Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A14 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2023-01-12 | A14 5G is newer by about 22 months, potentially offering longer software support |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm | A14 5G is slightly taller and thicker; A72 is more compact. |
| Weight | 203g | 202g | Negligible difference; both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | A72 offers slightly larger display for more immersive viewing |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Essentially the same sharpness; no visible difference in day-to-day usage |
| PPI | 394 | 400 | Virtually identical pixel density, no discernible difference in image clarity |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | A72 has superior contrast, colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes; better outdoor visibility. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Identical smoothness in scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is significantly brighter, offering superior outdoor visibility under sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) | A14 5G has a newer, more efficient chipset, leading to better overall speed, and power efficiency |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 412,200 | A14 5G provides significantly better performance; smoother multitasking, faster app loading |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MP2 | A14 5G has a more powerful GPU, better gaming and graphic intensive applications performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 15W fast charging | A72 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W charger included | Non-removable | A72 comes with a charger in the box |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8 | A72 has a higher resolution standard camera. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.0µm pixel | None | A72 has a telephoto lens for optical zoom, offering better zoomed photos, especially portraits. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm pixel | 13MP, f/2.0 | A72 has a higher resolution front camera; A14 has a slightly wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel | None | A72 offers an ultrawide perspective; better for landscape shots. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A14 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixel | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72 takes slightly better macro shots due to higher resolution. |
| Video | 4K@30fps w/ EIS, 1080p@60fps w/ EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 offers higher video resolution and better stabilization; A72 provides more versatile video capabilities. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | Not tested | A72 has been independently tested with good camera performance. |
| Features | OIS, PDAF, Quad camera | Triple camera, Ultra stable video | A72 provides more flexible photo settings, while A14 5G has some video stabilization feature. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | A14 5G ships with newer OS out-of-the-box, longer software support guaranteed. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Similar connectivity options. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | A14 5G has a newer, more efficient Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Similar location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Similar SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | A72 has the option for significantly more storage. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | A72 has more RAM; better multitasking and smoother app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage; user must choose storage option carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | A72 has better sound with stereo speakers and similar Dolby Atmos support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A14 5G has a more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones share similar protection technologies |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | A72 has a more complete set of sensors, useful for advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better outdoor visibility than the A14 5G's PLS LCD.
- Better Camera System: Includes telephoto, ultrawide lens, higher resolution main and selfie cameras, OIS and better video recording.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging is significantly faster than the A14 5G's 15W, reducing downtime.
- More Storage and RAM Option: Up to 256GB storage and 8GB RAM for more demanding users.
- Stereo Speakers: Enhanced audio experience with spatial effects
- More comprehensive Sensors: Includes compass, hall, geomagnetic sensors for advanced gaming and features
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: Exynos 1330 is more powerful and energy-efficient than the Snapdragon 720G, leading to faster performance.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 13, offering newer features and longer software support.
- Modern Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more convenient than older style sensors.
Trade-offs:
- The A72 has an older chipset but a much better display and camera setup.
- The A14 5G has a better performance but a lower quality screen and camera compared to A72.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 is ideal for:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who prioritize a vibrant display for watching videos and browsing.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want versatile camera options, including telephoto and wide-angle capabilities.
- Users with higher storage needs: Users that store more pictures, videos, or files.
- Users who prioritize fast charging: Less down time for charging
- Users who value audio quality: Stereo speakers provide an immersive experience
- Users who need advanced features: More sensors give better gaming, and other advanced features
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is ideal for:
- Performance Seekers: Users who prioritize speed, and smooth multitasking and don't need a telephoto lens.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those who want a newer phone with decent performance at a lower cost.
- Users who prefer the latest software: Android 13 out of the box.
- Users who prefer modern design: side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Users who need a long lasting phone: newer chipset and software for more years of use
Use Cases:
- A72: Streaming videos, taking pictures, social media, gaming, and casual browsing, users who need more storage for photos or files, users that need better audio quality for video or music.
- A14 5G: Everyday tasks, social media, web browsing, running apps, users that like playing games, prefer the side mounted fingerprint sensor, and a new software version.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality to you? (AMOLED vs. LCD)
- Do you prioritize camera versatility or overall performance? (More lenses vs. better chipset)
- How critical is fast charging and storage capacity for your daily use? (25W & more internal storage vs 15W & less internal storage)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you prioritize display quality and camera versatility and have a higher budget: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72
- If you prioritize overall performance and want the latest software at a more affordable price: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
- If you value multimedia consumption and more storage space: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72
- If you prefer a modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a long-lasting device: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
My Choice
Given the choice, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. While the A14 5G offers a more modern chipset and newer software, the A72's AMOLED display, more versatile camera system with optical zoom, faster charging and stereo speakers are significant advantages that better align with my preferences. I value a high-quality viewing experience and flexible photography options. The slightly older chipset is a trade-off I am willing to make for these superior features. Additionally, having the option for up to 256 GB storage is a big plus for me.
