Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy A55
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 161.1 × 77.4 × 8.2 mm | A72 is slightly taller and thicker, A55 is more compact, A55 potentially feels more ergonomic. |
| Weight | 203g | 213g | A72 is lighter, A55 may feel more substantial. 10g difference is barely noticeable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | A72 offers slightly larger screen for a more immersive experience (movies, browsing), A55 slightly more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer a sharp, detailed image. Minor differences in pixel count are negligible. |
| PPI | 394 | 390 | Virtually identical pixel density, both displays will appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A55 provides smoother scrolling, gaming, and overall animations; noticeable improvement for daily use and gaming. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72's higher brightness ensures better visibility in direct sunlight; A55 brightness is missing, could be a major issue in bright conditions |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Exynos 1480 (4 nm) | A55's newer, more efficient chipset provides faster app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 713,393 | A55 provides significantly higher performance, offering smoother operation for all use cases. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Xclipse 530 | A55's GPU offers better gaming performance, faster graphics processing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 64MP | 50MP | A72 offers slightly higher resolution, but A55 has a larger sensor, which may lead to better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Unknown | Sony IMX906 (1/1.56") | A55 larger sensor size captures more light, potentially yielding better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (1/4.4" OV08A10) | None | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for better optical zoom capabilities, A55 relies on digital zoom |
| Selfie Camera Res | 32MP | 32MP | Both offer similar high-resolution selfie capabilities, will be indistinguishable. |
| Wide Camera Res | 12MP | 13MP | A55 has slightly higher resolution on the wide angle sensor, but will be practically indistinguishable. |
| Macro Camera Res | 5MP | 5MP | Both have identical macro lens capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Both provide 4K video recording, but A55 supports faster slow-motion with higher frame rates for smoother videos. |
| DXOMark Score | Main: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Main: 108, Photo: 110, Video: 117 | A55 has a considerably higher DxOMark score, which suggests superior overall camera performance, better photos and video. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Optical zoom | OIS, AutoFraming, NPU AI Engine | A72 has a dedicated optical zoom. A55 uses AI for better image processing, has AutoFraming, and potentially has better video stabilization |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, leading to similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both offer the same fast charging, refuelling times should be similar. |
| Charger | 15W Fast Charger included | No charger included | A72 includes a charger out of the box, A55 requires user to purchase separately. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (max 12) | Android 14 (max 18) | A55 has newer Android version with more software features and extended update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | A55 supports faster Wi-Fi with less latency, ideal for online gaming and video streaming. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | A55 has a newer Bluetooth version for better performance and more modern audio codecs (Apt-x, LDAC). |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A55 offers more precise positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | A55 supports eSIM, providing more flexibility in terms of network carrier options, and easier switching between plans |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both have the same storage options; neither has expandable storage. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB or 12GB | A55 has more RAM for smoother multitasking. The higher RAM will also keep more apps open in the background. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | A55 offers superior audio quality with Hi-Res audio support for a more immersive audio experience, which will be noticed with headphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer same level of fingerprint sensor security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A55 offers better scratch and drop resistance, while screen protection of A72 is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A55 has additional sensors which may be useful in some specific situations. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Display: 6.7" screen offers a more immersive viewing experience.
- 15W Fast Charger Included: Comes with a charger, which is good for users on a budget.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens allows for optical zoom capabilities, which are preferred over digital zoom for maintaining picture quality.
- Higher Screen Brightness: Offers better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight.
Samsung Galaxy A55 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Exynos 1480 chipset and higher AnTuTu score ensure snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeable difference in fluidity during scrolling, animations, and gaming.
- Superior Camera Performance: Better DxOMark scores and a larger main sensor suggest better overall camera quality, especially in low-light conditions. It also supports 4K video recording and has superior stabilization.
- More Software Updates: Newer Android version and extended support provides access to new features and security patches for longer period.
- Faster Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for improved wireless performance, and more audio codecs such as Apt-x and LDAC.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus will provide better scratch and drop resistance
- eSIM Support: Ability to use a digital SIM for easier switching between network carriers
Practical Implications:
- The A72's telephoto lens is useful for users who frequently take zoomed photos.
- The A55's superior performance will be felt in virtually all tasks, from browsing to gaming.
- The 120Hz refresh rate of the A55 is a significant quality-of-life improvement over the A72's 90Hz display.
- The better screen protection on A55 will be a practical advantage for those that are prone to dropping their phone or are not using a screen protector.
- The lack of screen brightness information on the A55 is a major issue, and will be a significant handicap in sunlight.
Trade-offs:
- A72 sacrifices performance for a slightly larger display and optical zoom, while A55 gains performance but has no telephoto zoom, and has a smaller screen.
- The A72 includes a charger, which is no longer the standard for many manufacturers. The A55 does not have a charger included.
- The A72 offers slightly higher screen brightness while the A55's screen brightness has no information.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Casual User: Those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and media consumption.
- Photo Zoom Enthusiast: Individuals who value a dedicated telephoto lens for capturing zoomed images.
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Users looking for a phone with a large display and includes charger at a more affordable price point.
- Users that need high sunlight visibility: Users that use their phone outdoors often and need a bright screen in the sunlight
Use Cases for A72:
- Enjoying movies and videos on a slightly larger screen.
- Taking zoomed photos of distant subjects.
- Basic daily tasks and social media browsing.
- Outdoor usage where screen visibility is critical.
Samsung Galaxy A55 Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Gamers or anyone who needs snappy performance for demanding apps and multitasking.
- Camera Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize image and video quality and want better results in all conditions, especially in low-light.
- Future-Proofing: Those who want a phone with newer software and connectivity for a longer lifespan.
- Users that want to keep their device longer: Users that prefer to have the latest version of Android for as long as possible and appreciate long-term support
Use Cases for A55:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Multitasking between different apps.
- Using their device for many years with up-to-date software and security patches.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance and speed for daily tasks and games? If performance is a priority, A55 is the better choice. If performance is not a priority, the A72 will be fine.
- Do you take zoomed pictures frequently, or is image quality more important? A72 has a telephoto lens, but A55 offers superior image quality with a bigger sensor.
- Is having the latest software and connectivity important to you? If long term software support is important, the A55 will be a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Conscious, Casual User - The A72 is suitable, especially if you want an included charger and a slightly larger screen.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer, Power User - The A55 is highly recommended due to its significantly better performance, smoother display, and better camera.
- Scenario 3: Camera Enthusiast, Vlogger - The A55 is the better pick because of its superior image and video quality, better video stabilization, and slow-motion capabilities.
- Scenario 4: User that spends time outdoors - The A72 is the better option, due to having a much higher screen brightness. The A55 is not recommended as its screen brightness is unknown, and will be very poor in direct sunlight.
My Choice
Based on the analysis, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A55. Here's why:
- Performance: The substantial performance leap of the A55 is too significant to ignore. As someone who uses their phone frequently for a variety of tasks, the faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming experience is very important.
- Camera Quality: While I do appreciate having a dedicated telephoto zoom, the A55's superior image quality with its larger sensor, alongside the AI improvements, is more appealing overall, and I would prefer better low-light photos.
- Software & Connectivity: I prefer a phone with a longer software support lifespan and newer connectivity options. The newer Bluetooth version, support for more audio codecs, and WiFi 6 are more aligned with future technological advancements.
- User experience: The 120Hz refresh rate makes a big difference in daily use, adding to a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
- Screen Protection: Having a phone that has better screen protection is a must have.
While the larger screen and included charger of the A72 are nice, the A55's advantages in performance, camera, software, and connectivity are more crucial for my needs and for long-term value. The lack of screen brightness information on the A55 is worrying, but the other advantages outweigh this, assuming screen brightness is sufficient. If screen brightness is a major factor, I would strongly consider the A72.
