Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23+
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm | A72 is larger and thicker, potentially less pocketable. S23+ is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 203g | 196g | S23+ is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during prolonged use. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S23+ has significantly better screen protection against scratches and drops |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | A72 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption, while S23+ is slightly more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 | Both offer sharp images, negligible difference in real-world clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 393 PPI | Both offer similar pixel densities, no noticeable difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S23+ offers smoother scrolling and animations for a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1750 nits | S23+ is significantly brighter and much easier to see in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | S23+ offers dramatically superior performance for demanding tasks, including gaming and multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 285,000 | 1,508,732 | S23+ is significantly faster, offers a much smoother overall experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 740 | S23+ provides a much more powerful gaming experience with higher frame rates and smoother graphics. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | A72 has higher megapixel count, but sensor size and processing are important as well. S23+ has larger pixels and newer sensor tech |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 | Both perform similarly in good light, S23+ may have edge in low-light |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 has dedicated telephoto lens while S23+ relies on digital zoom for portraits. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4 | S23+ provides dedicated optical zoom for clearer photos at distance. |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | Both are comparable in wide-angle capabilities |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 can take dedicated close-up macro shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | A72 has higher resolution, but actual picture quality depends on sensor and processing. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | S23+ can record higher resolution and smoother video for professional use. S23+ has better video stabilization. |
| Slow Motion | 120fps | Up to 960fps | S23+ captures better and smoother slow-motion videos. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Mobile: 133, Photo: 0, Video: 0 | S23+ has overall higher score. A72 has a better photo and video score. |
| Features | Quad camera, Digital Image Stabilization | Triple camera, 4K Video, 8K Video, RAW | S23+ has more advanced features, such as 8k recording and RAW shooting, while A72 offers a dedicated macro lens. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4700 mAh | A72 has a slightly larger battery, potentially slightly longer battery life under similar use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S23+ charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, 10W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | S23+ has more advanced charging capabilities, including wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, while A72 includes a charger out-of-box |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing of media.
- Dedicated Telephoto and Macro Lens: Versatile for different photo scenarios, including zoom and close-ups.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Offers slightly longer battery life under similar usage conditions.
- Included Charger: Comes with a charger in the box.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: Much faster chipset, GPU, and overall speed for any task.
- Brighter and Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate and dramatically higher brightness enhances user experience.
- More Advanced Camera System: Larger sensor on the primary camera, dedicated telephoto zoom lens, 8k video, and better low-light capabilities.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Significantly faster wired and wireless charging, plus reverse wireless charging functionality.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 13 and is slated to get future software updates for longer.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Newer Bluetooth and WiFi standards for faster and more reliable connectivity.
- Better Build Quality: Superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A72 sacrifices processing power and display quality for a lower price. It offers a macro and telephoto lens, but has inferior overall camera performance compared to the Galaxy S23+
- The Galaxy S23+ is significantly more expensive and lacks a dedicated macro lens and comes with smaller battery size.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious consumers: Those seeking a large screen phone with a good set of features but without the flagship price.
- Casual users: Good for web browsing, social media, and light gaming.
Photography enthusiasts who value versatility: Those who prefer having dedicated macro lens and telephoto lens, with a decent set of features.
- Use Cases:
- Watching videos and streaming content
- Taking casual photos in various situations.
- Everyday usage without heavy gaming or resource-intensive applications
- Use Cases:
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Ideal Users:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who need the absolute best performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Those who demand top-tier camera quality and video capabilities, including 8K recording.
Users who value a premium experience: Those who want the latest features, advanced display, faster charging, and a more polished software experience.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, video editing and other resource-intensive activities
- Professional-grade photography and videography
- Smooth multitasking and demanding applications
- Use Cases:
Price-to-Value:
- The A72 provides good value for the money with a large display and decent camera capabilities.
- The S23+ offers premium performance and features at a premium price, making it better value for those who need its capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my budget? The S23+ is significantly more expensive than the A72.
- How important is performance? If you play demanding games or multitask heavily, the S23+ is a much better choice.
- What are my photography/videography needs? If you prioritize image quality and video recording features, especially in low light, S23+ is superior. However, if you need macro shots, A72 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User on a Budget
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72. It provides a good overall experience for everyday tasks and is a cost-effective option.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Camera Focused User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S23+. Its cutting-edge performance, advanced camera system, and premium features make it the clear winner for users with these priorities.
- Scenario 3: Versatile Photographer, Budget-Conscious
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72. It offers more diverse camera options with a macro and dedicated zoom lens, while being budget-friendly.
Final Decision
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23+. While the A72 has a slightly larger battery, a macro lens, and includes a charger in the box, the S23+'s advantages outweigh the A72's, even if it comes at a higher price point. The massive performance difference, significantly better display, superior camera capabilities, especially in low-light and video recording, along with the faster charging and more modern software and connectivity make the S23+ the better option for me. I value smooth performance, sharp display quality, and a high-quality camera system above other factors. The S23+ simply offers a premium experience that the A72 cannot match.
