1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy M53 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 164.7 × 77 × 7.4 mm | M53 is slightly thinner and more compact, potentially more comfortable for single-handed use. |
| Weight | 203g | 176g | M53 is significantly lighter, making it easier to hold for extended periods and less tiring in daily use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size provides a similar viewing experience for both. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Almost identical resolution, meaning virtually indistinguishable sharpness. |
| PPI | 394 | 394 | Same pixel density; displays will look equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | M53 offers smoother scrolling, animations, and a more fluid overall experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is much better visible in bright sunlight conditions with much higher brightness |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | M53's newer 6nm chipset provides better efficiency and higher performance, resulting in faster app loading and smoother gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 500,100 | M53 has considerably higher performance, making it better for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MC4 | M53's GPU is more powerful, leading to better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.67", 0.64µm | M53 captures more detail due to its higher resolution sensor. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | N/A | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait photography |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 32MP, f/2.2 | Similar selfie cameras; both will produce similar quality images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | A72’s wide-angle camera captures more detail. |
| Portrait (Depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | M53 has a depth sensor to enhance portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72’s macro lens captures more detail. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps | A72 offers more video recording options |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | A72 has superior video stabilization resulting in smoother video recordings |
| Slow-motion | Yes, 120 fps | No, 30 fps | A72 has superior slow motion recording |
| DXOMark Score | 92 | N/A | A72 has a tested score, M53 has no score data. |
| Additional Camera Features | Optical zoom, OIS, Night Mode | 4K Video Recording | A72 provides more versatility in photography while M53 provides 4K video recording |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, giving comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both phones support 25W fast charging; similar charging times. |
| Included Charger | 15W charger included | No charger included | A72 includes a charger in the box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max version 12 | Android 12, max version 13 | M53 comes with newer OS out of the box and is eligible for an extra update |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Similar Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | M53 offers a newer Bluetooth version for better performance and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Similar GPS capabilities |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Similar RAM configurations available. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Supported | Not Supported | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both offer comparable audio experiences. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | M53 offers a more modern and convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Unknown | Unknown | Specific screen protection data is missing, but both phones should provide adequate protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | A72 has a Compass and Hall sensor, M53 lacks the Hall sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Better Display Brightness: 800 nits vs 0 nits. Much better for outdoor visibility and use in sunlight.
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Offers 3x optical zoom for detailed close-ups and portraits.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Provides better image and video stabilization, reducing blur.
- More Versatile Video Recording Options: Offers more fps options when recording videos with superior stabilization and slow-motion recording options.
- Included Charger: Includes a 15W charger in the box.
- Compass: Features a compass for advanced sensor and feature set for more advanced apps and gaming.
- Higher resolution macro lens: Captures more detail on close up shots.
- Higher resolution wide-angle lens: Captures more detail on wide-angle shots.
- DXOMark Score: Camera performance is tested and scored, while the M53 does not have any camera score data.
Samsung Galaxy M53 Advantages:
- Newer, More Powerful Chipset: The Dimensity 900 offers significantly better performance and efficiency for gaming and multitasking.
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for extended use and carrying around.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Offers smoother scrolling and animations for a more fluid user experience.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Supports Bluetooth 5.2 for better connectivity and power efficiency.
- Newer Android OS Out of the Box: Ships with Android 12 and is eligible for an extra OS update.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera Sensor: Captures more details with its 108MP camera.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More modern fingerprint sensor placement than traditional fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs:
- The M53 sacrifices dedicated zoom and OIS for better overall performance and a lighter design.
- The A72 includes a charger but might be slower in performance compared to the M53.
- The A72 has better display brightness, better video recording options, and a more complete set of features than the M53 but suffers from outdated internal hardware.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize camera versatility, optical zoom, and stabilized video capture.
- Users who often take pictures in bright outdoor environments and need a higher brightness display.
- Users who want a comprehensive set of features and are okay with slightly older internal hardware.
- Users who value having an included charger
Use Cases:
- Travel photography, capturing landscapes, and portraits.
- Recording videos with smooth stabilization.
- Extensive outdoor usage, navigating with a compass.
- Users who want a phone with a comprehensive feature set.
Samsung Galaxy M53:
Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Users who value a lighter, slimmer phone that's comfortable to hold.
- Users who prefer smoother scrolling and animations on the display.
- Users who want a more modern, up-to-date operating system and newer Bluetooth.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, streaming, and heavy app usage.
- Everyday use with focus on speed and efficiency.
- Users who prefer a lighter device with modern features.
- Users who prioritize having the latest software.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Given the age of the A72, it may be found at a lower price. Consider the total price of the device including any needed accessories if buying the M53 as it does not include a charger.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera versatility and optical zoom? If they are crucial, the A72 is the better option with its telephoto lens and OIS.
- Is performance or a light and modern design more critical? If performance and a lightweight design are the focus, the M53 is the better choice.
- Do I need a brighter display and included charger? If so, the A72 is the better option as the M53 display has no brightness and does not come with a charger in the box.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Casual User: For a casual user who wants a reliable daily driver with a decent camera, the Samsung Galaxy M53 is likely the better value due to its superior performance, lighter design, smoother display and newer software.
Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: For a user who prioritizes camera features and optical zoom the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better option due to its more comprehensive camera system and features.
Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer/Power User: For a user who prioritizes gaming and performance and a smooth display, the Samsung Galaxy M53 is the clear winner due to its superior performance, lighter design, and smooth 120hz display.
What I Would Choose and Why
Based on the specifications and real-world implications, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M53. Here’s why:
- Performance is a priority: As someone who uses their phone for various tasks, including some mobile gaming and multitasking, the Dimensity 900 chipset provides a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience.
- I value a light design: I appreciate a lighter phone, making the M53 more comfortable for everyday use.
- Smoother Experience: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid user experience when browsing and navigating the phone.
- Future-Proofing: The newer software and Bluetooth version, along with a more efficient chipset, should ensure the phone performs well for a longer period.
- Compromises are acceptable: I am okay with sacrificing the telephoto zoom lens and OIS as I do not often rely on optical zoom. I also value having a light-weight phone over a brighter display as I usually do not use my phone under bright sunlight conditions.
While the A72 does have a few advantages with its more versatile camera system, better video recording options, and included charger, the overall performance, modern feel, and lighter design of the M53 make it a better choice for my personal needs and usage patterns. The M53, while having some drawbacks, provides a better experience as a daily driver due to its newer internal hardware.
