1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Nokia G42 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 165 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm | A72 is slightly wider, while G42 is slightly thicker. Both will feel similar in hand. G42 slightly lighter, might be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Weight | 203g | 193.8g | G42 is lighter, making it slightly more comfortable for longer use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.56" | A72 has a marginally larger screen, which is better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | A72 offers a significantly sharper display with much more detail, better for reading, images, videos and gaming. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 269 PPI | A72's higher pixel density results in crisper text, sharper images and smoother gradients. The difference is visually noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72’s AMOLED screen offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors, and better outdoor visibility, also more power-efficient when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both have the same smooth scrolling, animations and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is drastically brighter, offering superior visibility in bright sunlight and overall better outdoor usability. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Despite having a higher benchmark score, the G42 chipset is optimized for mid-range tasks with 5G, while A72 offers stable performance for most daily tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 285,000 | 380,000 | G42 has a higher benchmark score, which might translate into slightly faster app loading and overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | G42 has newer GPU, which might result in slightly better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A72's higher resolution will capture more detail in ideal conditions, but both have similar apertures. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 provides better zoom capabilities and portrait mode due to the telephoto lens. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | A72 offers a wider field of view for landscape shots and group photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | A72 has a much higher resolution selfie camera, good for detailed selfies. G42's wider aperture might give it an edge in low light. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72 offers better macro image quality due to a higher resolution sensor. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | G42 provides a dedicated depth sensor to enhance bokeh effects. |
| Video | 4K@30fps w/EIS, 1080p@60fps w/EIS, 1080p@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 can record 4K video and has more options, resulting in higher-quality videos with stabilization. G42 is more limited on video capabilities. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | Not Tested | A72 has a tested and rated camera performance, whereas the G42 does not, this offers a relative benchmark to the A72's camera quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 20W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | A72 charges slightly faster. |
| Charger Included | Yes (15W) | No | A72 includes a charger in the box while the G42 does not, meaning the G42 user needs to purchase a charger. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (max 12) | Android 13 (max 14) | G42 has a newer OS version and is likely to receive updates for longer period. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5, ac | Wi-Fi 6, ax | G42 has the newest Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering better network performance and efficiency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | G42 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, offering slightly better efficiency. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | A72 allows for the use of two SIM cards at the same time, G42 can only use one. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB | A72 offers higher storage options, and the 256GB will be ideal for users with extensive files. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | A72 has more RAM, which means better multitasking and smoother app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos | 2 Microphones | A72 has much better audio capabilities including stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos for a much better audio experience. G42 focuses on microphone input. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | G42 has a side-mounted sensor, which may be more convenient for some users. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | G42 offers better screen protection, which may offer a little more protection against drops and scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | A72 has a more complete set of sensors, useful for specific applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology, higher resolution, and significantly higher brightness offer a much better viewing experience for media consumption, gaming, and general use.
- Better Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens, a wide-angle lens, and a higher resolution front camera. This results in more versatile and higher-quality photos and videos, especially for zoom shots and selfies.
- Better Video Recording: Supports 4K video recording, which gives more detail for vlogs, social media videos and recordings.
- Faster Charging: 25W vs 20W charging. Although small the difference will be useful for users who need to top up quickly.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos provide a more immersive and higher-quality audio experience.
- More Storage and RAM: Higher RAM for smoother multitasking and higher internal storage options for more files and data.
- Dual Sim: Ability to use two SIMs simultaneously.
- Included Charger: Ships with a charger in the box.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Additional sensors for specific applications.
Nokia G42 Advantages:
- Newer Operating System: Comes with Android 13 and has a higher maximum version, which will offer new features and security updates.
- Better Performance: Higher benchmark score indicates potentially faster app loading and overall responsiveness for daily tasks.
- Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 LE which can offer better connectivity and power efficiency.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides some protection against scratches and minor impacts.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Some users will find the side-mounted fingerprint sensor to be faster and easier to use.
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor, which provides better bokeh and portrait mode capabilities.
- Lighter: Slightly lighter than the A72, which may be better for extended use.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung A72 sacrifices newer software, connectivity features and a higher raw performance for a much better display, versatile camera, faster charging and better audio.
- The Nokia G42 offers a newer operating system, a better connectivity and a bit more processing power at the expense of a far less capable display, camera, audio capabilities and charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos, movies, and play graphically intensive mobile games and prioritize screen quality, color accuracy, and brightness.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy taking photos and want a versatile camera system with zoom, wide-angle, and high-resolution selfie options.
- Users who prefer more storage and better multitasking: Users who tend to use many apps simultaneously and prefer to store extensive amounts of files on their phone.
- Users Who Value Audio Quality: Those who like to watch media on their device's speakers or listen to music regularly.
- Users who need the convenience of dual SIM capabilities: Those who need to use two SIM cards regularly.
Nokia G42 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Users looking for a basic, reliable phone with a modern OS and decent performance but are less demanding of display and camera quality.
- Users Seeking Longer Software Support: Users who want a phone with the latest Android version and potentially more software updates.
- Users Who value performance: Users who need a device that can handle daily tasks with good speed and stability, especially due to it's high benchmark performance.
- Users Who Value Connectivity: Users who require the most recent WiFi and bluetooth technologies.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Watching movies and TV shows on the go.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos during trips or social events.
- Gaming with visually intensive applications.
- Working on creative projects requiring color accuracy.
- Navigating outdoors in bright conditions.
- Using two SIM cards for work and personal purposes.
- Nokia G42:
- Everyday phone tasks such as browsing, emails, and social media.
- Using the phone as a basic communications device with long-term software support.
- Users who need to take a few photos and videos but don't need top-tier camera quality.
- Users who need reliable connectivity performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? If the display is a top priority for media consumption or outdoor visibility, the Samsung A72 is the clear winner.
- How much do I value camera versatility and quality? If you take many photos and videos in diverse scenarios, the Samsung A72 offers a significantly better experience.
- Do I need dual SIM, and do I value storage and multitasking? The A72 is the clear winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media and Content Consumption: If watching videos and movies, browsing photos, and playing games with high quality visuals is your main use case, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the clear choice due to its superior AMOLED display and audio capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Basic Usage with a Focus on Software Updates: If you need a reliable phone with long software support, the Nokia G42 is preferable due to the newer OS. However, be prepared for compromises in screen quality, and camera versatility.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Videography: If you prioritize camera and video quality, zoom capabilities and versality, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is far superior, due to it's 4 camera lens system and the ability to record videos in 4K.
- Scenario 4: Balancing Performance and Features: If you want a device with a good balance of performance, connectivity and some of the latest features, while compromising on the screen quality and the camera, the Nokia G42 is the better choice.
- Scenario 5: Dual Sim Users: If you need to be able to use two SIM cards at the same time, the A72 is the only choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A72. While the Nokia G42 offers a slightly newer OS and a higher performance, the overall user experience is going to be significantly better with the A72. I value the much superior display for media consumption, the more versatile camera system for better photography and videography and the higher quality audio. The practical benefits of these advantages far outweigh the slightly newer software and the performance advantages. The A72's superior display, comprehensive camera features, and faster charging make it a more compelling choice for my use case. The ability to store more files and better multitasking capabilities thanks to the more RAM is also important for me. Finally, the fact that the A72 comes with a charger in the box means that the user will not have to spend more money when purchasing the phone.
