Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Sony Xperia 10 V
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 10 V | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 155 x 68 x 8.3 mm | A72 is larger and may be less comfortable for smaller hands or single-handed use. Xperia 10 V is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 203g | 159g | Xperia 10 V is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | A72 offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. Xperia 10 V's smaller display is more pocketable and easier to use with one hand. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2520 | Xperia 10 V has slightly more pixels, offering a sharper image, though the difference might not be noticeable to everyone. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 449 | Xperia 10 V has a noticeably sharper display due to higher pixel density, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, typical of OLED technology, with a slight edge to AMOLED in some cases (though not specified in this data) |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A72 provides smoother scrolling and animations, resulting in a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is much more visible under bright sunlight due to its higher brightness. Xperia 10 V's brightness is unspecified, rendering outdoor use a gamble. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Xperia 10 V's newer chipset offers significantly better performance, leading to faster app loading and better multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 437,860 | Xperia 10 V has superior performance according to benchmarks, showing smoother usage and better gaming capability. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | Xperia 10 V's GPU provides better graphical performance, beneficial for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2", Sony IMX582 | A72 has higher resolution, but Xperia 10 V has larger sensor and likely better low-light performance with the Sony sensor. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2, Hynix HI-847 | Both have Telephoto, the A72 uses a smaller sensor and aperture. Xperia 10V has the better sensor and aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Hynix HI-846 | A72 has higher resolution wide-angle, but the smaller sensor of the Xperia may have poorer low light. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 offers a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", Hynix HI-846 | A72 has higher resolution, but the larger pixels of the Sony may provide slightly better low light performance. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | A72 captures higher quality video with 4k resolution, better for creating content. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | 92 | 78 | A72 has better main score than the Xperia 10V in general. |
| DxOMark Score (Photo) | 100 | 75 | A72 has significantly better photo performance. |
| DxOMark Score (Video) | 78 | 84 | Xperia 10 V has better video performance than the A72. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | No Fast Charging | A72 charges faster, which is more convenient for users who need to top up quickly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Xperia 10 V offers a more up-to-date OS with more future software update, offering more security and new features. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128 GB | A72 offers higher storage options for users who require more space for media and apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers microSD expansion. |
| Other | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 10 V provides better scratch and damage protection on the display. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support similar Wi-Fi speeds and connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Xperia 10 V has slightly more efficient and newer Bluetooth version. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Xperia 10 V supports eSIM for easy digital carrier switching, while the A72 has dual SIM card slot. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xperia 10 V has more convenient fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers, but the A72 has Dolby Atmos, while the Xperia 10 V has a noise cancellation microphone. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.7" screen provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and multitasking.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 90Hz display offers smoother animations and scrolling, making the user experience feel more fluid.
- Brighter Display: 800 nits peak brightness significantly enhances outdoor visibility, making it better for use in sunny environments.
- Higher Camera Resolution: Offers higher megapixel counts for standard, selfie, wide angle, and macro lenses.
- 4K Video Recording: Can record video in 4K, providing higher quality results for videos.
- Fast Charging: 25W fast charging allows for faster battery top-ups, adding convenience.
- Dolby Atmos: Provides immersive audio quality through stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos.
Sony Xperia 10 V Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Smaller and lighter design makes it more comfortable for single-hand use and carrying around.
- Higher Pixel Density: Sharper display with a higher pixel density enhances image and text clarity.
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster chipset leads to smoother app usage and better performance in demanding tasks like gaming.
- Newer Android: Comes with the newer Android 13, which has more features and longer support than the A72's Android 11.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protects the screen from scratches and damage, providing durability.
- eSIM Support: Supports eSIM for switching carriers without a physical SIM card, providing better flexibility.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient placement of the fingerprint sensor.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Blocks surrounding noise for better voice calls.
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A72 sacrifices portability and single-hand usability for a larger display, while the Sony Xperia 10 V chooses portability and single-hand usability over a larger screen.
- The A72 has better camera resolution and video quality at 4K but the Xperia 10 V has a higher video and performance score.
- The A72 has a bigger battery and fast charging while the Xperia 10 V lacks fast charging but has a longer software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a large, vibrant display for watching videos, movies, and playing games.
- Casual Gamers: Those who want a smooth visual experience with the 90Hz refresh rate, but do not require top-tier gaming performance.
- Social Media Users: Those who take a lot of photos and videos and want higher resolution cameras.
- Users on the go: Those who prioritize a larger battery with faster charging.
Ideal User for Sony Xperia 10 V:
- Users with Smaller Hands: Those who prefer a compact and lightweight phone that is comfortable to hold and operate with one hand.
- Performance-Oriented Users: Those who need a phone with a fast processor for multitasking, gaming, and everyday use.
- Users Requiring Durability: Those who prioritize a phone with good screen protection for better resistance to scratches and damage.
- Users wanting a phone with long software support: This phone is still supported and will receive newer Android versions.
- Travelers: The eSIM functionality allows for a convenient option for switching carriers when travelling overseas.
Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Watching movies and videos on the go.
- Casual gaming and playing media-rich apps.
- Capturing high-resolution photos and 4k videos.
- General multitasking and browsing with a larger screen.
- Sony Xperia 10 V:
- Fast and smooth navigation through apps and social media.
- Playing demanding games that require high performance.
- Using a phone that is comfortable for single-hand use and easy to carry.
- Using a phone with good screen protection for daily use.
- Travel and use a local sim card.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Screen Size Preference: Do you prefer a larger screen for media and multitasking, or a smaller, more portable device?
- Performance Needs: Do you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming and intensive applications, or will it be used for everyday browsing and social media?
- Camera Priorities: Do you need higher resolution, but less consistent image quality, or higher quality with less overall resolution?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Consumption & Casual Use:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72. The larger, brighter screen and 90Hz refresh rate provide a superior media consumption experience. The higher resolution main and selfie cameras are better for social media use.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Portability:
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 10 V. Its significantly faster performance, compact design, and better screen protection make it a more suitable device for intensive tasks and everyday carry. The smaller size also aids in single-handed use.
- Scenario 3: Long-term Software Support & Travel:
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 10 V. The newer Android version with longer support, along with eSIM support for digital carrier switching make this a better phone if your phone is going to be used for many years, and while traveling.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would go with the Sony Xperia 10 V. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has a larger, brighter screen with higher camera resolution, the Xperia 10 V wins for me due to several factors.
First, the performance of the Xperia 10 V is significantly better, leading to a smoother and more responsive user experience. Second, the more compact and lightweight design suits my preference for portability and one-handed usability. I prefer a phone that is easier to manage and carry around every day.
While I do appreciate the 90Hz refresh rate and the brighter screen of the Samsung A72, the Xperia's superior chip, better software support, and more convenient fingerprint sensor are more important to me. Plus, for camera performance, the DxOMark shows that the Xperia has better video performance than the A72, which is an important factor in what I value when choosing a phone. I also value having an eSIM and Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
Ultimately, the Sony Xperia 10 V's mix of performance, portability, and durability makes it a better fit for my specific needs.
