1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | A72 is slightly larger but thinner; A04s is a bit more compact but thicker. A04s feels bulkier. |
| Weight | 203g | 195g | A04s is lighter, making it slightly more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | A72 offers more screen real estate for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | A72 has a significantly sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| PPI | 394 | 270 | A72's higher pixel density offers a clearer, more detailed viewing experience, especially noticeable for text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | A72 delivers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors with better viewing angles; A04s colors will look more washed out. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling and animations compared to 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits (Not Given) | A72 is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight; Lack of brightness data for A04s is a significant limitation. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Exynos 850 (8nm) | A72's chipset provides significantly better overall performance, smoother gaming, and faster multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 117,300 | A72 scores much higher, translating to snappier app loading, better gaming performance, and overall faster responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 | A72's GPU is more powerful for graphics-intensive tasks and gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 64MP f/1.8, 0.8µm pixels | 50MP f/1.8 | A72 has higher resolution for more detailed photos in good lighting. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm pixels (Omnivision OV08A10) | None | A72 offers optical zoom for better quality zoomed photos and dedicated portrait mode. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2, 0.8µm pixels | 5MP f/2.2 | A72 has a much higher resolution selfie camera for clearer and more detailed self-portraits. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | None | A72 allows you to capture a wider field of view in photos. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | None | 2MP f/2.4 | A04s has a depth sensor to improve the quality of blurred background portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4, 1.12µm pixels | 2MP f/2.4 | A72 takes higher-resolution macro images for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps EIS, 1080p@60fps EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 can capture higher-resolution video with electronic image stabilization (EIS) at higher framerates. |
| Slow-motion | 120 fps | 34 fps | A72 has greater slow motion capabilities with a higher framerate. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | N/A | A72's camera performance is rated better for both photo and video quality according to DXOMark Scores. |
| Features | OIS, optical zoom, manual controls, night mode | Basic Features | A72 offers many extra camera features for more versatile photography and videography experiences. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery size suggests comparable battery life, but software and chipset differences impact real-world endurance. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | A72 charges faster, reducing waiting time to fully recharge the battery. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included | None | A72 includes the needed fast charger in the box. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness offers a much more vibrant and sharper viewing experience, especially in daylight.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset provides substantially faster performance for smoother app loading, multitasking, and gaming.
- More Versatile Camera System: Telephoto lens with optical zoom, wide-angle lens, and a much higher resolution front camera provide far more flexibility in photography. 4k video recording is supported too.
- Better Camera Features: Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) greatly improves low-light photos and video stability, and it features a wide array of manual camera settings.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging shortens charging times compared to the 15W charging on the A04s.
- Better Audio: Better audio with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
Practical Implications: The A72 excels in all areas where performance, display quality and the camera matter the most. It’s the better option for users who prioritize high quality display and performance.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Advantages:
- More Recent Software: Ships with a newer version of Android out of the box (Android 12 vs Android 11) and gets more future Android updates (up to Android 14).
- Slightly Lighter: The slightly lighter design may be preferable for some users.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Scanner: More convenient placement of the fingerprint scanner.
- Slightly better GPS: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Lower cost: The most obvious advantage for the A04s is the lower cost.
Practical Implications: The A04s is a good budget friendly choice for those who are not worried about having the best performance or the most amazing camera, but that need a phone for basic day to day tasks.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A72 Trade-off: Higher price.
- A04s Trade-off: Significantly lower performance, lower resolution display, and much more limited camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a high-quality display for media consumption, gaming, and general use.
- Users who need a phone with a capable camera for diverse photography needs.
- Users who require strong performance for demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming.
- Users who are comfortable paying more for premium features and performance.
- Specific Use Cases:
- Frequent video and movie watching on the go.
- Serious mobile gamers who need smooth gameplay.
- Photography enthusiasts who want versatile camera options.
- Users who need a fast and responsive smartphone for productivity and everyday use.
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who need a functional smartphone for basic tasks.
- Users who primarily use a phone for calling, texting, and basic browsing.
- Users who don’t require high-end gaming or advanced photography capabilities.
- Users that value having a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a more recent version of Android.
- Specific Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing and social media use.
- Simple photography tasks with adequate results.
- Using as a secondary phone or for basic communication.
- First-time smartphone users who don't need all the bells and whistles of a high-end device.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- A72: Provides a better value for users who need high-end features, performance, and versatility, as it excels at almost every aspect.
- A04s: Offers good value for budget-conscious users, providing basic smartphone functionality, but does not provide all the premium features or performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The A72 is likely to be more expensive, so a user needs to know if they can afford the extra cost, and if they can benefit from the high-end features.
- How important are display quality and performance? If you consume a lot of media, play games, or use demanding apps, the A72 offers a much better experience. If you only need basic functionality the A04s is good enough.
- How important is the camera? If you need versatile photo and video capabilities, optical zoom, night mode, and higher resolutions the A72 is vastly superior. However, if you just need basic photos and videos the A04s will be adequate.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: A user needs a phone for basic daily tasks and has a very tight budget.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A04s is better because it provides adequate functionality for the price.
Scenario 2: A user wants a great multimedia and gaming experience and uses the phone camera for photos.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72 is better as it offers a higher quality display, significantly more performance, and a more versatile camera system.
Scenario 3: A user wants a new phone for basic day to day tasks, but values having a newer version of Android.
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A04s provides the most recent version of Android, while also being a good choice for those that just need basic smartphone features.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally pick the Samsung Galaxy A72. The significantly better display quality with the AMOLED panel, higher brightness, and superior resolution is something I would enjoy on a day-to-day basis, and is one of the main reasons why I use a smartphone. The performance boost from the Snapdragon 720G makes it a very smooth experience compared to the A04s. I also greatly value having a telephoto lens and ultrawide lens, as they offer much more versatility, and the 4k video recording is something I would also use often. Despite the higher price point, the improved user experience across all aspects of the phone would justify the extra expense for my use case.
