Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy A05
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A05 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 168.8 × 78.2 × 8.8 mm | A05 is slightly taller and thicker, may feel marginally less ergonomic in hand. |
| Weight | 203g | 195g | A05 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | A72's display is significantly sharper, text and images will be clearer, more detailed. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 262 PPI | A72 has a noticeably sharper display compared to the A05. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | A72's AMOLED has richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, more vibrant viewing experience, also better for battery with dark mode. A05 display is standard LCD quality |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A72's 90Hz offers smoother scrolling and animations, leading to more fluid interface, noticeable in gaming. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is significantly brighter, much easier to see outdoors in direct sunlight. A05 brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | A72's Snapdragon chip is more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 225,154 | A72 has better performance for daily tasks and gaming, as it is a more powerful SoC. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 MC2 | A72's GPU is more powerful, offering better graphics processing for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A72 has a higher resolution main sensor, potentially capturing more detailed images. Both have same aperture. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, OIS | None | A72 offers optical zoom capabilities for better quality zoomed photos, A05 relies on digital zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | A72 has higher resolution for selfies, A05 has a wider aperture for better low light performance in selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | A72 captures wide angle perspective, A05 lacks this feature. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A05 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode with better background blur, A72 does not have this as a dedicated lens. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 allows dedicated macro close ups, A05 lacks this feature. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30/60fps | A72 captures higher resolution video with EIS, A05 is limited to 1080p and no EIS. |
| Video Features | EIS, Slow-motion 120fps | No EIS, No Slow-motion | A72 has image stabilization and faster slow motion recording compared to A05. |
| DxOMark | Mobile 92, Photo 100, Video 78 | Not Tested | A72's camera has been independently rated as capable with very good photo performance. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Continuous Shooting, Night Mode | Basic features | A72 provides more advanced photography features like OIS, PDAF, and Night Mode. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Identical battery capacity, both should last about the same on average use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both phones support same speed fast charging. |
| Charger Included | 15W Charger Included | Not specified | A72 includes a charger, it is not specified whether the A05 includes one. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | A05 has a newer OS out of the box. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual band | 802.11ac, Dual band | Both have similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | A05 has a newer Bluetooth version, leading to better efficiency and connections. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | A72 offers more built-in storage capacity options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6 GB | A72 can have more RAM for smoother multitasking, switching between apps more seamless. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone can be expanded for storage, user should choose the right storage for their needs. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | A72 has enhanced audio experience with richer sounds, clearer separation of sound, good for multimedia consumption. |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | Basic features | A72 has a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication, adding convenience. A05 security is more basic. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Proximity | Accelerometer, Proximity | A72 has more sensors for advance use cases, and more functionality. A05 only has basic sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, brightness and 90Hz refresh rate makes for a vastly superior viewing experience.
- Better Performance: More powerful Snapdragon 720G chipset and higher RAM options for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Enhanced Camera System: Optical zoom, wide-angle, and macro lenses, along with OIS and superior video features and quality.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support improve audio quality for media consumption.
- More Security: Features a fingerprint sensor for biometric security.
Practical Implications: A72 is better for users who prioritize display quality, performance, photography, and immersive multimedia.
Samsung Galaxy A05 Advantages:
- Newer Operating System: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
- Slightly Lighter: Marginally more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Newer Bluetooth: Features Bluetooth 5.3 for potentially more efficient and stable wireless connections.
- More Affordable: It is expected to be much cheaper than the A72, and a basic device for daily use.
Practical Implications: A05 is geared toward users who want a basic smartphone at a low price point, without advanced features.
Trade-offs:
- A72: More expensive, but offers better performance, features, and an overall enhanced user experience.
- A05: More affordable, but comes with major sacrifices in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Enjoys watching videos, movies, and streaming content.
- Photography Lovers: Appreciates versatile camera systems, with zoom capabilities and multiple lens options.
- Gamers: Needs a phone with smooth performance and good graphics handling.
- Power Users: Demands smooth multitasking and quick app loading times.
- Users who value good visibility outdoors: Enjoys being able to use the phone even in bright sunlight.
Specific Use Cases for A72:
- Mobile gaming with smooth graphics and responsive gameplay.
- High-quality video recording and photography for social media or personal use.
- Watching movies and TV shows in high definition with vibrant colours.
- Multitasking between various apps without lag.
Samsung Galaxy A05 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Looking for a basic smartphone at an affordable price.
- Basic Users: Primarily uses a smartphone for calling, texting, and social media.
- Users who prefer a basic camera experience: Who do not prioritize high quality camera or advanced features.
- First Time Smartphone Users: Who want a simple and easy-to-use device.
Specific Use Cases for A05:
- Basic communication tasks like calls and messaging.
- Browsing social media and web surfing.
- Simple mobile games that are not graphics intensive.
- Light use of standard applications.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- A72: Higher price but provides a more well-rounded experience, potentially a better value for performance and features if budget is not the primary concern.
- A05: Lower price but sacrifices a lot of features for basic usability, might be a good choice for users who only need basic functions.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality and brightness? If this is crucial for you, the A72's AMOLED display is a clear winner.
- How much performance and camera versatility do you need? If you are a heavy user, the A72's Snapdragon chipset and comprehensive camera system will be more suitable.
- What is your budget? If you are on a tight budget and just need the basic smartphone functionality, the A05 will be a more affordable option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Consumption & Photography: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its superior display and versatile camera system.
- Scenario 2: Basic Smartphone Use on a Tight Budget: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A05 for basic functions and affordability.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User who values performance: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 as it provides better performance and features than the A05.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
Here's why:
While the Samsung Galaxy A05 is newer and more affordable, the huge gap in overall experience, especially in terms of display quality and performance, is simply too significant to ignore. I prioritize a good quality display for consuming media, and the A72's AMOLED screen is much better than the A05's standard PLS LCD. As an advanced user, the A72's more powerful processor and more RAM, along with superior camera features, make it a much better device overall for my use case. Furthermore, I have a need for a bright display that I can see in direct sunlight, and the A05 has no specified brightness, making the A72 the clear winner. The A72's added features, such as stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, and a fingerprint sensor, also contribute to a better user experience, which I consider essential.
While the A05 has a newer Bluetooth and OS, it makes compromises in too many other crucial areas, ultimately not providing the functionality, display and user experience that I look for in a smartphone.
