Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm | A72 is slightly taller, but both are similar in width and thickness, impacting pocketability and hand feel. |
| Weight | 203g | 200g | Both have similar weight; negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | A72 offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 | Similar sharpness; negligible difference in visual clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 396 PPI | Virtually identical screen sharpness, no noticeable difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 800 nits | Both are sufficiently bright for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | A15 5G’s newer chipset provides better performance for gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 442,500 | A15 5G will feel significantly faster in everyday use. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | A15 5G is expected to have better graphics performance, especially in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A72 captures more detailed images with a higher megapixel count, better for printing/cropping. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 can zoom without digital distortion, better for portraits and distant objects. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.0 | A72 captures more detailed selfies, while A15 5G's wider aperture may perform slightly better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A72 captures wider scenes with higher detail. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72 captures more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps, EIS | A72 offers higher quality video recording, better for users who prioritize video. |
| DxOMark Score | 92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | Not Available | A72 has proven camera performance, though A15 5G is untested. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery endurance for daily usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both will charge from 0-100% in a similar time frame. |
| Charger Included | 15W Charger Included | No | A72 has the convenience of a charger in the box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 12 | Android 14, Upgradable to 17 | A15 5G offers a newer Android version with better features and support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band | Both offer similar WiFi speeds and functionalities |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2, LE | A15 5G has a newer version for more efficient power consumption and faster connectivity. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | Not Specified | A72 has the option for higher storage. Actual storage in the A15 5G is unknown. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | Not Specified | A72 has more RAM which aids in multitasking. Actual RAM in the A15 5G is unknown. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No option for expandable storage on either device. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | 2 microphones | A72 offers better audio immersion and playback quality while the A15 5G has better mic quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | A15 5G offers a quicker and more convenient unlock experience |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A72 has more sensors, but both have the basics for typical use. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Better Camera System: Higher megapixel counts on all cameras, a dedicated telephoto lens, and 4K video recording make it a better choice for photography and videography.
- More Storage and RAM: Options for 256GB storage and 8GB of RAM allow for more files and better multitasking.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos provide a richer audio experience.
- 15W Charger Included: A charger is included in the box.
- Tested Camera Performance: DXOMark results are available showing good photo and video performance.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Newer chipset with higher AnTuTu scores provides faster performance and better efficiency.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14 (upgradable to 17), which includes the latest features, security updates and is expected to be supported for longer.
- More Modern Bluetooth: 5.2 LE provides better power efficiency and potentially faster connections.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and quick unlock.
Trade-offs:
- The A72's camera advantages come at the cost of older software, less processing power, and the lack of future software updates.
- The A15 5G’s newer technology comes at the cost of a lower spec camera and is missing other features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 is ideal for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, zoom capabilities, and 4K video recording.
- Media Consumers: Those who value good audio quality with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos, and a slightly larger screen.
- Power Users: Users who need more RAM for multitasking and more internal storage.
- Users who want a charger in the box: The phone includes a 15w charger.
Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos for social media or personal projects.
- Enjoying immersive multimedia experiences with high audio fidelity.
- Multitasking with multiple apps simultaneously without experiencing lag.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is ideal for:
- Performance-Focused Users: Those who prioritize speed, responsiveness, and future software support.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a modern smartphone with the latest features at a reasonable price point.
- Casual Photographers: Users who need a decent camera for general use but don't prioritize advanced features.
Use Cases:
- Playing modern mobile games smoothly.
- Navigating daily tasks quickly and efficiently.
- Wanting to be supported with software updates for the long term.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality to you? If you prioritize a better camera system, the Galaxy A72 is a strong choice. If a decent camera is enough, the A15 5G will suit you.
- Do you need the best performance, or is solid performance enough? If you want the best performance available, the Galaxy A15 5G’s newer processor will be better.
- How important is future software updates? If you want the newest Android version, and longer support, the A15 5G will be the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast on a Budget:
- Recommendation: Galaxy A72. The A72’s camera system will be better for more photography related tasks.
- Scenario 2: Performance Gamer with a low budget:
- Recommendation: Galaxy A15 5G. The A15 5G will provide better performance for gaming, despite the worse camera.
- Scenario 3: Everyday user who wants long term support:
- Recommendation: Galaxy A15 5G. The newer software and support will be important for everyday use.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. Here's why:
While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has a significantly better camera system and better speakers, the performance and software of the A15 5G are much more important for my use case. The A15 5G will likely be a much smoother and more reliable device in day-to-day use. The newer chipset will also provide better performance in gaming. The fact that it'll be supported for much longer is an added bonus. While the A72 has a better camera, the A15 5G is still capable of taking great photos for social media. For me, the performance and software advantages outweigh the camera and audio benefits of the A72.
