1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.5 × 73.3 × 8.4 mm | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | A72 is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use; GT 5G is more compact |
| Weight | 186g | 203g | GT 5G is lighter, easier to hold for extended periods, and more pocketable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | A72 has slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking; GT 5G might be slightly easier to handle for some. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness and clarity on both displays. |
| PPI | 409 | 394 | Indistinguishable difference in sharpness in everyday use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | GT 5G's 120Hz display results in smoother animations and scrolling, enhancing the perceived speed of the phone. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 800 nits | A72 is significantly more visible in bright sunlight; GT 5G's brightness is unknown, making it potentially less suitable for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | GT 5G offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance due to its flagship-level chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 912,342 | 285,000 | GT 5G is dramatically faster for demanding tasks, making it much more future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 618 | GT 5G has a substantially more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance in games and other GPU-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A72 likely offers longer battery life due to larger battery capacity. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 25W fast charging | GT 5G charges much faster, reducing downtime; A72 includes a 15W charger, which is significantly slower than the phone's supported 25W charging |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W Fast Charger included | Both have non-removable batteries; A72 includes a slower charger in the box; GT 5G charger needs to be purchased separately. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", IMX682 | 64MP, f/1.8 | Both have similar main camera specs; GT 5G has a Sony sensor, which often indicates higher quality. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | - | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", OV08A10 | A72 offers a dedicated telephoto lens, providing superior zoom capabilities and better portrait mode options. |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.5 | 32MP, f/2.2 | A72 has a higher resolution and wider aperture selfie camera, likely resulting in better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.3 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | A72 captures wider, more detailed wide-angle shots due to higher resolution and wider aperture and larger pixel size |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm | A72 captures higher resolution macro shots; A72 has a larger pixel size which could result in a better light capture. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Both offer 4K video recording with EIS; GT 5G has a higher frame rate in 4K recording. GT 5G has a faster slow-motion capabilities |
| DxOMark | - | Main: 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | A72 provides a more well-rounded camera experience with dedicated photo and video scores. GT 5G score is unknown. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser AF, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, 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 | GT 5G has RAW support and more advanced autofocus; A72 has OIS and optical zoom. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max version 14 | Android 11, max version 12 | GT 5G has a longer software support window, potentially meaning a longer useful life. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer identical storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | GT 5G has more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and a better gaming experience. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, limiting storage capacity to the internal memory. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | GT 5G has superior audio quality due to Hi-Res Audio and better voice pickup with two microphones, suitable for audiophiles or voice recording needs. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones use similar fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support standard WiFi technologies, providing similar connectivity speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 | GT 5G has a newer Bluetooth standard, which may result in better audio quality, higher transfer speeds, and lower energy consumption. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GT 5G provides better location accuracy due to its ability to use more satellite bands, ideal for accurate navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both offer dual SIM support. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Missing screen protection details. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | A72 offers better tracking and sensor capabilities with the addition of Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic Sensors. The Gyroscope is useful for better tracking in video games, and other motion based applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme GT 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers significantly higher processing power, making the phone much faster for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid visual experience, enhancing everyday interactions.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging reduces charging times significantly.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res audio and two microphones enhance audio quality for both playback and voice recording.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 offers potentially improved performance.
- More Precise Location: Supports more satellite bands for superior GPS accuracy.
- More RAM: More RAM (12GB max) provides excellent multitasking capabilities.
- Longer Software Support: Two additional OS upgrades provides more longevity.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Better Display Brightness: 800 nits brightness makes the screen more visible in bright sunlight.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Telephoto Camera: Includes a dedicated telephoto camera for better optical zoom and portrait capabilities.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: The 32MP front camera provides potentially better quality selfies.
- Wider Aperture Selfie Camera: Better low light performance.
- Better Wide Angle Lens: Higher resolution and wider aperture providing a better overall image.
- Better Macro Lens: Higher resolution and larger pixel size which could result in better image quality.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): The main camera has OIS, which could provide better stability in videos and sharper low light photos.
- Included Charger: Ships with a 15W charger.
- Gyroscope Sensor: Offers better tracking capabilities.
- DxOMark Camera Score: The A72 has been tested for camera performance by DxOMark and has been given a score of 92.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Realme GT 5G: Lacks a telephoto lens, has an unknown display brightness, and potentially shorter battery life.
- Samsung Galaxy A72: Significantly lower performance, slower display, and much slower charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Realme GT 5G:
- Gamers: The Snapdragon 888 and 120Hz display offer a superior gaming experience.
- Power Users: Users who need fast performance for multitasking and demanding apps.
- Audiophiles: Users who appreciate high-quality audio and need good voice recording capabilities.
- Users Prioritizing Speed: Prefer quick charging speeds and overall fast phone performance.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value versatile camera systems with a telephoto lens and OIS.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a brighter display for better visibility in sunlight.
- Users Prioritizing Battery: Users who need long battery life and don't mind slightly lower performance.
- Casual Smartphone User: Looking for reliable performance for everyday use and general media consumption.
Specific Use Cases:
- Realme GT 5G: Playing graphically intensive mobile games, recording high quality audio/video, running many apps simultaneously without lag, fast charging in short breaks.
- Samsung Galaxy A72: Taking photos and videos in diverse conditions, watching videos outdoors, spending long periods away from a charger.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance or Camera? Do you prioritize raw processing power and a smooth experience (GT 5G) or a versatile camera system with zoom and OIS (A72)?
- Screen Visibility or Smoothness? Do you need a very bright screen for outdoor use (A72) or prefer a smooth 120Hz refresh rate (GT 5G)?
- Battery Life or Charging Speed? Do you need a phone that lasts all day on a single charge (A72) or prioritize fast charging to minimize downtime (GT 5G)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming: Choose the Realme GT 5G for its superior chipset and 120Hz display.
- Scenario 2: Photography & Videography: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its telephoto lens, OIS, and higher-quality wide and macro lens.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Usage: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its higher brightness display.
- Scenario 4: Daily Driver: Consider your typical use; if it involves mainly social media, browsing, and casual media, the A72 is fine; if it involves heavy multitasking or gaming, then GT 5G is better.
My Choice:
I would choose the Realme GT 5G. My primary use case for a smartphone involves frequent gaming, multitasking, and general usage of demanding apps. The significantly more powerful processor (Snapdragon 888 vs. 720G) and faster RAM and refresh rate make a big difference in everyday performance and responsiveness. I often charge my phone in short bursts throughout the day, making the 65W fast charging extremely convenient. While the camera system is not as versatile as the A72, it still provides excellent photos for most of my needs, and the Hi-Res audio is a plus for media consumption. The significantly better performance and more future-proof chipset outweigh the brighter screen and better camera versatility of the A72.
