Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Flip4 offers a compact, pocketable design when folded; A72 is a typical slab phone. |
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 165.2 × 71.9 × 6.9 mm | A72 is wider and thicker, making the Z Flip4 more comfortable for one-handed use and pocketable when folded. |
| Weight | 203g | 187g | Z Flip4 is lighter, leading to less fatigue during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size, offering a similar viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2640 | Z Flip4 has slightly more pixels, resulting in a marginally sharper image, but the difference is not drastically noticeable in most cases. |
| Pixel Density | 394 ppi | 426 ppi | Z Flip4 will appear slightly sharper, but the difference is subtle. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | A72 has AMOLED, offering superior contrast, blacks, and vibrant colors, and better efficiency for dark themes, if Z Flip4 is not AMOLED that will give edge for A72 in that case. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Z Flip4 offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1200 nits | Z Flip4 is significantly brighter, making it much easier to view in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Z Flip4's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in dramatically faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,050,371 | Z Flip4 offers a massive performance advantage, handling demanding tasks and future software updates much better. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 730 | Z Flip4's GPU is considerably more powerful, leading to enhanced graphics in games and apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.8 | 12.2MP f/1.8 | A72 offers higher resolution photos; Z Flip4's larger pixels and sensor capture better low-light images. |
| Telephoto | 8MP f/2.4 | None | A72 provides optical zoom capabilities, missing in Z Flip4. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2 | 10MP f/2.4 | A72 has a higher resolution selfie camera; Z Flip4's larger pixels result in better low light pictures. |
| Wide Angle lens | 12MP f/2.2 | 13MP f/2.2 | Very similar specs for wide angle, barely any difference for user. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | None | A72 offers dedicated macro photography which is missing on Z Flip4. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, EIS | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR | Both offer high quality videos, but the Z Flip4 can record with HDR for wider dynamic range. Z Flip4 also offers higher slow motion options. |
| DxOMark Score | 92 (Mobile) | 112 (Mobile) | Z Flip4 offers a better camera experience based on the testing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3700mAh | A72 has a much larger battery, suggesting longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging, 15W Wireless | Z Flip4 offers more convenient charging options with wireless and reverse wireless options, charging is a tie for the wired charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 12) | Android 12 (Up to 14) | Z Flip4 has a newer Android version, providing access to newer features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Z Flip4 offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE, ANT+, APT-x | Z Flip4 offers better efficiency and more features with bluetooth. |
| GPS | Standard | L1+L5 bands for higher accuracy | Z Flip4 offers more precise location tracking with additional bands. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Z Flip4 is better for those who like switching carriers digitally. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | Z Flip4 offers more storage options and capacity. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8GB | Both phones provide a good experience in multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, so choose storage size according to your needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | A72 has the Dolby Atmos feature for enhanced audio, while both have stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Z Flip4 has more convenient fingerprint placement. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | Z Flip4 has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Standard | Standard + Barometer | Z Flip4 has additional sensors that could be beneficial to specific use-cases such as tracking altitude changes during hiking, or indoor navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Significantly larger battery (5000mAh vs. 3700mAh) offering potentially better battery life.
- Dedicated Telephoto and Macro Cameras: Offers optical zoom and dedicated macro photography for more versatility.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Provides enhanced audio experience for immersive sound.
- Potentially Better Display Technology: Potentially superior display with AMOLED offering deeper blacks, more vibrant colors (if the Z Flip4 does not have AMOLED) and better power efficiency for dark themes.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Compact and unique design with a smaller footprint when folded.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset offers superior speed for gaming, multitasking, and overall app performance.
- Significantly Brighter Display: 1200 nits display is much easier to view in direct sunlight.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz refresh rate offers smoother animations.
- More Advanced Charging: Faster wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Newer Software: Comes with newer Android version and long term software support.
- Better Camera Quality: Offers higher DxOMark scores and enhanced dynamic range for better photos.
- More Storage Options: 512GB storage variant available.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and more precise GPS.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers more advanced screen protection.
Trade-offs:
- The A72 has a larger battery, but the Z Flip4 benefits from a more efficient processor.
- The A72 has a telephoto and macro camera, but Z Flip4 has a better main camera.
- The Z Flip4 is more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal Users: Users who prioritize battery life, camera versatility, and a traditional, large-screen phone experience.
- Use Cases:
- Frequent travelers who need long-lasting battery life.
- Users who enjoy taking photos with optical zoom and macro shots.
- Budget-conscious users who still desire a large screen.
- Price-to-Value: Provides a more affordable option with good value for everyday tasks and specific camera needs.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4:
- Ideal Users: Users who desire cutting-edge technology, powerful performance, a compact form factor, and excellent camera quality.
- Use Cases:
- Tech enthusiasts who enjoy innovative designs.
- Users who often multitask and need smooth performance.
- Individuals who want a phone that's easy to carry.
- Users who require excellent performance and are comfortable with a premium price point.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a premium experience with top-tier specs, albeit at a higher price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: Are you comfortable paying a premium for cutting-edge design and top-tier performance, or are you looking for a more affordable option?
- Form Factor: Do you prefer the compact, foldable design of the Z Flip4, or the larger screen, traditional form factor of the A72?
- Primary Use Cases: Will you primarily use your phone for battery intensive activities, or tasks which requires performance such as gaming, multitasking or social media browsing?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is a primary concern, and you prefer a more traditional phone with decent camera features, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is recommended.
- Performance & Innovation Seeker: If you value cutting-edge technology, powerful performance, a unique foldable design, and excellent camera quality, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is the better choice.
- Battery Life Priority: If having the longest battery life is a must, the Samsung Galaxy A72 will likely be more suitable.
- Camera Versatility Priority: If having versatility in cameras, including optical zoom and macro photography, is a priority, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is recommended.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. While the Galaxy A72 has a larger battery and a telephoto camera, the Z Flip4's superior processor, brighter 120Hz display, significantly better performance, and the advanced camera outweigh those advantages for me. Furthermore, the unique form factor of a foldable phone makes it more portable and enjoyable. Even though the Z Flip4 is more expensive, the leap in performance, features, and technology justifies the extra cost for a user like myself who would prefer the performance and new design.
