1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A15 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 160.1 × 76.8 × 8.4 mm | A72 is slightly taller, but both have similar width and thickness. Minimal real-world difference. |
| Weight | 203g | 200g | Negligible difference in weight, both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | A72 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both have very similar resolutions, delivering sharp images. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 396 PPI | Virtually identical sharpness, no noticeable difference in day to day use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks common in AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 800 nits | Both displays are equally visible in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | A15's Mediatek chip is more powerful, providing snappier performance and better gaming experience. |
| Antutu Score | 285,000 | 442,500 | A15 has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | A15's GPU is more powerful, better for gaming and graphics intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | A72 has higher resolution for more detailed photos, while A15 has a good resolution for social media posts. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 offers optical zoom capabilities, A15 does not. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 13MP | A72 captures significantly more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | A15's wider aperture allows for slightly better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP | 5MP | A72 has higher resolution for wider landscape shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | 2MP | A72 has higher resolution for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | A72 can record in higher resolution, suitable for high quality videos. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | A72 has stabilization for smoother videos when moving while recording, while A15 doesn't. |
| DXOMark Score | 92 | N/A | A72's camera has a known rating, A15 lacks official test data. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar capacity provides comparable battery life for both phones. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Both phones support 25W fast charging, slight difference in battery tech. |
| Included Charger | 15W Fast Charger Included | No Charger included | A72 includes a charger in the box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Max 12) | Android 14 (Max 17) | A15 offers a newer OS and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones support the same Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | A15 has newer Bluetooth version with LE. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offer up to 8GB of ram, great for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | 2 microphones | A72 has better audio quality due to stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | A15 has more convenient and advanced fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A72 has more traditional sensors, A15 has a virtual proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Camera System: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, higher resolution main, selfie, wide and macro cameras, leading to more versatility and detail in photos and videos.
- 4K Video Recording: Can capture higher-resolution videos for better quality vlogs and memories.
- Enhanced Audio: Includes stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos for richer audio playback.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 15W fast charger in the box.
Samsung Galaxy A15 Advantages:
- Better Performance: The Mediatek G99 chipset offers much faster performance than the Snapdragon 720G, making it better for gaming and everyday tasks.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14 offering a more modern user experience and longer software support.
- Updated Bluetooth: Features Bluetooth 5.2 LE for better connectivity and power efficiency.
- More Convenient Fingerprint Sensor: Side mounted for more ergonomic use.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A72 has a better camera system and audio setup, but is less powerful and has an older software
- A15 has significantly better performance and newer software but lacks the higher-quality camera features and stereo speakers of A72.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value camera quality and versatility. The telephoto lens, higher-resolution sensors, and 4K video are ideal for those wanting to capture detailed photos and videos.
- Media Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos or listen to music. The larger screen, stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos improve the entertainment experience.
- Users less concerned about gaming: Users who require good performance but don't push their phones to the limits with graphically demanding games.
- Users who want included charger: Those who dislike purchasing separate accessories.
Use Cases for A72:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos during travel or events.
- Enjoying multimedia content with immersive audio.
- Casual gaming and app use with reliable performance.
Samsung Galaxy A15 Ideal Users:
- Performance-Focused Users: Gamers and those who frequently use demanding apps will benefit from the A15's faster chipset.
- Users Seeking Modern Software: Those who want the latest Android experience and extended software support.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for strong performance and modern features at a good price point.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Those who find it more ergonomic.
Use Cases for A15:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Smooth multitasking between multiple apps.
- Everyday use with the latest Android features and updates.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Camera Quality vs. Performance: Do you prioritize high-quality photography and videography, or are you more interested in faster performance for gaming and apps?
- Software Version: How important is having the latest Android OS and longer software support?
- Audio Experience: Do you value premium audio with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos or is that not a high priority?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography is a Top Priority. If you want high-quality photos with better zoom capabilities, choose the Galaxy A72. The dedicated telephoto lens, higher resolution cameras, and 4K video recording make it a good choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance is Key. If you prioritize faster performance for gaming, choose the Galaxy A15. The newer, more powerful processor, combined with the updated software, will be better for demanding use cases.
- Scenario 3: Modern Software Matters Most. If you want the latest Android experience and longer software updates, choose the Galaxy A15. The newer OS will ensure compatibility and features for longer.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A15. While the A72 has some appealing camera features and audio quality, the performance difference is significant enough to influence my decision. For everyday use, including gaming, multitasking, and general responsiveness, the A15's superior chipset makes it a better choice. The newer operating system with a longer software support is also a big plus for long-term usability and I personally prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for convenience. Although the camera is not as capable as the A72, it is more than adequate for casual photography and social media use. For me the advantages of the A15 in terms of speed and software outweigh the camera and audio upgrades of the A72.
