1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature Category | Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 163.7 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | A73 5G is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially feeling more ergonomic. |
| Weight | 203g | 181g | A73 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. | |
| Build | - | Gorilla Glass 5 | A73 5G has superior screen protection, offering better durability. | |
| Display | Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both phones offer the same large screen size ideal for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide a crisp, detailed viewing experience. | |
| PPI | 394 | 393 | Negligible difference in pixel density; both screens appear sharp. | |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both devices. | |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A73 5G's smoother animations make scrolling and gaming more fluid. | |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is significantly brighter, improving outdoor visibility under direct sunlight; A73 5G is missing the data. | |
| Performance | Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | A73 5G offers faster performance with a more efficient processor, leading to snappier app launches and multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 285,000 | 575,551 | A73 5G demonstrates a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating better overall performance for demanding tasks. | |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 642L | A73 5G has a more powerful GPU, enhancing gaming and graphics performance. | |
| Camera | Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.8 | A73 5G has higher resolution, potentially capturing more detailed images. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4 | - | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, while the A73 5G lacks this feature. | |
| Portrait | - | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for enhanced portrait mode. | |
| Front Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.2 | Comparable selfie cameras on both devices. | |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Both offer a similar ultra-wide experience. | |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro capabilities on both. | |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@30fps | Both record 4K video at 30fps with EIS, capable for casual videography | |
| DxOMark | Main:92/Photo:100/Video:78 | - | A72 has verified DxOMark scores but data is missing for A73 5G. | |
| Features | OIS, Optical zoom, Manual focus, Night Mode | OIS, 4K Video | A72 offers an optical zoom, manual focus and Night mode. A73 5G offers 4K Video. | |
| Battery | Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer a similar battery capacity, expect comparable daily battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both charge quickly with 25W support. | |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included | Bypass Charging | A72 provides a charger while A73 5G allows bypass charging. | |
| Software | OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | A73 5G comes with a newer version of Android. |
| Max OS Version | 12 | 16 | A73 5G has 4 more possible upgrades. | |
| Connectivity | WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | A73 5G supports WiFi 6 for faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Similar bluetooth capabilities | |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Identical GPS functionality on both devices. | |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM cards. | |
| Storage | Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer identical storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Similar multitasking abilities. | |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. | |
| Audio | Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Identical audio capabilities. |
| Security | Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Similar fingerprint security. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Hall, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | RGB, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both offer a comprehensive sensor suite for diverse functionalities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: The significantly higher brightness (800 nits) makes it much better for outdoor visibility.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers a dedicated optical zoom for better photos at a distance and more versatile photography.
- Manual focus: Offers more control on the photo taking experience
- Night Mode: Improved low-light performance.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Advantages:
- Lighter & Thinner Design: More comfortable for extended use and easier to handle, a difference of 22 grams.
- Superior Processor: The Snapdragon 778G 5G offers noticeably better performance for gaming and multitasking.
- 120Hz Display: Smoother scrolling and animations, making the user experience more fluid.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 offers better screen durability.
- 5G Support: Future-proof for faster connectivity.
- Higher Resolution Camera: The 108MP main camera could capture more detail in ideal conditions.
- Portrait Mode (depth) Lens: Enhanced portrait mode.
- Bypass Charging: Better for gaming sessions.
- Newer Android OS: Provides the user with more software updates.
Trade-offs:
- A72 sacrifices performance and display smoothness for a brighter screen and telephoto lens.
- A73 5G lacks the telephoto lens and known brightness data, but provides a modern experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Users who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight will appreciate the superior brightness.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who like optical zoom and have a need for a telephoto lens.
Users on a budget: Users who can buy this phone cheaper, and don't mind the older specifications.
Use Cases:
- Taking photos in bright conditions (beaches, sunny days).
- Capturing distant subjects with optical zoom.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Ideal User:
- Gamers: The more powerful processor and smoother display offer a better gaming experience.
- Multitaskers: Users who require faster performance for daily tasks.
- Users seeking a modern experience: A user who prioritizes smoothness, screen protection and software updates.
Future-Proofed Users: Those who want the latest connectivity standards for future networks.
Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games.
- Seamless multitasking with many applications.
- Heavy daily usage with good performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is outdoor visibility to you? If you spend much time in bright conditions, A72 is preferable.
- Do you prioritize performance and smoothness over a telephoto lens? The A73 5G has a better processor and a 120Hz display.
- Is long-term software support important? A73 5G will receive additional updates
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If price is the primary concern and you do not prioritize performance, the A72 is a good option.
- Performance User: If you frequently game, the A73 5G is better suited.
- Outdoor Photographer: If you need optical zoom and a brighter display for outdoor photos, A72 is the way to go.
- General User: The A73 5G offers better all-round performance and a more modern experience, and is a good all-round choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G. While I appreciate the brighter display and telephoto lens of the A72, the A73 5G's overall package is more compelling. The smoother 120Hz display, faster processor, and enhanced performance make it a more enjoyable phone for daily use, especially since I engage in light mobile gaming and multi-tasking. Additionally, the better screen protection and newer OS give me more confidence in the phone's long term durability and future support. While the brightness of the A72 would be useful, the superior overall experience of the A73 5G is a better fit for my usage needs. The A73 5G is the superior phone overall, and thus a better choice.
