Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy A25
1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A25 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2023-12-16 | The Galaxy A25 is a newer device, likely with updated features and longer software support. |
Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 161 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm | The A72 is slightly taller, while both phones have similar width and thickness, meaning negligible difference in hand feel. |
Weight | 203g | 197g | A25 is marginally lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | A72 offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer similar sharpness, though difference is negligible. |
Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 396 PPI | Virtually identical, resulting in similar clarity. |
Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks due to AMOLED tech. |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A25 will have a smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations. |
Brightness | 800 nits | 1000 nits | A25 offers better visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) | A25's newer chip is significantly faster and more energy-efficient. |
AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 480,688 | A25 provides a noticeably better user experience, especially in demanding tasks and gaming. |
GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 | A25's GPU is more powerful, leading to smoother graphics in games and apps. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A72 has a higher megapixel count but not necessarily better picture quality. |
Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 can achieve optical zoom for better details when zooming. |
Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | A72 will capture more detailed selfies. |
Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | A72 has slightly better wide-angle photo quality. |
Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A25 can measure depth for background blur effects in portraits. |
Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@30fps | Both record 4K, however A25 offers a higher slow-motion recording (480fps). |
DXOMark Mobile | 92 | 92 | Both get the same score, but A72 has better photo score while A25 has better video. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same capacity, indicating similar battery life. |
Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support 25W fast charging |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 12 | Android 14, Upgradable to 18 | A25 has much newer Android and software support. |
Connectivity | |||
WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both phones offer similar Wi-Fi connectivity. |
Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | A25 has the more recent version, potentially offering better connectivity and efficiency. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A25 is better for navigation due to the addition of QZSS. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones have the same storage options. |
RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both phones have the same RAM options, ensuring good multitasking capabilities. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both phones provide high-quality audio. |
Security | |||
Features | In-display fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A25 has a faster side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A25 has superior screen protection. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A25 has a virtual proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" display offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience for media consumption.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom capability for better detail at a distance.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 32MP front camera for more detailed selfies and video calls.
- Macro Lens: For close-up photography.
- Slightly better photo performance based on DXOMark score: A72 shows better photo performance
Practical Implications:
* Ideal for users who prioritize media consumption and like to take zoomed pictures.
Samsung Galaxy A25 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Exynos 1280 chipset is much more powerful, resulting in smoother overall usage and gaming.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother visual experience.
- Brighter Display: 1000 nits allows for better visibility in bright conditions.
- Newer Software: Android 14 with extended update support.
- Improved Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 offers more efficient and reliable connections.
- Better Video Recording: better video score based on DXOMark and higher slow motion recording.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: more reliable and faster than in-display ones.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5: Better screen protection.
- Portrait mode lens: Can take depth-aware portraits.
- More satellite systems for GPS: More accurate location capabilities.
Practical Implications:
* Better for users who prioritize performance, smoother visuals, and want the latest software features.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A72 lacks the performance and software advancements of the A25. Its camera excels in zoom and close-up photography, and selfie quality, but its video capabilities and general performance is weaker.
- A25 doesn't have a telephoto lens and macro lens, which might be missed by some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Casual Media Consumer: Users who enjoy watching videos and movies on their phone and want a larger screen size.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize selfie quality.
- Occasional Zoom Photography: Individuals who want to zoom in for taking pictures.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Use Cases:
- Watching movies or TV shows on the go.
- Taking selfies in good lighting conditions.
- Taking zoomed pictures, and close-up images.
Samsung Galaxy A25 Ideal User:
- Performance-Focused User: Users who want smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and a better gaming experience.
- Frequent Phone User: Individuals who use their phones daily for many hours and appreciate a smooth, responsive display.
- Video Recording Enthusiasts: Users who want high-quality videos and slow-motion capabilities.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize having the latest software and features.
Samsung Galaxy A25 Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and running demanding applications.
- Daily multitasking, browsing, and social media.
- Capturing high-quality videos.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Reliable navigation.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Galaxy A25 likely offers a better value due to its newer and faster chipset, better display, and updated software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Media, Gaming, Photography)
- How important is performance? (Smoothness vs. Specific Features)
- Do I value the latest software and features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you prioritize media consumption and need telephoto and macro lens
- Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
- If you prioritize performance, a smoother visual experience, and better software support
- Choose the Samsung Galaxy A25.
What I Would Choose and Why!
Given the choice, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A25. My reasoning is as follows:
- Performance Boost: The Exynos 1280 chipset offers a significant performance increase over the Snapdragon 720G in the A72. This translates to a noticeably smoother and more responsive user experience, which is crucial for daily usage and gaming.
- Superior Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits brightness of the A25's display are substantial upgrades over the A72's 90Hz and 800 nits. These result in a better visual experience, especially for scrolling and outdoor visibility.
- Software Longevity: With Android 14 and the promise of further updates, the A25 offers much longer software support. This makes the device more future-proof.
- Video Capabilities: While the A72 has a better photo score, the A25 has a superior video score based on DXOMark, and offers a better slow-motion recording.
- Screen protection: The Gorilla Glass 5 on the A25 will protect the screen better, which is an important factor for any phone user.
- The trade-offs are acceptable: While the A72 offers a telephoto and macro lens and a better selfie camera, I feel the A25's improvements in performance, display, software, and video recording are more important for overall user experience and future-proofing.
Therefore, the Galaxy A25 is the better option for a smoother, more responsive, and feature-rich experience. It provides more long-term value and caters better to my needs for a daily driver. The benefits in performance and software support heavily outweigh the slight advantages the A72 has in the camera department.