Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Oppo Reno7
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Oppo Reno7 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm | A72 is larger & bulkier, may be less comfortable for single-handed use |
| Weight | 203g | 175g | Reno7 is noticeably lighter, better for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.43" | A72 offers slightly larger screen, better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have same sharpness |
| PPI | 394 | 409 | Virtually indistinguishable sharpness in daily use |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both provide smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 800 nits | Similar visibility under bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | A72 has a more powerful processor, better for gaming and demanding tasks |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 249,000 | A72 has a benchmark score indicating better performance |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 | A72 has a superior graphics processor, better for graphic-intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.7 | Reno7 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low light |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 has a dedicated zoom lens for optical zoom capabilities |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | A72 offers a wider field of view in photos |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/3.4 | A72 has a higher-resolution macro camera with wider aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.4 | A72 has a slightly wider aperture |
| Black & White Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Reno7 has a dedicated black and white sensor |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps with EIS | A72 allows for higher resolution video recording |
| Camera Features | OIS, Quad Camera, Optical Zoom, Manual Focus, Night Mode | Triple Camera, Continuous Autofocus | A72 has optical stabilization and more advanced features, Reno7 has contrast-detect autofocus |
| DXOMARK Score | Mobile: 92; Photo: 100; Video: 78 | Not Tested | A72 has a third-party tested score, indicating better camera performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | A72 has larger capacity for potentially longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | Reno7 charges faster despite smaller battery |
| Features | 15W Charger Included | Non-removable | A72 includes charger in the box |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Reno7 has newer OS with potential for longer support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Similar Wi-Fi capabilities |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Reno7 has newer Bluetooth version, supporting advanced audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Reno7 supports more satellite systems for slightly better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM capabilities |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128 GB | A72 offers higher storage variant |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB | Reno7 offers 8 GB as standard |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | A72 offers better audio quality |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both feature basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Reno7 offers better screen protection against scratches |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Pedometer | A72 has Hall sensor, Reno7 has Gravity sensor and Pedometer |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- More powerful performance: The Snapdragon 720G offers better CPU and GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 680, leading to smoother gaming and app usage.
- Superior camera system: The A72 has a telephoto lens for optical zoom, a dedicated wide-angle lens, a higher resolution macro camera, and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). The DXOMARK score validates the better camera capabilities.
- Larger battery: 5000mAh vs 4500mAh which translates to longer usage on a single charge.
- Better audio: Features Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for a richer audio experience.
- Higher storage capacity options: Available with up to 256 GB of storage.
Practical Implications of A72 Advantages:
- Better suited for gamers and users who perform resource-intensive tasks.
- More versatile camera system for photography enthusiasts.
- Longer battery life benefits users who are frequently on the move.
- More immersive audio experience for media consumption.
Oppo Reno7 Advantages:
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 12 and an upgrade path to Android 14.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging allows for quicker battery refills.
- Lighter and slimmer design: More comfortable for prolonged use and single-handed operation.
- Better Screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for enhanced scratch resistance.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 LE which has lower energy consumption.
- Black and White Lens: Dedicated 2MP sensor.
Practical Implications of Reno7 Advantages:
- Users benefit from the latest software and potential longer updates.
- Saves time with quicker charging.
- Easier to handle and carry.
- Better for users interested in exploring monochrome photography.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A72: Heavier, bulkier, and may be less comfortable to hold. Slower charging.
- Oppo Reno7: Less powerful chipset, less versatile camera system, lower capacity battery, and no stereo speakers.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Gamers: The Snapdragon 720G provides a smoother gaming experience.
- Photographers: The versatile camera system with optical zoom and OIS is great for photography enthusiasts.
- Media consumers: The larger screen and stereo speakers enhance media consumption.
- Users who need long battery life: The 5000 mAh battery allows for longer periods of usage.
Oppo Reno7 Ideal Users:
- Everyday users: Those who value a lightweight, slim, easy to handle phone for basic tasks.
- Users who prioritize fast charging: The 33W charging is convenient for users who frequently charge their devices.
- Users seeking the latest software: Ships with Android 12 and an upgrade path to 14.
- Users who prioritize screen protection: The phone has corning gorilla glass 5.
Use Cases:
- A72: Playing graphics-intensive games, taking photos with different zoom levels, watching movies/videos, long trips without access to charging ports
- Reno7: Casual browsing, light gaming, everyday social media, making calls, quick charging in between meetings
Price-to-Value: The A72 offers more value for users who prioritize performance and camera features but may be priced higher. The Reno7 provides a good value for those who want a stylish, quick-charging phone with a focus on everyday tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Requirements: Do you need a powerful phone for gaming and heavy apps, or is a smooth experience for everyday tasks sufficient?
- Camera Priorities: Are advanced camera features like optical zoom and OIS important, or are basic photos satisfactory?
- Battery and Charging Needs: Do you need long battery life, or is quick charging more valuable?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance-focused user – Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its stronger processor, better graphics, and superior camera system.
- Scenario 2: User needing a balanced device – Choose the Oppo Reno7 for its fast charging, lighter design, and newer software.
- Scenario 3: Photography enthusiast - Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its telephoto, wide-angle, macro lenses, OIS and the better camera score.
- Scenario 4: Price sensitive user - Choose the Oppo Reno7 which offers a good balance of features at a potentially lower price point
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A72. While I appreciate the faster charging and lighter design of the Reno7, I value the more powerful processor, the superior camera system including the OIS and the dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lens, and the better battery life of the A72 more. My typical usage includes a mix of gaming, photography, and media consumption, and the A72 appears to be a better fit for these use cases despite the slightly larger size. I am also interested in exploring and taking advantage of the features like Dolby Atmos and the stereo speakers, making the A72 the better option for me.
