Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Oppo Reno12 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Oppo Reno12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 161.5 x 74.8 x 7.4 mm | Oppo Reno12 Pro is more compact and thinner, making it easier to handle and pocket. |
| Weight | 203g | 180g | Oppo Reno12 Pro is noticeably lighter, offering better comfort for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have large screens suitable for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2412 | Virtually identical; sharp visuals on both devices. |
| PPI | 394 | 394 | Equal sharpness; pixel density is indistinguishable in practical use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks; excellent viewing experience on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Oppo Reno12 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations, which are more visually appealing. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1400 nits | Oppo Reno12 Pro offers significantly better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SD 720G (8nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 Energy (4nm) | Oppo Reno12 Pro's newer chipset will result in noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 702,140 | Oppo Reno12 Pro demonstrates substantially higher performance, making it better for demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Oppo Reno12 Pro's GPU is significantly more powerful, leading to better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" Sony LYT-600 | Samsung A72 has higher resolution but Oppo has better sensor; Oppo has better image quality particularly in low-light. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" OV08A10 | N/A | Samsung A72 offers dedicated telephoto capabilities for better zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN5 | Oppo Reno12 Pro has better selfies with a higher resolution sensor, capturing more detail and better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN5 | Oppo Reno12 Pro offers a dedicated telephoto lens, which provides superior zoom and better details. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355 | Samsung Galaxy A72 has higher resolution, but pixel size is similar, both will perform comparably for wide shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung Galaxy A72 includes a dedicated macro lens for very close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps w/ EIS | Up to 4K@30fps w/ HDR, OIS, EIS | Oppo Reno12 Pro has better image stabilization features and HDR which results in better quality and steadier footage. |
| DXOMark | Main: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Not Available | Samsung Galaxy A72's camera performance has been evaluated by DXOMark, providing a benchmark for comparison. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life expectations with standard usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Oppo Reno12 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime and providing convenience for those on the go. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 17) | Oppo Reno12 Pro provides newer features, better performance and is supported for a longer period with updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Oppo Reno12 Pro provides faster and more stable Wi-Fi connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.4 LE | Oppo Reno12 Pro has better connectivity with newer Bluetooth standard, improved energy efficiency and faster data transfer. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Oppo Reno12 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Oppo Reno12 Pro provides more storage options for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 12/16GB | Oppo Reno12 Pro provides significantly more RAM, ensuring smoother performance in multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage; users should consider their storage needs before purchasing. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Samsung A72 provides richer, more immersive sound compared to Oppo Reno12 Pro's basic features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Oppo Reno12 Pro has better screen protection, making it more resistant to scratches and damage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Dedicated Telephoto and Macro lenses: Offers more versatility in photography with optical zoom capabilities and detailed close-up shots.
- DXOMark Camera Score: Provides a tangible benchmark for the camera performance, with a high photo score.
- Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos: Delivers a more immersive audio experience, enhancing media consumption.
Practical Implications: Better camera versatility in different shooting conditions and a more immersive audio experience.
Oppo Reno12 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: Newer and more powerful chipset, resulting in smoother and faster overall performance.
- Faster Charging: 80W fast charging significantly reduces charging time compared to the Samsung's 25W.
- Superior Display Brightness: Offers much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Updated Software: Android 14 offers better features and performance compared to Android 11 and can be supported with updates for longer.
- Advanced Camera Tech: Features like a better selfie sensor, telephoto lens with great details, HDR video recording and optical image stabilization deliver better photo quality in different conditions.
- Stronger Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 ensures more durability and resistance to screen damage.
- More RAM and Storage: Offers superior multitasking and more space for media and applications.
- More modern connectivity: Offers better connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4.
Practical Implications: Superior performance, faster charging, better visibility outdoors, better protection for the screen, and more future-proof in terms of OS updates and faster data speeds.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung A72 has better audio and telephoto and macro capabilities, but significantly weaker performance.
- Oppo Reno12 Pro lacks the macro lens and more immersive audio from the Samsung A72, but offers a better camera experience and much better overall performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who prioritize good camera features and audio over raw processing power.
- Users who enjoy varied photography: Those who will use the dedicated telephoto and macro cameras.
- Media consumers: People who frequently watch videos and enjoy enhanced audio experiences.
- Casual gamers: Those who do not need cutting-edge performance for complex gaming.
Use Cases:
- Capturing detailed photos with the telephoto and macro lenses.
- Enjoying movies and music on the go with Dolby Atmos stereo speakers.
- Everyday photography in various lighting conditions.
- General daily use with satisfactory performance.
Oppo Reno12 Pro Ideal Users:
- Performance-oriented users: Those who need a smooth and fast phone for demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming.
- Frequent travelers/outdoor users: Those who require a bright screen that performs well in direct sunlight and a long-lasting, fast-charging battery.
- Mobile photographers who prioritize selfies and great details: Those looking for a quality camera experience with a good selfie camera, a solid telephoto lens and great video stabilization.
- Users who prefer modern technology and long-term software support : Those who prefer to have the newest software available and receive more updates.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games.
- Using several applications simultaneously without lag.
- Taking high-quality selfies and video.
- Working outdoors with the phone.
- Long hours using the phone with fast recharge capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is raw processing power and speed? If you need top performance for demanding applications, the Oppo Reno12 Pro is the better choice.
- Which camera features are most important? The Samsung Galaxy A72 provides more lens variety (telephoto and macro) while the Oppo Reno12 Pro offers better camera tech in most aspects (telephoto with great detail, HDR video, OIS, better selfie).
- Is fast charging a must-have? The Oppo Reno12 Pro charges significantly faster with 80W charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming and Performance
- Recommendation: Oppo Reno12 Pro. Its significantly faster performance is ideal for mobile gaming and heavy applications.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption and Casual Photography
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72 offers more immersion with its Dolby Atmos audio and a dedicated macro camera, though slower overall performance compared to Oppo.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Use and Photography
- Recommendation: Oppo Reno12 Pro, its brighter screen is crucial for outdoor visibility and better camera quality.
- Scenario 4: Budget Conscious with a Variety of Lenses
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72, offering variety of cameras at a better price.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Oppo Reno12 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a dedicated telephoto and macro lens and a better audio experience, the Oppo Reno12 Pro's advantages in performance, charging speed, screen brightness, software support and camera quality are far more compelling to me. The significantly better performance and the faster charging, coupled with the better screen protection and updated software, make it a more future-proof and enjoyable daily driver. The camera, although lacking the macro lens, is superior in general use and offers a higher-quality photography experience with good details from the telephoto lens and better stabilization. Although the Samsung A72 is a good budget option, the Oppo Reno12 Pro is a significant upgrade for those looking for a fast, long-lasting and quality experience.
