1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 164.3 × 75.6 × 8.5 mm | The Galaxy A72 is slightly wider which might affect one-handed use. Similar height and thickness mean both should feel similar in the pocket, the differences are very minimal. |
| Weight | 203g | 195g | The Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is slightly lighter, which could be preferable for long usage or smaller hands. 8g weight differences are minimal, but might be noticeable for some |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.59" | The Galaxy A72 offers a slightly larger display, which is better for media consumption and gaming. A 0.11" difference is not much in real-life usage. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both have similar sharpness, no visible difference. |
| PPI | 394 | 401 | Both have similar pixel density, resulting in comparable clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Galaxy A72's AMOLED display has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, making for a more enjoyable viewing experience. The AMOLED screen also provides better power efficiency when using a dark mode or theme. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Nord CE 2 Lite 5G's 120Hz refresh rate will result in slightly smoother scrolling and animations, making the experience feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | The Galaxy A72 has vastly superior outdoor visibility due to its much brighter display, making it easier to use in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | The Nord CE 2 Lite 5G's newer 6nm chip generally provides better power efficiency and better performance with 5G support. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 406,221 | The Nord CE 2 Lite 5G has a significantly higher score, suggesting faster app loading, smoother multitasking and slightly better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | The Nord CE 2 Lite 5G's GPU is slightly more powerful. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80 µm | 64MP, f/1.7, 1/2", 0.70 µm | The Nord CE 2 Lite 5G has a wider aperture (f/1.7) which results in better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00 µm | N/A | The Galaxy A72 offers optical zoom capabilities. This enables clearer zoomed images compared to a digital zoom that simply crops and magnifies an image, potentially with image quality loss. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80 µm | 16MP, f/2.0, Pixel size N/A | The Galaxy A72 captures more detailed selfies. The Nord CE 2 Lite 5G has a slightly wider aperture which results in better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | N/A | The Galaxy A72 has an additional wide-angle lens for capturing wider scenes. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, Pixel size N/A | The Nord CE 2 Lite 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for creating the Bokeh effect which creates better portrait shots |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm | 2MP, f/2.4, Pixel size N/A | The Galaxy A72 has a higher resolution macro lens, potentially for clearer close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | The Galaxy A72 can record video at a higher resolution and also supports more framerates, resulting in more flexibility when recording videos. |
| Features | Optical zoom, OIS, Quadruple camera, PDAF, Manual focus | CDAF, Triple camera | The Galaxy A72 has optical image stabilization (OIS) for clearer photos in low light and smoother videos. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | N/A | The Galaxy A72 has a very decent camera score. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | 33W fast charging, Lithium | The Nord CE 2 Lite 5G charges slightly faster, potentially saving you time. |
| Features | 15W Charger Included, Non-removable | Non-removable | The Galaxy A72 includes a charger, which might not be included with the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G depending on the region. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with better contrast, color vibrancy, and dramatically higher brightness for outdoor visibility.
- Better Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens for optical zoom, a wide-angle lens, optical image stabilization (OIS) and higher resolution in the macro and selfie cameras.
- Higher Video Quality: 4K recording capabilities with EIS for video stabilization.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 15W fast charger in the box.
- Dolby Atmos Stereo Speakers: Enhanced audio experience for multimedia consumption.
- Camera Quality: Has a better overall camera score (DxOMark).
- Manual Focus: Provides additional manual control over the camera's focusing.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G Advantages:
- Faster Performance: Newer chipset and higher AnTuTu benchmark score for smoother operation and gaming.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for a more fluid user experience.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging for quicker battery top-ups.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.2 enables faster data transfers and lower power consumption for accessories.
- More up-to-date software: Comes with a newer Android OS version and a newer maximum software update.
- Better positioning Offers more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- Galaxy A72: Sacrifices faster performance and refresh rate for a superior display, camera versatility and better audio experience.
- Nord CE 2 Lite 5G: Prioritizes smoother performance, a faster refresh rate, and quicker charging over a more premium display and a more versatile camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize media consumption and photography.
- Those who need a phone with a great display for outdoor use.
- Individuals who want better camera quality and more versatility.
- Users who appreciate better audio quality and included fast charger
- Use Cases:
- Watching videos, movies, and TV shows on the go
- Outdoor photography in bright sunlight
- Casual photography with better quality in different conditions
- Enjoying multimedia with high-fidelity audio
- Taking clear telephoto and macro shots
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G:
- Ideal Users:
- Gamers and those who prioritize smoother performance and responsiveness.
- Users on a budget who still want a decent experience with fast performance.
- Individuals who need a phone that charges quickly and has a good battery.
- Users who value a more fluid and smoother user interface.
- Users who need better location tracking for maps.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with a higher refresh rate
- Running multiple apps seamlessly
- Daily use with fast charging
- Users who need more precise location tracking, for instance, for precise mapping and fitness tracking
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is display quality? (AMOLED vs IPS LCD, brightness for outdoor visibility)
- Do you prioritize camera versatility and quality or smooth performance and fast charging? (Telephoto lens and OIS vs. faster refresh rate and charging)
- What is your main use case for your phone? (Media consumption and casual photography vs. gaming and everyday use)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: You prioritize image quality, camera versatility, and outdoor visibility, and you enjoy watching videos and using the phone for media. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72
Scenario 2: You are a mobile gamer or value speed and responsiveness, are on a budget, and prioritize fast charging. Recommendation: OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
Scenario 3: You need a good all-rounder, and both cameras and performance are equally important. Recommendation: This depends on the balance you prefer, review the details to make the best decision.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would personally pick the Samsung Galaxy A72.
My reasoning is as follows: While the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G offers a newer chipset and a smoother 120Hz display, I value the superior display quality of the AMOLED screen and the more versatile camera system of the Galaxy A72. I frequently watch videos, browse social media, and take photos, where the A72's strengths make it a more compelling choice. Additionally, having the included charger is also a significant advantage for me.
The Galaxy A72 also has a more complete camera experience, with the addition of the telephoto lens and OIS which is very important to me, and the AMOLED screen, the higher brightness is a significant advantage for outdoor use. Although it's older, the user experience would be much more enjoyable for my use case due to these reasons.
