1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Oppo A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 164.4 × 75.7 × 8.4 mm | A72 is slightly wider, which may feel less comfortable for one-handed use. Both have the same thickness. |
| Weight | 203g | 191g | Oppo A96 is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended holding. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Oppo A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.59" | A72 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Very similar sharpness; difference is negligible in real use. |
| PPI | 394 | 401 | Very similar pixel density, practically identical sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, and better visibility in direct sunlight with lower power consumption with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; identical refresh rate, so no difference in smoothness. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 has significantly better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight; Oppo A96 brightness is unknown, which is a significant disadvantage. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Oppo A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | A72's chipset offers slightly faster processing speed for smoother multitasking and quicker app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 218,000 | A72 performs better in benchmarks, indicating better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 | A72 has a more powerful GPU for better gaming performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Oppo A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A72 captures more detailed photos due to higher resolution |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 has dedicated zoom and portrait capabilities, offering more flexibility in photography. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0 | A72 takes higher-resolution selfies, while A96 has a slightly brighter aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | A72 captures ultrawide images. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A96 can take depth enhanced pictures |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 can take close up macro photos. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 has significantly better video recording, including 4K and higher frame rates. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | N/A | A72 offers proven image and video quality, while A96 has no data for comparison. |
| Camera Features | Extensive (OIS, zoom, etc) | Basic | A72 offers more features and flexibility in photography, including optical zoom and stabilization. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Oppo A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery life, likely offering a full day's use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Oppo A96 charges faster. |
| Charger | 15W charger included | Not specified | A72 includes a charger while A96 does not. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher brightness offers much better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Better Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses, along with 4K video recording and OIS, offering more flexibility and better quality photos and videos.
- Better Audio: Has stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes a gyroscope and compass, which is better for motion-sensing applications, AR, and gaming.
Oppo A96 Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging allows for quicker battery replenishment.
- More modern Bluetooth Codecs: Has APT-x and LDAC for higher quality audio through bluetooth.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Faster and more convenient to unlock the phone.
- More Satellite Positioning Systems: May offer more accurate positioning in certain locations
- Slightly lighter: Can feel more comfortable to hold
Trade-offs:
- A72: Older chipset (2021), slightly heavier. Slower charging speed. No expandable storage.
- A96: IPS LCD display is inferior. Lacks a telephoto, wide-angle, and macro cameras, and 4K video. Less capable processor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User: Multimedia consumers, photography enthusiasts, gamers, users who prioritize display quality.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, playing games, capturing detailed photos/videos, using GPS, outdoor use in sunlight.
- Price-to-value: Offers good value for its camera versatility and display quality; especially if bought used or refurbished.
Oppo A96:
- Ideal User: Users seeking faster charging, basic performance for everyday use, and a more modern fingerprint sensor.
- Use Cases: Everyday social media, messaging, casual browsing, quick charging.
- Price-to-value: A budget-friendly option for those who prioritize fast charging and basic features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is display quality to you? (AMOLED vs. IPS LCD; Sunlight Visibility)
- What is your primary use case for the camera? (Versatility vs. Basic Point-and-Shoot)
- Do you prefer fast charging or better performance? (33W vs. Snapdragon 720G)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Media and Gaming: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 due to its superior display and performance.
- For Photography Enthusiasts: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its versatile camera system and OIS.
- For Basic Use & Fast Charging: Choose the Oppo A96 if fast charging and a convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor are your priority.
- For a Balance of Features: The Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a more comprehensive experience, though the A96 might be more appealing with its fast charging.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A72. Here's why:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with its higher brightness is a huge advantage for me. I often use my phone outdoors, and the A72's screen would be significantly more viewable under bright sunlight. The deeper blacks and vibrant colors would also make media consumption and general use much more enjoyable.
- Versatile Camera System: The inclusion of a telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses, along with OIS and 4K video recording, would allow me more creative flexibility in photography and video. The lack of a dedicated telephoto lens on the Oppo A96 is a major drawback.
- Better Performance: Although the Snapdragon 720G is not the newest, it still offers a noticeable performance boost over the Snapdragon 680 in the A96. This will help the phone feel snappier and more responsive in everyday use.
- More Features: The A72 offers more advanced features in audio and sensors.
- Proven Image Quality: The DXOMark scores prove that the Samsung is a capable shooter.
While the Oppo A96 has its advantages with faster charging, the overall package of the Samsung Galaxy A72 is more appealing to me for its superior display, camera system, and performance. I value those aspects more than slightly faster charging or a modern fingerprint sensor.
