Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Realme C61
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 167.3 x 76.7 x 7.8 mm | Realme C61 is slightly taller and thinner, potentially feeling more modern, while A72 has a larger volume. |
| Weight | 203g | 188g | Realme C61 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.74" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Samsung A72 has a much sharper display; text and images will appear clearer. |
| PPI | 394 | 260 | Samsung A72 offers a significantly sharper display with higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung A72 offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles; more vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smoother scrolling experience compared to standard 60Hz screens. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | Samsung A72 is much brighter and usable in direct sunlight. Realme C61 brightness specification is missing, thus cannot compare. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Samsung A72's chipset is more powerful, resulting in smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 252,597 | Samsung A72 has slightly better performance, likely noticeable in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 | Samsung A72 has better graphical capabilities, resulting in better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 32MP | Samsung A72 can capture more detailed images, especially in good lighting. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP | None | Samsung A72 offers optical zoom for better image quality at a distance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 5MP | Samsung A72 captures significantly higher resolution selfies with more detail. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 12MP | None | Samsung A72 allows for capturing wider scenes in photos. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP | None | Samsung A72 can take detailed close-up photos of small objects. |
| Portrait Camera | None | 2MP | Realme C61 provides depth information to make portrait photos more artistic. |
| Video Resolution | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Samsung A72 provides much higher video quality, making it better for videography. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | None | Samsung A72 provides electronic image stabilization, reducing camera shake in videos. |
| DxOMark Score | 92 (Mobile) | Not Tested | Samsung A72's camera performance is rated higher, but Realme C61 has not been tested. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide similar battery life under moderate usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Realme C61 charges faster, reducing the time you need to keep the phone plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 14 | Realme C61 runs on a newer version of Android, offering the latest features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support dual-band Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Both phones have similar Bluetooth capabilities. Samsung A72 supports more profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Samsung A72 supports more satellite systems, potentially offering more precise location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 64/128/256GB | Both provide multiple options for storage. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 4/6/8GB | Both have variants with similar RAM configuration for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Samsung A72 offers superior audio quality, which might be noticeable when listening with speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic In-Display | Side-Mounted | Realme C61's side-mounted sensor is generally faster and more reliable than in-display fingerprint sensors. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer | Samsung A72 has a more comprehensive suite of sensors, which could be useful for gaming and other applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution and brightness provides a much better viewing experience.
- Better Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU, leading to smoother overall performance and gaming.
- Superior Camera System: Versatile multi-camera setup including telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses; 4K video recording with stabilization.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos support provides better spatial audio with wider immersion.
- More Sensors: Includes a wider array of sensors, such as a gyroscope and compass.
Practical Implications of A72 Advantages:
- Users enjoy more immersive media consumption due to the superior display quality.
- Demanding tasks like gaming and video editing are handled with greater ease.
- Users can capture more versatile and higher-quality photos and videos in more scenarios.
Realme C61 Advantages:
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 14, providing access to the latest features.
- Faster Charging: 45W charging allows for faster battery replenishment.
- Lighter Build: Is 15g lighter, which is good for overall usability.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Typically faster and more reliable than in-display fingerprint sensors.
Practical Implications of C61 Advantages:
- Users get access to the newest Android OS with better privacy, UI and functionalities.
- Users spend less time waiting for the phone to charge.
- The phone is more comfortable to hold for prolonged periods.
- Users can unlock their phones faster and more reliably.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Realme C61 sacrifices display quality and camera capabilities for a faster charging speed and newer software.
- The Samsung A72, while older, offers better performance and a superior viewing experience, but lacks the newest Android features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos or movies on their phones, and appreciate higher quality screens.
- Mobile Photographers: Users who want a more versatile camera system with optical zoom and high-resolution video.
- Gamers: Users who need better processing power and GPU performance for smoother gameplay.
- Users valuing a premium experience: Users who prefer high-quality displays and enhanced audio.
Realme C61 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who are looking for a good phone with newer software and do not want to spend too much.
- Users Prioritizing Speed and Convenience: Those who want a phone with the latest OS and can get back to full charge quickly.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phones for basic tasks, and don't need high-end photography or gaming performance.
- Users preferring simpler security setup: Those who prefer the practical advantage of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung A72:
- Watching high-resolution movies, editing photos/videos.
- Playing graphically intensive games on the go.
- Capturing detailed photos with zoom capabilities and more versatility.
- Realme C61:
- Checking social media, browsing the web, making calls, and using messaging apps.
- Using for navigation and listening to music during commute.
- Needing a quick recharge during the day.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy A72, although older, may still offer better value for those prioritizing display, camera, and overall performance, particularly if you can find it at a discounted rate.
- The Realme C61 provides newer software and faster charging, offering great value for those with basic needs at a lower price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is display quality to me? If you value a high-quality display for watching media or viewing photos, the Samsung A72 is better.
- Do I need the latest software features? If having the newest Android version is a priority, the Realme C61 is the better choice.
- Is fast charging or camera versatility more important? If you prioritize fast charging, the Realme C61 is better, but for a versatile camera, A72 is a more suitable option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a frequent traveler who likes to watch videos on their phone and capture high-quality photos. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better option.
- Scenario 2: You need a reliable daily driver for basic tasks, and want it to charge quickly. Recommendation: Realme C61 is the more suitable choice.
- Scenario 3: You want the best possible gaming experience and the best quality photos. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72 should be your pick.
My Choice
Given the provided specifications, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
Reasoning:
While the Realme C61 has the advantage of a newer operating system and faster charging, the A72's strengths in display quality (AMOLED, higher resolution and brightness), camera versatility, performance, and audio quality align more closely with my personal priorities. As a user who consumes a lot of media, enjoys taking photos, and values smooth performance, the A72's superior specifications offer a more compelling overall user experience. Also, the lack of a brightness specification for the Realme C61 is worrying. While it is an older device, I am confident that the benefits in the A72 outweigh the downsides. The lack of an expandable storage is not a major issue since the 256GB version would be sufficient.
