1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm | A05s is slightly taller and thicker, may feel slightly bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 203g | 194g | A05s is negligibly lighter, making it slightly more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size, provides similar viewing real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution; provides similar sharpness in images and text. |
| PPI | 394 | 393 | Virtually identical pixel density; sharpness will be indistinguishable to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | A72's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and improved battery efficiency especially with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, better user experience compared to 60Hz panels. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is significantly better for outdoor use, especially under direct sunlight. A05s is hard to use in sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | A72's 720G offers a modest performance edge for gaming and demanding apps, A05s chip is more energy efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 260,000 | A72 has a slightly better overall benchmark score, will perform better in resource-intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 | A72's Adreno 618 provides better graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8 | A72's higher resolution allows for more detailed images; A05s has larger single pixel size which can be better in low light. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | Not Available | A72 offers optical zoom capabilities and dedicated portrait photos not available in A05s. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 13MP, f/2.0 | A72 captures higher resolution selfies, and more details; A05s may have better low-light selfies due to wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Not Available | A72 can capture wider scenes and group photos. |
| Depth Sensor | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | A05s enhances portrait mode by adding depth information. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72 offers better macro shots with more detail. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30/60fps | A72 records higher resolution videos with stabilization; both capable of 1080p video. |
| DXOMark Score | 92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | N/A | A72 has better overall camera quality than A05s. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Optical Zoom, Quad Camera | Digital Zoom, Triple Camera | A72 offers more advanced camera capabilities including OIS, and optical zoom. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity means comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support the same charging speed, providing similar charging times. |
| Charger Features | 15W Charger Included | No charger specified | A72 offers more value as a fast charger is included, A05s needs a charger purchased separately |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Operating System | Android 11, upgradeable to 12 | Android 13 | A05s has a newer Android version, typically leading to improved features and security. |
Other Features
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer similar Wi-Fi capabilities, supporting the latest standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | A05s features more energy-efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A05s has more precise GPS capabilities |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | A72 offers greater internal storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6 GB | A72 offers higher RAM options, providing better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | A72 has better audio quality and immersive sound experience. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | A05s offers more convenient and faster fingerprint scanner. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | A72 offers more sensors for greater functionality |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher brightness (800 nits) offers significantly better viewing experience, especially in bright conditions, and richer colors
- Better Camera System: Includes optical zoom, a dedicated telephoto lens, and a wide-angle lens, resulting in much more versatile photo capabilities, significantly higher video capabilities (4K).
- Enhanced Performance: Slightly better chipset (Snapdragon 720G), higher AnTuTu score, and superior GPU (Adreno 618) provide smoother performance.
- More RAM/Storage Options: Higher RAM (up to 8GB) and more storage options (up to 256GB) are available, improving multitasking and storage space.
- Premium Audio: Features Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, providing enhanced audio quality compared to the basic audio on the A05s
- In-Box Charger: 15W Fast Charger included
- More Sensors: Offers more sensor features like Compass and Gyroscope, suitable for advanced features and gaming
- Better Camera Quality: Better Photo and Video ratings from DXOMark
Samsung Galaxy A05s Advantages
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 13, providing the latest features and security.
- More Efficient Bluetooth: Supports Bluetooth 5.1 LE, which is more power efficient.
- More precise GPS: Better location capabilities due to support of QZSS
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally a more convenient and faster method than the A72's basic fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs
- A72: While offering superior display and performance, it is an older model
- A05s: While running a newer Android version, it is less powerful and has inferior camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User
- Photo Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, versatility, and features like optical zoom.
- Multimedia Consumers: Individuals who watch a lot of videos, and want a bright screen with vibrant colors, and immersive audio with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos.
- Casual Gamers: Users who appreciate smoother gameplay, and better multitasking thanks to slightly more powerful chipset, better GPU, and RAM.
- Users who need greater storage: Users that need to store lots of photos, videos and apps.
- Users who want to avoid buying a charger: Users that need a fast charger included in the box.
Samsung Galaxy A05s Ideal User
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a basic smartphone with a large screen and decent performance for daily tasks at a lower price.
- Users Seeking the Latest OS: People who want the newest Android version for its features and security patches.
- Users who prefer side fingerprint scanner: Users who prefer quick access using fingerprint scanner that is easy to reach.
- Users who need better GPS: Users that need better location tracking
Specific Use Cases
- A72: Mobile photography, outdoor video recording, watching HDR content, playing graphic-intensive games, and extended multitasking.
- A05s: Web browsing, social media, basic app usage, navigation, and other standard smartphone tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider
- How important is camera quality to you?
- If high-quality photos and versatile features are essential, the A72 is a better choice. If you are ok with basic photos, then the A05s will suffice.
- What is your typical use case and budget?
- For heavy usage, gaming and multimedia content, the A72 is better. For basic tasks and on a tighter budget, the A05s is more suitable.
- Is the latest OS version a priority?
- If having the latest Android version is very important, the A05s is a better pick, otherwise the A72 is more performant.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
Scenario 1: You love taking photos and videos
- Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its far superior camera setup with optical zoom, video stabilization, and overall better image quality.
Scenario 2: You need a cheap, reliable phone for basic tasks
- Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you need the latest Android version with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and better battery life.
Scenario 3: You value a great screen experience, and great audio
- Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its vibrant AMOLED screen, higher brightness and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, all of which are far superior to the A05s.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. While the A05s offers a newer Android version, the A72's superior AMOLED display with its higher brightness, versatile camera system (including the telephoto and wide-angle lens), stronger performance, better RAM/storage options, enhanced audio, and in-box fast charger make it the better option overall. The better camera experience is a big factor for me, and the 15W fast charger is nice to have. Even though it has an older OS, the overall experience is far superior. The A05s is a reasonable choice for a basic phone on a budget, but the A72 offers a better user experience for most use cases.
