1. Specifications Comparison
Design
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 163.9 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm | The A72 is slightly taller and wider, while the Z50S Pro is a bit thinner, but the difference is minimal in everyday use. |
Weight | 203g | 228g | The A72 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. The Z50S Pro feels denser and may be less comfortable for some. |
Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
Display
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Negligible difference; both offer large, immersive displays. |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1260 x 2800 | The Z50S Pro has a sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
PPI | 394 | 452 | The Z50S Pro's higher pixel density offers a noticeably crisper visual experience. |
Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and great contrast. |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Z50S Pro has smoother animations, beneficial for gaming and scrolling. |
Brightness | 800 nits | 1500 nits | The Z50S Pro is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 (4nm) | The Z50S Pro's chipset is significantly faster, leading to better app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance. |
AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,579,720 | The Z50S Pro offers much higher performance levels. |
GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 740 | The Z50S Pro offers considerably better graphics processing power. |
Camera
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 54MP, f/1.6, 1.00µm, Sony IMX800 | The Z50S Pro's larger pixel size and wider aperture generally capture more light and detail, while the A72 has a higher resolution |
Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm, Omnivision OV08A10 | 8MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm, Hynix HI-847 | Both are comparable. |
Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 16MP, f/2.5, 1.00µm, Omnivision OV16A10 | The A72 has higher resolution, but the Z50S Pro's larger pixel size might improve low-light performance. |
Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 50MP, f/2.0, 0.61µm, Omnivision OV50D40 | Z50S Pro has much better quality wide angle camera. |
Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | None | The A72 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which the Z50S Pro lacks. |
Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | The Z50S Pro offers superior video recording capabilities, including higher resolution and framerate. |
DXOMark | Mobile: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | None | Only the A72 has been tested by DXOMark. |
Features | OIS, Quad Camera | OIS, Triple Camera, Gimbal, RAW, Flicker Sensor, 8K Video | The Z50S Pro offers more advanced features. |
Battery
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5100mAh | Similar battery life is expected. |
Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | The Z50S Pro charges much faster, significantly reducing charging times. |
Features | 15W Charger Included | None | The A72 includes a charger, while Z50S Pro does not. |
Software & Connectivity
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | The Z50S Pro has a more up-to-date OS with better features and security patches. |
WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | The Z50S Pro supports newer Wi-Fi standards for faster speeds and better network performance. |
Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | The Z50S Pro has a newer Bluetooth version with better efficiency and connectivity options. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1+B2), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC | The Z50S Pro supports more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking. |
SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
Storage
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/1024GB | The Z50S Pro provides much more internal storage for large media libraries and applications, especially the 1TB version. |
RAM | 6GB/8GB | 12GB/16GB | The Z50S Pro has more RAM for better multitasking and application performance. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
Audio & Security
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Both offer stereo speakers. A72 includes Dolby Atmos, while the Z50S Pro features DTS/DTS X for enhanced audio. |
Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both use similar basic fingerprint sensors. |
Build Quality & Sensors
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | We lack data on the specific screen protection for either phone. |
Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Light sensor, Hall, Geomagnetic | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both phones come with a comprehensive sensor suite. Z50S Pro has an ultrasonic proximity sensor while A72 has a traditional proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use and easier to handle.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 15W fast charger in the box.
- DXOMark Tested: Camera performance is objectively measured by DXOMark.
- Dolby Atmos: Improved audio quality for media consumption.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much faster processor and GPU for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density for a clearer visual experience.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 80W fast charging for significantly reduced charging times.
- Better Video Recording: 8K video recording at 30FPS with support for up to 4K 120fps.
- More Storage & RAM: More RAM for better multitasking and a 1TB option for storing large media files.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster wireless performance.
- Better GPS Accuracy: Supports more satellite systems for better location tracking.
- Wider Aperture on Main Lens: Better low light performance due to larger aperture of f/1.6 vs f/1.8 and a bigger sensor.
- Triple Camera & Gimbal: More advanced camera features such as a gimbal, flicker sensor and raw image capture.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A72: Significantly weaker performance and older software.
- Z50S Pro: Heavier, and lacks a dedicated macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Users who prioritize comfort and a lighter device.
- Casual photographers who enjoy macro photography.
- Users who don't require high performance gaming or intensive multitasking.
- Budget-conscious users looking for a good all-around phone with a known brand.
- Users who prefer a more traditional proximity sensor.
Specific Use Cases for A72:
- Everyday social media, web browsing, and casual use.
- Basic photography and capturing close-up shots.
- General media consumption with Dolby Atmos support.
- Users who want a phone with an included charger.
Ideal User for ZTE nubia Z50S Pro:
- Gamers and power users who demand top-tier performance.
- Users who prioritize a high-quality display for visual clarity and responsiveness.
- Users who need a phone with excellent outdoor visibility.
- Users who need fast charging and a large battery.
- Users who need professional-quality video capabilities, or plan to shoot high-resolution video.
- Users who need a large internal storage capacity.
- Users who prefer an ultrasonic proximity sensor.
Specific Use Cases for Z50S Pro:
- Mobile gaming, running demanding apps, and extensive multitasking.
- Content creation with high-resolution video recording and editing.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight where a bright screen is needed.
- Power users who need maximum storage and ram.
- Users who need high accuracy location tracking, especially in urban areas with large buildings.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The price is not provided, but the Z50S Pro is expected to be more expensive, though it is a more advanced smartphone in almost every category. If the price difference is within a certain percentage, it should still provide better value to most people due to it's better features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you need a high-performance device for gaming and demanding apps, or is casual use sufficient?
- Display Priorities: Is a sharper, brighter, and smoother display essential for your use, or is an adequate display fine?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need specific features like macro photography, or is overall better quality more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User
- If you are a casual user primarily focused on social media, browsing and general use with less intensive needs for performance, the Samsung Galaxy A72 could be a good choice. It is lighter and comes with a charger.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Power User
- If you need high-end performance, for gaming, and multitasking, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the clear choice. It also excels at content creation and provides much better video quality.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast
- If you are a photography enthusiast, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro provides a more versatile and advanced set of features with more focus on image quality and video.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor User
- If you frequently use your phone outdoors in bright conditions the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is much better suited due to it's much higher brightness levels.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has its merits in terms of weight and the inclusion of a macro lens, the Z50S Pro offers a much more compelling overall package. The substantially faster processor, superior display, faster charging, better camera, and updated software are key factors that outweigh the benefits of the A72.
The Z50S Pro's performance improvements are significant, providing a smoother and more responsive user experience for everything from daily tasks to gaming. The brighter and higher-resolution display makes a noticeable difference in visual quality, especially when viewing content outdoors. The fast charging is also a substantial convenience, especially for someone who uses their phone heavily throughout the day. Additionally, it's also more future-proof thanks to it's more modern specs in connectivity and processing power.
While the A72 is a capable device, the Z50S Pro's technological advantages make it the better choice for a more modern smartphone experience.