Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm | S24 is significantly smaller and easier to handle, A72 is larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 203g | 167g | S24 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.2" | A72 offers a larger screen for immersive media consumption, S24 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 | Similar sharpness; no noticeable difference for most users. |
| PPI | 394 | 416 | S24 is slightly sharper, although the difference is barely visible to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | A72's AMOLED display has richer blacks and vibrant colors; S24's display tech is not mentioned in the provided data. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S24 offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 2600 nits | S24 is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) - USA/Canada/China | S24 is much faster and more responsive; better for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,639,695 | S24 offers significantly faster app loading and multitasking; much more future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) / Xclipse 940 | S24 has a much more powerful GPU for better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | A72 has a higher resolution sensor, although resolution isn't the only factor in photo quality. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | S24 has larger pixels, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP (Dedicated) | 10MP (Dedicated) | Both offer telephoto zoom functionality but the S24 is more capable. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 12MP | 12.2MP | Comparable ultra-wide lenses. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | Not available | A72 has dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 12MP | A72 has a higher resolution front-facing camera, but again resolution isn't the only factor in quality. |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@60fps | S24 can record in higher resolution and framerate, better for video recording |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | A72 has a larger battery, potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 25W | Both support 25W fast charging; similar charging speeds. |
| Battery Features | 15W charger included | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | S24 includes additional charging features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | S24 has a more modern operating system with better features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wifi | WiFi 5 | WiFi 6E | S24 offers faster, more reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | S24 has a newer version with better power efficiency and audio quality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | S24 offers more storage options for media and apps. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | S24 has more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports storage expansion. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen is better for media consumption and users who prefer bigger phones.
- Bigger Battery: The 5000mAh battery potentially offers longer battery life.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Allows for close-up macro photography.
- Lower Initial Cost: Likely cheaper than the S24 due to being an older model.
- Dolby Atmos: Provides a better audio experience.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Can lead to slightly more detailed selfie images.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers vastly superior speed and responsiveness, ideal for gaming and demanding apps.
- Superior Display: Brighter display (2600 nits) for better outdoor visibility and smoother 120Hz refresh rate.
- Better Cameras: Larger pixel sizes on the main camera, more advanced Telephoto lens, and 8k video recording capability.
- More Advanced Software: Comes with a more up-to-date Android 14.
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry around.
- More Storage Options: Up to 512GB of internal storage.
- Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 LE provide faster and more reliable connections.
- Reverse and Bypass Charging: Adds versatility in charging options.
- Better Screen Protection Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 provides much better screen protection.
Trade-offs:
- The S24 has a smaller battery than the A72, which could be a concern for those prioritizing longevity.
- The S24 lacks a dedicated macro lens, which is included on the A72.
- The S24 is expected to be significantly more expensive than the A72, reflecting the newer tech and features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, those who prefer a larger screen, casual users who primarily browse social media, watch videos, and take occasional photos.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday media consumption and browsing.
- Users who need a large display for accessibility.
- Budget-conscious buyers who don't need top-tier performance.
- Price-to-Value: Provides good value for the price, especially on the used market, for users not seeking high-end performance.
Samsung Galaxy S24:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, photographers, and those who need a fast and future-proof phone.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Professional or enthusiast photography and video recording.
- Users who prioritize performance and want the latest features.
- Users who need excellent outdoor visibility in bright conditions.
- Price-to-Value: Higher price but justified for users requiring top-tier performance, camera, and connectivity.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The A72 will be much more affordable than the S24.
- How important is performance to you? The S24 is a clear winner in performance.
- What are your primary use cases? Are you a casual user who primarily browses or a power user who needs the best possible performance and video recording capabilities?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Casual User: If budget is the main constraint, and you want a large screen with a decent camera, the A72 is a good choice.
- Performance-Oriented User: If you need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or other demanding tasks, the S24 is the clear winner.
- Photography Enthusiast: The S24 offers better image processing, larger pixel sizes and 8k video.
- Outdoor User: The S24 is the better option due to the brighter screen.
- Long-term Usage: If you intend to keep a phone for a long time, the newer processor in the S24 makes it more future proof.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24. While the A72 has the advantage of a larger battery and macro lens, the S24 offers a superior overall experience that aligns with my preferences for:
- Future Proofing: The significantly more powerful processor and more RAM in the S24 will keep it relevant for much longer than the older A72.
- Performance: As someone who frequently uses their phone for demanding tasks and gaming, the S24's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip is a must-have.
- Display Quality: The brighter, more vibrant display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a much better experience, especially outdoors.
- Camera Quality: As someone who values high-quality photos and videos, the larger sensors, better low-light performance and 8K video of the S24 are a big plus.
- Build Quality & Durability: The S24 uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is a significant upgrade for screen protection.
- Modern Software: Running the latest version of Android also guarantees security updates and feature improvements.
The trade-offs in battery size and macro lens are acceptable for me, given the substantial gains in other areas. I am willing to pay more for these features to have a smoother, faster and more future-proof device.
