Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy A04
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 164.4 × 76.3 × 9.1 mm | A72 is slightly wider, A04 is thicker. A72 may feel slightly more substantial; A04 slightly more compact but a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 203g | 192g | A04 is lighter, which is beneficial for long use. A72 slightly heavier, which may feel more solid. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | A72 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | A72 has a significantly sharper display, leading to clearer text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 270 | A72's sharper display is noticeable in fine details and text clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | A72 has superior contrast, vibrant colors, and better power efficiency (especially with dark mode) compared to A04’s LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A72 feels smoother, with less motion blur, during scrolling and gaming; A04 is standard. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is significantly brighter, offering much better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. A04 is not suitable for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) | A72's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 124,000 | A72 is much faster in overall performance, suitable for demanding apps and gaming. A04 performs basic tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | PowerVR GE8320 | A72 has a superior GPU, offering better graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same capacity, which should result in similar battery life under typical usage conditions. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | Standard charging | A72 charges significantly faster, reducing wait times. A04 is slow to charge. |
| Charger Features | 15W Fast Charger included | A72 includes a fast charger in the box. A04 does not. | |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A72 has a slightly higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail under optimal conditions. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" OV08A10 | None | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, which improves image quality when zooming in, the A04 cannot zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A72 captures significantly sharper and more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | A72's wide-angle lens allows for capturing more in a shot; A04 doesn't have this feature. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A04 has a dedicated portrait lens that can be used to create bokeh effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A72's macro lens can take up-close photos, which A04 cannot do. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 supports higher quality video recording, with electronic stabilization, and slow motion. A04 is basic. |
| DXOMark | 92 (Photo 100, Video 78) | Not Tested | A72 demonstrates good image and video quality, while A04 has no data. A72's camera system is demonstrably better. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Optical Zoom, etc. | Basic features | A72 has a more robust set of camera features, including optical zoom and OIS, leading to better image quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | A04 has a newer Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual-band, Direct, Display | 802.11ac, Direct | A72 has more advanced wifi features, including dual-band and Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (Full Profile) | 5.0 LE | A72 has better Bluetooth features, with more comprehensive profile support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | A72 has better satellite support for more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 32 GB or 64 GB or 128GB | A72 offers more storage options for users with lots of media; A04 provides low to medium storage capacity. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 3 GB or 4 GB or 6 GB | A72 offers more RAM for better multitasking and smoother performance with demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | A72 offers an immersive audio experience with better sound separation. A04's audio is basic. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Security Features | A72's fingerprint sensor offers convenient and relatively secure unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Neither has any noted protection details, assuming basic screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer | A72 has more sensors, useful for enhanced functionality, advanced features, and gaming; A04 is basic. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate and significantly higher brightness, providing a much better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Greater Performance: More powerful Snapdragon 720G chipset, higher AnTuTu benchmark score, and better GPU, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming capabilities.
- Advanced Camera System: More versatile camera system, with a telephoto lens for optical zoom, a wide-angle lens, and a macro lens, along with higher resolution front-facing camera, and more recording capabilities, including 4k.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging capabilities with a charger included in the box reducing charging times.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support for an immersive audio experience.
- More Sensors: Includes fingerprint, gyroscope, and compass, enabling more advanced functionalities.
- More Memory: A maximum configuration of 8GB of RAM.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Advantages:
- Newer OS out of the box: Comes with Android 12, potentially offering longer software support.
- Slightly Lighter: 11 grams lighter than the A72, making it slightly more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Cheaper: Significantly more affordable, making it a good budget choice.
- Portrait Lens: Dedicated 2MP portrait lens for bokeh effects (though lower quality compared to the A72).
Significant Trade-offs:
- A72 vs. A04: The A72 offers superior performance, display, camera, and audio but is heavier, older, and likely costs more.
- A04 vs. A72: The A04 is budget-friendly and lighter, but compromises significantly in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Media Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, movies, or play games.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want versatile cameras with good zoom, wide-angle, macro, and 4k recording capabilities.
- Power Users: Individuals who need a phone for demanding tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright screen for viewing in direct sunlight.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy listening to music and are seeking an immersive audio experience with better spatial audio and speaker quality.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Use Cases:
- Enjoying high-resolution video content and playing graphics-intensive games.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos, including telephoto shots and wide-angle scenes.
- Productivity tasks that require multitasking and fast app switching.
- Using GPS navigation and augmented reality applications.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Individuals looking for the most affordable smartphone.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Those who need a phone for calls, messaging, and simple social media browsing.
- First-Time Smartphone Users: Individuals who are new to smartphones and want a simple, easy-to-use device.
- Users who prefer a lightweight device: People who prefer light and compact device.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Use Cases:
- Making calls and sending text messages.
- Browsing social media and the web occasionally.
- Basic photography in well-lit conditions.
- Basic tasks and app usage that don't require high performance.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- A72: Offers much higher value for its price due to its superior display, performance, camera, and features.
- A04: Provides the lowest price point but compromises on most critical aspects.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If budget is the primary concern, the A04 may be the only option.
- What are your primary use cases? Are you primarily a casual user, or do you want a phone for media consumption, photography, and gaming?
- How important is display quality and performance? If you need a clear and bright screen and a fast phone, the A72 is the obvious choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Constrained User (Basic Use): Choose the Samsung Galaxy A04 if your budget is extremely tight, and you only need a phone for basic tasks.
- Value-Oriented User (Balanced Use): Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 if you want a higher-quality display, better camera, improved performance, and faster charging at a higher, but justified price.
- Photography Enthusiast (Advanced Camera): Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its more versatile camera system, including telephoto, macro, and wide-angle lens, and 4k video recording.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
Here's why:
- Significantly better user experience: The superior AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, coupled with the vastly more powerful Snapdragon 720G chipset, makes the daily user experience on the A72 far more enjoyable and responsive.
- Versatile Camera: I prioritize camera quality and features, and the A72's telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses, along with 4k recording, make it much more versatile for different shooting scenarios.
- Future-Proofing: The faster processor, better graphics, and inclusion of features such as OIS and faster charging mean the A72 is much more capable and will likely remain relevant for longer than the A04.
While the A04 is a more affordable device, the compromises in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities are too significant for me. I value the overall user experience and the A72 provides a demonstrably superior one. The added value in terms of performance, camera quality, and features more than justifies the higher cost for my needs.
