1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 160.2 × 73.3 × 8 mm | A72 is larger and may feel less comfortable for one-handed use. Realme 9 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 203g | 178g | Realme 9 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | A72 offers a slightly larger screen for immersive viewing and more content on the screen, while the Realme 9 is a bit more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness and detail levels on both screens. |
| PPI | 394 | 411 | Negligible difference, both offer very sharp visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1000 nits | Realme 9 will be more visible under direct sunlight and bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | A72 offers slightly better overall performance with smoother app loading, switching, and generally faster operations. Realme 9 is more energy-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 216,850 | A72 benchmarks significantly higher, leading to better gaming and more demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 | A72 has better graphics processing for gaming and other graphically intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 64MP | 108MP | Realme 9 captures more detail in good lighting with higher resolution sensor. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.75 | Realme 9 captures more light, enhancing performance in low-light. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP (A72) | None (Realme 9) | A72 has a telephoto lens for optical zoom, better for portraits and distant subjects. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 16MP | A72 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | A72 should perform better in low-light for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 12MP | 8MP | A72 captures wider scenes with more detail. |
| Macro Camera Resolution | 5MP | 2MP | A72 captures more detailed macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (A72) | 1080p@30fps (Realme 9) | A72 captures higher-resolution video for more detailed footage; Realme 9 lacks 4k capture |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom | None | A72 has Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), reducing blur in photos and videos. It also offers more zoom capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life is expected under normal usage. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | Realme 9 charges faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Features | 15W Charger included | Reverse Charging | A72 ships with its charger, whereas Realme 9 can be used as a power bank for other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Realme 9 has a newer version of Android out of the box with potential for future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Realme 9 has a slightly newer version with potential for better performance and efficiency. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128 GB | A72 offers more storage options for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage through SD cards |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, 2 Microphones | A72 has better sound quality with better spatial audio; Realme 9 has better voice capturing through microphones. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 9 is more durable and scratch-resistant |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | A72 has a compass for better location and navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset and Adreno 618 GPU offer better overall performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Better Camera System: Features optical zoom, telephoto lens, higher-resolution selfie, wide, and macro lenses, leading to better image quality and versatile photography options.
- Higher Video Quality: Offers 4K video recording for clearer, sharper video capture.
- Enhanced Audio: Features stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos for a more immersive audio experience.
- More Storage Options: Offers a 256GB variant for users who require extra space.
Realme 9 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable to hold and carry, better for one-handed use.
- Brighter Display: Better visibility under direct sunlight, enhancing outdoor use.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging reduces charging time significantly.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 12, with potential for more timely updates.
- Better Screen Protection: Has Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better scratch resistance.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Better low-light camera performance: With a wider aperture on the main camera, it performs better in low-light conditions.
Trade-offs:
- A72: Larger size, heavier, less bright screen, slightly slower charging.
- Realme 9: Weaker performance, less versatile camera system, lower video quality, lacks the advanced audio features of the A72.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Power users: Those who need a smooth experience with demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera with optical zoom, good low-light performance, and detailed photos.
- Media consumers: People who enjoy watching videos and want an immersive audio experience.
- Users who value storage: Those who need the 256GB option for photos, videos, and apps.
Use Cases for A72:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos, including portrait and zoomed shots.
- Watching movies and videos on the go with good audio quality.
- Using multiple apps simultaneously without performance issues.
Realme 9 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those looking for a good smartphone at a more affordable price point.
- Users who value portability: People who prefer a lighter, more compact device for comfortable carrying.
- Casual photographers: Users who don't need the most advanced camera features but still want to capture good photos.
- Outdoor users: People who need a brighter screen for visibility under direct sunlight.
- Users who value fast charging: Those who want to minimize charging time and stay connected.
Use Cases for Realme 9:
- General everyday use: browsing, social media, messaging, etc.
- Capturing casual photos and videos.
- Using the phone for extended periods without straining the hand.
- Charging the phone quickly when needed.
- Using it as a power bank.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize camera quality and versatility, or portability and battery charging speed?
- Is performance a key factor, or is smooth everyday usage sufficient?
- Do you need the immersive audio and 4k video offered by the A72, or is a brighter display and more affordable price a bigger draw?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: User values camera quality and performance and doesn't mind a slightly larger, heavier phone, choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
- Scenario 2: User prioritizes a lighter phone with better screen brightness, and faster charging, and is okay with slightly lower performance, choose the Realme 9.
- Scenario 3: User needs the best audio and video experience and does not require reverse charging. Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. Although the Realme 9 is a newer phone with some advantages like faster charging, brighter display, and a more compact design, the A72 offers a more well-rounded experience that aligns with my priorities. The superior performance of the Snapdragon 720G, combined with the more versatile and higher-quality camera system (including optical zoom and 4k video) make it a more compelling choice. The enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos is also a big plus for media consumption. While the Realme 9's lighter design and faster charging are appealing, they don't outweigh the overall capabilities of the A72. The A72, despite being older, is a more powerful and better performing device overall.
