1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2023-11-23 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro is significantly newer, likely having better software support and newer tech. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone designs. |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm | Similar size, ZTE is slightly thicker but negligibly smaller in height/width. |
| Weight | 203g | 229g | Samsung is significantly lighter (26g) for more comfortable handling over long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Negligible difference, both offer similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | ZTE has a slightly sharper display, but most won't see a significant difference. |
| PPI | 394 | 400 | Both have very similar pixel density, so sharpness is virtually identical. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks, similar visual quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | ZTE offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1600 nits | ZTE has much better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | ZTE offers vastly superior performance, faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 285,000 | 2,020,000 | ZTE is much more powerful and future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 750 | ZTE has a much better GPU for gaming and graphic-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6500mAh | ZTE has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 80W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | ZTE charges much faster, beneficial for quick top-ups. |
| Charging Features | 15W Charger Included, Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | ZTE allows for gaming while charging without overheating the battery. Samsung has charger included |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP f/1.8 , 0.8µm | 50MP f/1.88, 1.00 µm, 1/1.57" Samsung GN5 | Samsung has higher resolution, but ZTE has larger pixel size and sensor, likely resulting in better low-light. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP f/2.4, 1/4.4" Omnivision OV08A10, 1.00 µm | None | Samsung has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2, 0.8 µm | 16MP f/2.0, 1.12 µm, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV16A1Q | Samsung has higher resolution but ZTE has larger pixel size and wider aperture for better low light. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP f/2.2, 1.12 µm | 50MP f/2.0, 0.64 µm, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | ZTE has a higher resolution and wider aperture wide-angle camera. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4, 1.12 µm | 2MP f/2.4 | Samsung has slightly higher resolution macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS; Slow-motion: 120 fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps; Slow-motion: 240 fps | ZTE can record higher resolution videos and has better slow-motion capabilities. |
| DxOMark | Main: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | N/A | Only Samsung A72 tested, provides a baseline comparison for its camera performance. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF | Gimbal, LAF, Under display camera | Each phone provides different features based on the intended use case |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (max 12) | Android 14 | ZTE has a newer operating system with more recent features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | ZTE has newer Wi-Fi, offering potentially faster speeds and better connection stability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | ZTE has a newer version of Bluetooth with improved low energy performance. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | ZTE has more accurate positioning capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB / 256GB | 256 GB / 512GB | ZTE has a larger storage option, beneficial for users with many photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 6 GB / 8 GB | 8 GB / 12 GB / 16 GB | ZTE has significantly more RAM, beneficial for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | DTS / DTS X, 3 microphones | ZTE has better audio separation, immersion, and voice capture while Samsung has Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Basic | Both have standard fingerprint sensors. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | ZTE has more durable screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | ZTE includes gravity sensor and Samsung includes Hall and Geomagnetic sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter (203g) making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Optical Zoom: Dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom quality.
- More Established Brand: Samsung is a more recognized brand with a wider support network and more mature ecosystem
- Included Charger: Ships with a 15W fast charger
- Available DxOMark: This can give a useful baseline for camera performance.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is vastly more powerful than the Snapdragon 720G.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz display offers smoother visuals.
- Much Brighter Display: 1600 nits for excellent outdoor visibility.
- Larger Battery: 6500mAh battery for potentially longer usage.
- Faster Charging: 80W charging allows for much quicker top-ups.
- Newer OS: Runs on Android 14, offering the latest features.
- Better Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Supports the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- Higher Resolution Camera: Higher resolution wide angle, standard and front-facing camera.
- Advanced Camera Features: Gimbal, LAF, Under display camera.
- Advanced Cooling: Bypass charging
- More RAM: Up to 16GB of RAM for better multitasking capabilities.
- More Storage: Up to 512GB of storage
Trade-offs:
- The ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro is heavier and bulkier than the Samsung Galaxy A72.
- The Samsung A72 offers optical zoom capabilities while the ZTE doesn't.
- The Samsung A72 has a lower refresh rate and brightness than the ZTE.
- ZTE is a niche brand and customer support may not be readily available in all countries.
- The ZTE is more expensive than the Samsung, with its high-end specs.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User: Casual users who value a lighter phone, brand recognition, and a reliable camera with optical zoom.
- Use Cases: General daily use, social media, taking photos with optical zoom, moderate gaming, and watching videos.
- Strengths: Comfortable handling, well-rounded features, decent camera versatility.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for those not needing high-end gaming performance or the latest features.
- Who should NOT buy: Gamers, Heavy Multitaskers
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, and anyone wanting the best performance.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, demanding apps, multitasking, content creation, and those needing a very bright display.
- Strengths: Extreme performance, smooth display, long battery life, fast charging, advanced connectivity and higher video capabilities.
- Price-to-Value: High cost, but great value for the performance it provides.
- Who should NOT buy: Users wanting a lighter and more user-friendly device.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your primary use case? (Casual use, gaming, content creation, etc.)
- How important is performance to you? (Need smooth, lag-free experience or just basic usage)
- What is your budget? (High-end or mid-range pricing)
Scenario Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User: If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks, social media, and photography, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a more affordable and convenient option.
- Scenario 2: Gamer/Power User: If you are a serious gamer or need the most powerful and responsive phone possible, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro is the clear choice, offering superior performance, display, and battery life.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Performance: If you are not a heavy gamer but still want a good performer with better longevity, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro offers far greater performance and future-proofing.
My Choice
Based on the analysis, I would personally choose the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro.
Reasoning:
As a tech enthusiast, I prioritize performance, a smooth display, and future-proofing. The ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro's significant edge in chipset, refresh rate, brightness, battery capacity, charging speed, and software greatly outweighs its heavier weight. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a more established brand and some camera versatility, the Red Magic 9 Pro provides a superior experience in areas that matter most to me: gaming, app performance, and overall responsiveness. The higher price point is justified by the cutting-edge hardware and features. The advanced cooling, faster charging, better connectivity, and a higher storage option all add to a great user experience for demanding use cases.
