Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy M32
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy M32 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 159.3 x 74 x 8.4 mm | A72 is larger, might be less comfortable for one-handed use. M32 is more compact. |
| Weight | 203g | 180g | A72 is noticeably heavier, which may affect comfort during extended use. M32 is easier to handle for longer durations. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | A72 has a larger screen, better for media consumption. M32 is slightly more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals; no noticeable difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 394 | 411 | Both offer similar pixel density with minimal real-world difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks; identical viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72's brighter display is significantly better for outdoor visibility. M32 screen may be hard to see in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | MediaTek Helio G80 (12 nm) | A72 offers better overall performance, smoother app loading, and slightly better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 204,000 | A72 performs noticeably better in benchmarks. A72 will feel faster in daily use. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 MC2 | A72's GPU is more powerful, providing better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.8 | Both offer comparable primary camera performance for everyday shots. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4 (OIS) | None | A72 has an optical zoom for better close-ups without digital distortion. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 20MP, f/2.2 | A72's selfie camera captures higher-resolution and more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | A72's wide-angle lens captures higher-resolution wide-angle photos. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | M32 has dedicated depth sensor for enhanced portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72's macro camera captures higher-resolution close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps | A72 allows for higher resolution and better video quality with EIS. |
| DXOMark | Main: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Not Tested | A72 has a validated camera rating suggesting better performance. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Optical Zoom, Night Mode | Basic features | A72 offers additional advanced features like OIS, Optical Zoom and Night Mode for better shots, especially in low light. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have similar battery life, good for full-day use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both phones support fast charging, reducing downtime. |
| Charger Included | 15W Fast Charger Included | 15W Inbox Charger | Both phones come with a 15W charger. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | M32 gets an extra OS upgrade; might get slightly longer support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | A72 offers a higher storage option. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offers similar memory options for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, which is a limitation if you need more space. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | A72 provides a better audio experience for media with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | M32 offers a faster and more modern fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Hall, Geomagnetic, Proximity, Motion, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Motion, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | A72 includes additional Hall and Geomagnetic sensors, useful for some special applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly brighter screen (800 nits) for excellent outdoor visibility.
- Better Performance: More powerful Snapdragon 720G chipset and Adreno 618 GPU for smoother everyday use and gaming.
- Enhanced Camera System: Optical zoom, OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), higher resolution selfie and wide-angle lenses, 4K Video, and more camera features for better images.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for immersive audio experience.
- Higher Storage Option: Available with up to 256 GB of internal storage for more space.
- Additional Sensors: Offers additional Hall and Geomagnetic sensors for expanded functionality.
Practical Implications:
The A72 is better for users who:
- Need to use their phone frequently outdoors and require a bright display.
- Play mobile games and want smooth performance.
- Want to take high-quality photos and videos and require better zoom and stabilization.
- Desire higher quality audio for media consumption.
- Need more internal storage space for apps, photos and videos.
Samsung Galaxy M32 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable and easier to handle, especially for one-handed use.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More modern and convenient placement for unlocking the phone.
- More Recent OS Support: Likely to receive a software upgrade to Android 13.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode.
Practical Implications:
The M32 is better for users who:
- Prefer a smaller and lighter phone that's easier to carry and use.
- Value ease of use and find the side-mounted fingerprint reader more convenient.
- Want a phone that will receive the latest software upgrades.
- Use portrait mode photography often and prioritize that over having optical zoom.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A72: Heavier, bulkier, and may be less comfortable for one-handed operation.
- M32: Significantly less bright screen, weaker chipset/GPU, and a lower-end camera system compared to the A72.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Power Users: Those who frequently use their phone for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: People who need a bright display for outdoor use.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want a versatile camera system with good zoom, OIS, and low-light performance.
- Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos, listen to music and value superior audio experience.
- Storage Hungry Users: Users who need a lot of space for media and applications and do not want to rely on cloud storage.
Use Cases for Galaxy A72:
- Gaming: Smooth gaming experience thanks to the Snapdragon 720G and Adreno 618 GPU.
- Outdoor Photography: Clear photos and videos under bright sunlight due to the high brightness screen and quality camera with Optical Image Stabilization.
- Video Streaming and Consumption: Immersive experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
- Professional use: The higher storage option and better performance make it more suitable for professional environments.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy M32:
- Casual Users: Those who use their phone mainly for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and web browsing.
- One-Handed Users: People who prefer a smaller, lighter phone for easier handling.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who prioritize affordability and convenience over top-tier performance.
- Portrait Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value the dedicated depth sensor for enhancing portrait mode photos.
Use Cases for Galaxy M32:
- Daily Communication: Comfortable and easy to use for calls, texts, and social media.
- Travel: Compact size makes it ideal for carrying around, and it has adequate battery life.
- Basic Photography: Decent camera for everyday photos and portrait mode shots.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is outdoor visibility to you? (A72's much brighter screen is a major advantage.)
- What is your primary use case: performance or portability? (A72 offers better performance, M32 is smaller.)
- Do you prioritize camera quality and features? (A72 provides a much better camera experience overall.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoor user, frequent photographer/videographer, and needs a phone for gaming.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72. The brighter screen, better camera, and enhanced performance are crucial for these scenarios.
- Scenario 2: Casual user, primarily for communication, wants something light and comfortable, and needs more OS updates.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy M32. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor and smaller form factor are convenient, and it has the potential to get more OS updates.
- Scenario 3: Budget-conscious user who doesn't care about all the bells and whistles and just wants a phone that does the job.
* **Recommendation:** Samsung Galaxy M32. It provides good value for its price, covering all essential smartphone functions.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A72. The much brighter screen is a significant advantage for me, as I often use my phone outdoors. Additionally, the superior performance of the Snapdragon 720G and better camera features (optical zoom, OIS, higher resolution) are essential for my needs, as I enjoy mobile gaming and taking high-quality photos and videos. While it is bulkier, the trade-off for the improved display, performance, and camera is worth it for my usage. The enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos is also a nice addition for media consumption. Although I do appreciate the more modern fingerprint sensor on the M32, the A72 offers far more of the features that are important to me on a daily basis.
