Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Sony Xperia 10 III
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 10 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 154 x 68 x 8.3 mm | A72 is larger and bulkier, less pocketable. Xperia 10 III is more compact and comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 203g | 169g | Xperia 10 III is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6" | A72 provides a larger viewing area for media consumption, gaming. Xperia 10 III is more compact and easier to use one-handed. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Xperia 10 III has slightly more vertical pixels, but it's a negligible difference. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 457 PPI | Xperia 10 III has a sharper display, text and images will appear crisper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. Very similar viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A72 has smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits (spec missing) | A72 is significantly brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. Xperia 10 III's brightness is unknown and could be a limitation if low. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm) | Both are mid-range chipsets; the 720G is generally optimized for gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 275,000 | Very similar real-world performance. Minor difference. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619L | Slight difference in GPU performance. Not significant for most users. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | A72 is expected to offer longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 18W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | A72 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Charger included | Non-removable | A72 includes a charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 64MP (f/1.8) | 12MP (f/1.8) | A72 captures much more detailed standard shots, especially in good lighting. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP (f/2.4) | 8MP (f/2.4) | Similar telephoto capabilities. |
| Selfie | 32MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.0) | A72 provides higher resolution selfies. The Sony has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | A72 takes wider angle photos with more detail. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4) | Not available | A72 allows for close-up macro photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps | Both capable of 4K recording, A72 includes EIS for video stabilization. |
| DXOMark | Mobile 92 (Photo 100, Video 78) | Not available | A72 has a known photo quality; no such scores for Sony. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Night mode | None | A72 has more features for photo quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Sony will have one more Android version update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both phones support the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Sony has slightly better Bluetooth technology, which could mean a more stable connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Sony has more accurate GPS support with QZSS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both are dual SIM phones. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB | A72 has more options for users who need more storage. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB | A72 has a higher option for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both are limited with fixed storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, 2 Microphones | A72 offers a better audio experience for media consumption, Sony for audio recording. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Sony has an easier-to-reach finger print sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Sony has a sturdier glass screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | A72 has more sensors (Gyro) for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger, Brighter Display: The 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate offers a more immersive experience for media and gaming, along with much better visibility in sunlight.
- Superior Camera System: The A72 boasts higher resolution main, selfie, and wide-angle lenses, along with OIS, PDAF, and macro capabilities, resulting in more versatile and detailed photography.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: The 5000mAh battery and 25W fast charging provide longer battery life and quicker recharging.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide enhanced audio.
- More RAM and storage options: With 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage (vs 6GB and 128GB), the A72 offers a snappier multitasking experience with more room for files.
Sony Xperia 10 III Advantages:
- Compact & Lightweight Design: The 6-inch display and lighter weight make it more comfortable for one-handed use and pocketable.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density makes the display clearer and sharper.
- More stable Bluetooth: Newer Bluetooth version could give more stable connection.
- Enhanced GPS: Supports QZSS for better location accuracy.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6
- Up-to-date OS: Will get one extra year of updates compared to the Samsung.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A72: Larger size and weight may not be ideal for everyone.
- Sony Xperia 10 III: Smaller display, less versatile camera system, no macro lens, lower refresh rate, lower battery capacity, and slower charging. Brightness is unknown which could be a big issue.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 is Ideal For:
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos, movies, and playing games on their phones will benefit from the larger, brighter display and enhanced audio.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system, including OIS and macro lens, is ideal for those who want a good photography experience.
- Heavy Users: The larger battery and fast charging are beneficial for users who need all-day battery life.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows on long commutes.
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Multitasking between different apps.
Sony Xperia 10 III is Ideal For:
- Users with Small Hands: The compact size and lightweight design make it comfortable for those who prefer smaller phones.
- Users who prioritize durability: With Corning Gorilla Glass 6, it is better protected from scratches.
- Users who prioritize audio recording the 2 microphones and hi res support is good for recording audio on the go.
- Users who value up-to-date software: One extra year of updates.
Specific Use Cases:
- One-handed use while commuting.
- Extended reading and browsing.
- Everyday photography in well-lit conditions.
- Use in GPS heavy situations due to the support of QZSS.
Price-to-Value: The A72 generally offers a better set of features for its price, making it a more value-packed device. The Xperia 10 III may be preferred if its compact size and build quality are a must have.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Size: Do you prefer a larger display for media consumption or a smaller, more compact phone?
- Camera Quality: Do you need a versatile camera system with advanced features, or is a basic camera sufficient?
- Battery Life: Do you prioritize long battery life and fast charging, or is moderate battery life acceptable?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Media Focused): If you watch videos often, play games, and want a vibrant display, choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. The larger screen, 90Hz refresh rate and brightness make the media experience better.
- Scenario 2 (Compact Size): If you value comfort, portability and one handed operation, then the Sony Xperia 10 III would be a better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Use): If you want a good all-round device with a decent camera, better battery life and value for money, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is better.
- Scenario 4 (Durability): If you value durability and build quality, then the Sony Xperia 10 III is the better choice, but keep in mind the unknown brightness could be an issue.
Personal Choice:
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. My primary use case involves watching media content, playing games and taking photos. The A72's larger and brighter display, better camera system with OIS, and the better battery life, significantly enhance my daily smartphone experience. Although it is slightly heavier and bulkier, the overall benefits outweigh the trade-offs for my specific needs. The Xperia 10 III is a solid device, but its compromises on display and camera are too big compared to the A72.
