1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 168.2 × 75.5 × 8.1 mm | TCL is slightly taller and thinner; Samsung is wider. The difference in size is minimal for everyday use. |
| Weight | 203g | 195g | TCL is marginally lighter, potentially noticeable during extended usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Both phones have very similar screen sizes, with a negligible difference of 0.08", unlikely to affect user experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both phones provide similar Full HD+ clarity; the difference in resolution is very minor and unnoticeable. |
| PPI | 394 | 396 | Both phones have nearly identical pixel densities, meaning similar sharpness in visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung's AMOLED offers superior blacks, contrast, and vibrant colors compared to TCL's IPS LCD. This translates to a richer viewing experience, particularly for videos and dark interfaces, and better power saving for dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both phones have the same refresh rate leading to smoother scrolling and animations compared to 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 900 nits | TCL offers slightly better outdoor visibility. The 100 nits difference can improve viewing in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | The Snapdragon 720G (8nm) is generally a bit more efficient than the Helio G88 (12nm), resulting in smoother gaming, app switching and slightly better battery management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 250,000 | Samsung has slightly better overall performance based on benchmarks. The difference is noticeable in more demanding applications like gaming or heavy multi-tasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Adreno 618 generally offers better gaming performance compared to the Mali-G52 MC2. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm | Samsung captures more detailed images with higher resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm | None | Samsung has a telephoto lens for better zoomed shots. TCL lacks this feature. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | None | Samsung offers a wide-angle lens that captures a broader field of view, which is useful for landscape photography or group pictures. TCL lacks this feature. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | Samsung provides more detailed macro shots thanks to its higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | Samsung's selfie camera captures significantly more detail. While the TCL has a slightly wider aperture for slightly better low-light performance, this isn't likely to offset the difference in resolution. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Samsung can record higher quality videos with 4K support. It also has better video stabilization and slow-motion capabilities. |
| DXOMark Score | 92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | N/A | Samsung has better overall camera quality according to independent tests (DXOMark). |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Both phones offer comparable battery life; the minor difference is insignificant. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | TCL charges quicker, which is useful when you're in a hurry. |
| Charger | 15W Charger Included | Not Specified | The Samsung A72 comes with a charger, while the TCL's packaging wasn't explicitly stated. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max 12 | Android 14 | TCL has a newer version of Android, which means newer features and possibly more security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | Both phones offer the same Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | TCL has slightly better power saving. Bluetooth 5.1 is slightly more efficient and reliable than 5.0. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both phones have the same location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Both phones support using two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones have similar internal storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | Samsung generally offers more RAM, which means smoother multitasking and improved performance with multiple apps running. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Samsung offers more advanced audio features with Dolby Atmos for a more immersive listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | The side-mounted sensor on the TCL is generally considered faster and more convenient than the basic version found on Samsung. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Samsung offers more sensors for enhanced functionality, particularly in gaming and navigation apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers better contrast, colors, and energy efficiency. This is very noticeable especially when viewing HDR content and using dark themes.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset offers better overall performance based on benchmarks, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience
- Advanced Camera System: Has a telephoto, wide-angle and a significantly better main and selfie camera with higher resolution and more features like OIS and better video quality. Offers significantly higher-quality photos and better versatility for different types of photography.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos provides a more immersive audio experience, especially with headphones.
- More RAM: Offers more RAM for smoother multitasking.
TCL 50 SE Advantages:
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 14 which translates to newer features and possibly more long-term software support.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging allows quicker battery top-ups.
- Lighter Build: Slightly lighter, which some users may find more comfortable.
- Newer Bluetooth: Slightly more efficient and reliable.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and faster access.
- Slightly Brighter Screen: Offers better visibility in direct sunlight, which can be beneficial in certain situations.
- Better value: The TCL is likely to be more affordable.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung A72: Trades newer OS and slightly faster charging for a superior display, camera, and performance.
- TCL 50 SE: Trades a superior display, camera, and performance for a newer OS, slightly faster charging and convenience features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos and browsing images will appreciate the AMOLED screen.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with good zoom capabilities, a wide-angle lens, and higher resolution for both photos and videos.
- Moderate Gamers: The Snapdragon 720G chipset and Adreno 618 GPU provide a satisfactory gaming experience for most games.
- Multi-taskers: Those who use multiple apps simultaneously and want a smoother experience due to the higher RAM options.
- Audio Lovers: Users that want a better sound experience thanks to Dolby Atmos.
TCL 50 SE is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a good phone that is more affordable will find the TCL 50 SE to be a solid option.
- Basic Users: Individuals who prioritize a newer operating system with decent performance for everyday tasks like social media, calls, and browsing.
- Users who prioritize faster charging: Users who find that they have to charge their phone at least once per day will appreciate the faster charging speeds.
- Users who value physical convenience: The slightly lighter build and convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor provide a more user-friendly experience.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Watching HDR movies and shows with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Taking detailed photos and videos in various scenarios, including landscapes and zoomed shots.
- Playing demanding mobile games with decent graphics and performance.
- Using multiple apps simultaneously without experiencing slowdowns.
- TCL 50 SE:
- Browsing social media and websites with a newer OS and good performance.
- Daily usage for communication and basic entertainment.
- Quickly charging the phone in short periods of time.
- Users who want a fingerprint sensor on the side of the device instead of on the screen.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for the phone? (Media consumption, photography, gaming, basic use)
- How important is camera quality and versatility?
- How much do you value the latest software and fast charging speed?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You primarily watch videos and consume a lot of visual media: The Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better choice due to its AMOLED screen and Dolby Atmos support.
- Scenario 2: You want the best camera for photos and videos: The Samsung Galaxy A72 is clearly superior, with multiple lens options, higher resolution sensors and more features.
- Scenario 3: You primarily use your phone for basic tasks and want the latest software and faster charging: The TCL 50 SE will satisfy your needs while being more budget-friendly.
- Scenario 4: You want the best balance of price and performance: The Samsung Galaxy A72 is better for performance and overall quality however, the TCL 50 SE provides better convenience and faster charging.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A72.
While the TCL 50 SE offers a newer OS, faster charging, and a slightly brighter screen, the Samsung A72's AMOLED display, superior camera system, better performance, and improved audio experience are more important to me. I prioritize media consumption and photography, and the A72 is simply better suited to these needs. The added telephoto and wide angle lenses significantly enhance the photography experience, something I find important when choosing a device. Additionally, the higher RAM and overall performance benefits of the A72 are more valuable to me than the slightly faster charging of the TCL. While the A72 is an older phone, it provides a more rounded premium experience.
