1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A72 and OnePlus 10 Pro, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 163 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | Samsung is slightly taller and wider; OnePlus is slightly thicker. Overall, both are similar in size. |
| Weight | 203g | 201g | Both phones have virtually identical weight; Neither should feel significantly heavier or lighter in hand. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both phones are standard smartphones with no folding capabilities. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size; both offer a large viewing area for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3216 | OnePlus 10 Pro has a noticeably sharper display with higher pixel density; Expect crisper text, more detailed images. |
| PPI | 394 | 525 | OnePlus 10 Pro's higher pixel density results in a much sharper and more refined visual experience, especially for reading and detailed graphics. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Not Specified | Samsung A72's AMOLED panel offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, better power efficiency for dark themes and more vibrant colours. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus 10 Pro offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, particularly noticeable in fast-paced content and gaming. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1300 nits | OnePlus 10 Pro is significantly better for outdoor use under direct sunlight; The display remains easily readable. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | OnePlus 10 Pro offers significantly faster performance, resulting in quicker app launches, smoother multitasking and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 900,491 | OnePlus 10 Pro is much faster in real world use; It's better for demanding apps, gaming, and future-proofing. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 730 | OnePlus 10 Pro's GPU provides higher graphics processing, critical for demanding games and smooth video rendering. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | OnePlus 10 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime; The Li-Polymer battery is also typically lighter and less prone to leakage and damage than Li-Ion. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable, 15W Charger | Reverse charging, 50W wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging | OnePlus 10 Pro offers faster charging, wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm pixel size | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" sensor, 1.12µm pixel size, Sony IMX789 | OnePlus 10 Pro's bigger pixel size and better sensor should result in better low light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" sensor, 1.00µm pixel size, Omnivision OV08A10 | None | Samsung Galaxy A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed photos; OnePlus 10 Pro relies more on digital zoom for portraits. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm pixel size | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74" sensor, 0.80µm pixel size, Sony IMX615 | OnePlus 10 Pro has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" sensor, 1.00µm pixel size, Omnivision OV08A10 | OnePlus 10 Pro has a telephoto lens to support zoom shots; Samsung Galaxy A72 has only telephoto + portrait camera and relies more on digital zoom for longer distances |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" sensor, 0.64µm pixel size, Samsung S5KJN1 | OnePlus 10 Pro has a higher resolution for wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixel size | None | Samsung A72 has a dedicated macro lens for extreme close-up photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, 4K@120fps with HDR, EIS | OnePlus 10 Pro supports significantly higher video resolutions and frame rates, offering much more professional videography capabilities. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Mobile: 122, Photo: 124, Video: 119 | The OnePlus 10 Pro has superior camera performance, as confirmed by significantly higher DXOMARK scores |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera. Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Triple Camera, 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode, RAW 12 bits | OnePlus 10 Pro offers additional advanced camera features like 4k and 8k video recording, as well as RAW 12-bit recording. Samsung has the advantage of Quadruple camera. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 12 (up to 14) | OnePlus 10 Pro provides a more up-to-date software experience and is likely to receive more future updates. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MIMO | OnePlus 10 Pro supports WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 (future proofing); It offers faster wireless speeds, reduced latency, and improved performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP | Bluetooth 5.2 LE, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | OnePlus 10 Pro has a newer version for more efficient connections and better audio quality with additional audio codecs such as APT-x, LDAC, SBC, and AAC. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | OnePlus 10 Pro has more precise and reliable location tracking; It supports more satelite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones support dual SIM functionality; you can use two SIM cards simultaneously. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | OnePlus 10 Pro offers a larger 512GB option for those needing significant storage. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | OnePlus 10 Pro's higher RAM improves multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so choosing the right storage capacity at purchase is vital. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | OnePlus 10 Pro offers slightly better audio capture for calls, videos with 3 microphones, noise cancellation for clearer voice and better spatial audio experience |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer basic fingerprint sensor technology for biometric security. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | OnePlus 10 Pro's screen is significantly more resistant to scratches and drops. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | The OnePlus 10 Pro has a RGB sensor which can enhance ambient light detection and potentially display adjustments; Both are comprehensive suitable for advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Here's a breakdown of the key advantages and trade-offs of each phone:
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, providing additional flexibility for photography enthusiasts.
- Telephoto + Portrait Lens: Dedicated lens for portraits, which makes it better for portraits at a distance.
- AMOLED Display: Superior display technology offering vibrant colours, better contrast and better power efficiency for dark themes.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Trade-offs:
- Significantly Lower Performance: The Snapdragon 720G is much weaker than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, making it less suitable for demanding tasks.
- Slower Charging: 25W charging is considerably slower than the OnePlus 10 Pro's 80W.
- Lower Display Quality: Lower resolution, pixel density and brightness makes the display less sharp.
- Outdated Operating System: Older android version, less secure.
OnePlus 10 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper display with higher pixel density and refresh rate for smoother visuals.
- Higher Brightness: Significantly brighter display for better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Advanced Camera System: Superior camera performance in most scenarios, higher video resolutions, and professional-grade features.
- Newer Connectivity Standards: Wifi 6 and Wifi 7 compatible, Bluetooth 5.2LE.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Offers up to 512 GB of storage and 12GB of RAM.
- Newer Operating System: More modern android version, more secure.
OnePlus 10 Pro Trade-offs:
- No Dedicated Macro Lens: Lacks a dedicated macro camera for extreme close-ups.
- No Dedicated Telephoto + Portrait Lens: Does not have dedicated telephoto lens for portraits.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Here are the ideal users and specific use cases for each phone:
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize camera versatility and vibrant display quality.
- Users who don't heavily rely on demanding tasks or gaming.
- Users who enjoy taking a variety of photos and don't need the best video recording quality.
- Users who want a phone with a Macro Lens.
- Users who prefer an AMOLED display.
- Users who don't mind slower charging speeds.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Use Cases:
- Casual photography with a focus on macro and portrait shots.
- Everyday social media browsing and media consumption.
- Users who prioritize battery life over performance.
- Users that require a phone with a dedicated Telephoto+Portrait lens
OnePlus 10 Pro Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users who require top-tier processing power and graphics for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Users who prioritize a high-quality display with excellent clarity and brightness.
- Users who need fast charging capabilities and wireless charging.
- Users that need top tier video recording capabilities.
- Users who want the most up to date features and technology.
OnePlus 10 Pro Use Cases:
- Heavy mobile gaming with high graphical settings.
- Professional-level photography and videography.
- Power users who frequently multitask and run demanding applications.
- Users who require reliable performance, modern connectivity standards and the latest operating system.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself before choosing a phone:
- How important is performance to you?
- If you need the best possible performance for demanding tasks like gaming and heavy multitasking, the OnePlus 10 Pro is the better option.
- If you mostly use your phone for basic tasks like social media, the Galaxy A72 should be sufficient.
- What are your camera priorities?
- If you value a wide range of camera options, the Galaxy A72 offers a dedicated macro lens as well as a dedicated Telephoto + Portrait lens.
- If you prioritize high-quality images and videos, especially in low light, the OnePlus 10 Pro is the better choice.
- How important are charging speed and modern technology?
- If you need fast charging and the most up-to-date technology, the OnePlus 10 Pro is the clear winner with its 80W wired and 50W wireless charging, modern connectivity standards and more recent android version.
- If you don't mind waiting longer for your phone to charge, the Galaxy A72 will be fine.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you're on a tight budget and prioritize a macro lens, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a decent choice.
- Performance Seeker: If you want the best performance, display and charging speed, the OnePlus 10 Pro is the clear winner.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you want a phone with the best video recording capabilities the OnePlus 10 Pro is the better choice, if you prefer flexibility with macro and portrait lens, then Samsung Galaxy A72 is the way to go.
- Heavy Multi-Tasker: The OnePlus 10 Pro's superior performance will handle multitasking significantly better than the Galaxy A72.
What I Would Choose and Why!
Given the choice between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus 10 Pro.
Here's why:
- Superior Performance: As someone who relies heavily on their smartphone for demanding tasks and gaming, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset in the OnePlus 10 Pro is a must-have. The performance gap between the two devices is significant.
- Much Better Display: The higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness of the OnePlus 10 Pro screen make it a superior experience.
- Significantly Faster Charging: The 80W wired charging, and 50W wireless charging is a huge advantage.
- Modern technology: The OnePlus 10 Pro has a newer operating system, modern connectivity standards like WiFi 6/7 and Bluetooth 5.2LE,
- Enhanced Camera Experience: The significantly better camera performance in most scenarios makes it a better choice overall for photography and videography.
- Future Proofing: The better chipset, newer operating system, modern connectivity, and larger storage option makes the OnePlus 10 Pro much more future proof.
While I appreciate that the Samsung Galaxy A72 has a dedicated macro and portrait lens, the advantages that the OnePlus 10 Pro offers in terms of speed, display quality, and camera performance outweigh the convenience of the extra lens. The OnePlus 10 Pro offers a more premium experience that aligns with my usage needs and expectations.
