Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy A14
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications, focusing on their real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A14 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 167.7 × 78 × 9.1 mm | A14 is slightly taller and thicker, may feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 203g | 201g | Negligible weight difference, both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | A72 has a slightly larger display for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both have sharp, detailed displays with similar pixel density. |
| PPI | 394 | 400 | Virtually identical sharpness, no noticeable difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | A72 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A72 provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | A14 scores higher in benchmarks suggesting better performance in everyday use and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 412,200 | A14 is expected to offer a snappier, more fluid user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 MC2 | A14's GPU is likely to provide better gaming performance than the A72. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A72 captures more detailed images in good lighting; aperture is identical. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Ultrawide | 12MP, f/2.2 | N/A | A72 offers an ultrawide camera for capturing wider scenes. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72's macro lens has higher resolution for better close-up shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.0 | A72 captures more detailed selfies with wider dynamic range; A14 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Depth Sensor | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | A14 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | A72 can record higher resolution and smoother videos. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | No | A72 has EIS for smoother videos, A14 lacks stabilization |
| DXOMARK | Mobile: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Not tested | A72 provides a validated camera experience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life for all-day usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | A72 charges significantly faster. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | A14 runs on a newer version of Android. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support similar Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | A14 has a newer, more efficient Bluetooth version. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | Not specified | A72 offers more storage options, A14 storage option is unclear. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | Not specified | A72 offers more RAM options, A14 RAM option is unclear |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offer expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | A72 has stereo speakers for more immersive audio; A14 has Dolby Digital Plus audio enhancement. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | A14's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more convenient. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | A72 offers additional sensor capabilities (compass) |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 90Hz refresh rate and 800 nits brightness provides much better visual experience.
- Better Camera System: Offers dedicated telephoto, ultrawide and macro cameras with higher resolution on the main camera, enabling greater versatility. Also has OIS.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers provide a better audio experience.
- 4K Video Recording: Supports 4K video recording for better video quality.
- More RAM and Storage options: Higher RAM variants are better for gaming and multitasking. More storage ensures you don't run out of space quickly.
Samsung Galaxy A14 Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: While the A72 has a higher main camera sensor, the A14 has a newer chipset which benchmarks suggest better overall performance.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 13, offering the latest features and security updates.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More ergonomic than the basic fingerprint sensor.
- Lower Price: A14 is likely to be more affordable due to its position in Samsung's lineup.
- Better Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 LE offers better power efficiency and connection quality.
Trade-offs:
- A72: Older chipset, slower initial software update support
- A14: Basic LCD panel, lower refresh rate, missing camera features, slower charging, lacks stereo speakers and video stabilization
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User: Someone who values a superior visual experience with a vibrant display, smoother animations, and strong outdoor visibility. Users who prioritize camera quality with versatile lenses and better video recording. Users who prefer a good multimedia experience with stereo speakers
- Use Cases: Watching movies/videos, browsing social media, mobile photography enthusiasts, moderate mobile gaming, video recording.
- Price-to-Value: Offers more advanced features, but may be priced higher than A14.
Samsung Galaxy A14:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users looking for a dependable phone with a long battery life, and an up-to-date Android version with a more convenient fingerprint sensor.
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks, social media, casual gaming, basic photography, users who prioritize software updates.
- Price-to-Value: Provides good performance for the price.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions to consider when deciding between the Samsung Galaxy A72 and Samsung Galaxy A14:
How important is display quality to you?
- If a vibrant AMOLED screen with a high refresh rate is essential, the A72 is the better choice.
- If you are ok with a decent quality LCD display, and want the newest Android OS, the A14 will suffice.
How much do you value camera versatility and quality?
- If you want a versatile camera with telephoto, ultrawide, and macro lenses along with better video quality (4K) and OIS, the A72 is the better option.
- If you're mainly interested in basic photos with good lighting and depth sensing, the A14's basic set up will be enough.
What is your budget?
- If you're willing to spend more for a premium display, better cameras, and faster charging then the A72 is the better option.
- If you're budget conscious and willing to compromise on camera quality, screen quality and charge times, then the A14 will save you money.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Multimedia Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its superior display, stereo speakers, and better video recording capabilities.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: The Samsung Galaxy A14 provides a more budget friendly phone with a newer android version.
- For the Camera-Focused User: The Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better pick due to its telephoto and ultrawide lenses along with optical image stabilization.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A72. While the A14 has a more recent OS and a newer chip that benchmarks well, the A72 offers a superior all-around experience for my usage. The A72's AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and high brightness would be transformative in daily usage - I highly value good visual fidelity for both work and leisure. The A72's significantly better camera setup, with more lenses and higher resolution on both front and back cameras would make it a more versatile tool for both photos and videos. The faster charging is very helpful for those on the go and the stereo speakers are far better for daily multimedia consumption. Although it lacks the newest OS, and is a bit older, the A72 still holds up extremely well and is a better all-arounder.
