1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 162.3 × 79 × 8.6 mm | A72 is slightly taller, S24 Ultra is slightly wider; both similar thickness. |
| Weight | 203g | 232g | A72 is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Minimal difference in screen size; negligible in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | S24 Ultra has a much sharper display with significantly more detail. |
| PPI | 394 | 505 | S24 Ultra offers a noticeably crisper and more detailed viewing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | A72 has superior display technology offering deeper blacks, better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S24 Ultra provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 2600 nits | S24 Ultra is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24 Ultra is significantly faster, offering snappier app loading and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,814,869 | S24 Ultra has vastly superior performance, better for demanding tasks and future proofing. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 750 | S24 Ultra provides significantly better graphical performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life under typical usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S24 Ultra charges significantly faster. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, 15W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging | S24 Ultra offers more versatile charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 200MP | S24 Ultra captures much more detailed images. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | S24 Ultra may have slightly better low light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera Resolution | 8MP | 50MP | S24 Ultra's telephoto captures much more detailed zoomed photos. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera Sensor Size | 1/4.4" | 1/1.56" | S24 Ultra captures more light with larger sensor, which should translate to better dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 12MP | A72 has higher resolution front facing camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/3.4 | S24 Ultra offers additional optical zoom capability not available on A72 |
| Wide Angle lens | 12MP | 12.2MP | Both comparable wide angle lenses, negligible difference in real-world usage. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | None | A72 can take close-up macro images. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | S24 Ultra allows recording much higher quality video, better for video creators. |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 92 | Mobile: 144 | S24 Ultra performs significantly better in all camera metrics, including photos and videos. |
| Camera Features | Basic OIS, etc. | Night Mode 2.0, 8K, RAW, etc. | S24 Ultra offers more advanced features such as Night Mode 2.0 and RAW capture |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max 12 | Android 14, Max 21 | S24 Ultra will receive significantly more software updates, including the latest features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24 Ultra has faster, more efficient WiFi |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | S24 Ultra has a more modern, power-efficient Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | Standard | Advanced GPS | S24 Ultra offers more accurate GPS tracking due to support for more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM/eSIM | S24 Ultra offers eSIM option for more flexibility with carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | S24 Ultra offers significantly more internal storage. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12 GB | S24 Ultra offers more RAM for better multitasking and future proofing. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Noise cancellation | A72 offers Dolby Atmos and S24 Ultra provides Noise cancellation microphone, both include Stereo Speakers |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Similar biometric security on both devices. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Armor | S24 Ultra offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S24 Ultra has Barometer, suitable for more advanced use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages
- Lighter Weight: At 203g, it's more comfortable for extended use and pocketable.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography
- Lower Cost: This phone will be substantially more affordable than the S24 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Advantages
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, better brightness, and faster refresh rate for a visually superior experience.
- Far Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset delivers drastically better performance for all tasks.
- Significantly Better Cameras: Higher resolution main camera, telephoto lens with superior zoom, and better video capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging for quicker battery top-ups.
- More Advanced Features: Including wireless and reverse wireless charging, bypass charging, eSIM support, advanced GPS.
- More Modern Software: Comes with Android 14 and will receive significantly more updates.
- More Storage and RAM: Larger storage capacities and more RAM.
Trade-offs
- Samsung Galaxy A72: While more affordable and lighter, it lags significantly behind in performance, camera quality, display, and software features, offering a mid-range experience rather than a premium one.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The significantly higher price is a major trade-off. It's also heavier and larger.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users
- Budget-Conscious Users: People who want a reliable Samsung smartphone at a more affordable price point.
- Casual Users: Those who use their phone primarily for browsing, social media, and basic photography, and don't need top-of-the-line performance.
- Users Who Value Light Weight: Those who prioritize a lighter device for ease of handling.
- Macro Photography Enthusiasts: Users who specifically want a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Use Cases
- Daily browsing and social media
- Casual photography
- Basic mobile gaming
- General communication and productivity
- Users that do not need higher video resolutions
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Ideal Users
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers and users who need top-tier performance for demanding tasks.
- Photography and Videography Professionals: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos, needing features like 8k recording and advanced zoom.
- Power Users: People who multitask heavily, need a large amount of storage, and desire the latest features and software updates.
- Users Who Value Premium Features: Those who want the best possible screen, sound, and overall user experience with all the advanced features.
- Users that require higher video resolutions: Users who need high quality videos, including the 8K resolution.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Use Cases
- High-end mobile gaming
- Professional photography and videography
- Demanding multitasking and productivity
- Creating professional video content
- Accessing the latest software features and technologies
- Need for high quality zoom capabilities.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- Samsung Galaxy A72: Offers a reasonable value for users on a budget, but it lacks many of the premium features.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The premium price is justified by the advanced features and superior performance and technology. This is for those who need a high-end device and are willing to pay for it.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Performance Needs: Do you need top-of-the-line performance, or will a mid-range device suffice?
- Camera Priority: How important is camera quality for your usage, specifically video quality and zoom capabilities?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Casual User on a Budget
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72. The A72 provides good value for everyday use and will save you a lot of money.
- Scenario 2: Enthusiast or Professional Photographer/Videographer
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The high performance, exceptional camera system, and advanced features justify the higher price.
- Scenario 3: Power User Prioritizing Performance
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The superior performance, RAM, storage, and software updates will provide the best experience.
- Scenario 4: User who values a lighter, more comfortable design
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72. The light weight is a big advantage for comfort and ease of handling
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Here's why:
As an expert smartphone analyst, I value cutting-edge technology, top performance, and the best possible user experience. While the A72 is a decent phone and will work for basic tasks, the S24 Ultra offers a vastly superior overall package in key areas that matter most to me:
- Display: The brighter, higher resolution screen of the S24 Ultra makes for a much more enjoyable viewing experience, especially in sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate contributes to a smoother, more responsive feel.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is a massive upgrade over the Snapdragon 720G, ensuring that the S24 Ultra runs flawlessly even with the most demanding apps. It future-proofs the device for the next few years.
- Cameras: The S24 Ultra's camera system is simply in a different league. The significantly better video recording capabilities, with the option to use 8K, combined with powerful optical zoom capabilities make it a better fit for my specific use cases. The higher DXOMark score confirms this.
- Software: Having the latest version of Android is important for security, features, and longevity. The S24 Ultra will receive updates for much longer compared to the A72.
- Features: The added benefits such as reverse wireless charging, eSIM support, and the increased RAM and storage of the S24 Ultra add tangible benefits to the daily experience.
While the A72 is lighter and has a macro camera, those advantages are easily outweighed by the massive improvements in display, performance, camera, and feature set that the S24 Ultra offers. For me, the superior performance, enhanced camera system, and advanced features of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are well worth the higher price tag. The S24 Ultra is a better device for users that prioritize top-of-the-line technology and premium features.
