1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A72 and TCL 40 SE, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 167.9 × 76.5 × 8.5 mm | TCL 40 SE is slightly taller, but both are very similar in size, barely noticeable in daily usage. |
| Weight | 203g | 190g | TCL 40 SE is noticeably lighter, which might be more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.75" | Negligible difference, virtually the same viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Samsung A72 offers significantly sharper text, images, and videos. Much better viewing experience for content consumption and reading. |
| PPI | 394 | 260 | Samsung A72's higher pixel density results in a clearer, more detailed display, making it much more pleasant for viewing and detailed tasks. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung A72's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, making media consumption more enjoyable. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smoother scrolling and gaming experience compared to standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 900 nits | TCL 40 SE has slightly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm) | Samsung A72 has a faster and more efficient processor, resulting in snappier performance and better gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 285,000 | 160,000 | Samsung A72 has a much higher benchmark score, meaning it handles demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking much smoother and faster. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | PowerVR GE8320 | Samsung A72's GPU is significantly more powerful, leading to better graphics performance in gaming and other graphic-intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Lens | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.85 | Samsung A72's higher megapixel count and slightly wider aperture can capture slightly more detailed photos in most scenarios. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung A72 has an optical zoom camera for taking photos without losing quality. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Samsung A72 can take wide landscape and group photos, which the TCL 40 SE cannot. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Samsung A72 takes much higher resolution selfies, better for detail and cropping. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | TCL 40 SE can create a portrait effect, albeit with lower quality than the A72’s telephoto lens for portrait. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung A72 takes higher resolution close-up photos. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (with EIS) | 1080p@30fps | Samsung A72 offers higher quality video recordings including 4K resolution and smoother 60fps, better for video recording enthusiasts. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes (EIS and OIS) | No | Samsung A72 records significantly smoother videos, essential for active videography. |
| Slow-motion | Yes, 120fps | No | Samsung A72 can record slow motion videos at a high framerate. |
| DxOMark Score | 92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | N/A | Samsung A72 has a tested superior camera quality across all categories compared to TCL 40 SE. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, Quadruple camera | Triple camera | Samsung A72’s camera is more advanced overall with additional features like OIS, zoom, and more lenses. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5010 mAh | Similar battery sizes, meaning comparable battery life for most users, with any difference being negligible. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Samsung A72 charges faster, allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Negligible difference for normal use. Li-Polymer may be safer and lasts longer on paper. |
| Included Charger | 15W Fast Charger Included | Not Specified | Samsung A72 comes with a fast charger in the box, while the inclusion of a charger with TCL 40 SE is unknown. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with significantly higher resolution and pixel density provides a much sharper, more vibrant viewing experience, ideal for media consumption.
- Better Performance: More powerful processor and GPU result in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Versatile camera system with optical zoom, wide-angle lens, and higher resolution sensors offers better photo and video quality, especially in challenging conditions. Includes OIS for video.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging allows for quicker battery top-ups.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, better sound immersion
TCL 40 SE Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: More comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation.
- Brighter Display: Offers slightly better outdoor visibility, making it easier to see in bright sunlight.
- Newer OS: Ships with a newer version of Android (13) out of the box.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 LE
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A72: Loses out in weight and outdoor brightness, and potentially software updates after Android 12.
- TCL 40 SE: Suffers from a lower-resolution display, weaker performance, and a less capable camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, browse social media, or read on their phones.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system with good image quality and features like optical zoom and OIS.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who enjoy mobile gaming and need a smooth, responsive experience with good graphics capabilities.
- Power Users: Those who multitask heavily and require a phone that can handle demanding tasks without slowing down.
TCL 40 SE Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users looking for a reliable phone at a more affordable price.
- Casual Users: Users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing.
- Users who prefer a lighter phone: Those who value comfort of extended use and one-handed operation.
- Users who need better visibility in daylight: Those who need a brighter screen to view content outdoors.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy A72: Excellent for binge-watching shows, capturing high-quality vacation photos, playing graphically intensive games, and running multiple apps simultaneously.
- TCL 40 SE: Suitable for everyday tasks, browsing the web, taking casual photos, and basic mobile gaming.
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung Galaxy A72 likely offers better value for users who need higher quality specs and can afford the higher price.
- The TCL 40 SE is a good option for budget-conscious users, but users will have to compromise in areas like display quality, performance and camera.
4. Decision Framework
Here are key questions buyers should consider:
- Display Quality: How important is a sharp, vibrant display for you? If you consume a lot of media, the Samsung A72's display would be much more enjoyable.
- Performance Needs: Do you play demanding games or multitask frequently? If so, the A72's stronger processor would be a better fit.
- Camera Requirements: Do you require a versatile camera with high-quality photo and video? The A72 is superior, with OIS for video.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious User): If the budget is a primary concern, and basic functionality is adequate, the TCL 40 SE is a reasonable option.
- Scenario 2 (Media Enthusiast): For users who prioritize display quality and want the best media experience, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3 (Photography/Videography Lover): If taking high-quality photos and videos with a versatile camera is important, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the superior choice.
- Scenario 4 (Mobile Gamer): The Samsung Galaxy A72 is significantly better for gaming thanks to its more powerful GPU and faster processor.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
Here's why:
- Display: The AMOLED screen with its higher resolution and vibrant colors is a huge draw for me, as I value the visual experience when consuming media, browsing, and reading on my phone.
- Performance: As someone who uses their phone for multiple tasks and sometimes plays mobile games, the A72's faster processor and GPU would give me a much smoother and more responsive experience.
- Camera: The versatility of the A72's camera system, with its optical zoom, wide-angle lens, OIS and superior video, makes it much better for capturing life's moments in high quality, making it a much better choice overall.
While the TCL 40 SE is more affordable and slightly lighter, these advantages don't outweigh the significant benefits of the Samsung Galaxy A72 in terms of display, performance, and camera capabilities.
