1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Nokia X30 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 158.9 × 73.9 × 8 mm | A72 is slightly larger and bulkier, X30 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 203g | 185g | X30 is lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.43" | A72 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multi-tasking. X30 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have sharp and detailed screens. |
| PPI | 394 | 409 | Both have very similar pixel density, providing sharp images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 screen is much brighter, offering better outdoor visibility. Note that the brightness of the Nokia X30 is not listed, but most phones at this level have similar brightness to the Galaxy A72 (around 700-800 nits) and this is likely a data error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | X30 has a more modern chip, offering better performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 410,072 | X30 has noticeably better performance, resulting in faster app loading and smoother overall operation. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | X30 has a newer GPU with better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00µm | A72 has higher resolution, X30 has larger pixel size for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm | Not Available | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities, X30 relies on digital zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm | A72 has higher resolution and slightly wider aperture, X30 has bigger pixels for better low-light selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.4, pixel size unknown | X30 has slightly higher resolution but aperture of the A72 is slightly wider for better low-light performance |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | Not Available | A72 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, X30 does not. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | A72 has higher video recording resolution for better quality videos. |
| DxoMark Score | 92 Mobile, 100 Photo, 78 Video | Not Available | A72 has a well-rated camera, X30 is untested |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4200mAh | A72 has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 33W fast charging | X30 offers slightly faster charging. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | X30 has a more recent version of Android. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | X30 supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds and more efficient connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | X30 has a more modern Bluetooth version with better connectivity and features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | X30 has better GPS accuracy with more satellite options. |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both come with similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | A72 has better sound quality, X30 is more basic. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | X30 has a much more durable screen that can withstand more damage. |
| Sensors | Compass, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity | Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity | A72 has a compass for more accurate orientation |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.7" screen offers a more immersive experience for media consumption and multitasking.
- Better Camera Versatility: Dedicated telephoto and macro lenses offer more creative shooting options. Higher-resolution main and selfie cameras.
- Brighter Screen: 800 nits brightness makes the screen easier to read outdoors in bright sunlight
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life, and includes a 15W charger in the box.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers offer a better audio experience.
- Camera Performance: DXOMark score indicates that the Samsung Galaxy A72 has superior camera performance, with a score of 100 for photography.
- Additional Sensors: The inclusion of a compass and Hall sensor provides additional functionality.
Nokia X30 Advantages:
- More Compact & Lighter Design: Easier to handle and carry.
- Better Performance: More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 695 5G chipset for faster app loading and overall smoother performance.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging compared to 25W on the A72.
- Newer Software: Comes with a more recent Android version and will likely receive more updates.
- Newer Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for better wireless performance.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus ensures better durability for the screen.
- Better GPS: Enhanced GPS accuracy due to the inclusion of QZSS support.
Trade-offs:
- A72 sacrifices some performance for a larger display, better camera versatility and battery capacity.
- X30 sacrifices camera versatility for better performance, newer software and a more durable build.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Enjoys watching videos, movies, and playing games on a larger screen.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Values a versatile camera system with multiple lenses, optical zoom and macro capabilities.
- Battery-Focused Users: Needs a phone with long battery life to last through a full day of heavy use.
- Audio Lovers: Wants enhanced audio quality with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos.
- Outdoor Users: Needs a bright screen that is readable in direct sunlight.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies/TV shows on the go.
- Taking photos and videos for social media with diverse focal length options.
- Gaming on a larger screen, while benefiting from a decent battery life.
- Long days away from charging with high device usage.
Nokia X30 Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Prioritizes speed, smooth operation, and responsiveness.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Values having the latest software and connectivity features.
- Durability Conscious: Wants a phone that can withstand daily wear and tear with a durable screen.
- Travelers/Outdoor Activities: Better GPS accuracy for navigation, and a more compact and rugged design.
- Minimalists: Prefers a more compact phone with modern features.
Use Cases:
- Demanding tasks like intensive gaming and multi-tasking.
- Daily use for a person wanting a quick and smooth experience
- Working or travelling where durability and reliability are important.
- Enjoying a phone that will get the latest software updates.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize screen size and camera versatility, or compact design and performance?
- How important is battery life and audio quality for your daily usage?
- Do you value the latest software updates and connectivity, or camera performance more?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Multimedia and Photography Fan: If you love watching videos, taking photos with different focal lengths and need long battery life, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better choice. The larger and brighter screen, versatile camera system and larger battery will serve these use cases well.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Durability User: If you prioritize speed, a more compact design, durability, and having the latest software features, the Nokia X30 is the better option. The superior processing power, better screen protection, and modern software will provide a better experience in this case.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you want a balance of good performance and a good display the Nokia X30 is the better choice. Whilst lacking the versatility of the Samsung camera system, the better performance, more durable screen, newer software and slightly better battery charging speeds provide a better overall experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Nokia X30. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has a brighter screen and more versatile camera, I value the speed and responsiveness of the phone more. I also like the slightly more compact and lighter design of the Nokia X30, and the fact that it has a much more durable screen is a huge plus. The newer software and faster charging is also more important to me than the advantages of the Samsung Galaxy A72. For my personal use case, the trade-offs offered by the Nokia X30 make it the better choice.
