1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | A72 is larger and bulkier; Nord CE 5G is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 203g | 170g | Nord CE 5G is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.43" | A72 offers more screen real estate for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharp image quality. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 410 PPI | Similar clarity, differences are minimal. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and great contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 700 nits | A72 is more easily visible in direct sunlight, better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm) | Nord CE 5G's chipset offers better performance and is 5G capable, leading to faster app loading and smoother overall experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 385,000 | Nord CE 5G is significantly faster in day to day tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | Nord CE 5G offers better graphical performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | 64MP, f/1.79, 0.7µm | Nord CE 5G may capture slightly more light due to wider aperture. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | Not Available | A72 has a telephoto lens for optical zoom, providing better zoomed pictures. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | 16MP, f/2.45, 1.0µm | A72 takes higher resolution selfies with a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.25 | A72 takes higher resolution wide angle photos with a wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | Not Available | A72 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nord CE 5G has a black and white sensor for artistic shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS, 1080p@120fps | 4K@30fps, EIS, 1080p@120fps | Both offer similar video recording capabilities with electronic image stabilization. Nord CE has faster slow-motion recording. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | 84 (Photo: 89, Video: 80) | A72 performs better in photo quality, while Nord CE 5G provides better video quality |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | A72 has a larger battery for longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Nord CE 5G charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | OnePlus Nord CE 5G gets one more Android version update. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8/12 GB | Nord CE 5G offers more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Noise Cancellation Mic | A72 offers better audio immersion with stereo speakers; Nord CE 5G better noise cancellation during calls. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Nord CE 5G has a newer version with more modern audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC System | Nord CE 5G has slightly more accurate location with additional satellite systems. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | Hall, Geomagnetic, Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | A72 has some additional sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Better Display Brightness: Easier to see in direct sunlight, enhancing outdoor usability.
- Telephoto Lens: Enables optical zoom for better quality zoomed photos.
- Macro Lens: Allows for detailed close-up shots.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Better for selfie enthusiasts.
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life, beneficial for heavy users.
- Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers: Enhanced audio experience with better spatial audio and immersion.
- Better DxOMark Photo Score: Better photo quality overall compared to OnePlus.
- Additional Sensors: Includes hall and geomagnetic sensors which can be useful in specific applications.
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter Design: Easier to handle and carry around.
- Faster Chipset: Provides better overall performance, including faster app loading and smoother operation, due to 5G capabilities and faster processor.
- Higher AnTuTu Score: Indicates better benchmark performance, directly correlated to better overall user experience.
- Faster Charging: Less time plugged in, more time using the device.
- Better DxOMark Video Score: Better video quality overall compared to Samsung.
- More RAM (12GB option): Superior multitasking and smoother performance in intensive tasks.
- More recent Android version: Will likely receive future software updates for longer than the Samsung.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Supports better audio codecs.
- Black and white lens: For artistic photography.
- More Accurate GPS: Better location tracking with additional satellite systems.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A72: Trade-off is a larger size and weight, slightly lower performance for better photo quality, stereo speakers and additional sensors
- OnePlus Nord CE 5G: Trade-off is a smaller screen, a slightly less impressive camera system, smaller battery, but better performance overall and lighter design.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Media Consumers: People who watch a lot of videos or movies on their phone.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value camera versatility, particularly optical zoom, macro and high resolution selfies
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Individuals who need a phone that can last a full day of heavy usage.
- Users who value better audio: Those who prefer watching videos on their devices with a better audio experience.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Binge-watching movies and TV shows.
- Taking detailed photos of landscapes and portraits.
- Capturing close-up shots of nature and small objects.
- Using the phone for a full day without needing to recharge.
Ideal User for OnePlus Nord CE 5G:
- Performance Seekers: Gamers or those who need a fast and responsive phone.
- Users Prioritizing Speed and Multitasking: People who want a smooth and snappy experience.
- Users who need reliable GPS: Those who often use GPS for navigation and location tracking.
- Users who prefer a lighter and compact phone.
- Users who want the latest software updates: For those who desire continuous support.
- Users who prioritize video quality
Use Cases for OnePlus Nord CE 5G:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games smoothly.
- Rapidly switching between multiple apps without slowdown.
- Using GPS for navigation in urban environments or on hikes.
- Taking artistic pictures, with the black and white lens.
- Recording high-quality videos for social media and vlogging
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The value depends heavily on individual priorities. The Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a better camera system with more features and a better screen, while the OnePlus Nord CE 5G focuses more on overall performance and responsiveness.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance vs. Camera Quality: Do you prioritize smooth performance and gaming or versatile camera capabilities?
- Battery Life vs. Charging Speed: Do you value longer battery life more or faster charging?
- Size and Weight: Do you prefer a larger screen for media consumption or a more compact and lightweight phone for portability?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Mobile Gamer/Multitasker:
- Recommendation: OnePlus Nord CE 5G due to its faster processor, GPU and RAM, resulting in superior gaming and app handling performance.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72 due to its versatile camera system with telephoto and macro lenses. It offers better photo quality overall.
- Scenario 3: On-the-Go User Prioritizing Portability:
- Recommendation: OnePlus Nord CE 5G due to its lighter and more compact design.
- Scenario 4: Media Consumption User:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72 due to its larger and brighter display and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, offering a more immersive media consumption experience.
- Scenario 5: User needing long-term software support:
- Recommendation: OnePlus Nord CE 5G, for the longer software update support.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the OnePlus Nord CE 5G. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a more versatile camera system and a slightly better display for outdoor use, the performance difference is significant in day to day use and gaming. The Snapdragon 750G 5G in the Nord CE 5G offers a notably smoother experience, and with a 12GB RAM option it's better equipped for future use. I prefer the lighter design and fast charging too. I prioritize performance and speed over the camera features offered by the A72. For me, a better software experience and a smoother phone would be the better option. However, those who heavily value photo quality, a bigger screen and slightly longer battery may be more pleased with the A72.
