1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.6 mm | A72 slightly taller and wider, 2a slightly thicker. Overall similar sizes, may affect in-hand feel slightly. |
| Weight | 203g | 190g | 2a is noticeably lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size provides similar viewing area for both phones. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Very similar sharpness; differences are negligible. |
| PPI | 394 | 394 | Identical pixel density, ensuring same level of sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks and good contrast on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | 2a offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1300 nits | 2a significantly better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4 nm) | 2a has significantly faster performance and better power efficiency, which is suitable for heavy use and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 688,952 | 2a has much better performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G610 MC4 | 2a’s GPU is more powerful, offers better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1.0µm | 2a has larger pixels, possibly better low light performance, despite lower resolution. A72 has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | Not Present | A72 has dedicated telephoto lens; 2a lacks this zoom capability. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | Comparable selfie camera specs on both devices. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Not Present | A72 has a dedicated wide-angle camera. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | Not Present | A72 has a dedicated macro camera. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not Present | 50MP, f/2.2, 0.64µm | 2a combines wide angle and macro functionalities into one sensor. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS, 1080p@120fps with EIS; Slow-motion: 120 fps | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS, 1080p@120fps with EIS; Slow-motion: 240 fps | Both record good video. 2a has slightly better slow-motion capabilities. |
| DXOMark | 92 (Main), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | Not Tested | A72 has been tested, 2a has not. |
| Features | OIS, PDAF, Quad, Optical zoom | OIS, PDAF, Dual, Time-Lapse, RAW | A72 has optical zoom, 2a has RAW capture for better editing flexibility. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Same battery capacity, implying similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 45W | 2a charges significantly faster. |
| Features | 15W Charger Included, Non-removable | No Charger in Box, Non-removable | A72 includes a charger; 2a does not. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | 2a has a much more modern OS and is expected to receive more software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6), MIMO | 2a has Wi-Fi 6 support for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 2a has more advanced codecs and a newer standard for better audio quality and stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC System | 2a offers more accurate GPS due to more systems support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both provide dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Same storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB or 12GB | 2a has more RAM, which would be better for multitasking and overall performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | 2a may offer higher fidelity and more clarity with its audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Similar basic security features |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | 2a has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Telephoto, Macro, and Wide Angle lenses: The A72 offers a more diverse camera system with dedicated telephoto, macro, and ultrawide lenses. This provides more versatility for different shooting scenarios.
- Charger in the box: The A72 includes a 15W fast charger which is convenient for users.
- DXOMark Score: Has a camera score (92) and photo subscore (100) that provides a benchmark against other phones
- Dolby Atmos: Offers immersive sound enhancement through Dolby Atmos
Practical Implications:
- The A72 is more flexible for photography, offering more camera options.
- The included charger saves users from buying one separately, although its charging speed is slow.
Nothing Phone (2a) Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset provides much faster processing speeds and graphics capabilities, which is noticeable in gaming and app loading times.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother animations.
- Brighter Display: The 1300 nits display is much better in bright outdoor conditions and has better color reproduction.
- Faster Charging: The 45W fast charging is significantly faster, getting the phone back up to full charge in less time.
- More Advanced Software: Android 14 out of the box provides more features, security, and longevity with more software updates in the future.
- Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 provide faster, more stable connectivity.
- More RAM: Up to 12GB of RAM makes multitasking more efficient and less laggy.
- Better Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio and 3 microphones offers higher audio quality and voice capture
- Better Screen Protection: Comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection
Practical Implications:
- The 2a is much better for gaming and heavy usage, smoother UI and better display quality overall.
- Much faster charging means less downtime and quicker top-ups during the day.
- More future-proof in terms of software updates and general performance.
- Better audio quality for enjoying media and making calls.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Camera Versatility vs. Performance: The A72 has a more versatile camera setup but lacks the overall performance and display quality of the 2a.
- Charger Convenience vs. Charging Speed: The A72 includes a charger, but the 2a offers much faster charging but requires a separate purchase for the charger.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Casual Photographers: Users who appreciate diverse lens options and who prioritize having a wide angle, macro, and optical zoom.
- Users Who Value Charger Included: Those who do not want to purchase a separate charger for their phone.
- Users Less Concerned About Performance: Those who use their phone for basic tasks and don't play graphically intensive games.
Use Cases:
- Taking varied photos at different zoom ranges for travel or family events.
- Casual media consumption and social media.
Nothing Phone (2a) Ideal User:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Gamers or users who want a responsive and lag-free experience for daily tasks.
- Users Who Prioritize Display Quality: Those who want a vibrant screen that performs well in all lighting conditions, including outdoors.
- Power Users: Those who use many apps and who value quick charging.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who prefer a modern operating system and cutting-edge connectivity features.
Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games.
- Heavy multitasking, such as running multiple apps simultaneously.
- Watching videos and movies with good color accuracy.
- Taking photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Nothing Phone (2a) has the better price-to-value ratio overall since it is the newer and more powerful device, despite the lack of a charger in the box.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera versatility to you? (Do you need telephoto, macro, and wide-angle lenses?)
- Do you prioritize performance for gaming and multitasking? (Do you need a phone that is fast and responsive?)
- How important is having a charger included, compared to fast charging speed? (Do you mind buying a charger separately in order to get faster charging?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you need a phone primarily for photography with diverse camera options, and performance is not a priority, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a suitable option.
- If you need a phone for gaming, heavy multitasking, media consumption, and a better display and overall performance, the Nothing Phone (2a) is the superior choice.
- If you want the most up to date software, better connectivity, better audio, and are ok with having to buy a separate charger, then the Nothing Phone (2a) is the best fit.
What I would choose and why:
I would choose the Nothing Phone (2a).
While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has the advantage of a more versatile camera setup with telephoto, macro, and wide-angle lenses, the Nothing Phone (2a) excels in areas that I consider more critical for daily use and longevity. The significantly better performance from the Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, combined with the smoother 120Hz display and brighter screen, provides a much more enjoyable and responsive user experience. The faster 45W charging is also a major advantage for me as it means that I can charge my phone in a short amount of time.
Additionally, the newer Android 14 OS and the inclusion of modern connectivity standards like WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, ensure a more future-proofed device. The better audio quality and support for higher-end audio codecs also enhances the overall multimedia experience. While the lack of a charger in the box is a minor inconvenience, the benefits of significantly improved charging speeds outweighs this for me. The Nothing Phone (2a) is also more powerful and offers a better price to performance ratio and has more RAM, which I value heavily, which is why I would choose it.
