1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 162 × 75.1 × 8.2 mm | The A72 is slightly larger and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. The Nord 3 is more compact and might be easier to handle. |
| Weight | 203g | 193.5g | Nord 3 is noticeably lighter, which is more comfortable during extended usage. |
| Build | Unknown Screen Protection | Unknown Screen Protection | Both phones offer unknown screen protection technology |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.74" | Negligible size difference; both offer a large screen for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1240x2772 | Nord 3 has a sharper display with higher pixel density, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 394 | 451 | Nord 3's higher PPI means a visibly sharper image, especially when viewing small details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, with similar visual quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Nord 3 has smoother scrolling and animations, offering a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1450 nits | Nord 3 is significantly brighter, providing better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) | Nord 3's chipset is much more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,103,441 | Nord 3 offers significantly faster overall performance, making it more future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G710 MC10 | Nord 3 has a more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics performance in games and apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | A72 has a slightly higher resolution, but the sensor size and other factors also influence image quality |
| Main Camera Sensor | Unknown | 1/1.56" Sony IMX890 | Nord 3 has a larger main sensor size which may allow for more light capture and better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80µm | 1.00µm | Nord 3 has a larger pixel size which may allow for more light capture and better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Lens | 8MP | None | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens, which can provide optical zoom. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 16MP | A72 has a higher resolution selfie camera, capturing more detail. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor | Unknown | 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 Exmor RS | Nord 3 has a larger sensor which may allow for more light capture and better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 0.80µm | 1.00µm | Nord 3 has a larger pixel size which may allow for more light capture and better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Resolution | 12MP | 8MP | A72 captures slightly more detail in wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Camera Resolution | 5MP | 2MP | A72 offers higher resolution for macro photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Nord 3 offers slightly more versatile video recording options, and can capture video at 60 FPS in 4K for smoother motion |
| Slow-motion | 120fps | 240 fps | Nord 3 has a higher framerate slow-motion video capture. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Quad Camera, Optical Zoom, Night Mode | OIS, PDAF, Triple Camera, 4K Video | A72 offers more dedicated camera features and optical zoom whereas Nord 3 offers higher quality video recording |
| DXOMark Score | 92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | Not Tested | A72’s camera has been tested and benchmarked on DXOMark with decent results. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, likely resulting in comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 80W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Nord 3 charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Charger | 15W Fast Charger included | Not Specified | A72 Includes a charger, Nord 3's fast charger is likely sold separately. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 16) | Nord 3 has a more modern OS and will receive more software updates, including newer features and security patches. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Nord 3 offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity, especially in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Nord 3 has a newer Bluetooth version for better stability, range, and energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Nord 3 supports more satellite systems leading to better positioning accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual sim cards simultaneously. |
Storage and Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same max storage options but neither are expandable. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/16GB | Nord 3 has significantly more RAM in its higher tier option resulting in smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Nord 3 offers slightly higher audio quality with Hi-Res Audio support. |
Security and Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones provide standard biometric security with fingerprint recognition. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Hall | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Gravity, SensorCore | Both phones are equiped with sensors that can be utilized for gaming, motion detection, and advanced phone features, although the specific use cases and effectiveness may vary. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom capabilities for more versatile photography.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Captures more detail in selfies.
- Night Mode: Dedicated Night Mode feature for low-light photography.
- DXOMark Camera Benchmark: Has a benchmark that provides some performance reference.
- Includes a Charger: Comes with a 15W fast charger in the box.
- More Camera Features: Has features such as manual focus.
- Compass and Hall sensors: Has additional motion sensors for more precise use cases.
OnePlus Nord 3 Advantages
- Significantly More Powerful Chipset: Provides vastly superior performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: Offers a smoother and more responsive user experience with a 120Hz display.
- Much Brighter Display: Offers better visibility outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: Charges more quickly with 80W compared to 25W.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with a more recent version of Android and will get more software updates.
- More RAM Option: A 16GB option for more multitasking capability.
- Better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
- Larger Sensor Sizes and Pixel Sizes: May produce better low-light performance in the main and selfie cameras.
- Higher Quality Video Recording: Offers 60fps recording in 4k.
- Hi-Res Audio Support: Delivers enhanced audio quality.
Trade-offs
- Samsung Galaxy A72: While having a dedicated telephoto lens and a higher resolution selfie camera, it is significantly weaker in overall performance. It also has a smaller sensor size which may lead to worse low-light performance.
- OnePlus Nord 3: Does not have a dedicated telephoto lens, which may limit zoom capabilities, although it still has a good quality main and selfie camera. Does not include a charger in the box which is an added expense for the user.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A72
- Casual photographers: People who value a versatile camera setup and a dedicated telephoto lens with optical zoom for flexible photography.
- Users who prefer Samsung's Ecosystem: People deeply entrenched in Samsung's ecosystem might prefer its software and features.
- Users with lower performance needs: Suitable for individuals who don't require high-end processing power for gaming or intensive applications.
- Users who prefer Night mode: Users who value a dedicated night mode for low-light photography.
- Users who prefer a charger in the box: Users who want a complete and ready-to-use phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- Taking diverse photos, where a telephoto lens can be used for detailed shots at a distance.
- Casual media consumption where higher performance is not required.
Ideal Users for OnePlus Nord 3
- Mobile Gamers: Users who need top-tier performance for smooth gameplay at high settings.
- Power Users: Individuals who multitask heavily and require a phone that doesn't slow down under heavy workloads.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Those who need a bright display for visibility in sunny conditions.
- Tech Enthusiasts: People who want the latest software and connectivity standards.
- Users who value video quality: Those who value high-resolution and framerate video capture.
- Users who value higher audio quality: Users who prefer better audio separation and quality when listening to music and other media.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphic-intensive games with smooth framerates.
- Editing videos or photos, needing fast processing capabilities.
- Using the phone outdoors in bright sunlight, without having issues viewing the screen.
- Listening to music or consuming other media where a higher audio quality can be beneficial.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- Currently, the OnePlus Nord 3 will offer a much better value for its price point, as it will generally cost more than the older A72 while providing a much more modern and efficient device. This price difference may vary depending on market region.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is gaming or heavy multitasking to you? If you need the best performance, the Nord 3 is the clear choice.
- How much do you value a telephoto lens with optical zoom? If this feature is crucial, the A72 has an advantage.
- How important is a bright display for outdoor visibility? If you are outdoors frequently the Nord 3 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Casual User: If you need a phone for basic tasks, don't play demanding games, and prefer a telephoto lens and a charger in the box, the Samsung Galaxy A72 may be suitable.
- Performance-Oriented User: If you want top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and need a future-proof device, the OnePlus Nord 3 is the better option.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you value flexibility in photography with a dedicated telephoto lens, but not high quality processing or video recording, the A72 may be suitable, though it comes at the expense of other performance features. If you want overall high quality photo and video capture with the latest phone features, the Nord 3 is better.
My Choice
Given the specifications, I would choose the OnePlus Nord 3.
Reasons:
- Performance: The Dimensity 9000 chipset in the Nord 3 provides a substantial performance advantage that would make a noticeable difference in day-to-day use. This is a significant factor for longevity as well.
- Display Quality: The 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness levels on the Nord 3 enhance the user experience, making it a more enjoyable device for media consumption and gaming.
- Future-Proofing: The Nord 3 offers the newest OS and has a better support life for more updates. The overall chipset, camera and audio features are more advanced, making it more future-proof.
- Charging Speed: The 80W fast charging is a crucial benefit for those needing to quickly top up their phone's battery during a busy day.
- Camera Performance: Although it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, the larger sensors and pixel sizes, along with better video recording features on the Nord 3 would give it the overall edge in camera performance, especially in low light.
Although the Samsung Galaxy A72 has a telephoto camera and comes with a charger, the overall performance and more modern features of the OnePlus Nord 3 outweigh these advantages for me. The OnePlus Nord 3 would simply be a better device for most people in today's market.
