1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Nokia XR20 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 171.6 × 81.5 × 10.6 mm | Nokia XR20 is larger and bulkier, less comfortable in smaller hands or pockets. |
| Weight | 203g | 248g | Samsung Galaxy A72 is significantly lighter and more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard form factor phones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung A72 has much better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience, especially in dark conditions. Also more power-efficient with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Samsung A72 has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | Samsung A72 is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Nokia XR20 brightness is not provided. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G | Nokia XR20 has a slightly newer chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 320,000 | Nokia XR20 has slightly higher benchmark performance, indicating slightly better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | Nokia XR20 has a slightly newer GPU, for slightly improved graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4630mAh | Samsung A72 has a slightly larger battery capacity potentially leading to longer runtime. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Samsung A72 charges faster. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer is often considered slightly more stable. |
| Charging Features | 15W Fast Charger | 15W Wireless Charging | Samsung includes faster wired charger, while Nokia offers convenient wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 48MP, f/1.8 | Samsung A72 offers higher resolution photos. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung A72 offers optical zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Samsung A72 captures much higher resolution selfies. Nokia has wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.4 | Nokia XR20 has a marginally higher resolution wide angle camera. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung A72 offers macro photography capability. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Samsung A72 has significantly better video resolution and quality. |
| Stabilization | EIS | None | Samsung A72 has better video stabilization. |
| Slow-Motion | Yes, 120 fps | No, 30fps | Samsung A72 offers a higher framerate slow-motion video recording. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Quadruple Camera, Night Mode | Dual Camera | Samsung A72 has a more versatile camera system. |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 92 | Not Tested | Samsung Galaxy A72 has a good overall camera score. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Nokia XR20 has guaranteed longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | Nokia XR20 supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Nokia XR20 uses low energy bluetooth standard |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC System | Nokia XR20 offers better GPS coverage and accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | Samsung A72 offers more internal storage in its high end variant. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | Samsung A72 has higher RAM options for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Samsung A72 offers a more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos. |
| Microphones | N/A | 2 Microphones | Nokia XR20 offers dual microphones for better sound capture. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Nokia XR20 has a more convenient fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Nokia XR20 offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Nokia XR20 has a barometer, while the Samsung A72 has a Hall and Geomagnetic sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers much better visual quality with vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and higher contrast. Much better for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Better Camera System: More versatile camera setup with a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, a macro lens, and a higher-resolution main camera, resulting in better image quality. Significantly better video recording capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging allows for quicker battery top-ups.
- More RAM and Storage: Offers 8GB RAM for smoother multitasking and 256GB storage for more photos and videos.
- Dolby Atmos: Better spatial audio experience.
- Lighter: Much lighter than the Nokia XR20.
Nokia XR20 Advantages:
- More Durable Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers vastly superior screen protection against scratches and drops.
- Better Performance: Slightly higher benchmark scores, indicating marginally better processing.
- Longer Software Support: Guaranteed OS upgrades to Android 13.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging support.
- Better GPS: More satellite systems support for increased location accuracy.
- Latest WiFi Standard: Supports faster WiFi 6, beneficial for better network performance.
- Barometer: An environmental sensor missing on the Samsung Galaxy A72.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Scanner: More convenient access for some users.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung A72 sacrifices durability for a better screen and camera.
- Nokia XR20 sacrifices display quality and camera versatility for durability and better software support.
- Samsung A72 has much better video recording, while Nokia XR20 lacks 4K and has basic video stabilization.
- Nokia XR20 is heavier and bulkier.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality display for watching videos and browsing content.
- Photography Lovers: Those who want a versatile camera system with good zoom capabilities, and higher resolution selfies and video.
- Everyday Users: People who want a generally good phone for daily tasks, social media, and light gaming.
- Users who prefer sleek and light devices: Prioritizing a lighter weight and slimmer design over ruggedness.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and shows.
- Taking photos in various scenarios, including zoom shots and close-ups.
- Social media enthusiasts who regularly take selfies.
- Playing less demanding games and browsing social media.
- Traveling and capturing high-resolution content.
Nokia XR20 Ideal User:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: People who need a rugged and durable phone for outdoor adventures.
- Users with Active Lifestyles: Those who might drop their phone frequently.
- Users who prioritize software updates: Users who want longer software support.
- Users who need better GPS and wireless charging: Beneficial for navigation and ease of charging.
- Users who prefer durability over the best display
Use Cases:
- Hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
- Working in construction or other demanding environments.
- Frequent travelers who need accurate GPS navigation.
- Users who want a phone that will last for multiple years with software updates.
- Those who value wireless charging convenience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Durability vs Display Quality: Do you prioritize a rugged build with excellent drop protection or a vibrant, high-quality display for media consumption?
- Camera Versatility vs. Software Support: Do you need the better zoom capabilities and video recording of the A72, or do you prefer the longer software updates offered by the XR20?
- Weight and Size: Are you sensitive to the weight and bulk of the device, or is durability more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you watch a lot of media (Netflix/YouTube) and value image quality: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its vibrant AMOLED display, better video recording and a more capable camera system.
- If you are often outdoors or need a very durable phone: Choose the Nokia XR20 for its superior ruggedness, wireless charging, and better GPS.
- If you prefer a lighter device: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for it is much lighter and more comfortable to hold.
My Choice and Why
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. My primary use cases involve media consumption (watching videos, browsing the web), and taking a fair amount of photos for social media and personal use. While the ruggedness and wireless charging of the Nokia XR20 are appealing, the A72's significantly better AMOLED display, combined with a more versatile camera system, far outweigh those benefits for my needs. The 90Hz refresh rate will make daily usage feel smoother. Although it does not have the latest software support, it still will be a great smartphone. I am willing to take a chance on durability for the superior display and camera capabilities, as I tend to be relatively careful with my devices. The lighter weight of the A72 is also a significant plus, enhancing its portability and comfort for everyday carry.
