1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2022-09-02 | A23 5G is newer, potentially having longer software support |
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm | Negligible difference in size, both feel similar in hand |
| Weight | 203g | 197g | A23 5G is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | A72 has slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Virtually identical sharpness; not noticeable in daily use |
| PPI | 394 | 400 | Similar pixel density, both have sharp and clear display |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | A72 offers richer colors, deeper blacks, better contrast; superior for media |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A23 5G is smoother when scrolling or gaming. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | A23 5G has a newer chipset, offers better performance, faster app loading and overall smoother operation |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 418,000 | A23 5G performs significantly faster in benchmarks |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | A23 5G has a more capable GPU for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | A72 captures slightly more detailed photos; A23 5G has a larger sensor |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | None | A72 has a dedicated zoom lens for better photos when zoomed in |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 8MP, f/2.0 | A72 takes much higher resolution selfies |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 5MP, f/2.2 | A72 captures more detailed wide shots |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72 captures more detailed close-up photos |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A23 5G has a depth sensor for better bokeh effect. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 offers higher resolution video recording |
| DXOMark Score | Main Score: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | No data | A72 has better overall camera performance based on the DXOMark score. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, OIS, EIS, Quad Camera, PDAF, Manual Focus, Night Mode, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Digital zoom, OIS, Quad Camera, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | A72 has additional features like optical zoom, EIS, manual focus and night mode. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Similar battery life, comparable endurance for both devices |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Identical fast charging capabilities |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included | Bypass charging | A72 comes with a charger while A23 5G has a bypass charging feature |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 12 | Android 12, Upgradable to 14 | A23 5G has a newer Android version and will receive more software updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct | A72 offers Wi-Fi Display and Dual band capabilities |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP, HOGP | 5.1 LE, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, LE, PAN, OPP, PBAP, HOGP, APT-x | A23 5G has a newer Bluetooth version, supporting Low Energy and APT-x |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A23 5G has better location accuracy with additional QZSS support |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Single SIM (Nano) | A72 supports two SIM cards simultaneously |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | Not specified | A72 has better internal storage options |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | Not specified | A72 has more RAM for better multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | A72 has better audio quality with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A23 5G has a more modern, faster fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A23 5G has superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic Proximity | A23 5G has more advanced sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers better colors, contrast, and viewing experience, especially indoors.
- Better Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens, higher-resolution selfie and wide-angle cameras, offering more versatility. It also records videos in 4K resolution.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Offers more internal storage options and RAM, beneficial for power users.
- Enhanced Audio Quality: Features Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for an immersive experience.
- Dual SIM: Supports two SIM cards for better connectivity options
- Brighter Display: Much better outdoor visibility with its 800 nits display
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Advantages:
- Newer and Faster Chipset: Snapdragon 695 5G offers better performance and is more power-efficient.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother user experience, especially in gaming and animations.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 12, meaning more updates and features.
- Advanced Sensor Suite: Includes barometer and ultrasonic proximity sensor for improved functionality.
- Improved Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 offers better connectivity
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 provides better protection against damage
- Bypass Charging: Can charge without battery degradation
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More modern and convenient
Trade-offs:
- A72: Older chipset but has the better display.
- A23 5G: Less impressive camera setup but provides better performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User: Media consumers who value display quality, those who like to take pictures on different focal lengths and dual sim users.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows
- Social media enthusiasts
- Taking photos in multiple zoom levels and in different scenarios
- Users who prefer excellent sound through stereo speakers
- Users needing dual sim capabilities
- Users who prioritize a bright display
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers and those who prioritize performance, users who want the latest software
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming
- Smooth multitasking
- Users wanting the latest software version and security updates
- Users wanting long battery life thanks to efficient chipset
- Users who prefer the side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- If the price is similar, the A72 offers a better media experience, but if the A23 5G is significantly cheaper, it may be a better value for gamers and budget-conscious users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize the vibrant colors of AMOLED (A72) or the smoother 120Hz of the LCD (A23 5G)?
- Performance Needs: Do you need the best possible performance for gaming and multitasking (A23 5G), or is the A72's performance sufficient?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need a versatile camera system with a telephoto lens and better selfie and wide-angle cameras (A72)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Media Lover): If your main use case involves watching videos, the Samsung Galaxy A72 with its AMOLED display and stereo speakers is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Gamer/Performance User): If you prioritize performance, smoother scrolling, and longer software support the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is better.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Enthusiast): If you want a more versatile camera, the Samsung Galaxy A72 with its telephoto lens and better selfie/wide cameras is recommended.
- Scenario 4 (Budget Conscious): If budget is a primary concern and you prefer a newer device, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G provides better performance and the latest software at a potentially lower price point.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A72. Although the A23 5G offers a more powerful chipset and a smoother display, the A72's AMOLED screen, versatile camera system and better audio experience are more important to me personally. While the A23 5G is newer, the user experience of the A72 is more appealing, especially with its vibrant display and better camera. The dual sim is also something that is quite important for me.
