Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | A72 is larger and might be less comfortable for single-handed use, while A52s 5G is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 203g | 189g | A52s 5G is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | A72 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption, while A52s 5G is more compact for handling. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have sharp displays with similar detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 405 | Similar sharpness, virtually no visible difference |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A52s 5G provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 800 nits | Both are equally visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | A52s 5G offers significantly faster performance for gaming and heavy apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 570,752 | A52s 5G delivers double the performance, for faster app loading and better responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 642L | A52s 5G's GPU allows for more fluid gameplay at higher settings. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm pixel size | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" sensor, Sony IMX682, 0.8µm pixel size | Both have similar main camera resolutions. A52s has a larger sensor which may improve low light performance |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", Omnivision OV08A10, 1.00µm pixel size | Not present | A72 offers dedicated optical zoom. A52s relies on digital zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm pixel size | 32MP, f/2.0, pixel size | A52s 5G has a wider aperture which may improve low light selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 12MP, f/2.2, pixel size | Both have similar wide-angle cameras. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | Not present | 5MP, f/2.4, pixel size | A52s 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixel size | 5MP, f/2.4, pixel size | Both have similar macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Both provide similar video recording capabilities with EIS. |
| DXOMARK Mobile Score | 92 | Not Available | A72 has a verified overall score, A52s is not listed. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | A72 has extra features like optical zoom, manual focus and night mode. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | A72 is likely to offer longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both phones charge at the same speed. |
| Charger Included | 15W Fast Charger included | Not specified | A72 includes a 15W fast charger in the box |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | A52s 5G will get longer OS support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | A52s 5G offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and improved performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Both have similar Bluetooth functionalities |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both have the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Both have similar RAM options for efficient multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | A72 has stereo speakers for enhanced audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both have standard fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A52s 5G is more durable. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A72 includes standard proximity sensor, A52s has a virtual ultrasonic sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen is better for media consumption and provides a more immersive viewing experience.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery will generally provide longer battery life than the A52s 5G.
- Optical Zoom: Offers true optical zoom capability which is useful for capturing distant subjects.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides better audio quality for media consumption and games.
- 15W Fast Charger Included: Charger is included in the box.
Practical Implications: The A72 is a better choice for users who prioritize a large screen, long battery life, and optical zoom capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset provides much better performance in games and intensive apps.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: The higher refresh rate screen results in smoother scrolling, which improves daily use experience.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better protection against scratches and damage.
- Longer Software Support: It gets two more Android updates than the A72.
- Wi-Fi 6: It supports the faster Wi-Fi 6 standard.
- Wider aperture selfie camera: The wider aperture is better for low light selfies.
- Dedicated depth sensor: A52s has a dedicated sensor for better portrait shots.
Practical Implications: The A52s 5G is the better option for users who prioritize fast performance, a smooth display, and long-term software support.
Trade-offs:
- A72 sacrifices performance for a larger screen and battery.
- A52s 5G sacrifices battery capacity for better performance and screen fluidity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who primarily consume videos, movies, and TV shows on their phone.
- Frequent Travelers: Users who need longer battery life and can benefit from optical zoom capabilities.
- Casual Gamers: Users who play less graphically intensive games and prioritize display size over high frame rates.
- Audio enthusiasts: Users who appreciate the stereo speakers for enhanced audio experience.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV series during commutes.
- Capturing detailed photos of far-away subjects.
- Using the phone for navigation and other tasks throughout the day without needing frequent charging.
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G Ideal Users:
- Mobile Gamers: Users who need smooth gameplay with higher frame rates.
- Power Users: Users who use multiple intensive apps and multitask frequently.
- Future-Proof Buyers: Users who want a device that will stay updated for longer.
- Social media users: Users who frequently take selfies and need good portrait shots.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphics intensive mobile games.
- Switching between multiple apps without experiencing lag.
- Having a phone with better future-proofing through more Android OS updates.
- Taking higher quality portrait shots with the dedicated depth sensor.
Price-to-Value: Both phones offer a strong value proposition in their respective niches. However, the A52s 5G's significant performance upgrade generally makes it a better value proposition for most users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for you?
- If performance is critical, go with the A52s 5G.
- If you are not doing heavy tasks, the A72 is acceptable.
- Do you prioritize screen size and battery life over smooth scrolling?
- If yes, the A72 is suitable.
- If no, the A52s 5G would be better.
- How important is software support and future proofing?
- If this is very important, the A52s 5G is the better choice as it has longer software support.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming: If you intend to play demanding mobile games frequently, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the clear choice due to its superior chipset and 120Hz refresh rate.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption: If you primarily watch videos, movies, and TV shows, and prefer a bigger screen, the Samsung Galaxy A72 might be better suited.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Use: If you want a phone that balances performance and everyday usability, and intend to use it for a longer time period with software updates, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is a more well-rounded choice.
- Scenario 4: Photography focused user: If you prioritize taking photos, both cameras will offer similar results but for different scenarios. The A72 offers an optical zoom but the A52s has a wider selfie camera aperture and a dedicated depth sensor. Consider these when making your choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G.
Here's why:
- Performance: The performance difference between the Snapdragon 720G and 778G is significant. The A52s 5G is noticeably faster, and that difference will be apparent in daily use with faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother performance in most use cases.
- Display smoothness: The 120Hz refresh rate is a significant upgrade over 90Hz, making the user interface feel much smoother. This improves the overall day-to-day experience.
- Software support: Two more Android version updates means the A52s 5G will be usable for longer without feeling outdated, which is better for long-term use.
- Build quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better protection and durability, which is a key consideration for me.
While the A72 has the benefit of the larger display and better battery, the trade-offs in performance, display smoothness and long-term software support are not worth it for my needs. The performance is a key factor in keeping the phone running smoothly for years and the A52s 5G offers that edge, making it the more logical choice for me.
