1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2023-03-24 | The A34 is almost two years newer, likely with longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 161.3 × 78.1 × 8.2 mm | A72 is slightly taller and thicker, while A34 is wider, but the difference is minimal. |
| Weight | 203g | 199g | Both phones are similar in weight, a negligible difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | A72 has a slightly larger display, better for content consumption, but minimal difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are Full HD+, with minimal difference, providing sharp visuals. |
| PPI | 394 | 390 | Very similar pixel densities, both offer sharp and crisp images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A34 provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 has superior outdoor visibility, which can be a significant advantage on bright days. The A34 brightness is missing and cannot be compared |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | A34 has a newer, more efficient chipset for faster performance and better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 532,300 | A34 has significantly higher performance, better for gaming and heavy apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MC4 | A34's GPU is more powerful, leading to better graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, providing a day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both offer the same fast charging capabilities. |
| Charging Features | 15W Charger Included | None specified | The A72 includes a 15W charger while A34 may require purchase of a charger separately |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 48MP, f/1.8 | A72 has a higher resolution main camera for more detail in good lighting. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 has an additional telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | A72 has much higher selfie camera resolution. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A72 has a higher resolution wide-angle camera. |
| Portrait Camera | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | A34 has a dedicated portrait lens. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 has an additional macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Both offer 4K video, but A34 has a higher slow-motion frame rate. |
| DxOMark Score | 92 (Photo 100, Video 78) | 92 (Photo 99, Video 78) | A72 has slightly better photo capabilities while having equal video quality. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Optical Zoom | OIS, Ultra Stable Video | A72 has optical zoom and PDAF. A34 has Ultra stable video mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 17) | A34 has a newer Android version, with longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | A34 has Wi-Fi MIMO for potentially better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | A34 has a newer Bluetooth version for better efficiency and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | A34 has more precise GPS due to dual-band support for some constellations. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both have the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both have the same RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both have similar audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection for both phones are not specified. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A72 includes a compass and standard proximity sensor. A34 includes an ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Display: 6.7" vs 6.6", better for users who consume a lot of media.
- Significantly Better Screen Brightness: 800 nits vs 0 nits (missing specification), offering better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Optical Zoom Camera: A dedicated telephoto lens providing true optical zoom, useful for capturing distant subjects.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: 32MP vs 13MP, for higher quality selfies.
- Higher Resolution Wide-Angle Lens: 12MP vs 5MP, better for landscape shots.
- Macro Lens: For dedicated close-up photography.
- Included Charger: A 15W charger is included in the box.
Samsung Galaxy A34 Advantages:
- Newer Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 1080 provides a significant performance boost, better for gaming and multitasking.
- Higher AnTuTu Score: Demonstrates its superior performance in synthetic benchmarks, implying a snappier user experience.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Provides smoother scrolling and animations.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 LE for improved efficiency and better audio codec support.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 13 and is slated for more major OS upgrades.
- More Precise GPS: Supports additional satellite systems for better location tracking.
- Portrait (depth) Camera: Better at capturing photos with a blurred background.
- Ultra Stable Video: Improved video stabilization features.
- Wi-Fi MIMO: Better network connectivity capabilities.
Trade-offs:
- A72 sacrifices performance and newer software for better screen visibility, better camera system with a telephoto and macro lens, and higher resolution front and ultrawide cameras.
- A34 sacrifices screen visibility and versatile camera system for significantly better performance, refresh rate, newer software and connectivity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value versatile camera systems including optical zoom, macro and higher-resolution selfie, front and ultrawide lenses, and are willing to compromise on performance.
- Outdoor Users: Users who need good screen visibility under bright sunlight.
- Users on a budget that can sacrifice performance: Users who are on a budget may prefer the A72 due to potential discounts on an older model without compromising on the camera quality.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Taking photos in diverse situations, including close-up macro shots and far-away subjects with optical zoom.
- Daily outdoor use with good screen visibility for navigation or photography.
- Users who do not play resource intensive games and do not need a very fast phone.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A34:
- Gamers: Users who need better performance for smooth gameplay.
- Power Users: Users who multitask frequently and require fast app loading.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest software and improved connectivity.
- Users who prioritize software updates and longevity: Users who are looking to buy a phone and use it for a longer period will benefit from the longer software support.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A34:
- Playing graphics-intensive games.
- Multitasking between apps and browsing the web seamlessly.
- Wanting a future-proof device with the latest software features.
- Users that prioritize battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera versatility (optical zoom, macro lens) vs. performance and software updates?
- Do you prioritize display brightness and visibility in bright sunlight or a smoother refresh rate?
- How important is the longevity and continued software support for the phone?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User, Needs Good Camera, Budget-Conscious: The Samsung Galaxy A72 may be more suitable, especially if the price is discounted compared to the A34. It offers good camera versatility but may lack the performance and smoothness of the A34.
- Scenario 2: Gaming/Heavy User, Values Performance and Software Updates: The Samsung Galaxy A34 is the better choice. The performance gains and latest software will be more beneficial.
- Scenario 3: Frequent Outdoor User: The Samsung Galaxy A72 may be preferred due to its superior brightness, but users will sacrifice a lot of performance for it.
What would I choose and why?
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A34.
While the A72 offers a more versatile camera system with optical zoom and a macro lens, the A34 is a much better all-round phone. The significantly improved performance of the Dimensity 1080 chipset is a key factor. The higher refresh rate and newer Android version also contribute to a better overall user experience, especially for longer term usability. While I appreciate good camera versatility, I find the performance boost, smoother experience, and longer software support more beneficial for my daily usage. The lack of display brightness in the A34 specifications is a concern, but I would personally prioritize the performance and software benefits over a brighter display if I have to sacrifice them. Therefore, the A34 is a more balanced choice for most users in 2024, in my opinion.
