1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm | A72 is slightly wider, 9i is a bit narrower making it better for one handed use |
| Weight | 203g | 190g | Realme 9i is slightly lighter, may be more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | A72 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Similar sharpness on both, negligible difference |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 400 PPI | Similar sharpness, not visibly different in daily use |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72 has better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smoother scrolling experience compared to 60Hz displays |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is significantly brighter, much better for outdoor visibility in sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | A72's chipset is slightly more powerful |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 216,850 | A72 will load apps slightly faster and have smoother operation overall |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 | A72 has slightly better graphics processing performance for gaming and video editing |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | A72 captures slightly more detailed images in ideal conditions |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP f/2.4 | None | A72 offers optical zoom capabilities |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | None | A72 offers a wider field of view for landscape photography |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | A72 captures better macro shots with more detail |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.1 | A72 captures more detailed selfies with a slightly narrower aperture. |
| Black and White Camera | None | 2MP f/2.4 | 9i has a dedicated B&W camera for artistic mono shots |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps | A72 records higher resolution videos with electronic image stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Not Tested | A72 has better camera performance based on tested score. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, Night Mode, Quad Camera | Triple Camera | A72 has additional features such as OIS for better stabilization, optical zoom, Night mode for low light situations and a quad camera system |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 9i charges faster |
| Charger Included | 15W | Not specified | A72 includes a 15W charger which is slower than the 33W of the 9i |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 11 (upgradeable to 13) | 9i will receive one more Android update |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Similar Wi-Fi standards on both phones |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Similar Bluetooth versions, A72 has more features. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Similar GPS Capabilities |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | A72 offers more storage options |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | A72 offers more RAM for better multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Hi-Res Audio | A72 has Dolby Atmos for immersive sound, 9i has Hi-Res audio certification |
| Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Both phones have stereo speakers |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme 9i features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | A72 has a Gyroscope, suitable for advanced features and gaming. 9i has Gravity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED display offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors. This leads to a more immersive viewing experience, especially for videos and photos. The higher brightness is also essential for comfortable outdoor use.
- Better Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens for optical zoom, a wide-angle lens, and higher-resolution sensors all around. This gives it more versatility in different photographic scenarios and offers improved image quality. The OIS and additional features are also beneficial.
- More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset and Adreno 618 GPU offer better app loading times, multitasking capabilities, and smoother gaming experiences compared to the Realme 9i.
- Better Build Quality: Has IP67 rating meaning it is waterproof and dustproof.
Realme 9i Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging is significantly faster than the 25W charging on the A72, meaning less time spent plugged in.
- Newer Android Version: Receives one more OS update than the A72 for a more up-to-date system.
- Side mounted fingerprint scanner: Provides easier access and is slightly more modern than the basic fingerprint sensor in the A72.
Trade-offs:
- The A72's superior display and camera system come at the cost of slightly slower charging and slightly older software.
- The 9i offers faster charging and more modern software but compromises on display quality and camera features compared to A72.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Media Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, movies, or stream content will appreciate the vibrant AMOLED display and stereo speakers.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system with telephoto, wide-angle, and macro capabilities will be beneficial for those who enjoy taking photos and videos.
- Moderate Gamers: Users who play casual games and want a smoother experience, without necessarily needing the highest graphical fidelity, will benefit from the A72's slightly more powerful GPU.
- Outdoor Users: People who spend significant time outdoors will appreciate the brighter display.
- Those looking for durable phones: The IP67 rating makes it better for use in all conditions.
Realme 9i Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a capable phone with good battery life and fast charging at a lower price point.
- Practical Users: Individuals who prioritize fast charging and longer software support over cutting-edge display quality or advanced camera features.
- Users with smaller hands: Those looking for a narrower phone that is easier to hold.
- Users who want the latest software: Those that want one more major Android software update.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy A72: Ideal for travel photography, watching movies on-the-go, playing graphically intensive mobile games, and using in sunny environments.
- Realme 9i: Ideal for everyday tasks, social media browsing, and prolonged use where fast charging is a priority.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? If vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high brightness are crucial, the A72 is the better choice. If an adequate LCD screen is sufficient, the 9i is acceptable.
- How frequently do you use the camera? If you take a lot of photos and value flexibility, optical zoom, a wide-angle lens and better sensors, the A72 is superior. If basic photography is enough, the 9i is adequate.
- Do you prioritize fast charging and long software support, or higher performance and better display? The Realme 9i excels in fast charging and latest OS support while the A72 provides better camera performance, display quality and higher performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you often watch videos on your phone outdoors and enjoy mobile photography, choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
- Scenario 2: If you are budget-conscious and prioritize fast charging with one more software update, choose the Realme 9i.
- Scenario 3: If you do not want to worry about rain or dust while using your phone, choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
Final Decision
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A72. While the Realme 9i offers a newer OS and faster charging, the A72's superior AMOLED display, versatile camera system with optical zoom, and slightly better performance make it a more compelling all-around package for my personal usage. I prioritize the viewing experience and camera capabilities, and the A72’s superior display quality and camera system would be significant advantages for my daily needs. The inclusion of OIS and optical zoom is also a big draw, allowing me to capture more versatile shots, something the Realme 9i cannot do.
