1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 165.1 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | A72 is slightly thinner, A13 slightly narrower; Minimal practical difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 203g | 195g | A13 is slightly lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | A72 offers slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both offer similar sharpness; minor resolution difference is practically invisible. |
| PPI | 394 | 400 | Very similar pixel density, indiscernible difference in clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | A72's AMOLED has deeper blacks, better contrast, vibrant colors, and is more power-efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A72 provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is significantly brighter, offering vastly superior visibility in direct sunlight. A13 is missing brightness data which indicates a significant limitation. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | A72's chipset is more powerful and efficient, resulting in faster app loading and smoother operation. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 200,150 | A72 performs significantly better in benchmarks, indicating superior overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 MC2 | A72 has a better GPU, which is beneficial for gaming and graphically demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, offering comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both support 25W fast charging, offering similar quick charging capabilities. |
| Features | Non-removable, 15W Fast Charger included | Non-removable | A72 includes a 15W fast charger in the box, a minor convenience factor. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80 µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, " pixel size" | A72 captures more detail and better low-light images with its higher resolution sensor (64MP vs 50MP). |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00 µm pixel size | N/A | A72 offers optical zoom capability and portrait mode, not available on A13. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80 µm pixel size | 8MP, f/2.2, " pixel size" | A72 provides much better selfies with a higher resolution sensor. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | 5MP, f/2.2, " pixel size" | A72 captures better wide angle images with higher resolution. |
| Portrait (Depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4," pixel size" | A13 has a dedicated depth sensor, potentially better for background blur effects in portraits. A72 uses its Telephoto lens for this. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm pixel size | 2MP, f/2.4, " pixel size" | A72 captures more detailed macro shots with a higher-resolution lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60fps EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 records higher resolution videos with better stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | 92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | N/A | A72 offers substantially better photo and video quality according to DxOMark data. |
| Features | OIS, optical zoom, manual focus, night mode | Basic features | A72 offers enhanced camera features and image quality such as optical image stabilization, night mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | A13 has a newer OS version out of the box, but both have been upgraded. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | A13 has a more recent Bluetooth version with low energy features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer similar GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer Dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | N/A | A72 provides more internal storage options. A13 has no storage listed. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8GB | N/A | A72 has more RAM, better for multitasking and gaming. A13 has no RAM listed. |
| Expandable | No expandable storage | No expandable storage | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | A72 offers a superior audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A13 offers a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A13 has superior screen protection from scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A72 has additional sensors (Gyroscope, Light sensor) supporting more features. A13 utilizes an ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 90Hz refresh rate and high brightness, resulting in vibrant colors, smooth scrolling, and excellent visibility in sunlight.
- Better Performance: More powerful Snapdragon 720G chipset and higher AnTuTu score, offering smoother and faster overall performance.
- Enhanced Camera System: Higher resolution sensors across all lenses, an extra telephoto lens with optical zoom, and better video capabilities with 4K recording.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience.
- More Storage & RAM: Provides options for larger internal storage and higher RAM for smoother multitasking.
- More Sensors: Includes more sensors such as a gyroscope, light and hall sensors which support more advanced features and gaming.
Practical Implications for A72: The A72 is better for users who value display quality, performance, camera versatility and higher quality audio. This is a better device for mobile gamers, media enthusiasts, and anyone who takes a lot of photos and videos.
Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) Advantages:
- Newer Bluetooth: Features Bluetooth 5.2 with LE (Low Energy) for better efficiency and connection.
- Newer Software: Launched with a more recent version of Android (12).
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more convenient and faster fingerprint sensor placement.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better screen protection.
- Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual Sensor: More advanced proximity sensing technology.
Practical Implications for A13: The A13 is better for users who prefer a more recent version of Android, and want slightly more convenient unlocking. Its updated sensors and Bluetooth are subtle improvements for a budget user.
Trade-offs:
- The A72 sacrifices newer software, and better screen protection for a better display, camera system, and performance.
- The A13 sacrifices display quality, performance and camera capabilities for newer software and Bluetooth.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Media Consumers: Those who watch videos, movies, and stream content regularly.
- Gamers: Users who enjoy mobile games and need good performance and display quality.
- Photography Enthusiasts: People who value camera versatility, image quality, and video capabilities.
- Power Users: Those who multitask heavily and require a smooth, responsive device.
Specific Use Cases for A72:
- Watching HDR movies and shows with vibrant colors and good contrast.
- Playing graphic-intensive games smoothly at high refresh rate.
- Taking detailed photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Having a reliable phone for daily multitasking.
- Enjoying immersive audio experiences while listening to music or watching videos.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137):
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who need a basic smartphone at a lower cost.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for basic communication, social media, and light browsing.
- Users who prioritize a newer OS version and newer Bluetooth version
Specific Use Cases for A13:
- General phone calls and messages
- Basic browsing and social media
- Occasional photos and video recordings
- Using a device that includes an updated Bluetooth standard
- Having a device that has the most recent Android OS version.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The A72 offers a better value if you are looking for a higher performance, camera capabilities and features.
- The A13 is a budget option that trades performance and display quality for a lower price and some incremental improvements.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality to you? Do you value vibrant colors, brightness, and smooth scrolling?
- What is your primary use case for the phone? Is it for gaming, photography, media consumption, or just basic tasks?
- What is your budget? Are you willing to pay more for premium features, or are you looking for a budget-friendly option?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Traveler and Photographer: The A72 is the better choice due to the superior display for media consumption on the go, more versatile camera system for travel photography, and faster performance.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Student: The A13 is the more suitable option, as it provides the necessary functionality for a lower price. The newer software and Bluetooth versions could be appealing for this demographic.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gaming Enthusiast: The A72 is the preferred option because of the more powerful processor, graphics capabilities, and higher refresh rate display.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A72.
Here's why:
While the A13 is a more recent device, the older A72 provides superior features that outweigh its age. The AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate is a significant upgrade that enhances the overall viewing experience, the higher performance is essential for gaming and multitasking. In addition, the enhanced camera system of the A72 offers much more versatility than the A13. The inclusion of a telephoto lens, along with high resolution sensors for all cameras, is important for capturing quality images and videos. The only aspect where A13 is superior would be having a more recent version of the Android OS and newer Bluetooth, these are not enough to outweigh the display, performance and camera advantages of the A72.
