Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2023-02-17 | S23 Ultra is significantly newer, benefiting from newer technology. |
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 163.4 × 78.1 × 8.9 mm | A72 is slightly taller but thinner; S23 Ultra has a larger overall volume and is slightly wider making it a bit more bulky. |
| Weight | 203g | 234g | A72 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended single-handed use. S23 Ultra feels denser in hand |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Both have large screens, negligible size difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3088 | S23 Ultra has a sharper, more detailed display, especially noticeable for text and high-resolution content. |
| PPI | 394 | 500 | S23 Ultra has significantly higher pixel density, resulting in a noticeably sharper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S23 Ultra offers smoother scrolling and animations, especially beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1750 nits | S23 Ultra is significantly brighter, making it much more usable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23 Ultra offers vastly superior performance, faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,521,862 | S23 Ultra is significantly faster, handling demanding tasks with ease and future proofing the device. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 740 | S23 Ultra has a far more powerful GPU, enabling high-end gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, but real-world usage will vary due to other factors. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 45W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | S23 Ultra charges significantly faster and uses a better battery technology. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included, Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | S23 Ultra can bypass the battery during charging for lower temperatures, S23 comes without the charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm pixel size | 200MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3", 0.60µm pixel size | S23 Ultra captures much more detailed photos with a higher resolution sensor, especially in good lighting conditions. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm pixel size | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.52", 1.12µm pixel size | S23 Ultra has more detailed telephoto shots and better image quality |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm pixel size | 12MP, f/2.2 | A72 has higher resolution selfie camera, but not necessarily better quality |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 10MP, f/4.9, 1/3.52", 1.12µm pixel size | S23 Ultra has an additional telephoto lens for improved zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm pixel size | Both offer similar wide-angle capture, with S23 Ultra having a slightly larger sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixel size | N/A | A72 has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@960fps | S23 Ultra supports 8K video, higher frame rates, and advanced slow-motion options, allowing for high quality professional video recording. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | Main: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Main: 140 | S23 Ultra has better overall camera performance; A72 has better photo and video scores, but scores are old. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, HDR, Night Mode | OIS, PDAF, LAF, RAW, Tracking AF, 8K Video, HDR, Night Mode | S23 Ultra has advanced autofocus, RAW capture, and 8K video capabilities |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 17) | S23 Ultra has a newer OS and is likely to receive updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi MiMO | S23 Ultra supports newer WiFi standard and MiMO for faster wireless speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | S23 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version with lower energy consumption, improving connection quality and battery life. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5) | S23 Ultra supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | S23 Ultra offers eSIM support for more flexible carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | S23 Ultra offers significantly more storage options for media and apps. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | S23 Ultra offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage, however, S23 Ultra offers much more internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | S23 Ultra offers superior audio playback, clear calls, and better immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S23 Ultra has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S23 Ultra includes a barometer sensor for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable for prolonged use and better handling, especially with one hand.
- Lower Price Point: Significantly more affordable than the S23 Ultra.
- Macro Camera: Offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Better Photo Score: It has a higher photo score at DXOmark than the S23 Ultra
- Better Video Score: It has a higher video score at DXOmark than the S23 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor, ideal for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Significantly Better Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness, creating a noticeably better viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: 200MP main camera, additional telephoto lens, RAW capture, 8K video, improved zoom capabilities for superior image and video capture quality.
- Faster Charging: 45W charging compared to 25W for quicker battery top-ups and a better battery technology in general.
- More Storage and RAM: Higher storage options and RAM, suitable for power users.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 13 (upgradable to 17), offering more features and longer support.
- Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, for better data speeds and wireless performance.
- eSIM Support: More versatile for digital carrier switching
- Build Quality: Superior screen protection and additional environmental sensors.
- Better Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio and noise cancellation for improved listening and call quality.
Trade-offs:
- A72: Trade-offs include significantly lower performance, a less impressive display, an older software experience, and outdated camera technology.
- S23 Ultra: Trade-offs include a significantly higher price, heavier build, and the absence of a dedicated macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 - Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious consumers: Prioritizing affordability over top-tier features.
- Casual users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, social media, and basic apps.
- Users who prioritize weight and comfort: Preferring a lighter device for extended use.
- Users interested in macro photography: A72 has a dedicated macro lens, while the S23 Ultra does not.
Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing and social media consumption
- Basic photography and casual video recording.
- Longer use without hand fatigue.
- Macro photography for detailed close-up images.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra - Ideal User:
- Power users: Those who require maximum performance for gaming, video editing, and demanding applications.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who want the best camera quality and capabilities.
- Professionals: Users who rely on their phone for productivity and high-quality content creation.
- Tech enthusiasts: Those who want the latest technology and advanced features.
- Users who need great sound: S23 Ultra has better audio.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming at max settings.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Extensive multitasking and productivity.
- Demanding mobile apps and resource-intensive tasks.
- Working professionals relying on the newest tech.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The S23 Ultra is significantly more expensive.
- How important is camera quality and performance? The S23 Ultra offers far superior capabilities.
- What will be my primary use cases? Casual use vs. demanding tasks will strongly influence your choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious & Casual Use: If you're primarily using your phone for social media, browsing, and everyday tasks, and you have a tight budget, the Galaxy A72 is sufficient.
- Scenario 2: Photography Focus: If you prioritize top-tier camera quality for photos and videos with advanced features, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Performance and gaming: If you're a gamer or power user, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the only choice with its top-of-the-line processor.
- Scenario 4: Balanced Use: If you want a blend of performance and a good camera but need to be conscious of costs, consider alternatives (used S23 or S22 phones).
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. While the A72 has the appeal of being lighter and more affordable, it falls dramatically short in critical areas like performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
Here's why the S23 Ultra is the better choice for me:
- Performance is a priority: As a power user, I need a phone that can handle demanding tasks without lag or hiccups. The S23 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip provides a seamless experience.
- Display Quality: The higher resolution, refresh rate and brightness offer a significant upgrade for viewing content, gaming and overall enjoyment.
- Photography and Videography: I value a versatile camera system and the S23 Ultra offers professional-grade results, especially with its 200MP main camera and multiple zoom lenses.
- Future-Proofing: The S23 Ultra is a newer device, meaning it will get future software updates for longer, giving it a longer lifespan.
- Long-term satisfaction: While more expensive, the S23 Ultra provides a more complete and enjoyable experience, ensuring long-term satisfaction. The A72 is a good phone, but it feels outdated in many key aspects and is less likely to keep me satisfied long-term.
While the A72 is adequate for casual usage, the S23 Ultra justifies its higher cost with its superior technology and features making it my preference.
