1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Oppo A54 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 162.9 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | A72 is slightly taller and wider, potentially feeling larger in hand, but both have same thickness. |
| Weight | 203g | 190g | A54 5G is lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | A72 offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multi-tasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same crispness and detail level. |
| PPI | 394 | 405 | Similar pixel density, both displays appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72's AMOLED has better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors and better power efficiency for dark modes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 offers significantly better visibility in bright sunlight. Oppo A54 5G data missing, likely less bright. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | A72's 720G offers better overall performance, smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 216,504 | A72 will feel noticeably faster and smoother in daily use due to better processing power. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | Different GPUs: the impact of the difference is unclear without specific performance data |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life based on capacity alone. Actual endurance can vary with usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 18W fast charging | A72 charges faster. |
| Charger Included | 15W Fast Charger | 10W Inbox charger | A72 ships with a faster charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.8, 0.8µm | 48MP f/1.7, 0.8µm | A72 captures more detail due to higher resolution; A54 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto | 8MP f/2.4, 1.00µm | None | A72 has dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, offering better quality zoomed photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2, 0.8µm | 16MP f/2.0, 1.00µm | A72 takes higher-resolution selfies, while A54 5G has a wider aperture, potentially better low-light shots |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | A72 takes slightly more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP f/2.4, 1.75µm | A72 captures slightly more detailed macro images. |
| Black & White | None | 2MP f/2.4, 1.75µm | A54 5G provides black and white photos |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps EIS | 1080p@30fps with EIS | A72 can record 4K videos; A54 5G is limited to 1080p. A72 offers more versatile options. |
| DxOMark | 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | N/A | A72's camera performance is rated as excellent in photos and good in videos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgrade to 12 | Android 11 | Both run Android 11 but A72 is upradable to 12. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB | Similar storage options, A72 has 128GB minimum option, A54 5G has 64 GB minimum option. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 4 GB or 8 GB | Both offers 8GB for more demanding tasks but A72 has 6 GB minium. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | A72 provides higher quality and immersive audio experience, better for enjoying music and videos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A54 5G provides faster and more responsive finger print reader. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED display offers significantly better contrast, color vibrancy, and sunlight visibility compared to the A54 5G's IPS LCD.
- Better Performance: Snapdragon 720G chipset results in smoother performance and quicker app loading compared to the Snapdragon 480 5G.
- Enhanced Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens for optical zoom, higher resolution main and selfie cameras, and 4K video recording.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging is significantly faster than the A54 5G's 18W charging.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support for a better audio experience.
- Camera Performance: Better camera performance according to DxOmark test, with 92 as main score.
- Software: Upgradable to Android 12.
Oppo A54 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: Slightly lighter and may be more comfortable for extended use.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a more convenient and ergonomic unlock experience.
- 5G Connectivity: Although both phones have 5G connectivity, the Snapdragon 480 is built as a 5G focused processor.
- Wider Selfie Aperture: The slightly wider aperture on the selfie camera may result in better low-light performance.
- More GPS satellite systems: Supports QZSS and provides better location accuracy.
- Bluetooth 5.1: Newer Bluetooth version with better energy management and new features.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung A72 sacrifices a dedicated black and white lens for enhanced telephoto and main cameras.
- The Oppo A54 5G has a newer generation Bluetooth version at the cost of some other functionalities such as AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID and other.
- Samsung does not offer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Oppo doesn't have an AMOLED screen and lower brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos, movies, and playing games will benefit from the superior AMOLED display and stereo speakers.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and versatility, appreciate having a telephoto lens for zooming, and will make use of 4K video recording.
- Power Users: Those who require fast performance for multitasking and app usage, and prefer the convenience of faster charging.
- General Users: The better display makes it a joy for common daily usage.
Oppo A54 5G Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who want a 5G capable phone at a more accessible price point and are willing to compromise on some premium features.
- Practical Users: Those who prioritize lightweight design, a reliable side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and solid battery life for everyday use.
- Casual Photographers: Users who take occasional photos and selfies, and value a decent camera experience without needing all the bells and whistles.
- Frequent Travelers: Those who need extra GPS support will value the QZSS support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Quality: Is a vibrant AMOLED display with higher brightness important, or is a standard IPS LCD sufficient?
- Performance: How important is smooth performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and gaming?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need a versatile camera system with a telephoto lens and 4K recording, or is a basic camera setup adequate?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Consumption & Photography - If you value a premium display for media consumption and a versatile camera, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget & Practicality: If you are looking for an affordable 5G phone, a side mounted sensor, basic functionality for everyday use, the Oppo A54 5G is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Experience: If you are looking for balanced experience for every day use, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is more suitable due to better screen quality.
What I Would Choose and Why
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
My reasoning is based on the following:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display is a significant advantage for me. The improved contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors significantly enhance the overall user experience, especially when consuming media or using the phone outdoors in bright sunlight. The absence of brightness data for Oppo's phone is also a key factor.
- Better Performance: While both phones are functional, the Snapdragon 720G in the A72 offers a noticeable performance boost in daily tasks and app loading which translates to a smoother user experience.
- Enhanced Camera: As someone who enjoys taking photos and videos, the inclusion of a telephoto lens, higher resolution main and selfie cameras, and 4K video recording capabilities in the A72 offer more versatility and better quality results. The DxOmark rating for the camera is also a key factor.
- Faster Charging: The 25W fast charging on the A72 is significantly faster, making it more convenient for daily use, which adds to the better performance and makes the phone a better overall option.
- Better Sound Quality: The stereo speakers paired with Dolby Atmos support on the A72 create a more immersive audio experience for videos and music.
- Software Updates: The guarantee of a newer Android upgrade makes it a more future-proof phone.
While the Oppo A54 5G has some advantages such as a more modern bluetooth version, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, extra GPS support and being a lighter device, the overall experience offered by the Samsung Galaxy A72 with its superior display, better performance, enhanced camera system, faster charging, and better sound quality aligns more with my preferences for a smartphone. For me, the differences are significant enough to justify choosing the A72 over the A54 5G.
