1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm | Samsung is taller & wider; Nothing is more compact. |
| Weight | 203g | 193.5g | Nothing Phone (1) is slightly lighter, making it easier to hold for longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.55" | Samsung has a slightly larger screen, good for media consumption, while Nothing is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical screen sharpness. |
| PPI | 394 | 402 | Negligible difference in pixel density, appearing equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (1) has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1200 nits | Nothing Phone (1) is much better for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Nothing Phone (1) has a significantly faster chip, offering smoother performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 624,253 | Nothing Phone (1) offers dramatically better app loading and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 642L | Nothing Phone (1) has superior graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1.0µm, Sony IMX766 | Samsung has higher resolution, while Nothing has larger pixels and a better sensor for low-light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Samsung has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in the scene. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 50MP, f/2.2, Samsung S5KJN1 | Nothing Phone (1) has a combined wide angle and macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm, Sony IMX471 | Samsung has higher resolution, while Nothing has larger pixels for low light selfies. |
| Video | 4K@30fps EIS, 1080p@60fps EIS | 4K@30fps HDR, EIS, 1080p@60fps HDR, EIS | Both have EIS, Nothing Phone (1) has HDR recording. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | N/A | Only Samsung's camera performance is rated by DXOMark. |
| Camera Features | Optical Zoom, Quad Camera | Dual Camera, Ultra Stable Video, RAW | Samsung has more lenses and optical zoom, while Nothing has improved stabilization and RAW capture |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Samsung has a larger battery, likely resulting in longer usage time. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | Nothing Phone (1) charges faster. |
| Features | 15W Charger Included | No Charger Included, Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | Samsung includes a charger; Nothing Phone (1) offers more charging flexibility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 15) | Nothing Phone (1) has a more recent operating system and a longer support timeline. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Nothing Phone (1) has newer, faster WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Nothing Phone (1) has more efficient Bluetooth with better codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Nothing has improved GPS accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/12GB | Nothing has more RAM, enabling better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Samsung has Dolby Atmos, Nothing has 3 mics, for better voice recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (1) has superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | Nothing Phone (1) Has extra RGB sensor for better environmental awareness. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides potentially longer usage time between charges.
- Dedicated Telephoto, Wide, and Macro Lenses: Offers more versatility in photography, with dedicated lenses for different scenarios.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 15W fast charger in the box, providing immediate charging capabilities.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio experience for immersive media consumption.
Nothing Phone (1) Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ 5G chipset provides significantly faster performance for apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate display enhances the user experience with smoother animations and scrolling.
- Brighter Display: The 1200 nits brightness provides better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging enables quicker battery top-ups.
- Wireless and Reverse Wireless Charging: Provides convenient options for charging and sharing power with other devices.
- Newer Software and Longer Support: Runs on Android 12 with longer software support.
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and newer Bluetooth standards for faster and more stable connections.
- Superior GPS Accuracy: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Better build quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers superior screen protection.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a larger battery and more camera versatility but lags behind in overall performance and display quality.
- The Nothing Phone (1) provides a premium performance experience with better display technology, but it may not have the same battery life or a dedicated telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Casual Photographers: Users who value having a versatile camera system with dedicated lenses for different scenarios, and are not too concerned about image processing quality.
- Heavy Media Consumers: Individuals who prioritize a large screen and Dolby Atmos for immersive video watching.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who appreciate a good-value phone with a large screen and long battery life.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Taking photos in various scenarios using the multiple dedicated lenses, including zoomed-in shots and close-ups.
- Watching movies and videos with immersive audio.
- Extended use for tasks that require long battery life without frequent charging.
Nothing Phone (1) Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers or users who prioritize speed, responsiveness, and a smooth user experience.
- Multimedia Users: Those who value high-quality visuals and a bright display for outdoor usage.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Individuals who appreciate the latest technology, wireless charging capabilities, and future-proof connectivity.
Use Cases for Nothing Phone (1):
- Playing demanding games and using heavy applications with lag-free performance.
- Watching videos and using the phone in bright sunlight.
- Taking casual photos where better image processing is preferred over lens variety.
- Quickly charging the phone or wirelessly charging other compatible devices.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance? If you're a gamer or heavy user, the Nothing Phone (1) is the clear winner. If you are a casual user, the Samsung A72 will suffice.
- How much do you value a dedicated zoom lens? The Samsung offers a separate telephoto lens. If this is crucial, Samsung is preferable. If not, Nothing has much better overall camera performance.
- How important is battery life vs. charging flexibility? Samsung A72 offers better battery life. Nothing Phone (1) has faster charging and wireless charging convenience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User: If your needs are basic web browsing, social media and you value a larger screen and want a phone with a very versatile camera, then the Samsung A72 is better.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer: If performance, a smooth screen, and fast charging are your priority, then the Nothing Phone (1) is a much better choice.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Use: If you need a phone for heavy use in bright daylight, the Nothing Phone (1) is a much better choice due to its much brighter display.
- Scenario 4: Photography Enthusiast: If you value telephoto lenses with optical zoom, then the Samsung is better. However, if you value overall picture quality and a good all around experience, the Nothing Phone is better.
What I would choose and why!
I would choose the Nothing Phone (1). While the Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a larger battery and a dedicated telephoto lens which are attractive features, the Nothing Phone (1) provides a superior overall user experience.
The key factors that influence my decision are:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ chipset on the Nothing Phone (1) offers a significantly smoother experience in day-to-day usage, as well as gaming. This means faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better responsiveness, which is crucial for a fluid and efficient smartphone experience.
- Display: The 120Hz refresh rate display on the Nothing Phone (1) makes everything feel incredibly smooth and responsive, which makes a big difference in everyday use. The brighter display is also better suited for my lifestyle because I'm often outside.
- Software: The Nothing Phone (1) comes with a more recent version of Android with a longer support timeline, providing a future-proof experience.
- Charging: The ability to charge wirelessly is a game-changer, it's simply much more convenient. The added benefit of reverse wireless charging is a nice to have, although it's not a main reason for my choice.
- Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 is a great addition to any phone and offers additional peace of mind.
While the larger battery of the Samsung A72 is tempting, I prefer the speed and experience of a more powerful chip and a smoother, brighter screen, as well as the extra features that the Nothing phone offers.
