1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Galaxy Z Fold4 offers a unique, larger screen experience when unfolded, transforming into a tablet-like device. |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm (Unfolded) | A72 is taller but narrower, while Z Fold4 is wider when unfolded. Z Fold4 is more compact when folded but thicker than A72. |
| Weight | 203g | 263g | A72 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for single-hand use and longer holding periods. Z Fold4 feels more substantial and heavier. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 7.6" (Main Display) | Z Fold4 provides a much larger screen for immersive media consumption and multitasking when unfolded. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1812x2176 | Z Fold4's higher resolution offers sharper images and text on its larger display. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 373 PPI | A72 has slightly higher pixel density, potentially leading to slightly sharper images on a smaller display. The difference is not readily noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | A72 has superior display technology that offers deeper blacks, better contrast and more vibrant colors compared to the missing specification of Z Fold4 | |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Z Fold4 provides a smoother experience with its higher refresh rate for scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 has dramatically better outdoor visibility and readability. Z Fold4 screen brightness is not provided and it is unknown how it performs outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Z Fold4's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 285,000 | 1,232,800 | Z Fold4 offers vastly superior overall performance, which will be noticeable in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 730 | Z Fold4's GPU offers substantially better graphics performance for gaming and other graphically intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.0µm | Z Fold4's main sensor has larger pixel size, capturing more light and potentially better low-light performance despite the lower megapixel count, The A72 has higher resolution |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | - | A72 has a dedicated telephoto camera for zoom and portrait shots. Z Fold4 does not include a separate portrait/telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | 10MP, f/2.2, 1.22µm | A72 has a higher resolution selfie camera but the Z Fold4 has bigger pixel size that captures more light. |
| Telephoto Lens | - | 10MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | Z Fold4 has a dedicated telephoto camera lens providing optical zoom capabilities, the A72 does not have a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Similar wide-angle capabilities, with Z Fold4 having slightly higher resolution. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | - | A72 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. Z Fold4 does not have a macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | Z Fold4 offers higher video resolution (8K) and higher frame rates, providing more versatile and higher-quality video recording. |
| DXOMark Score | 92 (Mobile) | 124 (Mobile) | Z Fold4 has a significantly better camera system, based on the overall score, photo, and video tests. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | A72 has a larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Both offer 25W fast charging; the difference between Li-Ion and Li-Polymer is more related to safety and design than practical charging time. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included, Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W, Non-removable | Z Fold4 has more versatile charging options, including wireless charging, reverse wireless, and bypass charging. A72 includes a 15W fast charger. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Ergonomic: Its lighter weight makes it more comfortable for extended use.
- Significantly brighter display: The much brighter display, rated at 800 nits, offers superior outdoor visibility, making it better in bright sunlight.
- Larger battery: Offers slightly better battery endurance due to the larger capacity.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: It includes a macro camera for close-up photography, which the Fold4 lacks.
- Telephoto and portrait lens: It includes a dedicated lens, which the Fold4 does not.
- Lower price point: It is considerably cheaper than the Z Fold4, offering a more accessible price point.
Practical Implications: The A72 is better for users who prioritize comfort, affordability, battery life, and a good outdoor display. It is suitable for everyday use, social media, and casual photography.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Its unique foldable design provides a large display for media consumption and multitasking.
- Superior Performance: Significantly more powerful processor and GPU, leading to faster performance.
- Superior Camera System: Higher image quality, better video recording capabilities, and a higher DXOMark score.
- Advanced Charging: Offers wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and bypass charging.
- Modern WiFi and Bluetooth: It has newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions for faster and more reliable connectivity.
- More RAM: Offers 12GB of RAM allowing for smooth multitasking
- Higher Storage: Offers much larger storage options (up to 1TB)
- Modern Features: Supports eSIM and offers an under display front facing camera.
Practical Implications: The Z Fold4 is better for users who want a premium device with cutting-edge technology, superior performance, and a unique form factor. It’s excellent for power users who demand the best for productivity, gaming, and photography.
Trade-offs:
- A72: Less powerful, lacks modern features, bulkier, and is not as feature rich.
- Z Fold4: Higher price, heavier, display brightness is unknown making outdoor use difficult to evaluate and has lower pixel density.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Users seeking a well-rounded smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Casual users: Those who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and everyday tasks.
- Users who prioritize comfort and battery life: Individuals who prefer a lighter phone with a long-lasting battery.
- Users who need good outdoor visibility: Ideal for those who are regularly outside.
Use Cases:
- Daily social media use
- Web browsing
- Streaming videos
- Casual photography and video
- Long periods away from a charger
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Ideal Users:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest technology and innovative design.
- Power Users: Individuals who demand the best performance for productivity, gaming, and multitasking.
- Content Creators: Users who need high-quality video recording and advanced camera features.
- Multitaskers: Those who require a large screen for running multiple apps simultaneously.
Use Cases:
- Professional work, multitasking, and productivity
- High-end gaming
- Creating high-quality video content
- Immersive media consumption
- Heavy use of multiple apps simultaneously.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Primary Use Case: What will you use your phone for the most (e.g., gaming, photography, general use)?
- Form Factor Preference: Do you prioritize portability or the benefits of a large, foldable display?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is limited and you need a reliable everyday phone, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better option.
- Power User: If you prioritize performance, premium features, and a large display for productivity, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the superior choice.
- Outdoor User: If you are regularly outside, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is better due to the higher brightness of its display.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4.
While the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a solid device, the Z Fold4's advantages in performance and features are compelling. As a tech enthusiast, the foldable design is something I would love to explore. The vastly superior performance of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip and the Adreno 730 GPU would make multitasking and gaming a much smoother experience. The better camera system is also a big plus as I enjoy taking high quality photos and videos, and the 12GB of RAM and larger storage options ensure that I won't run out of space or have performance issues.
While the brightness of the Z Fold4 is not listed, potentially impacting outdoor visibility, I believe that the other advantages outweigh this risk for my use case. I am more inclined to use a device indoors most of the time.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is an impressive device with high-performance features, while the A72 is a more budget oriented device. The higher price point is a trade off, but as a tech enthusiast who prioritizes performance and the cutting-edge folding design, I would chose the Z Fold4.
