1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 1 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | A72 is wider and slightly thicker, making it feel larger in hand. Xperia 1 III is more slender and might be more comfortable for single-handed use. |
| Weight | 203g | 186g | Xperia 1 III is noticeably lighter, enhancing comfort during prolonged usage. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Xperia 1 III has superior screen protection, offering better resistance to scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 1 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | A72 offers slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1644 x 3840 | Xperia 1 III's significantly higher resolution results in a much sharper, crisper display with more detail. |
| PPI | 394 | 643 | Xperia 1 III has a significantly higher pixel density, resulting in much clearer text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; no major difference in basic display quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xperia 1 III provides a smoother experience during scrolling, animations and gaming. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72's higher brightness makes it more usable in bright sunlight conditions. Missing brightness information for Sony. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 1 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G | Snapdragon 888 5G | Xperia 1 III's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster performance for gaming and resource-intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 889,100 | Xperia 1 III offers much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 660 | Xperia 1 III's GPU provides superior graphics processing, especially for gaming and graphically demanding apps. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 12 GB | Xperia 1 III's higher RAM is better for multitasking and running multiple apps simultaneously without slowdowns. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 1 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 12MP | A72 captures more detailed images in good lighting due to the higher megapixel count. However, the quality isn't the only factor. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | Xperia 1 III's wider aperture allows more light, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.80 µm | Xperia 1 III's larger pixel size captures more light, improving low-light sensitivity and image quality. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Lens | Yes | No | A72 has a dedicated lens for telephoto and portrait shots, offering more versatility. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 8MP | A72 takes higher resolution selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Xperia 1 III takes better selfies in low-light conditions due to its wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | Yes | Xperia 1 III has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.3 | A72 has a slightly wider aperture for the wide angle lens. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | No | Yes | Xperia 1 III has a ToF sensor for improved depth sensing in portrait mode and AR applications. |
| Macro Lens | Yes | No | A72 includes a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, EIS | Up to 4K@120fps, OIS, EIS, HDR | Xperia 1 III offers superior video recording capabilities with higher frame rates, optical image stabilization, HDR and slow motion up to 960fps. |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Main: 105, Photo: 107, Video: 92 | Xperia 1 III has better overall camera performance, particularly in video. |
| Camera Features | Various | Various, incl. RAW | Xperia 1 III offers features like 4K video, ultra-stable video, continuous autofocus, and RAW image capture, providing more control for advanced photography and videography. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 1 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | A72's larger battery should offer longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | Xperia 1 III supports slightly faster charging, reducing charge times. |
| Battery Features | 15W Fast Charger Included | Bypass Charging | A72 includes a fast charger in the box, while the Xperia 1 III has bypass charging for improved battery health during gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages
- Larger Display: The 6.7-inch screen offers a more immersive experience for media consumption and multitasking.
- Higher Brightness: 800 nits brightness offers better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery will provide longer usage between charges compared to the Xperia 1 III's 4500mAh.
- Telephoto, Portrait and Macro Camera: Provides additional options to experiment with photos.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 15W fast charger.
- Lower Price: The A72 will likely be cheaper than the Xperia 1 III, providing a more budget-friendly option.
Sony Xperia 1 III Advantages
- Significantly Sharper Display: The 4K OLED display offers unparalleled clarity and detail with its higher resolution and pixel density.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 5G chipset delivers much faster performance, making it great for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 120Hz refresh rate results in smoother animations and a more fluid user experience.
- Advanced Camera Features: The inclusion of features like a dedicated telephoto lens, ToF sensor, optical image stabilization, 4K video, 960fps slow motion, and RAW capture makes it a versatile tool for photography and videography enthusiasts.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior screen protection.
- Hi-Res Audio: Supports higher-quality audio playback with Hi-Res Audio.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging offers slightly faster recharge times.
- More RAM: Offers 12GB of RAM which helps with multitasking.
- Newer Bluetooth and Wifi Standards: Supports newer standards resulting in a better user experience.
- Bypass Charging: This feature prevents battery degradation by powering the phone directly when plugged in during gaming.
- Additional Sensors: Includes additional sensors, such as barometer.
Trade-offs
- A72: Trades premium performance, higher screen resolution, and advanced camera features for a larger battery, higher display brightness, and a lower price.
- Xperia 1 III: Sacrifices a larger battery, display brightness and a dedicated macro lens and telephoto lens in the process of offering enhanced performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize battery life, a large screen, and good all-around performance at a more accessible price point.
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos and browsing the web on a large, bright display.
- Casual Photographers: Those who want a good camera system with more versatility without the need for professional-grade features.
Specific Use Cases:
- Long commutes with limited charging options.
- Extensive social media use, video consumption, and web browsing.
- General photography without intensive editing or post-processing.
Sony Xperia 1 III Ideal User
- Power Users: Gamers, content creators, and professionals who need top-tier performance, advanced camera capabilities, and high-quality audio.
- Audiophiles: Users who appreciate high-resolution audio playback.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Those who need more control and flexibility in their camera setup, as well as those who are looking for advanced video capabilities.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Individuals who want cutting-edge features, the best possible display quality, and superior performance.
Specific Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming and video editing.
- Professional photography and videography.
- High-fidelity audio listening sessions.
- Users who value a premium build and cutting-edge display quality.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- Galaxy A72: Offers better value for the average user, balancing price with a good feature set.
- Xperia 1 III: Provides a premium experience but at a higher price. Its value lies in its superior performance, display, and professional-grade camera features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, media consumption, photography, everyday use?)
- How important is display quality and performance? (Do you need the sharpest display or fastest chip?)
- What is your budget and are you willing to spend more for higher-end features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Budget Conscious User: If your primary concern is getting the best bang for your buck, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a good option offering a large screen, long battery, and a decent camera.
- Performance and Display Focused User: If you need top-tier performance, the highest quality display, and a versatile camera system, and if budget is not a primary concern, the Sony Xperia 1 III is the clear winner.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you are a photography enthusiast, and looking for more control over your photos and videos, the Sony Xperia 1 III is the better option, with its advanced features.
- Casual user: If you just need a phone that does most things well and want it at a more accesible price, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the way to go.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go with the Sony Xperia 1 III.
Reasoning:
My primary use cases involve a combination of gaming, content consumption (watching videos, reading), and occasionally capturing photos and videos. While I value battery life, I'm willing to prioritize a smoother and more visually pleasing experience, and that's what the Xperia 1 III provides.
- Superior Display: The Xperia's 4K OLED display and 120Hz refresh rate are significant factors, as they greatly enhance my enjoyment of visual content.
- Raw Power: The Snapdragon 888 and ample 12GB of RAM ensure that I can enjoy demanding games and apps without stuttering. This is a huge win.
- Advanced Camera: While I'm not a professional photographer, I do like having the ability to take high quality photos, especially for capturing important memories. With it's advanced features, the Xperia 1 III provides that versatility, and is a joy to use.
- Better overall experience: Newer bluetooth and wifi standards, Hi-Res audio and better build quality provide a more premium user experience.
While the Samsung Galaxy A72 does have the benefit of longer battery life and higher display brightness, the overall experience that is provided by the Sony Xperia 1 III makes it the better choice for me. It's worth noting that it comes with a higher price, but the value of features makes it worth it for me.
