1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm | Negligible size difference, both are similarly sized phones. |
| Weight | 203g | 195g | The A23 is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for long use periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | The A72 has a marginally larger screen, which might be preferred by some for media consumption, however, the size difference is minor. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2408 | Both screens have similar sharpness, negligible difference. |
| PPI | 394 | 400 | Both phones have very similar pixel density, resulting in comparable sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | The A72's AMOLED display offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, resulting in better visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both screens provide the same smooth scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | The A72 has much higher brightness, making it more usable in direct sunlight; the A23's brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | The A23's newer chipset offers slightly better performance, faster app loading and smoother operation; the difference is noticeable but not extreme. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 401,000 | The A23 shows superior benchmark performance, likely to translate into smoother everyday use. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 | A23's GPU should handle most games well, but likely not at the highest settings, slight performance difference. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The A72 has higher resolution, which could result in more detailed shots, but sensor performance is not only determined by resolution, other factors matter too. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | The A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens which provides better zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | A72 offers superior selfie camera resolution. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | The A72 will capture higher-resolution wide-angle photos. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The A23 has a dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh effect. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72 can capture slightly higher quality macro photos, better detail for close-ups. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (EIS) | 1080p@30fps | The A72 can record higher resolution videos, while both offer digital stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | 92 (Mobile) | Not Tested | The A72 has been tested by DxOMark and the results are provided, meaning more reliable information regarding camera performance, but it does not guarantee better real life results, only provides more data. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, meaning comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both offer similar fast charging capabilities. |
| Battery Features | 15W Fast Charger included | Bypass Charging | A72 includes a charger in the box, A23 features bypass charging that allows the phone to run directly from the charger, without charging the battery. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | The A23 has a newer OS out of the box and longer software support, meaning the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, dual-band | 802.11ac | Both have similar WiFi standards, A72 has more features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | A23 has a newer Bluetooth version, providing more stability and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A23 has more satellite support, resulting in better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | The A72 offers more storage, good for users with many apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | The A72 offers more RAM, which should result in smoother multitasking and less app reloading. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Supported | Not Supported | Neither offers expandable storage, meaning internal storage must be chosen carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | The A72 offers better audio with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | The A23's side-mounted sensor is more convenient and reliable. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The A23 offers better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic Virtual Proximity | The A23 has additional sensors, meaning more features and capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen provides better color, contrast, and brightness, crucial for viewing content in various lighting conditions, especially outdoors.
- Better Camera System: The telephoto lens, higher-resolution selfie, wide, and macro cameras offer more versatility and detail. Its superior DxOMark score and 4K recording also contribute to a better multimedia experience.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos provide a more immersive audio experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Higher RAM and Storage Options: With up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, it is better for heavy users who multitask and store lots of media.
Practical Implications for the A72:
- Better media consumption (especially outdoors) due to the superior display.
- More versatility in photography thanks to the telephoto lens.
- Superior audio experience when listening to music or watching videos.
- Smoother experience with more applications running at the same time, thanks to higher RAM, and more storage to save content.
Samsung Galaxy A23 Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: The Snapdragon 680 offers slightly improved performance and power efficiency, which should result in faster and smoother experience with everyday apps.
- Longer Software Support: It ships with a newer Android version and is promised longer support, making it a better long-term investment.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better durability.
- More Advanced Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 LE offers better efficiency and stability.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and reliable.
- Additional Sensors: Includes a barometer and an ultrasonic proximity sensor.
Practical Implications for the A23:
- Potentially smoother performance in daily tasks.
- Longer lifespan with software and security updates.
- Greater durability for everyday use.
- Better battery life due to a more efficient chipset.
- Better signal stability due to Bluetooth 5.1.
- Better location accuracy.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The A72 sacrifices a more recent chipset, longer software support, and newer Bluetooth technology for a superior display, camera system and audio capabilities.
- The A23 loses out on display quality, camera capabilities, and audio features for a newer chipset, longer software support and slightly better battery life due to the chipset.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who frequently watch videos, movies, and play games on their phone will appreciate the AMOLED display and stereo speakers.
- Photography Lovers: The versatile camera system with a telephoto lens is ideal for those who want more flexibility in their photography.
- Heavy Users: Those who multitask frequently and need more storage will benefit from the 8GB of RAM and 256GB storage options.
Specific Use Cases for the A72:
- Enjoying high-quality videos and games on the go.
- Taking diverse photos and videos for social media, etc.
- Using demanding apps and switching between them seamlessly.
Samsung Galaxy A23 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a reliable, affordable smartphone with good battery life, good performance in daily apps, and a more durable screen.
- Practical Users: Users who prioritize software updates, a more modern fingerprint sensor, and more battery efficiency.
- Long-Term Users: Those who keep their phones for longer and value software support.
Specific Use Cases for the A23:
- Daily use for browsing, social media, and communications.
- Students and professionals who need a dependable device.
- Users that value device durability.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The A72 offers more premium features for its value, especially if the camera, display, and audio quality are the main focus, despite the older chipset.
- The A23 focuses on providing a more affordable device with good all-around performance and long-term value, despite its display and camera being weaker.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? If you consume a lot of content and want the best visuals, the A72 is better. If you prioritize durability and long-term use, A23 is the better option.
- What are your camera needs? If you want more versatility and better photo quality, the A72 is better. If you mostly take quick snapshots and don't need advanced features, the A23 will suffice.
- How important is long-term software support? If you keep your phone for several years, the A23 has longer software support.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Photography and Media Enthusiast. Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 if you enjoy taking photos, capturing video, and watching media on your phone. The AMOLED screen, telephoto camera, and stereo speakers make it a better choice for multimedia enthusiasts.
- Scenario 2: The Daily User on a Budget. Choose the Samsung Galaxy A23 if you prioritize daily app use, battery life and longevity, and want a modern, durable phone with a good price.
- Scenario 3: Long term user. Choose the Samsung Galaxy A23 if you plan to keep the phone for a long time, as it is offered longer software support.
Final Choice
If I had to choose, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
Reasoning:
While the A23 has several strengths, like a slightly newer chipset, better Bluetooth, and longer software support, the superior display quality and camera versatility of the A72 are more appealing to me personally. The AMOLED display of the A72 would make a big difference in everyday use, while the telephoto lens would be a great option when it comes to photography.
Although the A72 is older, the advantages outweigh its disadvantages for my use case. The 4K recording also makes it a better video platform for me. The A23 is a good device, but the overall multimedia capabilities of the A72 make it a more compelling option for me as a user.
