Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Oppo A55
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Oppo A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 163.6 × 75.7 × 8.4 mm | A72 is slightly taller and wider, but both have the same thickness. The difference might be noticeable in hand feel. |
| Weight | 203g | 193g | Oppo A55 is 10g lighter, making it slightly more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.51" | A72 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | A72's higher resolution results in a sharper and more detailed image, making text and images appear clearer. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 270 PPI | A72's significantly higher pixel density offers a noticeably sharper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72's AMOLED provides deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and superior power efficiency for dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A72's 90Hz refresh rate leads to smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72's much higher brightness makes it significantly easier to see the screen in bright sunlight. The A55's brightness is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Helio G35 (12 nm) | A72’s Snapdragon 720G generally offers better overall performance, and gaming capabilities (higher clock speed), with a more efficient 8nm process. The 12nm G35 may be less power efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 379,800 | A55 demonstrates a higher benchmark score, which may suggest slightly faster app loading and smoother operation, *though real world use can vary. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | PowerVR GE8320 | A72’s Adreno 618 is a stronger GPU leading to better performance in graphically demanding applications and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 13MP, f/2.2 | A72's main camera captures more detailed photos with better low-light performance due to the higher megapixel count and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4 | Not available | A72 offers optical zoom capabilities and improved portrait photos, not available on the A55. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | Not available | A72 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes, not available on the A55. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72's macro lens captures more detailed close-up photos compared to A55. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | A72's selfie camera captures significantly more detailed photos. A55 has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 allows for higher-resolution 4K video recording with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) for better video quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, offering similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | A72 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime spent waiting for the battery to replenish. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 | A72 has a guaranteed upgrade to Android 12, offering the latest features. A55's future updates are not specified. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB | A72 offers a higher storage option (256GB), allowing for more apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Both provide adequate memory for smooth multitasking and gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | Not available | Not available | Neither device supports external storage which may be limiting for some users. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | The A72 offers a superior audio experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, resulting in a richer and more immersive sound. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A55's side-mounted sensor is generally considered more convenient. Both provide basic biometric security features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones have similar WiFi performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | The A55 has a newer bluetooth version and low energy consumption features for better energy management. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The A55 offers slightly better GPS positioning due to its compatibility with QZSS. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer; Compass; Gyroscope | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer; Gyroscope | The A72 has a slightly more comprehensive array of sensors including a compass and hall sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, and 90Hz refresh rate results in a much sharper, vibrant, and smoother viewing experience, particularly noticeable when viewing high-resolution content or using the phone in direct sunlight.
- Better Camera System: Offers a more versatile camera setup, including higher resolution main and selfie cameras, a telephoto lens for optical zoom, and a wide-angle lens. It also has superior video recording capabilities (4K). This benefits those who value camera quality for photos and video.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, a big plus for busy users.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers offer a richer and more immersive audio experience for music, videos, and games.
- Software Updates: Guaranteed Android 12 upgrade.
Oppo A55 Advantages:
- Higher Benchmark Score: The A55 has a higher benchmark score, which might indicate slightly faster app loading and operation. However, real world results can vary.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 with low energy consumption offering better energy management and advanced audio codecs
- Slightly Lighter: The Oppo A55 is 10g lighter, making it slightly more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Better GPS: The Oppo A55 features QZSS GPS capabilities for more accurate location tracking.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung A72 excels in display, camera, audio and charging speed, but may have lower raw performance scores.
- The Oppo A55 has higher raw performance scores and modern Bluetooth, but has a lower resolution display, a less versatile camera and slower charging speeds.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize display quality, camera versatility, and overall multimedia experience.
- Use Cases:
- Frequent media consumers (Netflix, YouTube, games).
- Photography enthusiasts who need a versatile camera system.
- Users who require long battery life with fast charging.
- Users who value better audio quality.
- Users who require software updates.
Oppo A55:
- Ideal User: Users who value affordability and battery life, and are not heavily reliant on display quality or camera features.
- Use Cases:
- General daily use, social media, and communication.
- Users who are less concerned with camera quality or video.
- Users looking for a lighter device.
- Users who value battery life and general usage over a high-quality screen.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality to you? (Do you need the best possible visuals for media, or is a basic display acceptable?)
- Do you value a versatile camera system and high quality video? (Are you a frequent photographer/videographer who needs many features, or is a basic camera sufficient?)
- Is fast charging a crucial factor in your daily routine? (Do you need your phone to charge quickly, or is a slower charge acceptable?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Consumption & Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72 due to its superior display, versatile camera, better video quality, and enhanced audio.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User for Basic Daily Use
- Recommendation: Oppo A55. Offers adequate performance for daily tasks at a lower price point, with good battery life and a slightly lighter design.
- Scenario 3: Performance User who values longevity
- Recommendation: Oppo A55 due to its higher benchmark score and more advanced bluetooth.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
Here's why:
- Display Quality: The AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and higher resolution is a huge factor for me. I value crisp, smooth visuals for daily use, media consumption, and gaming. The difference between an AMOLED and IPS LCD panel is very noticeable and it is a key component for an enjoyable smartphone experience.
- Camera Versatility: I want a phone with a good camera system. The inclusion of a telephoto and wide-angle lens, along with the higher megapixel count for both main and selfie cameras, makes the Galaxy A72 a much more compelling choice for capturing diverse photos and videos, as well as recording quality video.
- Faster Charging: Having the convenience of 25W fast charging is very useful, allowing me to quickly top up the battery when needed, which I find is important as I am often on the go.
- Audio Quality: The enhanced audio experience of Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers is a significant advantage of the A72.
While the Oppo A55 has a slightly higher benchmark score and newer bluetooth and may offer a slight edge in day-to-day performance, the advantages of the Samsung Galaxy A72 in display, camera, audio, and charging outweigh that minor benefit. The overall user experience of the A72 would be much more compelling for my personal preferences.
Ultimately, the ideal choice depends on individual needs and preferences, but for me, the Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a more premium experience that justifies its potential price difference.
