1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord N20 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 163.8 × 75 × 8 mm | A72 is slightly larger, may be less comfortable for small hands or one-handed use. |
| Weight | 203g | 187g | N20 SE is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord N20 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.56" | A72 has a marginally larger screen, which may be preferred for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | A72 offers a significantly sharper display, better for reading text, viewing photos, and watching high-definition videos. |
| PPI | 394 | 269 | A72 has a much crisper screen, with less pixelation visible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72 has superior color reproduction, deeper blacks, and better contrast, plus better battery efficiency when using dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A72 screen offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the overall experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 will be significantly easier to view outdoors in direct sunlight. The N20 SE brightness is not provided, limiting its usefulness on sunny days |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord N20 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | A72 has a more powerful chip, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 221,000 | A72 offers a faster user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | PowerVR GE8320 | A72 has a superior GPU for graphically intensive tasks like gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord N20 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.8, 0.8µm | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | A72 has higher resolution, though sensor size and pixel size also play a role in image quality. N20 SE has larger sensor size and smaller pixel size. |
| Telephoto | 8MP f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | N/A | A72 has an additional zoom lens, which can be useful for taking pictures from a distance without significant quality loss. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | N/A | A72 has a dedicated wide-angle camera for capturing more in a shot. |
| Macro | 5MP f/2.4, 1.12µm | N/A | A72 has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots. |
| Portrait Depth | N/A | 2MP f/2.4 | N20 SE has a dedicated depth sensor which helps create a better bokeh effect in portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2, 0.8µm | 8MP f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm | A72 selfie camera has much higher resolution, but the N20 SE has a larger pixel size which may make it better in low light. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 supports higher resolution video recording and also has better electronic image stabilization. |
| DxoMark | 92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | Not Tested | A72 is a good option for videography based on the rating. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | OnePlus Nord N20 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity means similar battery life on paper. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | N20 SE charges faster, allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Both battery types are commonly used in smartphones. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness offers a vastly better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Better Performance: Faster processor and GPU provide smoother operation and better gaming capabilities.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes a telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lens, offering greater flexibility in photography.
- Higher quality video: Can record higher-resolution videos in 4K.
- Higher Selfie Camera Resolution: Higher resolution front-facing camera allows for better quality selfies.
- Dolby Atmos: Immersive audio experience due to Dolby Atmos
- More RAM: Faster multitasking due to more RAM (8GB on most versions)
OnePlus Nord N20 SE Advantages:
- Lighter & Thinner: Easier to handle and carry.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging refills the battery quicker than A72's 25W.
- Newer Bluetooth Standard: The new 5.3 version with low energy consumption offers battery savings.
- Newer Android version: Ships with a newer OS.
- Larger Selfie Pixels: The 1.12um pixel size may perform better in low light on the front-facing camera.
- Lower Price: Likely a lower price-point, if cost is a key factor.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A72: Larger and heavier, not the fastest charging speed, no expandable storage.
- N20 SE: Significantly lower display quality, weaker performance, and a less versatile camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 - Ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch videos, play games, and browse a lot on their phones will appreciate the superior display quality.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want more versatility in their photography, with telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses.
- Performance Seekers: Users who need smooth multitasking and decent gaming performance.
- Users who need a good outdoor display: The brighter display makes using the A72 more practical.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos
- Playing graphically demanding games
- Taking diverse types of photos and videos
- Using phone in bright sunlight
- Users who value screen quality above all else
OnePlus Nord N20 SE - Ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability above all else.
- Light Phone Users: Users who primarily use their phones for basic tasks, such as calls, texts, and social media browsing.
- Users who value comfort: The lighter device and better charging speeds are beneficial.
Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing and social media
- Casual photography and video
- Users who want a lightweight phone
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? If you watch a lot of videos or view photos often, the A72's AMOLED display will be a huge benefit.
- Do you value versatility in photography? If you want telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lens capabilities, the A72 is the obvious choice.
- How important is performance for you? If you game or multitask frequently, the A72 provides a smoother and more responsive experience. 4. What is your budget? If you are very cost conscious, the Nord N20SE is the best option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Prioritizing Display and Camera: If the user prioritizes a good display and versatile camera, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better option, despite its higher price and heavier build.
- Scenario 2: Budget Focused & Basic Use: If the user is on a tight budget and only needs a phone for basic tasks, the OnePlus Nord N20 SE is the more sensible choice. It provides a decent experience for less money and benefits from faster charging and lighter build.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Use: If the user is looking for a balanced phone and doesn't prioritize display/camera as much, the A72 offers a much better experience, but they would need to have a larger budget for it. The N20 SE would be more economical but is lacking in key areas.
What I would choose and Why:
Given my needs, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
Here's why:
- Display Quality: As someone who spends a lot of time consuming media on my phone, the AMOLED display with its higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness is a significant advantage for me. The superior color reproduction and contrast are much more enjoyable for watching videos and looking at pictures, and the brighter display is vital for outdoor use.
- Camera System: I appreciate having a versatile camera system with a telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lens for different photography needs. While I do appreciate some of the advantages of the N20 SE's sensors, I value a flexible system over better low-light performance with the front camera.
- Performance: The faster processor and GPU in the A72 means smoother day-to-day usage and better gaming, both of which are important to me.
- Overall Experience: While the N20 SE offers faster charging and a lighter build, the vastly superior display and camera system of the A72 makes the overall user experience more enjoyable for me. For me, the compromises I would have to make with the Nord N20 SE's display and performance are too significant.
While I acknowledge the OnePlus Nord N20 SE is a more budget-friendly option, the A72's superior display, camera capabilities, and overall performance are worth the extra cost for my use case.
