1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm | Samsung is slightly wider, Realme slightly taller, similar thickness. Might affect one-handed use. |
| Weight | 203g | 195g | Realme 9 Pro is slightly lighter, may feel more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Samsung has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 400 PPI | Virtually identical sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles. More vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | Samsung provides much better outdoor visibility in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Realme has a newer, more power-efficient chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 402,916 | Realme offers noticeably better performance for gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | Realme has a slightly newer GPU that offers better graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life overall. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Realme charges faster, saving you time. |
| Charger | 15W included | Not Specified | Samsung includes a charger; Realme might need to buy one separately. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | 64MP, f/1.79, 0.7µm, 1/2" OV64B | Realme slightly wider aperture; Samsung slightly larger pixel size (may improve low light). |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | None | Samsung offers optical zoom capability for better long distance photo. |
| Ultrawide | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Samsung offers higher resolution for ultrawide shots. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | Samsung provides higher macro resolution, Realme a larger pixel size for potentially better low light. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | 16MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | Samsung has a higher resolution; Realme has wider aperture and a bigger sensor. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Samsung can record higher quality video with more details and stabilization options. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 92; Photo: 100; Video: 78 | Not Specified | Samsung's camera performs well overall based on DXOMark data. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 12 (up to 13) | Realme ships with a newer OS out of the box and is likely to get software updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | Realme has additional Wi-Fi technology. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE, AptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Realme has newer, more efficient Bluetooth, including high quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Samsung provides additional satellite support for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both devices offer dual-SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128 GB | Samsung offers more storage for users needing more space. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both devices offer ample RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, 2 microphones | Each has its own advantages in audio technology. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-Mounted | Realme fingerprint sensor is likely faster and easier to reach. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Samsung offers a compass for navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen provides much better contrast, colors, and viewing angles, also better brightness for outdoor visibility.
- Better Cameras: Features a telephoto lens for optical zoom, higher resolution ultrawide and selfie cameras. Records 4K videos. It also has OIS and PDAF for focusing.
- More Internal Storage Options: Available with up to 256GB of internal storage.
- More Comprehensive Sensors: Includes compass and hall sensors for a more complete experience.
- Included Charger: Ships with a 15W charger.
- Better Video Recording: 4K Video recording with OIS.
- Better Camera Performance DXOMark rating of 92.
Practical Implications of Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Enjoying vibrant media with much better screen quality.
- Capturing distant subjects with the telephoto lens and better quality ultrawide photos.
- Having plenty of storage space for media and apps, especially for content creators.
- Recording much better quality videos.
Realme 9 Pro Advantages:
- Better Performance: Newer Snapdragon 695 chipset and higher AnTuTu score result in faster performance for everyday use and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging reduces waiting time to fully charge.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 12 and will likely get one more OS update.
- Newer Bluetooth: Better and more efficient Bluetooth version 5.1.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better Audio quality with Hi-Res Audio and noise cancelling microphone.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Easier and faster access.
Practical Implications of Realme 9 Pro Advantages:
- Smoother and faster gaming and app loading.
- Spending less time charging your phone.
- Having access to the latest software features and security updates.
- Enjoy better audio quality while using headphones or external speakers.
- Faster unlocks and access to the device.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A72: The trade-off for better display and cameras is a less powerful processor and slower charging, also older software and Bluetooth.
- Realme 9 Pro: The trade-off for better performance and faster charging is an IPS LCD display with poorer brightness, inferior cameras, older Bluetooth, and lower video recording quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize display quality for watching videos, movies, and browsing.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value camera versatility with optical zoom and higher quality photos in most situations.
- Casual Users This phone is great for users who do not require heavy gaming and prefer a better camera experience.
- Users needing Storage: Those who need the additional 256GB storage option.
- Outdoor Users: Those that use their phone in bright outdoor situations and require a bright display.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Watching movies and shows on the go with a high-quality display.
- Taking photos in various scenarios, including landscapes, portraits, and zoomed-in shots, and capturing the best moments.
- Storing lots of media files, documents, and apps.
Ideal Users for Realme 9 Pro:
- Gamers: Users who prioritize performance for smooth gameplay.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who want good performance without breaking the bank.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Users who prefer to have the latest Android version.
- Users valuing speed: Users who need faster charging and quicker access to the device with side-mounted sensor.
Specific Use Cases for Realme 9 Pro:
- Playing graphic-intensive games with smooth frame rates.
- Quickly charging the phone when time is limited.
- Enjoying the latest Android experience and updates.
- Listening to music with higher quality audio support.
Price-to-Value: *The Realme 9 Pro typically offers a better price-to-performance ratio, making it ideal for those on a budget who still want a solid performer. The Samsung Galaxy A72 will likely be pricier, given its superior display and more advanced camera features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize display quality with rich colors and deep blacks (Samsung), or is a higher refresh rate and overall performance more important (Realme)?
- Camera Needs: Do you need a telephoto lens and superior image quality, or is an adequate camera sufficient?
- Performance vs. Price: Are you willing to pay more for a better display and advanced cameras, or do you want the best performance for the least price?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media consumption and Photography are top priorities: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its superior AMOLED display and versatile camera system.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Performance are top priorities: Choose the Realme 9 Pro for its faster processor and better refresh rate.
- Scenario 3: Budget-conscious buyer seeking a balanced phone: Choose the Realme 9 Pro for a good balance between price and performance, although the display and camera will not be as good.
- Scenario 4: Software and speed prioritized: Choose the Realme 9 Pro for its updated software and faster charging.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. While the Realme 9 Pro offers a newer chipset and faster charging, the superior display quality of the AMOLED panel, coupled with the more versatile camera system (including the telephoto lens and better video recording), are more crucial for my needs and usage patterns. I frequently watch videos and take photos, and the visual experience and camera capabilities of the A72 are a priority for me. While the performance may be slightly lower, it will still be sufficient for my everyday use, and the camera is far more versatile. Additionally, I would prefer the included charger. Therefore, despite its older chip and slower charging, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better fit for my personal requirements, especially given its very bright screen for bright sunlight usage and its high camera quality rating.
