1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A72 and Galaxy M33, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy M33 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 165.4 x 76.9 x 9.4 mm | M33 is slightly thicker and marginally taller. A72 is slightly wider. M33 has slightly larger overall volume, A72 has negligibly larger overall surface area |
| Weight | 203g | 198g | M33 is slightly lighter, which could be more comfortable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | A72 offers a slightly larger viewing area, which may be preferred for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both are virtually identical, and both have crisp and sharp visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 400 PPI | Virtually identical. Both offer good sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | TFT LCD | A72's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, along with improved power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | M33's higher refresh rate will result in smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is significantly better for outdoor visibility under bright sunlight, the M33 value of 0 nits is not possible and is a data error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) | M33's newer 5nm chip generally provides better performance and efficiency than A72’s 8nm chip. |
| Antutu Score | 285,000 | 475,448 | M33 offers significantly better overall performance, potentially better for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 | M33's Mali-G68 is generally a higher performance GPU. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A72's main camera has a higher resolution which can mean more detail and slightly larger prints, but pixel size is not specified on the M33. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, OIS | None | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and better portrait shots with the included OIS for clearer photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | A72 offers much higher selfie camera resolution, leading to potentially better quality selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A72 has a higher resolution wide-angle camera, allowing for wider shots with more detail. |
| Portrait (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | M33 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72's macro lens has higher resolution for more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps | Both can record in 4K. A72 has EIS for video, but it's not clear if M33 also has digital stabilization. |
| Video stabilization | Yes (EIS) | No | A72 provides electronic video stabilization. |
| Slow Motion | Yes, 120fps | Yes, 240fps | M33 has higher fps during slow-motion recording. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 92 (Photo:100, Video:78) | Not tested | A72 is proven to have very good camera performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, expecting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support the same fast charging, though the A72 includes a charger in the box. |
| Charger included | 15W Charger included | 25W charger not included | A72 includes a charger in the box, though the charging speed is capped at 15W. The M33 does not include a charger. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | M33 has a newer OS out of the box, and is likely to get at least one more major OS update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-band, etc. | 802.11ac, Dual-band, etc. | Similar Wi-Fi support on both phones. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Both support Bluetooth audio, M33 supports Bluetooth low energy. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | M33 supports more satellite systems, potentially resulting in better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM, allowing use of two numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB | A72 has an option for double the storage, which is crucial for people with many large media files. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both come with multiple RAM options, suitable for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | A72's audio has Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, providing much better sound quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | M33 has a faster and more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | M33 has a more robust screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor | A72 has more traditional sensors. M33 has the more modern Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Here are the major advantages of each phone and their practical implications:
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better contrast than the M33's TFT LCD, great for media consumption.
- Brighter Display: Higher peak brightness (800 nits) makes it more readable in bright sunlight, good for outdoor use.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens allows for optical zoom and improved portrait shots, a big plus for photography enthusiasts.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 32MP front camera captures more detail in selfies.
- Better Speakers: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos create a more immersive audio experience for listening to music, podcasts, and games.
- Included Charger: Comes with a charger in the box.
- More Camera Features: Additional features like Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Manual focus, Night Mode.
- Proven Camera Performance: DXOMark results indicate high camera quality.
- More Storage Options: Comes with an optional 256GB model, double that of the M33.
Samsung Galaxy M33 Advantages:
- Better Performance: Newer Exynos 1280 chipset and higher Antutu score offer faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a better overall experience.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel smoother.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box, likely to receive more future updates.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally faster and more convenient than the A72's basic fingerprint sensor.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection.
- More GPS Satellites: QZSS support for more accurate positioning.
- Higher Slow Motion FPS: Higher frame rate slow-motion video.
- More Modern Proximity Sensor: Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor.
Trade-offs:
- The A72 trades performance for better display quality, audio, and camera features.
- The M33 sacrifices display quality, audio, and a telephoto camera for better performance and a smoother refresh rate.
- The A72 includes a charger but is 15W and does not utilise the full 25W charging.
- The M33 does not include a charger in the box.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 is Ideal For:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize display quality for watching videos and browsing photos will appreciate the AMOLED screen, along with the stereo speakers for better audio quality.
- Photography Lovers: Individuals who want a versatile camera setup with optical zoom and higher quality selfies will prefer the A72.
- Outdoor Users: The brighter screen is much better for use in direct sunlight.
- Users Requiring More Storage: Those who need to store a large amount of media should consider the 256GB option.
- Users who need a charger included in the box.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows on the go.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos.
- Video calls in bright locations.
- Listening to music or podcasts via the speaker.
Samsung Galaxy M33 is Ideal For:
- Performance Seekers: Gamers or users who need a fast and smooth experience for heavy app usage will appreciate the better chipset.
- Users Who Value Smoothness: Users who prioritize smooth scrolling and animations due to the 120Hz refresh rate.
- Users Who Want a More Modern Device: Those who prefer the latest software version with more future support.
- Users who prioritize a more modern proximity sensor
- Users who prioritize screen protection.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Heavy multitasking and app switching.
- Fast-paced social media browsing.
- Navigation and location-based services.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The A72 provides a more premium visual and audio experience, while the M33 provides better raw performance at a potentially lower price, depending on market conditions.
- The "better value" depends heavily on whether a user's priorities are with display, camera, and audio or with raw performance and screen smoothness.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers:
Do you prioritize display quality and camera features, or raw performance and screen smoothness?
- If display, camera, and audio quality are most important, the Galaxy A72 is the better choice.
- If raw performance and a smoother display are key, choose the Galaxy M33.
How important is having a telephoto lens and better selfie camera?
- If these are important, the A72 is the better choice.
- If not, then the M33 is more suited.
Is more storage space essential for your needs?
- If yes, the 256GB variant of the A72 is the only option between the two.
- If not, both are adequate at 128GB.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Consumption & Photography - Choose the Galaxy A72 for its vibrant AMOLED screen, stereo speakers, telephoto lens, higher-resolution cameras, and brighter screen.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Performance - Choose the Galaxy M33 for its more powerful processor, smoother display, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and better GPS.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Everyday Use - If you don't heavily use the camera, but care more about performance, then the M33 is the better option. If you care more about display quality and camera features over raw performance, the A72 is the better option.
My Choice and Explanation
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A72. Here's why:
While the M33 offers better raw performance and a smoother display, I believe the A72 provides a more enjoyable and versatile everyday experience, particularly for my use cases.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen is a significant advantage. I often watch videos and browse photos, and the A72's display is much better for this.
- Versatile Camera: I appreciate the inclusion of a telephoto lens for better zoom and portrait photos, and the superior selfie camera for video calls. I also appreciate the fact that the A72 offers OIS, which will improve handheld photos and videos.
- Enhanced Audio: The stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos will make listening to music and podcasts more enjoyable.
- Practicality: As a user who sometimes spends time outside, the higher brightness makes a big difference.
- Additional Features: I also value the additional features such as Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Manual focus, Night Mode, which will all improve the camera experience.
While the M33 has a performance edge, for the type of apps I use daily, the performance difference would likely not be as noticeable compared to the difference in display and audio quality. Additionally, for a phone used for photography and media consumption, the included charger is useful.
Therefore, I lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A72 as the better overall device for my priorities. However, for those who prioritize performance and a smoother display above all else, the M33 would be a valid choice.
