Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC vs. Samsung Galaxy A72
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | Poco X3 NFC is slightly thicker, potentially less comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 215g | 203g | Galaxy A72 is slightly lighter, better for prolonged use. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Poco X3 NFC offers better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Galaxy A72 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially better power efficiency with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Poco X3 NFC offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 800 nits | Galaxy A72 offers much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Poco X3 NFC offers slightly better overall performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 328,145 | 285,000 | Poco X3 NFC is marginally faster in benchmarks, which can translate to slightly quicker app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 618 | Identical graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.7" Sony IMX682 | 64MP, f/1.8 | Similar image quality, though the Galaxy A72's wider aperture might offer slightly better low-light performance, but sensor model is unknown. |
| Telephoto | None | 8MP, f/2.4 | Galaxy A72 offers optical zoom capabilities for better zoomed photos. |
| Ultrawide | 13MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Similar ultrawide capabilities. |
| Selfie | 20MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.2 | Galaxy A72 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | Galaxy A72 captures more detailed macro shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps (EIS) | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@60fps (EIS) | Galaxy A72 can record smoother 1080p videos at 60fps. |
| Camera Features | Digital Stabilization | Optical Stabilization (OIS), Optical Zoom | Galaxy A72 has OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for steadier videos and better low-light photos and offers optical zoom. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Poco X3 NFC charges faster. |
| Charger Included | Not specified | 15W Fast Charger Included | Galaxy A72 includes a charger, although it's slower than its maximum supported charging speed. |
| Software | |||
| OS (at launch) | Android 10 | Android 11 | Galaxy A72 launches with a newer OS. |
| Max OS Version | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both phones can be upgraded to Android 12. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Galaxy A72 offers higher storage options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi MiMO | No Wi-Fi MiMO | Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC supports Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Poco X3 NFC has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Poco X3 NFC offers slightly clearer calls and better voice capture. Galaxy A72 offers more immersive sound with Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Under-display | Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 120Hz provides a smoother user experience.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging gets you back up and running quicker.
- Slightly Better Performance: Snapdragon 732G offers a marginal performance edge.
- Gorilla Glass 5: Better screen protection.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: clearer calls
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED provides better contrast, color accuracy and deeper blacks.
- Brighter Display: 800 nits brightness improves outdoor visibility.
- Telephoto Camera with Optical Zoom: Better zoom capabilities compared to digital zoom.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Reduces blur in photos and videos, especially in low light.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 32MP front camera captures more detail.
- Dolby Atmos: provides more immersive audio.
- More Internal Storage Options: Up to 256GB for storing more files and media.
- Included Charger: 15W charger included in the box (although not the fastest the phone supports).
- Newer OS at Launch: Android 11 (though both can be upgraded to Android 12).
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 NFC trades display quality and camera versatility for a smoother screen and faster charging.
- Galaxy A72 sacrifices processing power and display refresh rate for a superior display, better camera, and more storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC Ideal User:
- Gamer: High refresh rate and decent processor are good for mobile gaming.
- Budget-Conscious User: Seeking the best possible performance at a lower price point.
- User Prioritizing Fast Charging: Wants to minimize charging time.
Use Cases:
- Playing fast-paced mobile games.
- Everyday social media browsing and content consumption.
- Users who prefer side-mounted fingerprint scanners
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiast: Values camera features like OIS and optical zoom.
- Multimedia Consumer: Appreciates a vibrant, high-quality display for videos and movies.
- User Prioritizing Display Quality: Prefers AMOLED technology for its superior contrast.
- User wanting more storage: Higher internal storage provides better space for files
Use Cases:
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Watching movies and TV shows on the go.
- Using the phone in bright outdoor environments.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco X3 NFC generally offers a better price-to-performance ratio.
- The Galaxy A72 justifies its higher price with its superior display, camera features, and brand recognition.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality to you? (AMOLED vs. IPS LCD)
- Do you prioritize camera features like optical zoom and OIS? (Galaxy A72)
- Is a higher refresh rate (120Hz) more important than display technology? (Poco X3 NFC)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming on a Budget: Choose the Poco X3 NFC for its higher refresh rate and decent performance at a lower cost.
- Scenario 2: Photography and Multimedia: Choose the Galaxy A72 for its superior display, versatile camera system, and optical image stabilization.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Use: Choose the Galaxy A72 for its brighter display, which is more visible in sunlight.
My Choice
If I had to pick one, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
While the Poco X3 NFC offers a better price-to-performance ratio and a smoother 120Hz display, the superior AMOLED display of the A72 is a game-changer for everyday use and multimedia consumption. The addition of OIS and a telephoto lens also makes the A72 a more versatile camera system. While the Snapdragon 720G is slightly less powerful, it's still adequate for most tasks, and the benefits of the display and camera outweigh the performance difference.
