1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Oppo Reno5 5G | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.1 × 73.4 × 7.9 mm | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | A72 is larger, may be less comfortable for single-handed use. Reno5 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 172g | 203g | Reno5 is lighter, easier to hold for long periods. A72 is heavier and may feel more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | A72 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. Reno5 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, clear images. No practical difference here. |
| PPI | 409 | 394 | Similar pixel density. No noticeable difference in sharpness for most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, better for gaming and visual fluidity. |
| Brightness | 750 nits | 800 nits | A72 is slightly brighter, may be marginally better for outdoor visibility, but the difference is small. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 765G 5G (7nm) | Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Reno5 has a more powerful, modern chipset leading to better overall performance and 5G capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 325,000 | 285,000 | Reno5 offers better general performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming potential. |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 618 | Reno5 has a more powerful GPU, better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", Sony IMX686 | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm pixel size | Reno5 has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance, and a known sensor model from Sony. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | None | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", Omnivision OV08A10 | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom and portrait shots, which Reno5 lacks. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4 | 32MP, f/2.2 | A72 has a wider aperture, allowing more light into the selfie camera, slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | A72 offers a dedicated ultra-wide lens for capturing broader scenes, which Reno5 lacks. |
| Macro lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | A72 has a higher resolution macro lens, slightly better macro photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Reno5 has a dedicated Wide Angle + Macro camera which Samsung lacks. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS | Both support 4K recording. Reno5 offers more frame rate choices, A72 has optical stabilization. |
| DxOMark | Not Available | 92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | A72's camera has been tested and shows good results for photos and moderate results for videos. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Reno5 features more autofocus options and ultra-stable video recording. A72 has OIS and Optical Zoom. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | A72 has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Reno5 charges much faster, a significant convenience. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Dual-cell battery, Non-removable | 15W Fast Charger Included, Non-removable | Reno5 has reverse charging for powering other devices, and dual-cell for faster charging. A72 comes with a charger. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 12 | Android 11, upgradeable to 12 | Both will provide similar Android functionality. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer the same WiFi standards, but Reno5 supports Wi-Fi MiMO, which can improve signal performance in some cases. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC | 5.0, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP | Reno5 has newer Bluetooth for better range and battery efficiency. A72 has a wider range of profile support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Reno5 supports more satellite systems, potentially for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | Reno5 has more RAM for better multitasking and smoother app switching. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both offer excellent audio with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos enhancements. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both use a basic fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3+ | Unknown | Reno5 offers better screen protection with Gorilla Glass 3+. The A72 screen protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Biometric, Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Reno5 offers Gravity sensor, while A72 offers Geomagnetic and Hall sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Oppo Reno5 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 765G chipset and Adreno 620 GPU provide better overall performance, smoother multitasking, and better graphics for gaming compared to the A72's 720G.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging significantly reduces charging time, a significant convenience for busy users.
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for prolonged use and single handed usage.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Offers better range and battery efficiency.
- Wider Aperture Main Camera & Known Sensor: Offers better low-light performance.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life, beneficial for users with heavy usage or long days.
- Dedicated Telephoto and Wide-Angle Lenses: Versatile camera system with additional lenses for zoom, portrait, and ultra-wide photography.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Improved image stabilization for sharper photos and smoother videos, particularly in low light.
- Wider Aperture Selfie Camera: Allows more light for better selfie quality in low light.
- DxOMark Camera Score: Confirmed camera quality.
- More Bluetooth Profile Support: Better support for advanced Bluetooth accessories.
Trade-offs:
- Reno5: Lacks the dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses of the A72 and has smaller battery.
- A72: Heavier, bulkier, and has slower charging. Lacks the performance of the 765G chipset.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Oppo Reno5 5G Ideal User:
- Gamers: Benefits from the powerful chipset, GPU, and high refresh rate screen for smoother gameplay.
- Users valuing fast charging: Great for individuals with fast-paced lifestyles who need their phones ready to go quickly.
- Those who prioritize performance: Offers snappier multitasking and app launching.
- Users who prioritize compact phones: The lighter design and smaller dimensions are ideal for single-handed use and easy portability.
Use Cases for Reno5:
- Intense mobile gaming.
- Quick charging before heading out.
- Heavy app usage and multitasking.
- Those who want a compact phone that fits easily in their pocket.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Enjoys versatile photography with telephoto, wide-angle, and OIS for better shots.
- Users prioritizing battery life: Good for those who need their phone to last through long days without charging.
- Users who frequently use Bluetooth devices: Wide range of Bluetooth profile support.
- Media Consumers: Enjoys watching videos and movies on a larger screen.
Use Cases for A72:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Long hours of media consumption.
- Heavy all-day use without frequent charging.
- Using advanced Bluetooth accessories.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance or Battery? Do you prioritize raw speed and performance or longer battery life?
- Camera Versatility or Charging Speed? Do you value a more versatile camera system or significantly faster charging?
- Size and Weight or Screen Size? Do you prefer a compact and lightweight phone or a larger display for media consumption?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are a gamer or performance user: The Oppo Reno5 5G is the better option due to its superior chipset and GPU.
- If you are a photography enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better choice with its versatile camera system and OIS.
- If you need long battery life: The Samsung Galaxy A72 will likely provide longer use due to its larger battery capacity.
- If you want a smaller phone, which charges extremely fast: The Oppo Reno5 5G will provide a better option.
Conclusion
My Choice:
I would personally choose the Oppo Reno5 5G. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a more versatile camera system and longer battery life, my preference leans towards performance, fast charging, and a more compact design. I also prefer a more recent bluetooth standard. As a user who frequently engages in gaming and multitasking, the Snapdragon 765G chipset and Adreno 620 GPU in the Reno5 offer a noticeable advantage. Furthermore, the 65W fast charging is a game-changer for quickly topping up the battery throughout the day. Although the A72's camera is enticing, the Reno5's main camera, combined with its other strengths, makes it the better fit for my needs. While I acknowledge that the A72's battery is larger and it does have the dedicated wide angle and telephoto lenses, these are compromises I'm willing to make for a device that suits my everyday use.
