1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 163.3 × 75.6 × 8.2 mm | Realme GT Neo 3 is slightly more compact and should feel less bulky in hand. |
| Weight | 203g | 188g | Realme GT Neo 3 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have a large, immersive display suitable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Visually almost identical sharpness, negligible difference for daily use. |
| PPI | 394 | 394 | Both provide the same pixel density, meaning equal sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme GT Neo 3 will offer slightly smoother scrolling and animations, noticeable to those sensitive to refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1000 nits | Realme GT Neo 3 will be more visible in bright sunlight or outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) | Realme GT Neo 3's chipset offers a significantly faster and more efficient experience for all tasks, including gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 855,842 | Realme GT Neo 3 provides much better performance, faster app loading and smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G610 MC6 | Realme GT Neo 3's GPU offers better graphics performance, leading to smoother gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.00µm, Sony IMX766 | Realme GT Neo 3's larger sensor and pixel size typically captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm, Omnivision OV08A10 | N/A | Samsung Galaxy A72 offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Lens | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.1", 1.00µm, Samsung S5K3P9 | Samsung Galaxy A72 has higher resolution selfie camera but Realme GT Neo 3 has larger pixels for better low-light selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.25, 1/2.8", 1.12µm, Sony IMX355 | Samsung Galaxy A72 has a slightly higher resolution wide angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm, GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Samsung Galaxy A72 has a higher resolution macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@60fps with EIS | Realme GT Neo 3 can record smoother video at 4K, Samsung Galaxy A72 has slow motion up to 120fps and Realme has up to 480fps |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Realme GT Neo 3 charges much faster, significantly reducing charging time. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included | Dual battery, In-box 80W charger | Samsung includes a lower wattage charger, while the realme features a dual battery system for faster charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Realme GT Neo 3 has a more recent Android version, suggesting a longer lifespan for software updates and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | WiFi 6 | Realme GT Neo 3 has faster, more efficient WiFi, better performing in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Realme GT Neo 3 features better power efficiency, more stable connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Realme GT Neo 3 offers better GPS accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB | Realme GT Neo 3 offers an option for more storage, beneficial for those with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB, 8 GB, or 12 GB | Realme GT Neo 3 has a 12GB RAM option for smoother multitasking and better handling of demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phones supports external storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme GT Neo 3 has more advanced audio features for better quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both provide basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme GT Neo 3 provides better screen protection, more resistant to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Samsung Galaxy A72 includes a compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Telephoto Camera: Offers an additional telephoto lens with optical zoom, providing more versatility in zoom photography.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Provides 32MP for selfies, potentially capturing more detail in well-lit scenarios.
- Compass Sensor: Useful for certain applications and navigation.
Realme GT Neo 3 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 8100 chipset delivers significantly better performance, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming.
- Faster Charging: 80W charging dramatically reduces charging times, making it much more convenient.
- 120Hz Display: Offers smoother scrolling and animations, contributing to a more fluid user experience.
- Brighter Display: The 1000 nits brightness provides much better visibility outdoors.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android, promising more updates and security patches.
- Faster WiFi: Offers WiFi 6, providing faster speeds and more stability, especially on crowded networks.
- Higher RAM options: Offers a 12 GB variant which is better for heavier multitasking.
- Better Audio Quality: Includes Hi-Res Audio, better microphones and noise cancelling features.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better durability against scratches and falls.
- Main camera sensor: The Realme GT Neo 3 comes with the IMX766 which is very good and delivers better low light images.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A72 trades overall performance and charging speed for a telephoto camera and a higher resolution selfie camera.
- The Realme GT Neo 3 prioritizes performance, screen quality, and charging speed but lacks the additional telephoto lens of the Samsung Galaxy A72.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize zoom photography and require the versatility of a telephoto lens.
- Casual Gamers: Suitable for users who game occasionally and don't require the highest frame rates.
- Users that prioritize the Samsung Experience: Those who are happy with Samsung software and apps.
- Users that want a lower price: Due to its older age, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is usually available for a lower price.
Use Cases:
- Taking zoomed-in photos of distant subjects (landscapes, sports)
- Capturing selfies with potentially more detail in good lighting conditions.
Realme GT Neo 3 Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Gamers and power users who prioritize smooth multitasking, faster app loading, and high frame rates.
- Frequent Travelers: The super-fast charging is beneficial for quick power-ups on the go.
- Media Consumers: Users who appreciate smoother scrolling, a brighter screen, and better audio.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who like the latest features such as faster charging and WiFi 6.
- Users that want the best value: You get the most features for your money, especially compared to the Galaxy A72.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Quickly charging the phone during brief breaks.
- Watching high-resolution videos with smoother visuals and better audio quality.
- Working with multiple apps simultaneously.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is zoom photography to you? If you frequently need optical zoom, the Galaxy A72 is the better choice.
- How much do you value overall performance and fast charging? If speed is a priority, the Realme GT Neo 3 is significantly better.
- Is battery life more important than charging speed: If you can handle slower charging then the Samsung has good battery life, but the Realme's battery life is not very different.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography is Key: If capturing zoomed-in photos and selfies with higher resolution is paramount, choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Speed are Critical: If you need the best possible performance for gaming and multitasking and value fast charging, choose the Realme GT Neo 3.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Use: If you want a well rounded phone with great performance and battery and don't mind losing optical zoom then the Realme GT Neo 3 is a better choice.
My Choice and Why
I would choose the Realme GT Neo 3. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has some advantages in the camera department, the Realme GT Neo 3's superiority in performance, charging speed, and display quality makes it a more compelling device for most users. The difference in performance between the two phones is significant and noticeable in daily use. In addition, the much faster charging is very convenient. Although the Samsung has a telephoto lens I would rather have the slightly worse overall camera of the Realme that is also much better at night. The benefits of the Realme GT Neo 3 make it the better value pick in my opinion.
