Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Realme C51
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme C51 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 167.2 x 76.7 x 8 mm | Realme C51 is slightly taller and thinner, while the Galaxy A72 is a bit wider. The differences are not very noticeable but can have impact on handling. |
| Weight | 203g | 186g | Realme C51 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.74" | Negligible difference in screen size, not noticeable in practical use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Samsung Galaxy A72 has a much sharper display; text and images will be clearer. |
| PPI | 394 | 260 | Samsung A72 has a significantly higher pixel density, resulting in sharper visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung A72 offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, enhancing overall visual experience and is easier to view in direct sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer the same smooth scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | Samsung A72 offers much better visibility in bright sunlight, as the Realme's brightness information is unavailable |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Samsung A72 has better performance. Apps will load faster and the phone will handle multitasking more smoothly. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 220,000 | Samsung A72 has higher benchmark score, indicating better overall performance, especially for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 | Samsung A72's GPU is better for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Samsung A72 captures more detailed photos due to higher megapixel count and bigger pixel size, especially in good lighting. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | None | Samsung A72 offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | None | Samsung A72 allows capturing wide scenes without losing details. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | None | Samsung A72 allows for capturing very detailed close-up shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 5MP, f/2.2, 1/5", 1.12µm | Samsung A72 has significantly higher resolution and will capture much more detailed selfies. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Samsung A72 can record higher resolution videos and has superior video stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | Not Available | Samsung A72 has a well-rated camera system (DXOMark), while the Realme C51's camera performance is untested |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, Quad Camera | Dual Camera | Samsung A72 offers more flexibility in photography, with features like OIS, optical zoom, and dedicated macro and wide angle lens. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Realme C51 charges faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | Realme C51 offers a more modern Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi MIMO | Both support common Wi-Fi standards. Realme C51 has additional Wi-Fi MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Realme C51 supports lower energy consumption and improved audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Samsung A72 supports more satellite systems, leading to better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Both offer the same maximum storage capacity of 256GB, but the Realme C51 has an entry-level option with 64GB. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | Samsung A72 offers better multitasking due to higher RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone | Samsung A72 offers better audio experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Realme C51's fingerprint sensor may be more conveniently placed for unlocking. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Samsung A72 offers a more comprehensive sensor suite, suitable for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, higher pixel density and significantly better brightness, provides a much better viewing experience.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset outperforms the Unisoc T612.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses, plus OIS, enabling a more versatile photography experience.
- Higher Quality Video Recording: Supports 4K video recording with EIS, and 1080p video at 60fps.
- Better Audio Experience: Features Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for enhanced audio quality.
- Better Positioning: Supports more positioning systems.
- More sensors: Features compass, gyroscope, Hall and Geomagnetic sensors.
Realme C51 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: 17g lighter for more comfortable use.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging vs 25W of the Samsung.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
- Lower Price: The phone is likely to be cheaper, appealing to budget-conscious users.
- More recent version of Bluetooth: Features Low energy bluetooth, LDAC, SBC, AAC.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A72 is heavier but offers premium display and camera experience.
- The Realme C51 is lighter and more affordable but has a lower resolution display and basic camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize display quality, camera versatility, and overall performance.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies/videos with high visual fidelity
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in different situations.
- Gaming with demanding graphics.
- Heavy multitasking and app usage.
- Outdoors usage in bright sunlight.
- Price-to-Value: Offers premium features but may come at a higher price point.
Realme C51:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a reliable smartphone for daily tasks.
- Use Cases:
- Basic smartphone usage such as calls, texts, and browsing.
- Casual photography.
- Long battery life.
- Users preferring lighter weight phones.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a good value for its price, focusing on essential features rather than premium capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is display quality? If a vibrant, high-resolution display is a must, the A72 is the better choice.
- How important is the camera? If versatility, OIS and video quality is a must, the A72 is the better choice.
- What is your budget? If the budget is tight, the Realme C51 offers a functional experience at a lower cost.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (High Performance & Premium Display): If you prioritize display quality, camera performance, and overall performance, and budget is not a major constraint, choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
- Scenario 2 (Budget-Conscious, Basic Use): If you need a functional smartphone for daily tasks, prefer a lighter phone and have a limited budget, choose the Realme C51.
- Scenario 3 (Battery Life and Basic Usage): If you need a long-lasting battery and faster charging but are not concerned about premium features, choose the Realme C51.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
My Reasoning:
While the Realme C51 has its advantages like a lighter design, newer Android version and faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a substantially better user experience where it matters most to me: the display and camera. The AMOLED display with its high resolution and brightness is a huge plus and the ability to take more versatile photos with the telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses makes it a better option for capturing memories. The performance of the A72 is also a major draw. Although the C51 is more recent, the improved user experience and additional features of the A72 outweigh the benefits of the C51.
