1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm | The A72 is larger and bulkier, making the S23 more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 203g | 168g | The S23 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods of use and carrying. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | A72 offers a larger screen for more immersive media consumption, while the S23 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both have similar FHD+ resolutions, resulting in a sharp display for most use cases, with the S23 having a slightly higher pixel density due to the smaller screen size. |
| PPI | 394 | 425 | The S23 has a slightly sharper display due to the higher pixel density, although this difference might not be noticeable to the naked eye for most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED technology, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The S23 offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations due to its higher refresh rate, providing a more fluid user experience, especially for gaming. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1750 nits | The S23 is significantly brighter, offering much better outdoor visibility and readability in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | The S23 has a much more powerful and efficient chipset, resulting in significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,456,671 | The S23 offers vastly superior performance, handling demanding tasks and games with ease compared to the A72. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 740 | The S23 has a much more powerful GPU, enabling better gaming performance and graphic-intensive application handling. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 64MP | 50MP | The A72 has a higher megapixel count, but the S23 has a larger sensor and pixel size, leading to better image quality, particularly in low light. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Unknown | Samsung GN5 1/1.57" | S23 sensor is larger and more modern, resulting in better image quality than the A72 even though it is lower in resolution |
| Telephoto+Portrait Camera | 8MP | None | The A72 has a dedicated telephoto and portrait lens camera for optical zoom and portraits, while S23 has a dedicated Telephoto lens |
| Selfie Camera Res | 32MP | 12MP | The A72 has a higher megapixel count selfie camera, but the S23 includes a better sensor overall. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP | The S23 has a dedicated telephoto lens, providing better zoom capabilities compared to the A72 |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP | 12.2MP | Both have similar wide-angle cameras, but the S23 has a larger sensor and pixel size. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP | None | The A72 has a dedicated macro camera, which is not present on the S23 |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | The S23 offers superior video recording capabilities with 8K support, advanced HDR, and better image stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Mobile: 133 | The S23 has significantly better overall camera quality, but the A72 had a better Photo score according to DxOMark. However, it should be noted the the S23 was not given a photo score, which could be missing data, rather than a sign of worse photo quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3900mAh | The A72 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, but actual endurance depends on the device's power efficiency. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support 25W fast charging, offering similar charging speeds. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger Included | Bypass, Reverse, 10W Wireless | The S23 includes several advanced charging features, making it more versatile in charging situations compared to the basic included charger from the A72. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 12 | Android 13, upgradeable to 17 | The S23 ships with a much newer version of Android and will receive longer software support, making it more future-proof. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The S23 supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, resulting in faster and more stable Wi-Fi connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | The S23 supports a newer Bluetooth version with improved energy efficiency and additional codec support. |
| GPS | Basic GPS | Advanced GPS | The S23 supports more satellite systems, offering more accurate and reliable GPS tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM/eSIM | The S23 offers more versatile SIM options with eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | The S23 has more storage options, providing more space for storing files, photos and videos, particularly the 512 GB option. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | The S23 has 8 GB of RAM across all storage options, which is better for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, which may be a limitation for users with extensive media libraries. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Noise cancellation microphone | Both phones feature stereo speakers. The A72 offers Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio, while the S23 provides better voice clarity in calls with the noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S23 has much better screen protection, making it more durable and scratch resistant |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | The S23 offers additional sensors, including a barometer for advanced data collection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7-inch screen offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery potentially offers longer battery life, depending on usage and optimizations.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: The A72 offers a dedicated macro lens that is not present on the S23
- Dedicated Telephoto + Portrait Lens: The A72 offers a dedicated telephoto and portrait lens not found on the S23
- Lower Price: The A72 is typically more affordable than the S23.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip provides much faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming performance.
- Superior Display: The brighter display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a smoother and more vibrant visual experience, especially in bright lighting conditions.
- Much better camera: The larger camera sensors, combined with more video recording options, result in overall significantly better photo and video quality.
- More advanced charging features: The S23 offers Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, 10W wireless (Qi/PMA), 4.5W reverse wireless, for a more versatile charging experience.
- Modern Software: The S23 ships with a newer version of Android and will receive longer software support.
- Advanced Connectivity: Offers faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with additional codecs and location services.
- Better Build Quality: The S23 is built with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for improved durability.
- More versatile SIM options: The S23 has eSIM support.
- More Storage Options: The S23 is available with a 512GB storage option.
Trade-offs:
- The A72 trades performance and camera quality for a larger screen and larger battery.
- The S23 trades battery capacity for significantly superior performance, display, camera, and software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 - Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals seeking a larger display and decent battery life at a more affordable price.
- Casual Media Consumers: Users who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and watching videos on a larger screen.
- Users who value battery life: The A72 has a larger battery, for longer usage periods, with the trade off being less powerful hardware and less software support.
- Users who like macro lenses: The A72 offers a dedicated macro lens for closeup photography, that the S23 does not have.
- Users who like telephoto + portrait lenses: The A72 offers a dedicated telephoto + portrait lens not found on the S23
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows on a larger screen.
- Casual gaming and social media browsing.
- Users needing a longer battery for daily use.
- Users needing a dedicated macro lens for close up photography.
- Users needing a dedicated telephoto + portrait lens.
Samsung Galaxy S23 - Ideal User:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Gamers, power users, and those who demand smooth and responsive performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photo and video capture, including 8K recording.
- Users who want to future-proof their purchase: The newer software and better hardware will make this phone last much longer.
- Users who value premium features: Those who want the latest technologies, including advanced charging options, connectivity, and better build quality.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and demanding app usage.
- Professional photography and video production.
- Users who prefer a compact phone that can fit easily in the pocket.
- Users who want the best software and security support.
- Users who prefer a durable phone with the newest display protection.
- Users who want the best connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS)
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The A72 will be much more affordable than the S23, but you will be missing out on premium hardware and support, which leads to the next question:
- How important is performance and software support? The S23 provides significantly faster performance, much better software support and updates, and advanced features, making it more future-proof.
- Do you prefer a larger display or a more compact design? The A72 offers a larger screen for media consumption, while the S23 is more comfortable to use with one hand and more pocketable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User:
- Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 if the lower price, the larger screen, the larger battery, macro lens, and dedicated telephoto/portrait lens are priorities, and you are willing to compromise on performance and software support.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 if you value top-tier performance, significantly better camera quality, modern software support, a better build quality, and you are comfortable with the smaller screen and smaller battery capacity.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User with Priority on Portability:
- Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 if you want a high-performing, pocketable phone with a high-quality display, excellent camera capabilities, and a more premium build, and are willing to pay more and sacrifice a little on battery life and screen size.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23. While the A72 offers a larger screen and potentially longer battery life, the S23 provides a significantly superior user experience in almost every other aspect that matters to me. The dramatic improvements in performance, camera quality, display brightness and refresh rate, and overall build quality make it a far more compelling option for my usage, as I like to game and take pictures on my phone. The S23's longer software support is also crucial for future-proofing the investment. The smaller size is also a benefit, as it makes the phone much more pocketable, and one-handed usage is significantly improved. Although the battery capacity is smaller than the A72, the advancements in the S23's power efficiency is likely to close the gap in real-world scenarios. The S23 offers a more modern, more premium experience that outweighs the benefits of the A72's larger screen and battery.
