapest option possible.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Quality: How important is a high-resolution, vibrant display for media consumption and overall experience?
- Performance: Will you be multitasking, gaming, or using demanding apps that need extra performance?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need versatile cameras with zoom, wide-angle, and high-resolution video capabilities?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Prioritize media and gaming: If you prioritize a top-tier display, smooth performance, good camera, and immersive audio for entertainment, choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
Scenario 2: Basic usage and budget constraints: If your priority is an affordable phone for basic tasks without any high-end features, the Nokia G11 is a reasonable choice.
Scenario 3: Balanced performance and features: If you have a moderate budget and need a good balance between performance, camera capabilities, and screen quality, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is still the better option, though it comes at a higher price.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A72. The reason for this is the superior display quality provided by the AMOLED panel, which results in a better experience for media consumption. Also, the faster chipset and significantly better camera system of the A72 would be highly appreciated, even for casual use cases. While the Nokia G11 is the more affordable option, the substantial upgrades in display, performance, and camera of the Galaxy A72 would provide a much more enjoyable user experience, making it worth the higher cost. For a daily driver, the A72 is the far better choice.
