1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | A72 is wider and slightly thicker, may feel bulkier in hand; Xperia 1 IV is slimmer and more pocketable. |
| Weight | 203g | 185g | Xperia 1 IV is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | A72 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption for those who prefer larger screens. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1644x3840 | Xperia 1 IV has a much sharper and more detailed display due to much higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 643 PPI | Xperia 1 IV offers crisper text and images, less pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent color and contrast, with slight differences in color science and peak brightness. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xperia 1 IV has smoother scrolling and animations; More fluid gaming. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 has significantly better visibility in bright sunlight; Sony brightness is not specified and could be a drawback if too low. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xperia 1 IV offers drastically faster performance for demanding apps and games, more future-proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,076,100 | Xperia 1 IV offers a much faster user experience, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 1 IV has a more powerful GPU, better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life for both; Actual battery life depends on use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Xperia 1 IV charges slightly faster, though the difference may not be substantial in real-world use. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included | Bypass Charging | A72 Includes 15W charger; Xperia 1 IV bypass charging reduces heat while gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 64MP f/1.8, 0.8µm | 12MP f/1.7, 1.8µm | A72 has higher resolution but Xperia 1 IV has larger pixels and a slightly wider aperture; Xperia likely better in low light. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP f/2.4 (A72) | No telephoto/portrait sensor on Xperia 1 IV | A72 offers a dedicated zoom lens for closer photos, better portrait capabilities. |
| Selfie | 32MP f/2.2, 0.8µm | 12MP f/2.0, (Pixel size missing) | A72 has higher resolution selfies, Xperia 1 IV has slightly wider aperture; Low-light performance may differ. |
| Telephoto lens | No telephoto lens on A72 | 12MP f/2.3, 1.0µm | Xperia 1 IV offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | 12MP f/2.2, (Pixel size missing) | Similar wide angle lenses on both; overall performance may differ. |
| ToF 3D sensor | No ToF sensor on A72 | Yes, on Xperia 1 IV | Xperia 1 IV has a depth sensor that enables faster auto-focus and can enhance portrait photography. |
| Macro | 5MP f/2.4, 1.12µm | No macro lens on Xperia 1 IV | A72 offers a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS (A72) | 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS (Xperia 1 IV) | Xperia 1 IV offers much more flexible video recording options and advanced features like OIS. |
| DxOMark | Main score: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 (A72) | Main score: 105, Photo: 107, Video: 92 (Xperia 1 IV) | Xperia 1 IV has superior overall camera performance, especially in video. |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, PDAF, Quadruple camera (A72) | OIS, EIS, PDAF, Quadruple camera, RAW (Xperia 1 IV) | Xperia 1 IV offers more professional features for photography enthusiasts. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (A72) | Android 12 (Xperia 1 IV) | Xperia 1 IV has a newer OS version, with more updates available and updated UI. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 (A72) | Wi-Fi 6 (Xperia 1 IV) | Xperia 1 IV has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (A72) | 5.2 (Xperia 1 IV) | Xperia 1 IV offers better audio quality and more advanced Bluetooth features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo (A72) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) (Xperia 1 IV) | Xperia 1 IV has better positioning and navigation accuracy, using more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (A72) | Dual SIM + eSIM (Xperia 1 IV) | Xperia 1 IV offers the flexibility of an eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB (A72) | 256/512 GB (Xperia 1 IV) | Xperia 1 IV offers double the storage at max configuration. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB (A72) | 12/16 GB (Xperia 1 IV) | Xperia 1 IV has significantly more RAM, better for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | No option for expandable storage in either device. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers (A72) | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers (Xperia 1 IV) | Xperia 1 IV provides enhanced audio quality with Hi-Res audio support, better for audiophiles. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor (A72) | side-mounted fingerprint sensor (Xperia 1 IV) | Xperia 1 IV uses a more convenient and modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown (A72) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Xperia 1 IV) | Xperia 1 IV offers superior scratch and drop protection for the display. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope (A72) | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer (Xperia 1 IV) | Xperia 1 IV includes an additional Barometer sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Slightly larger 6.7" display, good for media consumption.
- Brighter Screen: Significantly higher peak brightness (800 nits) for better outdoor visibility.
- Dedicated Telephoto and Macro Cameras: Versatile camera system with telephoto and macro lens, good for a wider variety of photos.
- Included Fast Charger: 15W Fast Charger is included in the box.
- More affordable: Generally positioned in a lower price bracket, making it more accessible.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and more RAM for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Sharper Display: Much higher resolution and pixel density, making the screen appear clearer and more detailed.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for a much more fluid experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher-quality image processing, OIS, 4k 120fps recording, Telephoto Lens and additional sensors for superior photo and video quality.
- More Advanced Bluetooth and WiFi: Newer standards for faster and more stable connectivity.
- More Storage & RAM: Offers higher maximum RAM and storage configurations.
- Hi-Res Audio Support: Better audio output for audiophiles.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection.
- Bypass Charging: Reduces heat generation while playing games.
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexibility with cellular plans.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A72: Trades raw power, display sharpness and advanced camera features for a lower price and greater screen brightness and versatile camera system.
- Sony Xperia 1 IV: Trades display brightness, a macro lens, and dedicated portrait lens for better performance and a more professional-grade camera system, superior display and audio.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Price-Conscious Consumer: Wants a good all-around phone at a more affordable price.
- Casual Media Consumer: Enjoys watching videos and wants a large display with good brightness.
- General Photography Enthusiast: Wants a versatile camera system with macro and telephoto capabilities.
- Everyday User: Needs a reliable phone for daily tasks, social media, and communication.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Watching movies and shows on the go, especially in bright sunlight.
- Taking a variety of photos, including close-up shots and zoomed pictures, and portrait shots.
- General social media use, browsing, and communication.
- Playing casual games.
Ideal User for Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Mobile Gaming Enthusiast: Demands top-tier performance for high-end mobile games.
- Professional Photographer/Videographer: Needs an advanced camera system with professional-grade features.
- Power User: Wants the best possible performance for multitasking and demanding apps.
- Audiophile: Appreciates high-quality audio output with Hi-Res support.
- Someone Who Wants a Premium Build: Appreciates a high quality device with superior durability
Specific Use Cases for Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Playing demanding mobile games like Genshin Impact at high frame rates.
- Shooting professional-quality photos and videos for content creation.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Listening to high-resolution music with top-notch audio quality.
- Multi-tasking with many apps open.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a great value for its price, providing a large, bright screen and a versatile camera system. It is geared towards users who want an all-rounder for daily use and media consumption.
- The Sony Xperia 1 IV is aimed at users who require a high-end mobile experience with a professional-grade camera system, top-tier performance, and premium features. It commands a much higher price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Xperia 1 IV is significantly more expensive; Can you afford the extra cost?
- What are your primary use cases? Do you prioritize gaming/demanding apps, or media consumption and general use?
- How important is camera quality? Do you want a highly versatile camera system or prioritize top-tier image quality and video recording capabilities?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-conscious user with focus on casual use: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its good all-round performance, large bright display, versatile camera at a more affordable price.
- Gaming enthusiast seeking high performance: Choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV for its superior processor, high refresh rate display, and great audio.
- Mobile photographer/videographer: Choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV for its advanced camera system with professional features, OIS, and 4K 120fps recording.
- User who values display sharpness, smoothness and audio quality: Choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV for its higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate display, better build quality and Hi-Res audio.
- User Who Uses Their Phone In Bright Sunlight Often: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its drastically higher display brightness.
Personal Choice:
I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV. While the Samsung A72 offers a great display for outdoor use, the Xperia 1 IV wins out in practically every other aspect. As someone who highly values performance and a quality camera system, the superior Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, higher resolution and refresh rate display, and more advanced camera capabilities make the Xperia the clear winner for me, even at a higher price point. The added advantages of better build quality, modern WiFi and bluetooth standards as well as superior audio seal the deal.
