Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy A54
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 158.2 × 76.7 × 8.2 mm | A72 is slightly larger and thicker, may feel less comfortable in hand for some users. A54 is more compact. |
| Weight | 203g | 202g | Virtually identical weight; both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | A72 offers a larger screen for media consumption, while A54 is more pocketable and slightly sharper due to smaller size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Similar resolution; minimal visual difference in daily use. |
| PPI | 394 | 403 | A54 has slightly higher pixel density, potentially leading to marginally sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical display technology; both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A54 has smoother scrolling and animations, particularly noticeable in gaming and navigating the interface. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 has a substantially brighter display (800 nits), crucial for visibility in sunny conditions. A54 brightness is unknown, but not stated as higher. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | A54 offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and overall responsiveness due to its newer chipset and smaller manufacturing process. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 578,600 | A54 has much better processing power - around double the performance for tasks and apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MP5 | A54's GPU provides better graphical performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and faster rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm (Sony IMX766) | A54's main sensor has larger pixels and a larger sensor size, generally capturing more light and detail, better low-light performance despite lower resolution; A72's higher resolution might be negligibly better in perfect conditions. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.0µm | N/A | A72 offers optical zoom, A54 relies on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | Similar wide-angle performance, slightly better on A54. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | Comparable macro lens quality on both phones. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.80µm (Sony IMX616) | Both have capable selfie cameras with very similar specs, the A54 has a newer sensor. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (EIS), 120fps slow-mo | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 720p@480fps (EIS), 240fps slow-mo | A54 offers higher slow-motion capabilities. Both offer stabilized 4k recording |
| DxOMark | 92 (Mobile) | 107 (Mobile) | A54 provides superior camera performance based on DxOMark scores. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery size; expect comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Same fast charging capability. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included | N/A | A72 comes with a 15W fast charger in the box; A54 does not specify included charger. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max version 12 | Android 13, max version 17 | A54 has a more modern OS, longer software support, and access to the newest features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi 5 | 802.11ax, Wi-Fi 6 | A54 supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster speeds, better performance, and lower latency on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | A54 has a newer Bluetooth standard, offering better performance and connectivity with compatible devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A54 provides more precise location tracking with QZSS support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM, eSIM | A54 offers eSIM support, which can allow for a second number without physical SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both have the same RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | A54 offers better audio output with Hi-Res Audio for improved listening on compatible devices. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones have basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A54 offers significantly better screen protection against scratches and breakage with Gorilla Glass 5. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A54 offers ultrasonic virtual proximity, better for gaming; A72 has traditional proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen is better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
- Potentially Brighter Display: The A72 has a specified brightness of 800 nits, crucial for outdoor visibility, while the A54's brightness is not specified.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 15W fast charger in the box.
- Optical Zoom: The included telephoto camera provides true optical zoom, a feature absent on the A54.
Samsung Galaxy A54 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset offers drastically better CPU and GPU performance, leading to a smoother and faster user experience.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations more fluid.
- Better Main Camera: The 50MP main sensor, with larger pixels and a better sensor, excels in low-light photography.
- Better Video: The A54 has an improved slow motion video mode
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 13 and has more future software updates.
- Improved Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for better performance and efficiency.
- Better Audio: Supports Hi-Res audio for higher quality listening experience.
- Better Build: Features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for improved screen protection.
- eSIM Support: Offers an eSIM, which allows for a second number without a physical SIM.
- Higher DxOMark scores: Overall better camera system according to DxOMark ratings.
Trade-offs:
- The A72 sacrifices overall performance and camera quality for a larger display and optical zoom.
- The A54 sacrifices a larger display and the optical zoom of the telephoto lens for much better performance and a better main camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a large screen for watching videos and gaming.
- Users who value optical zoom: Users who take lots of zoomed photos using the telephoto lens.
- Budget Conscious Shoppers: Who don't need the latest software, performance or cameras and prefer a large display.
- Users who need a guaranteed brighter screen: Users who are frequently outdoors or in bright lighting.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows on a larger display.
- Casual gaming where high refresh rate isn't a must.
- Users who take many photos that utilize optical zoom.
- Users who are frequently outdoors and need a bright display.
Samsung Galaxy A54 Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Users who demand fast and smooth performance for gaming, multitasking, and daily usage.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality photos, especially in low-light conditions.
- Tech Savvy Users: Those who want the latest software and connectivity features.
- Users who appreciate build quality: Users who prioritize screen protection.
Use Cases:
- Demanding gaming and smooth multitasking.
- High-quality photography in various conditions.
- Taking advantage of new connectivity standards.
- Users wanting better slow-motion video.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize a larger screen for media consumption, or smoother performance and a better camera?
- How important is optical zoom for your photography needs?
- Do you need the most up to date software and connectivity standards?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User, Budget-Conscious
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72. It will likely be cheaper, and the larger screen could be more desirable.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer or Performance User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A54. It provides a significantly smoother experience, better graphics, and better connectivity.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A54. The main camera provides higher quality and better low-light performance. The higher DxOMark scores will be preferred.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor User or heavy media consumer:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72. The potentially brighter screen and larger display will be better for outdoors and watching media.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A54. While the larger screen of the A72 is appealing, the significant jump in performance, better camera, updated software, and improved connectivity of the A54 are more important to me. The improved screen protection with Gorilla Glass 5 also adds a layer of durability. The benefits of the better main camera and slow-motion are also significant improvements. The A54 offers a more future-proof device with more performance, which is my personal priority.
