Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. vivo X100
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | vivo X100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 164.1 × 75.2 × 8.5 mm | Similar size, A72 is slightly wider; X100 may feel a bit more compact in hand. |
| Weight | 203g | 202g | Virtually identical weight, both feel substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Very similar size, negligible difference in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | X100's higher resolution results in noticeably sharper text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 452 PPI | X100 display looks clearer with finer details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | X100 has smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in fast-paced apps or gaming. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 3000 nits | X100 is significantly brighter, offering much better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9300 (4 nm) | X100's chipset is dramatically faster, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,881,325 | X100 offers a far superior performance experience, more future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | X100's GPU is significantly more powerful, essential for high-end gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | A72 has higher megapixel count, but pixel size is a key factor for image quality. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.57 | X100's wider aperture gathers more light, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.20 µm | X100's larger pixels are capable of capturing more light leading to better low-light performance |
| Standard Camera Sensor | Unknown | Sony IMX920 | X100's camera has an advanced sensor for better image quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP (1/4.4") | 64MP (1/2") | X100's dedicated telephoto provides superior zoom capabilities and image clarity |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP | 50MP (1/2.76") | X100 captures more detailed wide angle shots with a higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 32MP | Both have similar selfie cameras, but with different aperture and sensors |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | X100's slightly wider aperture captures more light |
| Selfie Camera Sensor | Unknown | Samsung S5KGD2 | X100 utilizes Samsung's sensor for selfie photos |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | None | A72 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Yes | A72 specifies video recording capabilities, but X100 is expected to have more advanced video features |
| Slow Motion Video | 120 fps | 960 fps | X100 offers significantly higher slow-motion capture capability |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, various modes | OIS, Gimbal, LAF, RAW, various modes | X100 has advanced features such as Gimbal stabilization, Laser Autofocus, and RAW image capture |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, indicating similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | X100 charges dramatically faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | X100 has a significantly newer operating system, with added features and optimizations. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | X100's Wi-Fi 7 support means potentially faster speeds, better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | X100 has a newer Bluetooth version, better power efficiency and data transfer rates. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | X100 provides better accuracy with more satellite support |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB or 1024 GB | X100 offers significantly more storage options. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | X100 has significantly more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, limiting space to internal storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | X100 has enhanced audio with Hi-Res support. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up photography, which the X100 lacks.
- Telephoto + portrait camera: This provides versatility when taking photos, and allows better images when taking portrait shots.
- Included Charger: Comes with a fast charger included.
DXOMark Camera Score: Only phone tested for camera with overall score of 92. Photo 100, and video 78.
Trade-offs: Older chipset, lower screen brightness, slower charging, less RAM and storage, no support for new WiFi and Bluetooth version, lacks advanced camera features (like Gimbal).
vivo X100 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much faster chipset, more RAM and storage for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Significantly Better Display: Higher resolution, higher refresh rate, much higher brightness resulting in clearer, smoother visuals and much better outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: 120W fast charging is dramatically faster, reducing charging time.
- Advanced Camera System: Larger sensor, wider aperture, optical zoom, gimbal stabilization, laser autofocus and RAW photo support leading to better image quality and versatility.
- Newer Connectivity: Supports the latest WiFi standard for better wireless performance, and the latest bluetooth version.
- Hi-Res Audio: Provides enhanced audio experience.
Newer OS: Ships with Android 14, offers newest software features.
Trade-offs: Lacks macro lens, No charger included.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Who prioritize a well-rounded smartphone with a decent camera and smooth display at an affordable price.
- Users who prioritize dedicated macro lens: For users who frequently take close-up photos, it is an essential feature.
- Casual Users: Those who aren't demanding on performance and don't frequently play demanding games, but are looking for an all-around phone experience.
- Users who want a charger included: Those who want everything right out of the box, not having to buy a separate charger.
vivo X100 Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers and power users who demand top-tier performance, smooth multitasking and fastest charging speed.
- Photography Lovers: Who appreciate advanced camera capabilities, particularly in low light, and who will make the most out of a great zoom lens and RAW support.
- Users who want top features: Those who want the latest software, latest wireless technology, best audio, display and performance.
- Users who do not need a macro lens: Those who mainly focus on other kinds of photography (like telephoto, wide angle, and normal shots) and don't need a macro lens.
Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy A72: Great for everyday tasks, social media browsing, casual gaming, capturing macro photos, and reliable everyday usage.
- vivo X100: Ideal for graphically demanding games, running multiple applications simultaneously, videography, low light photography, heavy media consumption and users who need a future-proof device.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance and smooth multitasking? (If it's essential, the vivo X100 is a clear winner)
- Is camera quality and versatility a priority? (vivo X100 provides better all-round quality, but A72 has a macro lens.)
- How important are a high-quality display, and fast charging speed? (vivo X100 has a significantly better screen, and faster charging, which is important for outdoor use and fast charging on the go)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is a primary concern, the Samsung Galaxy A72 offers good value.
- Performance and Camera Enthusiast: If you want the best performance, best camera quality, and latest software, the vivo X100 is the superior choice.
- Everyday User: If you want a balanced experience but don't want to sacrifice camera versatility and a decent price, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a better choice.
My Choice and Why:
I would choose the vivo X100. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a decent phone, the vivo X100 offers a significantly superior user experience across key areas such as performance, display, charging speed and camera.
- Performance: The difference in chipset performance is massive. The vivo X100's Dimensity 9300 allows for faster loading times, smoother multitasking, and noticeably better gaming.
- Display: The higher resolution and brightness of the vivo X100's display will be noticeable every single time I use the phone, providing a much better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Camera: While the Samsung A72 has a macro lens which might come in handy in specific situations, the vivo X100's larger sensor, wider aperture, telephoto lens, and advanced features like gimbal stabilization, low-light performance, raw image capture make the camera experience better. The 64MP telephoto lens will allow for clearer, more detailed zoomed images.
- Charging: 120W fast charging is a feature I value highly.
- Future-Proofing: The newer chipset, Android 14, and WiFi 7 connectivity make the vivo X100 a more future-proof device.
Although the A72 includes a charger, and provides a macro lens, I would trade these for the overall improved user experience provided by the X100. The A72 is a good phone, but the X100 represents a leap forward in key areas.
