1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A72 and Realme C31, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Physical Size | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 164.7 × 76.1 × 8.4 mm | Slightly larger dimensions for A72; may be less comfortable for one-handed use. The difference in width is negligibly small. |
| Weight | 203g | 197g | A72 is heavier; may be noticeable during prolonged use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | A72 offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | A72 provides sharper and clearer visuals; text and images appear more detailed. C31's lower resolution screen is not as detailed. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 270 | A72's display is noticeably sharper, especially for reading text and viewing images closely. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72 delivers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency with dark themes compared to C31's IPS LCD. Better for outdoor visibility. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A72 offers smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience. Less lag and more responsive. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 has much better outdoor visibility, even in bright sunlight, whereas C31's brightness is not specified and will be poor. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12nm) | A72's chipset offers better overall performance; apps load faster, and multitasking is smoother. The 8nm process in A72 will result in better performance and power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 224,223 | A72 demonstrates better performance, resulting in snappier app performance and faster processing speeds. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MP1 | A72 has better graphics performance; better for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life; should last a full day with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 10W fast charging | A72 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Charger Included | Non-removable | A72 includes a fast charger in the box, whereas the user will need to use their own charging adapter in Realme C31. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Lens | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm pixel size | 13MP, f/2.2, * pixel size | A72 captures significantly more detailed photos, especially in low-light situations, due to the much larger sensor size. Better image quality, more dynamic range, and low light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm pixel size | None | A72 allows for optical zoom, preserving details at closer distances. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm pixel size | 5MP, f/2.2, * pixel size | A72 provides much sharper selfies with more detail and better clarity. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | None | A72 allows capturing wider landscapes and group photos without moving further away, offering more versatility. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixel size | 2MP, f/2.4, * pixel size | A72 captures more detailed close-up shots than the C31. |
| Black & white lens | None | 2MP, f/2.8, * pixel size | C31 captures black and white images through a dedicated lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 records high-quality 4K videos with stabilization, resulting in clearer, more stable footage. |
| DXOMark | Mobile 92 (Photo 100, Video 78) | Not tested | A72 has a tested higher camera quality, and can be expected to perform better for most purposes. |
Storage & RAM
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 32GB or 64GB | A72 offers much more storage space, ideal for users with large media libraries and app collections. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 3GB or 4GB | A72 provides better multitasking performance, allowing you to run more apps simultaneously without slowdowns. Better gaming performance also. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; users must choose their configuration accordingly. |
Audio & Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Basic audio features | A72 offers a more immersive audio experience, and clearer audio and sound separation for multimedia. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | C31 offers a more modern and convenient fingerprint sensor, located at an easier-to-access area. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Direct | 802.11b/g/n | A72 supports faster Wi-Fi speeds and connections; provides better coverage and range. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, multiple profiles | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | A72 supports a wider range of Bluetooth devices and profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both provide similar GPS positioning capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones allow users to use two SIMs at the same time |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness offers a much better viewing experience. Better for outdoor use and video consumption.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset provides significantly faster processing and graphics performance. Suitable for gamers and power users.
- Advanced Camera System: A more versatile camera setup with telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses, superior sensors, and much higher resolution. Better results for most cases.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging is significantly faster, especially for users on the go.
- More Storage and RAM: Higher storage and RAM options improve multitasking and app loading speeds. Better long term reliability.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide a superior audio experience.
- Better Connectivity: More advanced wifi and bluetooth configurations
Realme C31 Advantages:
- Newer Design: It is more recent, and may have better aesthetics.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more modern and convenient fingerprint sensor placement
- Black and White Camera Dedicated black and white camera
- Slightly Lighter: A slightly lighter phone may be preferable in some cases.
- Lower Price: Likely to be significantly more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
Trade-offs
- A72: Higher price, heavier, slightly larger. Not ideal for tight budget users.
- C31: Significantly inferior display, camera, performance, and charging speed. Not ideal for media consumers, gamers, or anyone who needs decent image quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72: Ideal Users
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who watch a lot of videos, play games, and consume a lot of media will benefit from the high-quality display and better audio system.
- Photography Lovers: Those who value camera versatility and photo quality will appreciate the multiple lenses and better image sensors.
- Power Users: Individuals who run many apps, and require smoother performance for everyday tasks will prefer the faster processor and more RAM.
- Users Needing a Fast Charger: Those who hate being without their phone for extended periods will enjoy the 25w charging.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching Netflix/YouTube in high quality
- Playing graphics-intensive games
- Capturing detailed and versatile photos in various conditions
- Video recording with 4K quality
- Multitasking with many open applications.
Realme C31: Ideal Users
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who are primarily concerned with affordability and need a basic smartphone for calling, texting, and light browsing.
- Users who Prefer a Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Users who have a preference for this type of sensor placement.
- Users who Want a Black and White Camera: Those that value the dedicated black and white camera experience.
- Light Phone Users: Users who do not require high-end camera or performance.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic communication (calling and texting)
- Light social media browsing
- Simple web browsing
- Very casual mobile gaming
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The A72 is likely to be considerably more expensive than the C31, which will be a deciding factor for many.
- How important is display quality to you? If you watch videos or games, the A72 is much more preferable.
- What are your primary camera needs? If you want a versatile camera with good quality, then the A72 is the clear winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget is King): If you are on a tight budget and just need a basic phone for communication and basic use, the Realme C31 is suitable.
- Scenario 2 (Media & Camera Focused): If you consume media regularly and prioritize image quality, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better option, despite its higher cost.
- Scenario 3 (Performance Matters): If you often use multiple apps, play games, or need your phone to operate quickly and smoothly, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 4 (Everyday Basic Use): If you only use a smartphone for basic everyday tasks, then both are suitable; however, the A72 is likely to provide a much better experience in every area.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. Although it is likely to be considerably more expensive, the difference in user experience is so significant, that it's the only sensible option for most users. The A72 wins in nearly every category: display quality, performance, camera versatility, charging speed, and audio. The trade-off in cost is considerable, but the benefits are considerable as well. The Realme C31 is only a viable option if you need the absolute cheapest phone possible for only the most basic of use cases.
