1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2023-10-16 | Tab S9 FE is significantly newer, likely with newer software and features. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones; however, the Tab S9 FE is designed like a tablet. |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 254.3 x 165.8 x 6.5 mm | A72 is more compact and pocketable, S9 FE is much larger and designed more for handheld or tabletop use. |
| Weight | 203g | 523g | A72 is much lighter, making it more comfortable for extended handheld use. S9 FE is heavier, less portable but more stable on a surface. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 10.9" | S9 FE has a much larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. A72 is more pocket-friendly. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 2304 | S9 FE has a higher resolution, leading to slightly sharper images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 249 | A72 has a sharper screen due to higher pixel density, making text and images crisper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72 has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, while the Tab S9 FE will have brighter whites and higher brightness in general. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, but the user experience may differ due to screen technology. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The S9 FE brightness isn't specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | S9 FE chipset is significantly faster and more power-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 507,000 | S9 FE offers much better overall performance, faster app loading, and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MP5 | S9 FE's GPU provides better graphics processing capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 8000 mAh | S9 FE has a significantly larger battery, which may result in longer battery life, though it depends on use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 45W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | S9 FE charges significantly faster, and Li-Polymer batteries tend to have better longevity. |
| Features | 15W Charger Included | Bypass Charging | A72 includes a charger, while the S9 FE can bypass charging to reduce heat during gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 64MP (f/1.8) | 12MP (f/2.0) | A72 has a higher resolution main camera and a wider aperture for potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP (f/2.4) | Not Available | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and better portrait photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2) | 8MP | A72 has a significantly higher resolution selfie camera for clearer images. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP (f/2.2) | Not Available | A72 has a wide-angle lens for landscape photography. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4) | Not Available | A72 has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | A72 includes additional stabilization features, 60 fps for smoother videos at 1080p. S9 FE lacks EIS |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 92 | Not Tested | A72 camera has been tested and scored well, particularly in photography. S9 FE does not have a DxOMark score. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | S9 FE has a much newer OS and will receive software updates for a longer time. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | S9 FE supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard for faster speeds and better performance. A72 has Wi-Fi Hotspot which S9 FE doesn't |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S9 FE features a newer Bluetooth version with improved audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS | A72 supports more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking, S9 FE only supports GPS |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Not Specified | A72 supports dual SIM functionality, while it is unclear if the S9 FE has SIM capabilities |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both have identical RAM, ensuring good performance in multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device has expandable storage, meaning the user is locked to the base storage option. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both have comparable audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | S9 FE has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Protection is unknown for both devices. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | A72 includes more sensors, providing additional features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display Sharpness: Higher pixel density (394 PPI) provides a sharper and more detailed display compared to the S9 FE.
- Better Main Camera: Higher resolution (64MP) and wider aperture for potentially better low-light performance, as well as Telephoto and Macro lenses.
- More Versatile Camera System: Features a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, a wide-angle lens, and a macro lens, offering a more versatile photography experience.
- Lighter and More Portable: Significantly lighter (203g vs. 523g) and more compact, making it easier to carry and handle with one hand.
- Better Outdoor Visibility: Higher screen brightness (800 nits) ensures better visibility in bright sunlight.
- More Accurate Location: Supports GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, and Galileo for better location tracking.
- Dual SIM Support: The ability to use two SIM cards simultaneously.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Advantages:
- Significantly Larger Display: 10.9" display is far better for media consumption, multi-tasking, and creative work.
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster chipset (Exynos 1380) and higher AnTuTu score, ensuring a smoother experience and better gaming.
- Longer Software Support: Newer OS (Android 13) and likely to receive updates for a longer time.
- Larger Battery: 8000mAh battery potentially offers much longer battery life, ideal for travel or heavy usage.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging, which quickly refills the larger battery.
- Newer Bluetooth: 5.3 with improved audio codecs for better wireless audio quality.
- Newer Wi-Fi Standard: Supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard for faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
- Bypass Charging: Allows the device to be powered directly without charging the battery during heavy use, reducing heat.
Trade-offs:
- A72: Sacrifices performance and screen size for portability and camera versatility.
- S9 FE: Sacrifices portability, camera versatility, and sharpness for a larger display and better overall performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera versatility and image quality.
- On-the-Go Users: Those who prefer a lightweight and compact device for easy handling and portability.
- Users Needing a Sharper Display: Individuals who prioritize screen clarity over size, particularly for text-based tasks.
- Budget-Conscious: Likely a more affordable option due to its older release date.
- Users Who Need Dual SIM Support: Those who need to use two SIM cards at the same time.
Use Cases for A72:
- Everyday Smartphone Photography: Capturing detailed images in different scenarios.
- Mobile Gaming: Adequate for casual games, but may not handle demanding games as well as the S9 FE.
- General Purpose Use: Web browsing, social media, and communication on a pocketable device.
- Travel: More practical for carrying and taking photos on the go.
- Using Dual SIMs for Work and Personal: Ideal if you need to manage two numbers on the same device.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Users who primarily use their device for watching videos, browsing the web, and reading.
- Power Users: Those who need high performance for multitasking, demanding games, and creative applications.
- Users Who Need Long Battery Life: Individuals who require a device that can last through a full day of heavy use without recharging.
- Tablet Lovers: Users who enjoy a large screen experience and are more inclined towards a larger screen size.
- Users Who Prioritize Software Support: Users who want the latest Android software version, features, and security updates for the longest period.
Use Cases for S9 FE:
- Entertainment: Enjoying movies, TV shows, and games on a large screen.
- Productivity: Multi-tasking on a large display, editing documents, and working with creative apps.
- Travel: Long flights with lots of video consumption, supported by long battery life.
- Creative Work: Drawing, sketching, and image editing with a larger canvas.
- Bypass Charging: Gamers and media consumers can utilize bypass charging to avoid overheating issues.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize portability and camera versatility or screen size and performance?
- Is long battery life and the latest software updates more important than superior screen sharpness and a dual sim?
- What is your primary use case – is it mainly for photography, content consumption, productivity, or gaming?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast: If you take a lot of photos and value a versatile camera system with optical zoom and a sharper display, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better choice.
Scenario 2: Media Consumer/Gamer: If you watch a lot of movies, play demanding games, and need a long-lasting battery, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is the clear winner.
Scenario 3: On-the-Go User: If you prefer a pocketable device that can also take good pictures and you don't need top-tier performance, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a more practical option.
Scenario 4: Productivity and Multitasking: If you frequently multitask, work with creative apps, or need a large screen for productivity, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is the superior choice due to its larger display and better performance.
Personal Choice
If I were to choose, I would opt for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE. While I appreciate the camera capabilities of the A72, my personal usage leans more towards media consumption, productivity, and longer battery life. The large, high-resolution display of the S9 FE makes it ideal for watching videos, browsing the web, and managing my work. The enhanced performance ensures a smoother overall experience, which is crucial for my daily workflow. The newer software also means it will remain supported for a longer period, providing a better long-term investment. While the portability of the A72 is appealing, for the tasks I most frequently perform, the S9 FE is simply a better fit.
The trade-off in camera versatility and portability is a sacrifice I'm willing to make for the enhanced performance, display size, and long battery life offered by the Tab S9 FE.
However, if photography was a more significant priority, and I needed a dual sim, my decision might shift towards the A72 due to its versatility and more accessible form factor. This decision ultimately comes down to a trade-off that aligns with individual needs and priorities.
