1. Specifications Comparison
Design
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | A72 is slightly taller and wider, potentially feeling larger in hand; 12 Pro+ is a bit thicker, but may not be noticeably different. |
Weight | 203g | 196g | Realme 12 Pro+ is slightly lighter, possibly more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size, offering similar viewing areas. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Almost identical; no visible difference in sharpness. |
PPI | 394 | 394 | Both screens have the same pixel density, resulting in identical sharpness. |
Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro+ has smoother animations and scrolling; more fluid user interface experience, especially noticeable in gaming and fast scrolling. |
Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | Samsung Galaxy A72 screen is significantly brighter outdoors, providing superior visibility in sunlight. Realme's brightness is not provided, so we cannot compare. |
Performance
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Realme 12 Pro+ has a more modern and powerful chipset, resulting in faster processing and better efficiency. |
AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 603,400 | Realme 12 Pro+ has significantly higher benchmark scores, indicating superior overall performance and smoother operation. |
GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a more powerful GPU, offering better gaming and graphics performance. |
Camera
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX890, 1.00µm | Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger sensor and pixel size which captures more light, improving low light performance. A72 has higher MP, which can be useful for cropping. |
Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", Omnivision OV08A10, 1.00µm | N/A | Samsung Galaxy A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed photos and better portraits. |
Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", Sony IMX615, 0.80µm | Samsung A72 has a slightly wider aperture which is better for low light selfies. |
Telephoto Lens | N/A | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B, 0.70µm | Realme 12 Pro+ has a dedicated telephoto lens which provides better zoomed shots. |
Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | N/A | Samsung Galaxy A72 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in the frame. |
Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | N/A | Samsung Galaxy A72 has a macro lens for detailed close-up shots. |
Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Hynix HI-846, 1.12µm | Realme 12 Pro+ features a combined wide angle and macro lens. |
Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS, Slow-motion 120fps | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60/120fps with EIS, Slow-motion 240fps | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a higher slow-motion capture rate and 120 fps video recording at 1080p. |
DXOMark | Main:92, Photo:100, Video:78 | Not Provided | Samsung A72 has available DXOmark scores, indicating the photo performance is superior. |
Camera Features | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, OIS, PDAF, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, OIS, PDAF, RAW, 4K video | Each phone offers optical zoom and OIS, and other common features. A72 includes Night Mode, while 12 Pro+ provides RAW capture. |
Battery
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity, offering comparable battery life. |
Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | 67W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Realme 12 Pro+ charges much faster, significantly reducing charging times. |
Battery Features | Non-removable, 15W Fast Charger included | Non-removable | A72 includes a fast charger in the box. 12 Pro+ uses a slightly different battery technology. |
Software
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer Android version, offering the latest features and security updates. |
Connectivity
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | Realme 12 Pro+ has WiFi 6 for faster and more stable connections. |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth version offering more efficient and advanced connectivity options. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro+ supports more satellite systems, potentially improving location accuracy. |
SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
Storage
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a higher maximum storage option, allowing for more photos, videos, and apps. |
RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Realme 12 Pro+ has higher RAM options, leading to better multitasking and performance with resource-intensive apps. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
Audio
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a more comprehensive audio experience with better quality audio, noise cancellation and better voice capture. |
Security
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer standard fingerprint security. |
Build Quality
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have unspecified screen protection. |
Sensors
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Samsung Galaxy A72 has an additional compass sensor, useful for navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Offers significantly better outdoor visibility with 800 nits brightness.
- Telephoto and Macro Lens: Includes dedicated telephoto, and macro lenses for more versatile photography.
- Included Charger: 15W fast charger in the box.
- Compass Sensor: Includes a compass sensor.
Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Newer, more powerful chipset with much higher benchmark scores, resulting in faster performance and better gaming.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging dramatically reduces charging time.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14, providing the latest features and security.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Offers up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage.
- Better Camera Sensor: Uses a larger main sensor for better low light performance and captures more light, improving photo quality
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120 Hz for smoother visuals.
- Better Audio Quality: Offers enhanced audio with Hi-Res audio, noise cancellation and multiple microphones
- Newer connectivity standards: WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
Trade-offs:
- Realme 12 Pro+ loses the dedicated macro lens, and relies on combined wide/macro lens
- Samsung Galaxy A72 suffers from much lower performance, slower charging and an older OS.
- Realme 12 Pro+ has no provided brightness score, and might struggle in bright daylight, but has a superior overall display experience due to refresh rate.
- Samsung Galaxy A72 lacks the higher refresh rate and newer connectivity options.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Users who prioritize display brightness: Those who spend a lot of time outdoors and need good screen visibility in direct sunlight.
- Users needing optical zoom: Those who need dedicated telephoto lens for photos.
- Users who want a dedicated macro lens: Users who enjoy taking detailed close-up shots.
- Price-conscious buyers: Might be a good option if you find it at a significantly lower price than Realme 12 Pro+.
- Basic smartphone users: Those who don't require high-end performance but want good everyday functionality.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Outdoor photography: Taking photos on sunny days with good visibility.
- Everyday usage: Browsing, social media, and light app usage.
- Casual Gaming: Basic gaming needs.
Ideal User for Realme 12 Pro+:
- Performance enthusiasts: Those who need a fast and responsive phone for gaming and multitasking.
- Mobile gamers: Gamers who benefit from higher refresh rates and a powerful GPU.
- Users wanting fast charging: People who need to charge their phone quickly and often.
- Tech enthusiasts: Those who want the latest Android version and cutting-edge connectivity.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who prioritize low light camera performance and overall photo quality
- Audiophiles: Those who want better audio playback and voice capture.
Use Cases for Realme 12 Pro+:
- Mobile gaming: Smooth gameplay with higher refresh rate and powerful GPU.
- Heavy multitasking: Running multiple apps efficiently.
- Fast Charging: Quickly topping up the battery throughout the day.
- Low Light Photography: Taking better pictures in low light conditions
- Audio Recording: Recording clear voice memos.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display brightness for outdoor use? If you need to use your phone a lot in bright sunlight, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is superior in this area.
- How much do you value performance and fast charging? If you are a power user, the Realme 12 Pro+ offers much better performance and faster charging.
- What are your camera priorities? If you require macro and telephoto lenses, the Samsung is better. If you are looking for overall better image quality, the Realme is a better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Outdoor User: If you need a decent phone on a budget for outdoor use, and can find the A72 at a much lower price, the Samsung A72 might be sufficient.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Gaming User: If you are looking for a smooth, responsive phone for gaming and heavy usage, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the superior choice due to it's vastly superior performance, faster charging and newer OS.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User with Focus on Camera: If you want a balanced experience with a focus on low light camera performance, and want to take great photos with good zoom, the Realme 12 Pro+ would be better due to its overall improved camera and higher refresh rate screen.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 12 Pro+ and here's why:
While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has a significantly brighter display, the Realme 12 Pro+ is superior in almost every other category, particularly in areas that matter to me, such as:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset offers a substantial boost in speed, which is beneficial for my gaming and multitasking needs.
- Charging: The 67W fast charging would save me a lot of time compared to the 25W on the A72.
- Newer Software: Android 14 provides a more modern experience and will have better long-term support.
- Camera: The newer camera sensor, while not as high MP as the A72, has a larger pixel size, which is superior in low-light, and I can compensate for the macro lens using wide-angle, which is included on the phone
- Display: While the A72 is brighter, the higher refresh rate on the 12 Pro+ is more important, as it offers a better user experience on a day-to-day basis
- Connectivity: Newer standards of bluetooth and WiFi are essential for me in 2024
While I appreciate the brighter display of the A72, the performance difference and faster charging on the Realme 12 Pro+ would improve my overall experience.