1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 160.2 × 73.3 × 8 mm | A72 is larger, may be less comfortable in hand and pocket; 9 Pro+ is more compact |
| Weight | 203g | 182g | 9 Pro+ is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for longer use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | A72 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption; 9 Pro+ is more compact, may be easier to handle |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness, both display clear images |
| PPI | 394 | 411 | Similar sharpness levels, minimal practical difference |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical display technology, vibrant colors and deep blacks on both |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling on both devices |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is significantly brighter, better visibility in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | 9 Pro+ is more powerful, better for demanding tasks, gaming, and overall speed |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 496,970 | 9 Pro+ has a significantly higher performance, smoother experience |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MC4 | 9 Pro+ has a more powerful GPU, better gaming performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | A72 has larger capacity, potentially longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 60W fast charging | 9 Pro+ charges much faster, convenient for quick top-ups |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.0µm, 1/1.56" | A72 has a higher megapixel count; 9 Pro+ has a larger sensor size which usually leads to better low-light performance |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" | Not Available | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens, better for zoomed photos |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm, 1/3.13" | A72 has a higher megapixel count, better for detailed selfies; 9 Pro+ has a larger pixel size |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.14µm, 1/2.8" | A72 has a higher megapixel count, potentially more detailed wide-angle photos; similar pixel size |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm, 1/5" | A72 has higher resolution macro lens |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, Up to 720p@960fps with EIS | Both record 4k videos; 9 Pro+ is capable of more intense slow motion recording |
| DXOMark Mobile | 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | Not Tested | A72 has been tested and scored by DXOMark, giving an indication of camera quality, 9 Pro+ no results from DXOMark |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | 9 Pro+ has a newer Android version, likely to receive updates longer |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 9 Pro+ supports newer WiFi standard, faster speeds and more stable connection |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | 9 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth version, more efficient and potentially better audio connectivity |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | Both have accurate GPS; 9 Pro+ includes QZSS, potentially more accurate in certain regions, A72 supports Galileo |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer same storage options; No expandable storage in either |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both offer same RAM options; Adequate for multitasking |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | 9 Pro+ has Hi-Res audio, noise cancelling mic, possibly better audio experience, clearer calls |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Standard biometric security on both |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 9 Pro+ offers a better screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | 9 Pro+ includes heart rate sensor; A72 includes compass and hall sensor |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.7" screen is better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking with a better experience.
- Brighter Display: 800 nits brightness ensures better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens offers more zoom flexibility when taking pictures.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery provides potentially longer battery life.
- More sensors: Features Compass and Hall Sensor.
- DXOMark Results: The availability of DXOMark results gives some indication of the device's photographic and video capabilities.
Realme 9 Pro+ Advantages:
- More Powerful Processor: Dimensity 920 offers better performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Faster Charging: 60W charging is significantly faster than the A72's 25W.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 12, likely to receive updates longer than A72's Android 11.
- Newer WiFi: Supports WiFi 6 for faster and more stable wireless connections.
- Newer Bluetooth: Supports Bluetooth 5.2 LE, for more efficient audio connectivity.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor size (1/1.56") on the primary camera of 9 Pro+ potentially means better low-light photos.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the display for better durability and scratch resistance.
- More audio features: Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, 2 microphones that provides a slightly better audio experience.
- Heart rate sensor: Additional sensor.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A72: The A72 has a larger display and a telephoto lens, but it falls behind in terms of processing power, charging speed, and software.
- Realme 9 Pro+: The 9 Pro+ excels in performance, charging, and software, but lacks a telephoto lens and has a slightly smaller screen with lower brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Users who prioritize a larger, brighter display for media consumption, and outdoor visibility.
- Users who prefer having a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed photos.
- Users who prioritize a longer battery life above fast charging.
- Users who rely on compass and Hall sensors for navigation and functionality.
- Users who like to take a lot of photos or videos and trust DXOMark results to guide them.
Use Cases for A72:
- Watching videos and movies on a big screen.
- Taking pictures outdoors
- Users that rely on telephoto lenses to take zoomed photos.
- Long trips or days when charging isn't possible
- Navigation purposes.
Ideal User for Realme 9 Pro+:
- Users who prioritize performance and speed for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Users who need quick charging and appreciate faster top-ups.
- Users who want the latest Android software and potentially longer update support.
- Users who want the latest version of wifi and bluetooth.
- Users who want better screen protection.
- Users who want to have the best audio experience.
Use Cases for Realme 9 Pro+:
- Mobile gaming and resource-intensive apps.
- Users who need to charge their phones quickly.
- Users who want to future-proof their device.
- Users who listen to music using high quality equipment.
- Users who want to have better screen protection.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The Realme 9 Pro+ generally offers a better price-to-performance ratio, delivering a more powerful chipset and faster charging at a comparable price point. The Samsung Galaxy A72 provides the larger screen, better brightness and telephoto camera, which may be valuable for certain users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize a large and bright display and a telephoto lens, or processing power and fast charging?
- Is software update longevity a major concern for you?
- Do you need the best gaming experience, or is media consumption and photography more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gamers and Power Users: Choose the Realme 9 Pro+ for its superior processing power, faster charging, and newer software.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumers: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its larger, brighter display and dedicated telephoto lens.
- Scenario 3: Photography: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 if you require a telephoto lens or trust DXOMark results; Choose the Realme 9 Pro+ for better low-light performance.
- Scenario 4: Battery Life Focused: The Samsung Galaxy A72 would be better due to a bigger battery.
- Scenario 5: Audio Focused: The Realme 9 Pro+ would be better due to Hi-Res Audio, noise cancelling microphone and 2 microphones.
- Scenario 6: General Use: If you are unsure, the Realme 9 Pro+ is better due to more advantages.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Realme 9 Pro+.
Reasoning:
While I appreciate the larger, brighter screen of the Samsung Galaxy A72, the performance boost and significantly faster charging of the Realme 9 Pro+ are more important to me. I tend to use my phone for a variety of tasks, including gaming and heavy app usage, and the Dimensity 920 chip would provide a smoother experience. Also, the newer software is a plus, and the better low light camera capabilities and better screen protection are valuable considerations for me. The faster charging is something I value, ensuring that I can quickly top up my phone if needed.
The lack of a telephoto lens on the Realme 9 Pro+ is a trade-off but not a deal breaker. Ultimately, the Realme 9 Pro+ offers a more well-rounded package for my usage pattern, focusing on aspects that I value more in a smartphone. The slight differences in screen size and brightness are acceptable given the other advantages.
