Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Oppo Reno12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Oppo Reno12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2024-06-25 | Oppo Reno12 is significantly newer, implying modern features and software. |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm, 203g | 161.4 x 74.1 x 7.6 mm, 177g | Oppo Reno12 is more compact and significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Similar resolution, negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 394 PPI | Identical sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Oppo Reno12 offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1400 nits | Oppo Reno12 is significantly brighter, offering much better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 Energy (4 nm) | Oppo Reno12's newer, more efficient chip offers significantly better performance and battery efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 702,140 | Oppo Reno12 provides a much faster user experience, suitable for gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Oppo Reno12's GPU offers significantly better graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Similar battery capacity, implying comparable battery life under similar usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 80W fast charging | Oppo Reno12 charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Oppo Reno12 uses Li-Polymer technology, generally considered more efficient and with a longer lifespan. |
| Included Charger | 15W Charger included | Not Specified | Samsung A72 includes a charger while it's not specified for Oppo Reno12, which may need a separate purchase. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.70µm pixels, 1/2" sensor | Samsung's main camera has slightly higher MP, however Oppo has a larger sensor size which often allows for better low-light performance |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm pixels, 1/4.4" sensor | None | Samsung Galaxy A72 has a dedicated Telephoto lens for zoomed in photos and depth perception for portrait shots, missing on Oppo Reno12 |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, | 32MP, f/2.0, | Oppo Reno12’s selfie camera has a wider aperture, potentially leading to better low-light selfie performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.14µm pixels, 1/2.8" sensor | Samsung Galaxy A72 has a higher MP count for wide angle, but Oppo has a slightly larger pixel size. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixels | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixels, 1/5" sensor | Samsung Galaxy A72 has higher macro lens MP, but Oppo has a significantly larger pixel size and larger sensor for more details. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, EIS, Slow-motion 120fps | 4K@30fps, OIS, EIS, Slow-motion up to 960fps, HDR | Oppo Reno12 has better stabilization, HDR recording, higher slow-motion frame rate for better video quality. |
| DXOMark Score | 92 Main, 100 Photo, 78 Video | Not available | Samsung Galaxy A72 has been benchmarked by DXOMark, with decent scores. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Quad, Digital Zoom, Optical Zoom, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Noise reduction, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Both have a wide range of camera features, but the Samsung offers Optical Zoom, while Oppo offers RAW image capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | Oppo Reno12 has a much newer OS, with more up to date features and longer update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax(Wi-Fi 6) + MIMO | Oppo Reno12 supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster, more stable wireless connections, plus MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 LE, Apt-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Oppo Reno12 has a newer version with more advanced audio codecs for better wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Oppo Reno12 supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Oppo Reno12 offers more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | Oppo Reno12 offers more RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Samsung A72 has better audio quality and features with stereo speakers for a more immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both devices have similar fingerprint sensor implementation, provides basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Oppo Reno12 offers superior scratch and impact resistance |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Samsung Galaxy A72 has a Compass and Hall sensor while Oppo Reno12 has a Gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Telephoto Lens: Has a dedicated telephoto camera for optical zoom and better portrait shots.
- Macro Lens: Has a dedicated macro camera for closer detail photos.
- Audio Quality: Features Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, offering a better audio experience for media consumption.
- Camera Benchmarks: Includes DXOMark scores indicating photo and video quality (however, this is not the ultimate judge of quality).
- Included Charger: Includes a fast charger in the box, although at 15W.
Oppo Reno12 Advantages:
- Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU for smoother multitasking, gaming and overall performance.
- Display: Brighter display with a 120Hz refresh rate for a smoother viewing experience, especially in sunlight.
- Charging: Much faster 80W charging.
- Software: Much more recent operating system with longer update lifespan.
- Bluetooth: More advanced Bluetooth version and codecs for high-quality wireless audio.
- Storage and RAM: Larger storage and RAM options for better multitasking and storage flexibility.
- Build Quality: Has Gorilla Glass Victus 2 screen protection, offering better scratch and impact resistance.
- Video Features: Better video stabilization, HDR recording and higher slow-motion capture.
- Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and MiMO for faster and more reliable connections.
- Additional Satellites: Includes support for QZSS for more precise positioning
- Larger Pixel Size on Macro: Offers larger pixels for its macro lens, resulting in more detailed shots.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A72: Offers a telephoto lens, better audio, and included charger but is significantly slower and has an older operating system.
- Oppo Reno12: Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens and does not include an included charger, but provides significantly better performance and display and is better suited for modern applications.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User: Casual users who prioritize a good camera with zoom capabilities, listen to a lot of audio through speakers, and don't demand the highest performance. Good for someone on a lower budget who wants a decent camera.
- Use Cases: Taking casual photos with zoom, consuming media through speakers, general social media browsing, making calls, and non-demanding mobile games.
- Value: Good value for the price, but less future proof.
Oppo Reno12:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, battery charging speed, a smooth display experience, and long term software support. This includes mobile gamers, content creators, social media power users and anyone who appreciates high quality visuals.
- Use Cases: Demanding mobile gaming, video editing, content creation, heavy multitasking, watching high-resolution videos, outdoor use, heavy internet browsing, travel, and capturing high-quality videos.
- Value: Greater value for its future proofing, and long-term use despite the higher cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance: How important is speed and responsiveness for your typical use? (e.g., heavy gaming, multitasking).
- Camera: Do you value optical zoom for photos, or are advanced video features and computational photography more important?
- Longevity: How important is having the latest software updates and the newest features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Users: If budget is the primary concern, and advanced features are not critical, the Samsung Galaxy A72 can be a viable option.
- Performance Enthusiasts: If you need top performance for gaming, heavy multitasking, or video editing, the Oppo Reno12 is the better choice.
- Multimedia Consumers: If you use the phone mostly for casual media consumption, the Galaxy A72 can be considered; if it's for higher quality content and you value visual clarity, then the Reno12 is better.
- Photography Enthusiasts: If having a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom is important, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better pick; if the primary goal is to capture high-quality videos and photos with wider dynamic range, the Oppo Reno12 will be a better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Oppo Reno12. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has some advantages with its telephoto lens, the Oppo Reno12 is a significantly more modern, capable phone. Its far superior performance, brighter and smoother display, much faster charging, more up-to-date software, better video capabilities, and more future-proofed hardware make it a much better long-term investment. The lack of a telephoto lens on the Oppo is less of a drawback for me than the severely outdated internals of the Samsung. The higher performance is crucial for my usage, which includes gaming and heavy multitasking, and I’d prefer to not be limited by outdated hardware and software. Additionally the superior screen protection on the Oppo would give me greater peace of mind. Although the Samsung A72 has some features that are useful, the massive gap in performance would make me choose the Oppo.
