1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 160.6 × 73.2 × 7.8 mm | A72 is larger and bulkier, less comfortable for one-handed use, while Nord CE 2 is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 203g | 173g | Nord CE 2 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.43" | A72 has a larger screen for immersive viewing, but Nord CE 2 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have identical sharpness; no significant difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 394 | 409 | Very similar pixel density, imperceptible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical display quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is much better for outdoor viewing under bright sunlight, while the brightness on the Nord CE 2 is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6nm) | Nord CE 2 has a more efficient and newer chipset, leading to better performance and power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 424,800 | Nord CE 2 offers faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Nord CE 2 has a more powerful GPU, better for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | A72 has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life, especially for heavy usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | 65W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Nord CE 2 charges significantly faster, reducing charging downtime. Li-Polymer is generally safer and more durable. |
| Charging Features | 15W Fast Charger included | Reverse Charging | A72 includes a charger in the box, while the Nord CE 2 can reverse charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70µm, Omnivision OV64B | Both have similar resolution, but Nord CE 2 has a slightly wider aperture and larger sensor. Potentially better in low light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm, Omnivision OV08A10 | None | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed and portrait shots, a feature missing on the Nord CE 2. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.00µm, Sony IMX471 Exmor RS | A72 has a higher-resolution front camera with a wider aperture, potentially better selfies. Nord CE2 has slightly larger pixel size for better low-light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, | A72 has a higher resolution ultra-wide camera, which should provide more detail. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72 has a better macro camera, producing higher-resolution macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, Yes, 120fps slow-mo | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, No, 240fps slow-mo | Similar video recording capabilities; A72 provides better video stabilization; Nord CE 2 provides better slow-motion recording |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Not Tested | A72 has a tested and better camera performance, especially in photo quality. |
| Camera Features | Digital/Optical zoom, Quad camera, OIS, Manual Focus, PDAF, Night Mode | Triple camera, Continuous autofocus | A72 offers more advanced camera features such as OIS and manual controls, and a dedicated telephoto lens. Nord CE 2 has continous autofocus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max Version 12 | Android 11, Max Version 13 | Nord CE 2 gets one more Android OS upgrade, ensuring longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6), dual-band | Nord CE 2 has the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering faster speeds and better network efficiency. It also supports Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, various profiles | 5.2, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Nord CE 2 has a newer version with better energy efficiency and higher quality codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Nord CE 2 supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128 GB | A72 offers up to 256 GB of internal storage, which is great for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Similar RAM for smooth multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone | A72 has better audio for media consumption, while Nord CE 2 excels at clearer voice during calls with noise cancelation.. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both provide similar fingerprint security features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nord CE 2 has superior screen protection from scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity | A72 has a compass sensor while the Nord CE 2 does not. A72 has a Hall sensor and the Nord CE 2 has a Gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger display: 6.7" screen provides a more immersive viewing experience, ideal for media consumption.
- Brighter Display: With 800 nits of brightness, the A72 offers better outdoor visibility, essential for sunny conditions.
- Telephoto lens: Dedicated telephoto lens enables better optical zoom and portrait photography, which the Nord CE 2 lacks.
- Higher resolution selfie camera The A72 has a 32 MP front facing camera vs the Nord CE 2's 16MP camera.
- Higher resolution wide-angle and macro lenses: Offers more detailed wide-angle and macro shots compared to Nord CE 2
- Larger battery: 5000 mAh battery provides potentially longer battery life, good for users on the go.
- Camera features The A72 includes more camera features such as OIS and manual focus.
- Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers: Better for media consumption.
- Compass sensor: The A72 has a compass sensor which may be useful for navigation.
- Tested Camera performance: Has an official DxOMark score showing better photo performance
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G Advantages:
- Newer chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 900 offers better performance, power efficiency, and future-proofing compared to Snapdragon 720G.
- Significantly better performance: Higher AnTuTu benchmark score translates to snappier app loading and smoother operation.
- Faster charging: 65W fast charging drastically reduces charging times.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.2 provides better energy efficiency and audio quality.
- Superior WiFi: Supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds and better network performance.
- More satellite systems: Supports QZSS, in addition to the others, which can provide better positioning.
- Lighter design: More comfortable to hold for long periods and more pocketable.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 adds significant scratch and drop resistance.
- Reverse charging: Can charge other devices.
- One more OS update: Get Android 13.
- Noise cancellation microphone: better for clearer voice during calls.
Trade-offs:
- A72: Larger, heavier, and bulkier, older chipset, slower charging, and lacks the newer connectivity standards.
- Nord CE 2: Smaller screen and may not be as bright, no telephoto lens, lower-resolution front camera, smaller battery, lacks Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers and a compass sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Media consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and consume visual content, appreciating the larger, brighter display, Dolby Atmos, and Stereo Speakers
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with zoom capabilities, OIS, and a dedicated telephoto lens and prefer higher resolution ultrawide and macro lenses
- Heavy users: People who need long battery life throughout the day and prefer a reliable tested camera system.
- Navigation Users: Users who would benefit from having a compass.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Watching movies and TV shows on a large screen with immersive audio.
- Capturing detailed photographs with optical zoom, and different focal lengths.
- All-day use with a large battery.
- Outdoor use in sunny conditions, using the bright display.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G Ideal User:
- Performance-oriented users: Those who prioritize speed, smooth multitasking, and efficient operation.
- Gamers: Users who play graphics-intensive games and prefer faster and smoother gameplay.
- On-the-go users: People who need fast charging and a lighter phone for easy portability and prefer longer software support.
- Users that would benefit from reverse charging.
- Users that want better screen protection.
Use Cases for OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G:
- Playing demanding mobile games with smooth frame rates.
- Fast and efficient multitasking between apps.
- Rapidly charging the phone when in a hurry.
- Daily use in normal to well-lit conditions.
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung Galaxy A72 is an older device, it should be priced lower, offering excellent features for the price point, especially if the larger screen, better camera system, and longer battery life are important.
- The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G, being a newer device, is likely priced higher. It prioritizes performance and speed, charging speed, better wifi and better display protection, which may be appealing for users that need those features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is display size and outdoor visibility? If you consume lots of visual content and are often outdoors, the Samsung Galaxy A72's larger and brighter display is a better fit.
- Do you prioritize performance and charging speed over camera versatility? If you need a fast and responsive phone that charges quickly, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G excels in these areas.
- Is a higher resolution camera with zoom capability a necessity? If the camera is your primary focus, the A72's telephoto zoom and tested camera performance will be beneficial.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Media Enthusiast & Photographer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. The larger display, brighter screen, tested camera, telephoto lens, and Dolby Atmos support will provide a better multimedia experience.
Scenario 2: Performance Seeker & Gamer: Choose the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G. The newer chipset, faster charging, and better Wi-Fi will provide smoother gameplay, better performance and a better long term phone, with an additional software update and more satellite systems for location.
Scenario 3: Everyday User & Commuter: Choose the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G. Its lighter design, faster charging, and better screen protection make it ideal for daily use and commuting, and will provide better performance.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G. My reasons are as follows:
While the Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a more versatile camera system, including a telephoto lens and a brighter display, the performance and efficiency of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G are more appealing. The Dimensity 900 chipset provides a significant performance boost, and the 65W fast charging is incredibly convenient for daily use, alongside the advantages of having the newest WiFi and Bluetooth standards. Additionally, I appreciate the lighter build, better screen protection and the potential for a longer software support lifecycle. The OnePlus would suit me better for my daily use.
