1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 8.1 mm | Realme 11 is slightly narrower and thinner, potentially feeling more comfortable in hand for some users, while the A72 has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 203g | 190g | Realme 11 is 13g lighter, which could be noticeable during prolonged usage, making it slightly easier to hold. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 11 offers better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.72" | Negligible difference in size, both offer a large screen experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness on both displays, no visible difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 394 | 392 | Virtually identical pixel density, both displays appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung A72's AMOLED display will offer richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, particularly in dark settings and consuming HDR content; Also more efficient for dark mode users. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 11 has a slightly smoother scrolling and animation experience due to the higher refresh rate, though the difference might be subtle for casual users. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1000 nits | Realme 11 is better suited for outdoor use in bright sunlight, offering more visibility. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Realme 11's newer chipset offers faster processing, snappier app loading, and smoother general performance; more future-proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 389,600 | Realme 11 is significantly faster based on benchmark performance, indicating better performance during intensive use. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPUs. The real-world performance in gaming will vary, depending on the optimization of the game for each phone. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.79 | Realme 11 has slightly wider aperture which might result in marginally better low light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Lens | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung A72 offers optical zoom and dedicated telephoto shots for better portraits; more versatile camera setup. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Samsung A72 offers high resolution selfies, capturing more detail; Realme 11 has wider aperture, better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung A72 can capture wider scenes such as landscapes and groups of people. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 11 uses a dedicated sensor for depth information to capture a bokeh effect. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung A72 can capture close up images of small objects. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Samsung A72 is capable of shooting in higher video resolution making it a better choice for video recording. EIS on both. |
| DXOMark Score | 92 | Not Available | Samsung A72 camera has been rated with a score of 92 based on lab tests. |
| Camera Features | Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, OIS, Manual focus, Night Mode | Dual camera, Digital image stabilization | Samsung A72 offers more features for creative photos and more options to capture a scene, has OIS. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life, which is typically a full day with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | Realme 11 charges slightly faster, meaning less time plugged into the charger. |
| Charging Features | 15W Charger Included | None specified | The A72 comes with a charger included, while the Realme 11's charger being included is not explicitly stated. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED offers better image quality, deeper blacks, and superior power efficiency for dark mode users.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses, offering more flexibility in photography.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Reduces blur and improves low-light image quality.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 32MP front camera captures more detail, great for high-quality selfies and video calls.
- Better Video Recording: 4K at 30fps recording capabilities.
- Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers: Enhanced audio experience for media consumption.
- More mature ecosystem: Potentially more stable and feature-rich experience, thanks to the Samsung ecosystem
- Included Charger: 15W fast charger included.
Realme 11 Advantages
- Newer Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ offers superior performance, leading to faster app launches, and smoother general use; more future proof.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz display provides slightly smoother animations and scrolling.
- Higher Screen Brightness: 1000 nits brightness makes the screen more visible in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging allows for quicker top-ups.
- Newer OS: Comes with a newer Android version (Android 13).
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Potentially more reliable than the basic in-screen one.
- Slightly Lighter Design: 13g lighter, easier to hold for long periods.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides enhanced durability.
Significant Trade-offs
- Samsung Galaxy A72: Sacrifices newer performance and display refresh rate for superior camera versatility and screen quality. Slightly heavier and older overall.
- Realme 11: Sacrifices camera versatility and screen technology for newer performance and smoother display. Lacks OIS and stereo speakers.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value versatile camera options, including telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses for creative shots, as well as a superior selfie camera.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize high-quality display for watching videos and movies and a superior audio experience.
- Users who prefer a more mature ecosystem: Those who appreciate the polish and stability of Samsung's software.
- Users who value a charger included in the box: The 15W charger is included in the box.
Specific Use Cases:
- Capturing detailed landscape, portrait, and close-up photos.
- Watching movies and videos with vibrant colors and deeper blacks.
- Enjoying immersive audio from built in stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos.
- Using a consistent and reliable software experience.
Realme 11 Ideal User
- Performance-Focused Users: Users who prioritize speed and smooth performance for gaming, multitasking, and general use.
- Users on the Go: Users who appreciate faster charging and slightly lighter phone for all-day use.
- Users who value a brighter screen: Those who need clear visibility even in direct sunlight.
- Users who want the latest OS version: Latest Android version out of the box.
- Value Seekers: Users who want the best possible performance in its price category.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Multitasking between apps efficiently.
- Having a phone that charges quickly during a busy day.
- Viewing the screen under bright outdoor conditions.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- The price to value ratio will vary depending on the region and retailers. However the Realme 11 typically offers better performance and newer features for the price while the Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a more versatile camera system and superior screen technology in its category.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- Camera Versatility vs. Performance: Do you prioritize a versatile camera system (optical zoom, wide-angle, macro) and superior display, or faster performance with a smoother screen and quicker charging?
- Display Quality vs. Brightness: Do you value the vibrant colors and deep blacks of an AMOLED display, or the brighter screen with smoother refresh rate of an IPS LCD?
- Ecosystem: Do you prefer the software stability and features of a mature ecosystem (Samsung) or the latest OS and features available out of the box?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1 (Photography Focused): If you take a lot of photos and need a flexible camera, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better choice with its versatile camera setup and OIS.
- Scenario 2 (Performance Focused): If you want a phone for gaming or smoother use, choose the Realme 11 with its newer, faster chipset and higher refresh rate display.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you want a bit of both, consider what is most important to you. If camera and screen are more important go for the Samsung A72, otherwise go for the Realme 11.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Realme 11. My decision is based on a combination of factors that align with my priorities:
- Performance: As someone who uses their phone for multitasking and some gaming, the newer chipset of the Realme 11, along with its higher AnTuTu score, is a significant advantage. This translates to a smoother, more responsive experience day-to-day.
- Display Smoothness and Brightness: While I appreciate the AMOLED technology, the higher refresh rate of the Realme 11's screen, coupled with its higher brightness, is preferable for my needs. The difference between 90Hz and 120Hz, while subtle, is noticeable for those who look for it, plus the 1000 nits outdoor brightness is very useful.
- Charging Speed: The faster 33W charging of the Realme 11 means less time tethered to a power outlet, which is beneficial for my on-the-go lifestyle.
- Software: The latest Android version is always a plus, and I don't mind not having all the Samsung-specific features in the A72.
- Value: Overall, the Realme 11 provides better performance with newer components at a price that usually undercuts the Samsung A72.
While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has a superior camera system and better audio and a better screen, the benefits of the Realme 11, specifically the processing performance, better screen brightness and refresh rate, are more relevant to my typical use case. The Realme 11 aligns more closely with my emphasis on performance and overall responsiveness of a smartphone.
