1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 162 × 74 × 8.2 mm | A72 is slightly larger and thicker, might feel bulkier in hand. Xperia 1 VI is more compact. |
| Weight | 203g | 192g | Xperia 1 VI is lighter by 11g, which can be noticeable during prolonged use, making it more comfortable to hold. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | A72 has a slightly larger screen, potentially better for media consumption. Xperia 1 VI is slightly more compact, better for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Negligible difference in sharpness; both offer a very similar viewing experience. |
| PPI | 394 | 396 | Similar pixel density, both screens will look equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. No significant difference in display quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xperia 1 VI has a smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72's 800 nits will be clearly visible in direct sunlight, significantly outperforming the Xperia 1 VI in outdoor visibility (assuming the value of 0 for the Sony is inaccurate). |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Xperia 1 VI has a significantly more powerful processor, offering dramatically faster performance in all tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 2,110,000 | Xperia 1 VI is much faster for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding apps; A72 will struggle with heavier tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 750 | Xperia 1 VI provides superior graphics performance, allowing better gaming experiences. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 48MP, f/1.9, 1/1.4", Sony IMX888, 1.17µm pixels | A72 has higher resolution but Xperia 1 VI has a larger sensor and bigger pixels, potentially resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", Omnivision OV08A10, 1.00µm pixels | None | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed images. Xperia 1 VI does not have a dedicated portrait camera. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.93", Sony IMX663, 1.22µm pixels | A72 has significantly higher resolution for selfies. Xperia 1 VI has larger pixel size for better low light selfie quality, and a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5", Sony IMX650 Exmor RS, 1.00µm pixels | Xperia 1 VI has a dedicated telephoto lens for zooming capabilities, whereas the A72 does not. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563, 1.40µm pixels | Comparable wide-angle performance, Xperia 1 VI has larger pixels, potentially better low-light. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixels | None | A72 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. The Xperia 1 VI lacks a macro camera. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, and EIS | Xperia 1 VI has far more advanced video features and more versatile recording options. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | N/A | A72 has a benchmark camera score available but there is no available benchmark score for the Xperia 1 VI. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, likely offering similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Xperia 1 VI charges slightly faster, reducing downtime, but both support fast charging. |
| Battery Features | 15W Fast Charger included | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Reverse wireless charging | Xperia 1 VI offers more versatile charging options. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 17) | Xperia 1 VI has a much newer Android version, ensuring longer software support and more features. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 7 (802.11be) | Xperia 1 VI supports newer WiFi standards, providing faster, more reliable connections. A72 does not support the new WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 LE | Xperia 1 VI supports the newest standard, providing more reliable connections, and offering better audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) | Xperia 1 VI offers superior location tracking, supporting more GPS systems for improved accuracy and reliability. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Xperia 1 VI has more flexible SIM options for global travelers and those with multiple lines. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Xperia 1 VI offers more storage for larger media files and more apps. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12 GB | Xperia 1 VI can handle more applications running at once without slowdowns, and is better for gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for memory expansion, so the internal storage you pick will have to be sufficient. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both offer high-quality audio with stereo speakers, similar audio experience for music and video. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Xperia 1 VI has a more convenient, faster fingerprint sensor built into the power button. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Xperia 1 VI has much more scratch-resistant and durable screen protection. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Pedometer | Xperia 1 VI has more sensors, offering more advanced features for fitness, environmental data, and augmented reality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Potentially better outdoor visibility: The A72 has a stated brightness of 800 nits, which, if accurate, far exceeds what's known for the Sony's display. This would make it significantly better for use in direct sunlight (Though the stated brightness of 0 nits for the Xperia 1 VI is suspicious and likely incorrect)
- Dedicated Telephoto and Macro cameras: The A72 offers a dedicated Telephoto + portrait and Macro lens, providing more versatile shooting options.
- Has a benchmark Camera score available: The A72 has a DXOMark camera benchmark available, providing an objective score for its photo and video performance.
- Potentially Lower Price: As an older phone, the A72 is likely much cheaper than the newer Xperia 1 VI.
Sony Xperia 1 VI Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset provides vastly superior performance compared to the Snapdragon 720G in the A72, offering smoother multitasking, better gaming, and faster app loading.
- Superior Display: Though slightly smaller, the Xperia 1 VI has a higher 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling, it is more likely to have superior outdoor visibility than a phone that has a reported screen brightness of 0 nits (the stated brightness of the Xperia 1 VI).
- Much more modern software: The Xperia 1 VI launches with Android 14, guaranteeing a longer support life and more up to date features.
- Better Camera System: Larger primary sensor pixels, dedicated telephoto lens, and more robust video recording capabilities, along with a better selfie camera.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi standards (including WiFi 7), Bluetooth 5.4 LE, and more GPS systems.
- More Versatile Charging: Features Bypass charging, reverse charging, and reverse wireless charging.
- More Storage and RAM: Higher RAM capacity and internal storage options result in superior multitasking and file management capabilities.
- Superior Build Quality: Features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 screen protection.
Trade-offs:
- The A72 offers a dedicated telephoto and macro lens, which the Xperia 1 VI lacks. However, it's worth noting that the Xperia 1 VI's superior primary and telephoto cameras are likely to outperform the A72's dedicated lenses, and its video recording capabilities are much more advanced. The A72 is likely cheaper and therefore a much lower price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a lower price point, a brighter screen, and a dedicated telephoto and macro lens. Best suited for users who have a strict budget.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday social media browsing, general use
- Users who want a telephoto and macro camera for specific photographic situations
- Users who primarily use their phone in well-lit or indoor environments
- Those who value affordability above all other features.
Sony Xperia 1 VI:
- Ideal User: Users who want top-tier performance, a fantastic camera system, the best display and software features, and are willing to pay a premium for it. Suited for users who are power-users, content creators, and avid mobile photographers.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking
- Professional or enthusiast photographers and videographers
- Users who want a future proof device with a long software support life and the latest connectivity features.
- Anyone who frequently uses their phone in varied conditions and needs a reliable device with modern features
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance to you? If you want the best possible speed, the Xperia 1 VI is the clear choice.
- What is your budget? If you have a very strict budget, the Galaxy A72 is likely much cheaper.
- How important is the camera system? If you are a serious mobile photographer, the Xperia 1 VI offers much more advanced capabilities.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is tight and you prioritize a good display for outdoor visibility and specific telephoto and macro camera features for general use, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a decent choice.
- Power User/Mobile Photographer: If you prioritize performance, a future-proof device, and a more advanced camera system, the Sony Xperia 1 VI is the far better option.
- General Use: If your need is a basic phone for general use, the Galaxy A72 will be sufficient and is a much lower price point, but the Xperia 1 VI will offer far superior performance and software support.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI.
Reasons:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset in the Xperia 1 VI offers a vast performance improvement over the Snapdragon 720G in the A72. This makes a substantial difference in the real-world user experience, including smoother operation, faster loading times, and much better gaming performance.
- Camera System: While the A72 has dedicated telephoto and macro lenses, the overall camera system on the Xperia 1 VI is superior. The larger sensor, bigger pixels, and more versatile video recording capabilities make it a better option for photography and videography, specifically due to its greatly increased video recording capabilities.
- Future-Proofing: The Xperia 1 VI comes with a much more modern Android 14, guaranteeing a longer software support life. This is important for security updates and the latest Android features. The A72 is already several years old and unlikely to receive significant future updates.
- Display Quality: Though the A72 has a stated brightness of 800 nits, a stated value of 0 nits for the Xperia 1 VI means that its screen is more likely to be superior in terms of brightness and color accuracy.
- Superior Connectivity: The Xperia 1 VI has much newer connectivity features (WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 LE) which are useful for future-proofing. The additional GPS systems are also great for travel.
- Modern Features: The inclusion of reverse charging, and bypass charging, as well as an eSIM and modern fingerprint reader, add to the quality of life benefits for the Xperia 1 VI.
While the A72 might be more budget-friendly, the Xperia 1 VI represents a significant jump in technology. As such, the Xperia 1 VI is my preferred choice for its superior performance, camera system, software, and overall user experience.
