1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | A35 is slightly shorter and thinner; A72 is slightly lighter. The size difference might be noticeable when handling and in pocket. |
| Weight | 203g | 209g | A72 is lighter by 6g, which can contribute to less hand fatigue during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | A72 offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive experience when consuming content, while A35 is marginally more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both have similar sharpness, with a negligible difference. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 390 PPI | Both have similar display clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both devices; comparable visual quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A35's 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother experience, particularly when scrolling and gaming, making it visibly more fluid. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72's much higher brightness will offer better visibility in direct sunlight. A35 brightness info not available. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | A35's newer chip offers significantly better performance. Expect faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 578,500 | A35 has much higher benchmark scores, indicating substantially better overall performance and speed. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Different GPU configurations mean that A35 will handle graphics-intensive tasks better, especially for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80 µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96", 0.80 µm | A72 has a higher megapixel count (64MP), A35 has a slightly larger sensor and utilizes pixel-binning for better low-light results. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00 µm | None | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities, allowing for better zoomed pictures without digital pixelation. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80 µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | A72's selfie camera captures more detail in good light conditions due to the higher resolution. A35 has larger pixel size for better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | 8MP, f/2.2 | A72 captures slightly more detailed wide-angle shots; information on A35 pixel size is missing. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm | Both cameras are similar for close-up macro shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS, 120 fps slow-mo | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS, 240 fps slow-mo | Both record high-quality video with electronic image stabilization, A35 has better slow-motion capabilities. |
| DXOMark Score | 92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | 104 (Mobile), 107 (Photo), 110 (Video) | A35 has superior camera performance, scoring better in both photo and video tests. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Optical Zoom, Quad Camera | OIS, Ultra Stable Video, AutoFraming, NPU, Triple Camera | A72 offers Optical zoom, A35 has a more advanced video feature set and better AI-based processing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity should provide comparable battery life for similar usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support 25W fast charging, allowing for relatively quick charging times. |
| Charger | 15W included | Not specified | A72 includes a 15W charger which might be a bonus for some users but is significantly slower than the phone's 25W max charging capacity. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 14 (up to 18) | A35 has newer operating system with more current features and security updates, and is expected to get updates for a longer time. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6), Wi-Fi MiMO | A35 supports the newer WiFi 6 standard and Wi-Fi MiMO, resulting in faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3, aptX, LDAC, aptX Adaptive | A35 supports newer Bluetooth standard with better audio codecs for superior wireless audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A35 has better location accuracy due to QZSS support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM usage for managing two numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Same storage options available on both. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both offer adequate RAM options for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | A35 has a slight edge in audio quality due to Hi-Res Audio for more immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer similar basic fingerprint security. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A35 has significantly better screen protection, making it more resistant to scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A72 offers Compass sensor, while A35 offers ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Display: 0.1" larger screen might be noticeable for those who prefer a larger viewing experience.
- Telephoto Camera: Dedicated telephoto lens allows for optical zoom, which can be a significant advantage for photography enthusiasts.
- Higher Megapixel Front Camera: 32MP selfie camera for more detailed selfies in good lighting conditions.
- Included Charger: Ships with a 15W charger out of the box. However this is not as fast as the 25W capacity of both phones.
- Brightness: Higher brightness for better outdoor visibility
Samsung Galaxy A35 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset offers much faster performance, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming capabilities.
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother user experience, particularly noticeable when scrolling and gaming.
- Superior Camera Performance: Higher DXOMark scores across photo and video, due to newer sensor and processing technology.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 14 out of the box, ensuring access to the latest features and security updates with a longer update life cycle.
- Faster Wireless Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster data transfer and better audio codecs.
- Better Build Quality: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection for enhanced screen durability.
- Hi-Res Audio: Hi-res audio provides higher-quality audio playback.
- Slow Motion: Better slow motion video quality (240fps vs 120 fps)
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A72 trades overall performance for a telephoto lens and slightly larger display
- The Galaxy A35 sacrifices optical zoom for better performance and video features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a larger display for media consumption.
- Users who appreciate a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities in their photography.
- Users who want a better performing selfie camera in good lighting conditions.
- Price sensitive users, who might find a better deal on the older model.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos
- Casual Photography with focus on zoom capabilities
- Video calling
Samsung Galaxy A35 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize fast, fluid performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Users who value smooth scrolling and enhanced display fluidity with 120 Hz refresh rate.
- Users who want a more capable camera for everyday use with better low light performance, and more advanced video features.
- Users who want a more durable device with superior screen protection.
- Users who prioritize the latest software and enhanced wireless connectivity features.
- Users who want the latest features including a better performance experience.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming
- Multi-tasking with multiple apps
- Everyday photography and videography, especially in low-light environments.
- Future-proofing with the latest OS and wireless standards.
- Those who prioritize smooth user experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance vs. Camera Zoom: Do you prioritize overall phone performance, better video quality and smooth user experience (A35), or would you benefit more from a slightly bigger screen and an optical zoom camera (A72)?
- Longevity and Updates: Do you prefer a phone with the latest software, future updates and more advanced connectivity (A35) or are older versions good enough?
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend and is the price difference between A72 and A35 justifiable? A72 is likely to be cheaper due to its age.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Casual Users on a Tight Budget: The Samsung Galaxy A72 might be adequate if your budget is very tight and the performance tradeoffs are acceptable. However, this is not recommended, since a lot of the experience is inferior.
- For Users who Prioritize Performance and Features: The Samsung Galaxy A35 is the better choice due to its superior performance, updated software and camera quality, as well as improved build quality.
- For Mobile Photographers: The Samsung Galaxy A72 might be slightly preferable due to its optical zoom capabilities but the overall camera quality of the A35 is better.
- For Gamers and Power Users: The Samsung Galaxy A35 is the recommended option due to its significantly better processing power, higher refresh rate and updated software features.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A35.
While the Galaxy A72 has some appealing features, such as the slightly larger screen, better front camera resolution and telephoto lens, the Galaxy A35 provides a significantly better overall experience. The performance difference is substantial, with the Exynos 1380 chipset making everything feel faster and smoother. The 120Hz refresh rate is also a clear advantage for everyday use.
The improved camera performance on the A35, along with the newer features, is a big plus. I also value the newer software, which means the phone will receive updates and support for longer. The enhanced wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3) is another compelling reason to choose the A35.
While the A72's optical zoom is a nice feature, I find that the A35's improvements in processing power, display smoothness, and overall camera quality outweigh the advantages of the telephoto lens. For my typical usage (everyday tasks, social media, browsing, and occasional mobile gaming), the Galaxy A35 is the better fit. The A35 is the more modern choice with more advanced features.
