1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Z Flip6 is much more compact when folded, enhancing portability. The A72 is a traditional slab phone. |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm | The A72 is wider and thicker, making it less pocketable and comfortable in hand for some users. Z Flip6 is thinner and narrower when unfolded. |
| Weight | 203g | 187g | The Z Flip6 is lighter, making it more comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods. |
| Build | | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on screen | Z Flip6 has better screen protection. A72 screen protection is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size, offering a similar viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2640 | The Z Flip6 has a slightly sharper display, leading to slightly crisper text and images, though the difference may not be noticeable to most users. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 426 PPI | Z Flip6 offers a slightly sharper image, with more detail per inch. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | The A72 has an AMOLED display, known for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and superior contrast, generally providing a better visual experience. We are missing the display technology for the Z Flip 6. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Z Flip6 has smoother animations and scrolling, providing a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 has dramatically higher brightness making it significantly better for outdoor viewing under bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The Z Flip6's processor is significantly faster and more power-efficient, resulting in smoother performance, faster app loading, and better gaming experience. |
| Antutu Score | 285,000 | 2,250,000 | The Z Flip6 has a substantially higher benchmark score, indicative of its superior overall performance capability, suitable for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | The Z Flip6 has a much more powerful GPU, offering much better gaming performance and graphics rendering capabilities. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 12 GB | The Z Flip6 has more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and better handling of memory-intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | The A72 captures images with a higher megapixel count, potentially offering more detail in ideal conditions, though other factors play a more critical role. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes (8MP) | No | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots, while Z Flip6 has to rely on digital zoom. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 10MP | The A72 takes higher-resolution selfies but with smaller pixels. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP | 12MP | Both have similar wide-angle cameras. |
| Macro Lens | Yes (5MP) | No | The A72 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | The Z Flip6 offers higher video recording framerate and HDR. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | 92 | 132 | Z Flip6 has a significantly higher camera rating, indicating better overall image and video quality. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | The A72 has a larger battery, potentially providing longer battery life under similar usage conditions. Actual battery endurance will depend on use case. |
| Charging | 25W | 25W, Wireless Charging 15W | Both phones support 25W fast charging, Z Flip 6 also offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Battery Features | 15W Fast Charger included, Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, Fast charging 25W, 50% in 30 min, Fast wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | Z Flip 6 offers more advanced charging capabilities including wireless charging |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | The Z Flip6 runs a newer version of Android, offering the latest features and security updates. |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB or 512GB | The Z Flip6 offers higher storage options, suitable for users with large media libraries. |
| WiFi | Up to 802.11ac | Up to WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | The Z Flip6 supports the latest WiFi standard, offering faster speeds and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | The Z Flip6 has a newer version of Bluetooth with improved power efficiency and connectivity. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | The Z Flip6 offers a potentially more convenient and faster biometric unlock experience. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | Z Flip6 has an additional barometer, useful for weather tracking and altitude data. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The A72 has a 5000mAh battery compared to the Z Flip6's 4000mAh, potentially providing longer battery life for heavy users.
- Brighter Screen: The A72's screen reaches 800 nits, making it significantly more visible in bright outdoor conditions. The brightness of the Z Flip6 display is unknown.
- Dedicated Telephoto and Macro Lens: The A72's camera system includes dedicated telephoto and macro lenses, offering more versatility for different types of shots.
- Dolby Atmos: The A72 has a slightly more enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos.
- Lower Price Point The A72 is likely to be cheaper than the Z Flip6 due to it being an older mid-range device.
Practical Implications: The A72 is a better choice for users who prioritize battery life, camera versatility and bright display visibility.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset provides a dramatic performance boost, allowing for smooth multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
- Foldable Form Factor: The Z Flip6's foldable design enhances portability and offers a unique user experience.
- Superior Camera Quality: The Z Flip6 has a significantly higher DxOMark score, indicating better image and video quality, despite having fewer camera lenses.
- Advanced Features: The Z Flip6 boasts advanced features like wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a newer OS (Android 14).
- Newer Technology: The Z Flip6 boasts newer technologies such as WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 LE and additional satellite navigation systems.
- Higher Storage Options: The Z Flip6 offers higher storage options (256 GB or 512GB) which is better for users storing large amounts of data.
- More RAM: The Z Flip6 has 12 GB of RAM compared to the 6GB or 8GB found in the A72, giving much better multitasking performance.
Practical Implications: The Z Flip6 is the better choice for those who want the best performance, a premium foldable device, superior camera quality, and advanced features, and have the budget to match.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Z Flip6 lacks a dedicated macro and telephoto lens, making it less versatile for certain types of photography.
- The A72 may have better battery life, and a brighter display, which is crucial for people spending a lot of time outdoors.
- The A72 has a larger screen with a slightly higher brightness, giving better visibility under sunlight.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize long battery life.
- Users who take a lot of pictures and need telephoto and macro lenses.
- Users who need a bright screen for outdoor visibility.
- Budget-conscious users who want a reliable phone.
- Use Cases:
- Outdoor photography in bright conditions.
- Long trips where access to charging is limited.
- Everyday use with a focus on battery life.
- Users who need the versatility of a telephoto and macro lens.
- Price-to-Value: A budget-friendly option offering solid features for the price.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6:
- Ideal User:
- Users who want top-tier performance.
- Users who appreciate cutting-edge technology and a unique foldable form factor.
- Users who prioritize camera quality and features.
- Users who are willing to pay a premium for advanced features and capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with demanding titles.
- Multitasking between several applications.
- Users who want a unique and stylish device.
- High-quality photography and videography for professional and content creation.
- Price-to-Value: A premium device with cutting-edge features but at a higher price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The A72 will likely be significantly more affordable, while the Z Flip6 is a premium device.
- What do you prioritize most: battery life/display or performance/camera quality? The A72 is better for battery and outdoor display, while Z Flip6 excels in performance and overall camera capabilities.
- Do you prefer a traditional smartphone or the unique foldable design? The Z Flip6's foldable design enhances portability and offers a unique user experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you need a long-lasting phone with a versatile camera and great outdoor visibility on a budget, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: If you prioritize top-tier performance, a premium build, a cutting-edge camera, a unique form factor, and are willing to pay a premium price, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: If you are unsure and want a balance of features and don't mind a traditional form factor but want some high end specs, then the Samsung Galaxy A72 would be a better value.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has some compelling advantages such as better battery, a brighter screen and more camera lenses, the Galaxy Z Flip6 is superior in most other aspects. I would choose the Z Flip6 for its drastically better performance and superior camera quality, alongside the unique foldable design. As a tech enthusiast I am happy to trade slightly lower battery life and versatility for the advanced technologies and performance the Z Flip6 provides. The significant jump in performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the newer Android version and improved connectivity technologies make it a much more future-proof device than the A72. While the price is a significant consideration, the overall experience would make this worthwhile for me.
