Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Fold5 offers a larger screen that folds for portability. A72 is a traditional form factor. |
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 154.9 × 129.9 × 6.1 mm | A72 is taller and thicker, Z Fold5 is wider when unfolded, making it more tablet-like. |
| Weight | 203g | 253g | A72 is lighter and more comfortable for extended single-handed use. Z Fold5 is noticeably heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 7.6" | Z Fold5 offers a significantly larger viewing area, great for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1812x2176 | Z Fold5 has a much sharper display. A72 is still quite sharp, but Z Fold5 has a higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density | 394 ppi | 373 ppi | A72's slightly higher PPI is negligible, both displays are very sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | A72 offers vibrant colors and deep blacks due to AMOLED, the Z Fold 5's panel technology is not specified, but its Samsung made likely AMOLED or equivalent. | |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Z Fold5 has smoother scrolling and animations, making the experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is far superior for outdoor visibility; brightness for Z Fold 5 is missing, implying a weaker point. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Z Fold5 offers vastly superior performance, handling demanding apps and games with ease. A72 is capable for everyday use, but not nearly as fast. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,538,914 | Z Fold5 offers drastically faster performance in all aspects, leading to faster load times, smoother multitasking and better gaming experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 740 | Z Fold5 has better graphics processing, leading to superior gaming capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | A72 has a higher resolution main camera but the sensor size and other factors also play a big part. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | Unknown | 1/1.57" | Z Fold5 has a larger sensor, capturing more light for better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.8 µm | 1.0 µm | Z Fold5's larger pixels improve low light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP (Optical) | 10MP (Optical) | A72 has a telephoto lens, though it is not available on the Z Fold 5's main camera. The Z Fold 5 uses a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 10MP | A72 has a much higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.22 µm | Z Fold5's larger pixels in the selfie camera can mean better low-light captures. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 12MP | 12MP | Comparable wide-angle cameras. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP | None | A72 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Resolution | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Z Fold5 has higher quality video recording capabilities |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 92 | 128 | Z Fold5 has far superior overall camera performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | A72 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both offer 25W fast charging but Z Fold 5 includes wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger Included | Wireless/Reverse Charging | Z Fold 5 has more modern battery features such as bypass charging, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Z Fold5 comes with a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Z Fold5 supports the latest Wi-Fi standards for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Z Fold5 offers better efficiency and stability with Bluetooth. |
| GPS | Standard GPS Systems | Advanced GPS Systems | Z Fold5 supports additional frequencies for greater accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Z Fold5 supports an eSIM, allowing for digital SIM management, alongside a physical SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Z Fold5 offers significantly more storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12 GB | Z Fold5 offers much more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both phones feature the same audio system. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Z Fold5 features a more modern and convenient fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Z Fold5 has superior screen protection for greater durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Z Fold5 has extra sensors like a barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Comfortable: Significantly lighter for prolonged single-hand use.
- Larger Battery Capacity: Offers potentially longer battery life between charges.
- Better Outdoor Visibility: Significantly brighter display for better sunlight readability.
- Lower price point: Much more affordable.
- Dedicated Macro Camera: Allows for capturing close-up detail shots.
- Telephoto lens: Allows for better optical zoom shots.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Advantages:
- Foldable Design & Larger Screen: Offers a significantly larger, tablet-like screen experience when unfolded, enhancing media consumption and multitasking.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides dramatically better performance, handling demanding tasks and gaming much better.
- Advanced Camera System: Larger sensors and better image processing lead to better overall image quality, especially in low-light.
- Higher Resolution Display: Noticeably sharper display.
- Newer Technology: Supports the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for faster and more reliable connectivity.
- Bypass charging: Allows the phone to be used while plugged in without charging the battery, extending its lifespan.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: More modern charging convenience.
- More storage options: Offers up to 1TB of internal storage.
- More Ram: Higher capacity RAM will lead to more applications running smoothly.
- Premium Build Quality: Utilizes better screen protection (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), providing greater durability.
Trade-offs:
- A72: Trades performance, camera quality, and modern features for affordability and battery life.
- Z Fold5: Sacrifices battery capacity, size and is significantly more expensive for a cutting-edge foldable design and premium performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 - Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals seeking a reliable smartphone with a good display at a lower cost.
- Everyday Users: Users who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Users who require long-lasting battery for day-long usage without frequent charging.
- Occasional photographers: The macro and telephoto cameras offer more flexibility for amateur photographers.
Use Cases:
- Long commutes and travel where battery life is crucial.
- Everyday social media and browsing.
- Casual gaming and media consumption.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 - Ideal For:
- Power Users: Individuals who need the highest performance for demanding apps, multitasking, and mobile gaming.
- Multitasking Professionals: Users who need a large display for productivity and mobile work.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Individuals who want to experience the latest mobile technology, including foldable screens.
- Content Creators: Users who require high-quality video recording and a large screen for content creation and editing.
Use Cases:
- Business meetings and presentations where a large screen is useful.
- Mobile gaming with high graphical requirements.
- Content editing and creation on the go.
- Media consumption with the large display and superior quality
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Z Fold5 is significantly more expensive than the A72, which is a major price trade-off.
- How important is screen size and multitasking? If you value a large display and use your phone for productivity, the Z Fold5's foldable design will likely be a better fit.
- How important is performance and camera quality? If you need the latest tech and highest-quality camera, the Z Fold5's superior specs will make a major difference.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (Budget and Battery Life): If you need a dependable phone for everyday tasks and prioritize affordability and long-lasting battery, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better option.
Scenario 2 (Productivity and Performance): If you need a high-performance device for work, multitasking, and demanding gaming, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is the superior choice, provided the budget allows.
Scenario 3 (Cutting Edge Tech): If you want to experience the latest technology with a foldable screen, you don't mind the trade-offs, and you have the budget, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is the only option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. While I acknowledge the higher price tag and the trade-off in battery capacity, the sheer leap in performance, the significantly larger and more versatile display, and the enhanced camera capabilities make it the more compelling choice for my needs. As someone who frequently multitasks, consumes a lot of media on the go, and appreciates cutting-edge technology, the Z Fold5 better fits my usage patterns. The superior performance and larger screen are compelling enough to overlook the price difference. I also value the newer technology the Z Fold5 offers, such as its wireless charging capabilities and advanced connectivity options. While the A72 is a competent device, the Z Fold5 offers a significant upgrade to user experience that suits my needs better.
