1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme GT2 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 163.2 × 74.7 × 8.2 mm | A72 is slightly larger and thicker, may feel less ergonomic in hand. |
| Weight | 203g | 199g | Negligible difference in weight, both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size, both offer similar viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3216 | GT2 Pro has a significantly sharper display with much greater detail. |
| PPI | 394 | 526 | GT2 Pro provides visibly crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | A72 has deeper blacks and vibrant colors, GT2 Pro display tech is not specified. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | GT2 Pro offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1400 nits | GT2 Pro offers significantly better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | GT2 Pro offers substantially faster performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,054,189 | GT2 Pro handles multitasking and demanding apps with much greater fluidity. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 730 | GT2 Pro has superior graphics performance, better for gaming and GPU intensive apps |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life for both phones under normal use. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 65W fast charging | GT2 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | No significant difference in battery life, both are non-removable |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766, 1.0µm | GT2 Pro has a larger sensor and pixel size leading to better low-light performance, while A72 has higher resolution. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", Omnivision OV08A10, 1.0µm | None | A72 has an extra camera for better portrait shots, missing on GT2 Pro. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", Sony IMX615, 0.80µm | A72 has slightly wider aperture which might be better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | GT2 Pro captures more detailed wide-angle photos with a higher resolution sensor. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/3.0, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75µm | A72 has a higher resolution macro lens while GT2 Pro has larger pixel size. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | GT2 Pro offers much higher resolution video recording capabilities, with more video modes |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | None | Only A72 has been tested, providing an indication of overall camera performance |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max 12 | Android 12, max 13 | GT2 Pro has newer operating system, potentially with longer software support |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Up to 802.11ac | Up to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | GT2 Pro offers faster WiFi speeds and better performance on congested networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | GT2 Pro has a more modern bluetooth version with better connectivity and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GT2 Pro offers more accurate and reliable location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | GT2 Pro provides more storage options with a higher maximum capacity. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | GT2 Pro provides more ram for heavy multitasking and demanding games |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, requiring careful storage management |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | GT2 Pro offers higher audio quality with better noise cancellation for calls |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both offer similar fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | GT2 Pro has better screen protection against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | GT2 Pro has more sensors, can have better features in advanced apps/games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and better portraits.
- DXOMark Camera Score: Provides some indication of known camera performance.
- AMOLED Display: Vibrant display with excellent contrast.
- Price: Likely cheaper, offering more value to budget-conscious consumers.
Practical Implications: The telephoto lens is beneficial for users who often use zoom for photos or like to take portraits with background blur. The DXOMark score gives a known baseline for camera performance, useful if that is a primary concern. The AMOLED Display will provide rich vibrant colors with excellent contrast.
Realme GT2 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 provides much higher benchmark scores and real-world performance, ensuring smooth operation of demanding apps and games.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper display for a more detailed viewing experience.
- Brighter Display: Much better outdoor visibility, particularly in sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging will drastically reduce charging times.
- Higher Video Recording Quality: Offers 8K video, much better for video enthusiasts.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Provides better support for multitasking and has a higher maximum storage capacity.
- Better Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio support, noise-canceling mic with two mic setup.
- Newer WiFi & Bluetooth: Better connectivity and stability.
- Superior Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides more durable screen protection.
Practical Implications:
The superior performance of the GT2 Pro allows for smooth and fast operation, and it will have more future-proofing due to the powerful chipset. The higher resolution, brighter display, and faster charging provide a more enjoyable daily experience. The superior camera sensor leads to better low light performance, and the 8K video is useful for those who want high-quality footage. The better audio quality is important for media consumption, and newer connectivity options ensure better stability and speed.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Camera Versatility: The Galaxy A72 includes a telephoto lens not found in the GT2 Pro.
- Price: The Realme GT2 Pro is a premium phone, likely costing more than the Galaxy A72.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious consumers looking for a decent all-around phone with a good screen and a versatile camera system with telephoto lens.
- Use Cases:
- Casual photography, with occasional zoom requirements.
- Everyday social media and communication.
- Media consumption with vibrant colors.
- Users who value battery life with moderate usage.
- Price-to-value: Offers strong features at a more affordable price-point, making it suitable for users who may not need cutting-edge performance.
Realme GT2 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, and those who prioritize top-tier performance, display quality, and fast charging. Also, good for those who prioritize low-light camera quality and high resolution video.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and graphically demanding applications.
- Professional photography/videography in low light.
- Heavy multi-tasking and productivity workflows.
- Users requiring a device with great outdoor visibility.
- Price-to-value: Offers top-tier performance and features with high price, appealing to those who need the best.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Galaxy A72 is a mid-range phone and costs less than the flagship GT2 Pro.
- How important is raw performance and fast charging? If speed and charging time are critical, GT2 Pro is better.
- What kind of photography do you prioritize? A72 is better for telephoto zoom, GT2 Pro is better for overall low-light image quality and video recording.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are on a tight budget and need a reliable daily driver. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a better balance of value and features.
- Scenario 2: You are a mobile gamer or power user who needs top-tier performance and fast charging. Recommendation: The Realme GT2 Pro is a clear choice.
- Scenario 3: You need a versatile camera system with zoom capabilities and a vibrant display. Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A72 is the more suitable option.
- Scenario 4: You need a phone with high quality display, excellent low light camera performance and high resolution video recording. Recommendation: The Realme GT2 Pro offers the best experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Realme GT2 Pro. Here's why:
- Future-Proofing: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers significantly more processing power, making it more future-proof and capable of handling demanding applications for a longer period.
- Superior Display: The higher resolution and brightness offer a noticeably better viewing experience, which is important for daily use and media consumption.
- Low-light camera performance: The main sensor in the GT2 Pro is much larger leading to more light and better low light photography
- Faster Charging: 65W charging is a major convenience, allowing for quick top-ups, essential for a daily driver.
- Build Quality: The Gorilla Glass Victus protection provides added peace of mind against accidental damage.
- High Res video: The 8K recording capability is a significant advantage for anyone doing videography.
While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has its advantages, specifically the telephoto lens, and it is known for good value and AMOLED display, the Realme GT2 Pro simply offers a more premium and future-proof experience overall. The performance increase alone makes it a worthwhile investment for someone who uses their phone heavily. While it would likely be more expensive, the boost in performance, display quality and build quality make it a better choice for me.
