1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Oppo Reno8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 161.2 x 74.2 x 7.3 mm | Reno8 Pro is more compact, easier to handle; A72 is larger and might feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 203g | 183g | Reno8 Pro is significantly lighter, more comfortable for long-term use and carrying. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both phones have the same screen size for similar viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Virtually identical sharpness; No noticeable difference for everyday use. |
| PPI | 394 | 394 | Identical pixel density, meaning equally sharp displays. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Reno8 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations; A more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 900 nits | Reno8 Pro's higher brightness ensures better visibility outdoors, particularly in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Dimensity 8100 Max (5nm) | Reno8 Pro's chip offers significantly higher performance, faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 837,000 | Reno8 Pro is much faster in benchmarks; indicates smoother overall performance and better gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G610 MC6 | Reno8 Pro's GPU is more powerful, leading to superior gaming and graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | A72 has slightly larger battery for potentially longer battery life; May last longer on a single charge, particularly with moderate use |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Reno8 Pro charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger Included | Non-removable | A72 comes with a charger in the box; Reno8 Pro does not explicitly state included charger |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00µm, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | A72 has higher megapixel count, while Reno8 Pro has a larger sensor with larger pixels, likely better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" Omnivision OV08A10, 1.00µm | None | A72 has dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" Sony IMX709, 0.80µm | A72 has a slightly wider aperture, allowing slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 5MP, f/2.2, Pixel Size Not specified | A72's wide-angle camera captures more detail and has higher resolution. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" Omnivision OV02B10, 1.75µm | A72 offers a higher resolution for Macro photos. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS, 1080p@120/240fps, 720p@960fps | Reno8 Pro offers higher slow motion capabilities and frame rates. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 92 | 114 | Reno8 Pro has much better image quality overall. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, Quad Camera | Triple camera | A72 has more camera features; Reno8 Pro offers 4K video |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The A72 has a 5000mAh battery compared to the Reno8 Pro's 4500mAh, potentially offering longer battery life for users who prioritize endurance.
- Dedicated Telephoto Camera: The A72 includes an 8MP telephoto lens, allowing for optical zoom, which the Reno8 Pro lacks, offering more versatility in photography.
- Higher Resolution Wide & Macro lenses: A72's wide and macro lenses offer better resolution compared to Reno8 Pro.
- More Camera Features: A72 offers OIS, optical zoom and Quad Camera
- Included Charger: Samsung Galaxy A72 includes a 15W charger in the box.
Oppo Reno8 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 8100 Max chipset is significantly more powerful than the Snapdragon 720G, resulting in much faster performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 80W charging is drastically faster than 25W, significantly reducing charging times and minimizing downtime.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother experience compared to the A72's 90Hz display.
- Brighter Display: Higher 900 nits display brightness offers better outdoor visibility than the 800 nits A72 display.
- Better Camera Performance: The Reno8 Pro has superior image quality overall with higher DxOMark scores for photo and video.
- Superior screen protection: The Reno8 Pro uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
- More RAM options: The Oppo Reno8 Pro offers up to 12 GB of RAM.
- Newer Software: The Oppo Reno8 Pro has the advantage of running a newer version of Android.
- Newer Bluetooth: The Oppo Reno8 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version.
- Better WiFi: The Oppo Reno8 Pro supports newer WiFi standards, offering faster speeds and lower latency.
- Better GPS: The Oppo Reno8 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy
Trade-offs:
- The A72 sacrifices performance and charging speed for a slightly larger battery and a telephoto camera.
- The Reno8 Pro sacrifices a telephoto lens and has a slightly smaller battery for much better performance and fast charging capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Casual Photographers: Users who appreciate having a dedicated telephoto lens for occasional zooming and versatile photography options.
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Those who need a phone that can last a full day on a single charge and don't mind slightly slower charging.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a reliable mid-range phone with a good display and capable camera without the premium price of flagship devices.
- Users who like Samsung features: Users who have previous experience with the Samsung ecosystem and are looking for a device within that experience.
Use Cases for A72:
- Casual photo taking, where optical zoom is occasionally useful.
- Long days away from power outlets.
- Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
Oppo Reno8 Pro Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize fast performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Gamers: Individuals who need a phone with a powerful GPU, smooth refresh rate, and minimal lag.
- Fast-Paced Lifestyle Users: Those who need a phone that can charge quickly and are always on the go.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high quality photos and videos with better image processing.
- Users who prioritize tech: Users who want the newest technologies like WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and better GPS.
Use Cases for Reno8 Pro:
- Gaming sessions where a smooth experience is critical.
- Frequent use of demanding applications.
- Quick charging during short breaks.
- High quality photography and videography in diverse conditions.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize battery life or performance? (A72 for battery, Reno8 Pro for performance)
- How important is camera versatility? (A72 for optical zoom, Reno8 Pro for image quality)
- How important is fast charging? (Reno8 Pro for faster charging, A72 for longer lasting battery, assuming similar use)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual user wanting long battery and good screen:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72, for its focus on battery life and all-round capabilities.
- Scenario 2: A user who wants the best performance and quick charging:
- Recommendation: Oppo Reno8 Pro, as it is significantly faster, has a better display and charges much faster.
- Scenario 3: A user wanting great camera versatility, including optical zoom:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72, which is one of the only options to have a dedicated telephoto camera
- Scenario 4: A user looking for the best value for money in terms of performance and latest tech:
- Recommendation: Oppo Reno8 Pro, as it offers a substantial performance boost and newer technologies for the price.
What I Would Choose
I would choose the Oppo Reno8 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has its strengths, the sheer performance advantage of the Dimensity 8100 Max chipset, combined with the significantly faster 80W charging and smoother 120Hz display makes it a superior daily driver. The improved camera performance as shown in the DxOMark scores also adds a key element to the experience.
While the slightly smaller battery and lack of a telephoto lens are drawbacks, the increase in general performance and significantly faster charging speed, along with the better camera make the Reno8 Pro the better option for my usage scenarios where I prioritize speed and quality.
