1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 163.3 × 77.9 × 8.9 mm | A72 is slightly taller, S22 Ultra is slightly thicker; Overall size similar |
| Weight | 203g | 228g | S22 Ultra feels noticeably heavier; A72 is more comfortable for extended holding |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Minimal difference in screen size |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3088 | S22 Ultra offers much sharper and more detailed visuals |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 500 | S22 Ultra has a significantly clearer display |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S22 Ultra has smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1750 nits | S22 Ultra is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - Europe | S22 Ultra is much faster with more efficient processing, A72's chipset is noticeably slower |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,023,311 | S22 Ultra provides dramatically faster app loading and smoother multitasking |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Xclipse 920 - Europe | S22 Ultra has superior graphics processing, better gaming performance |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor (Samsung S5KHM3) | S22 Ultra captures more detailed photos with better low-light performance |
| Telephoto/Portrait Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" sensor (Omnivision OV08A10) | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.52" sensor (Sony IMX754) | S22 Ultra offers better zoom capabilities and portrait quality |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 40MP, f/2.2 | S22 Ultra captures higher resolution selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/4.9, 1/3.52" sensor (Sony IMX754) | S22 Ultra offers an extra telephoto zoom for increased versatility |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor (Sony IMX563) | Similar wide angle capabilities |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | S22 Ultra shoots higher resolution video with more features |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 92 | 131 | S22 Ultra has significantly superior overall camera performance |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | N/A | 135 | S22 Ultra offers much better selfie photo/video quality |
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom, Optical Zoom, OIS, PDAF, Night Mode | 4K/8K Video, OIS, PDAF, LAF, RAW, Night Mode, Ultra Stable Video | S22 Ultra offers many advanced features including RAW and 8K video recording |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S22 Ultra charges significantly faster |
| Features | 15W Charger Included | Bypass, Wireless, Reverse Charging | S22 Ultra has more flexible charging options, A72 has charger included |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | S22 Ultra has newer software with longer support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | S22 Ultra offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | S22 Ultra has newer Bluetooth version with low-energy support |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S22 Ultra has more accurate location tracking with dual band GPS |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | S22 Ultra has eSIM support for more flexible network options |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512/1024 GB | S22 Ultra offers significantly more storage options |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | S22 Ultra is better for heavy multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for microSD expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers | S22 Ultra has higher quality audio recording and playback |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both provide basic fingerprint security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S22 Ultra has superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Barometer | S22 Ultra includes an additional barometer |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter (25g) making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, which the S22 Ultra lacks.
- Included Charger: Ships with a 15W charger included in the box, while the S22 Ultra does not.
Practical Implications:
- The lighter weight of the A72 is beneficial for those who use their phones constantly throughout the day and appreciate less strain on their hands.
- The Macro lens allows for detailed close-up shots which is a feature missing from the S22 Ultra.
- The included charger means you don't need to purchase one separately, saving a bit of extra cost and immediate use right out of the box.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness making it sharper and more readable in bright sunlight. 120Hz provides smoother animations.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2200 chip leads to much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Much Better Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, superior DxOMark scores, additional telephoto lens, and 8K video capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 45W charging fills the battery faster than the 25W on the A72.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Added convenience for wireless power transfer.
- Newer Technology: Offers newer Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 and eSIM.
- More Future Proof: Has longer software support
- Additional Features: The S22 Ultra adds features such as Bypass Charging, and a barometer sensor
Practical Implications:
- The S22 Ultra’s display is far superior for media consumption, gaming, and general use, and makes content look much more detailed.
- The faster processing speed means significantly smoother performance for demanding apps and multitasking.
- The camera improvements on the S22 Ultra result in much better photo and video quality, particularly in low light and at zoom levels.
- Faster charging, Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging add convenience for users who need to quickly power their devices.
- The newer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and eSIM technologies ensure better compatibility, faster speeds and the eSIM will be beneficial when travelling abroad
Significant Trade-offs:
- Weight: The S22 Ultra is considerably heavier, making it less comfortable for some users to hold for long periods.
- Macro Lens: The S22 Ultra lacks a dedicated macro lens, limiting close-up photography options for those who need it.
- Cost: The S22 Ultra comes at a premium price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who want a reliable Samsung phone without paying a premium price.
- Everyday users: People who primarily use their phone for calls, social media, browsing, and casual photography.
- Users who value comfort: Those who prefer a lighter phone for comfortable handling.
- Users who value macro photography: Those who enjoy close-up photography.
Use Cases:
- General daily tasks: Handling emails, browsing social media, watching videos, and making calls without issues.
- Casual photography: Capturing everyday moments and snapshots with decent quality.
- Longer use: Comfortable use for extended durations without hand fatigue.
- Occasional Macro Photography
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Power users: Those who demand the best possible performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who prioritize the best camera quality and versatility for both photos and videos.
- Tech enthusiasts: Those who want the latest features and technology.
- Users who value display quality: Those who appreciate a sharp and vibrant display.
Use Cases:
- High-end gaming: Running graphics-intensive games at high settings with smooth performance.
- Professional photography and videography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions and for various purposes.
- Heavy multitasking: Running many apps simultaneously without any lag.
- Mobile professionals: Those who need a powerful mobile workstation on the go.
- Media Consumption: Those who appreciate the best quality display for movies, shows and other media.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The A72 offers decent value for its price, providing a solid experience for everyday use and great value for the user.
- The S22 Ultra has a higher price but delivers significantly superior performance and features, suitable for those who require the best and are willing to invest.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my budget? The S22 Ultra is a premium phone with a higher price point, whereas the A72 is more budget-friendly.
- How important are camera quality and performance? If these are priorities, the S22 Ultra is the obvious choice. If you're a casual user, the A72's cameras will be fine.
- What use cases do I need to prioritize? Everyday tasks? Heavy gaming/multitasking? Professional photography? Your needs will determine which phone better suits you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is a major concern, basic use: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. It offers reliable performance and a good user experience for basic tasks at a more affordable price.
- Scenario 2: Prioritizing a top-tier camera, high performance, and a premium display: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. Its superior camera system, faster processor, and vibrant display are ideal for power users and photography enthusiasts.
- Scenario 3: Value a comfortable phone and macro lens: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. It offers a lighter design, macro lens, and all-round solid performance at a more appealing price point.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. The main reason is that I prioritize camera quality and performance, and the S22 Ultra simply provides a much better experience in those aspects. The dramatically better display is also a huge factor.
While the A72 is an appealing choice for the more budget conscious customer, I find the improvements of the S22 Ultra, particularly the camera and performance, are worth the extra investment. The advanced features, such as the 8K video and superior photo quality as well as the better display and significantly faster processor, make the S22 Ultra a better overall device.
