Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy M12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | A72 is slightly wider and thinner, M12 is thicker and less wide; M12 has larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 203g | 212g | A72 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | A72 has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | A72's higher resolution means sharper text, images, and videos; M12 display will appear noticeably less detailed. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 270 PPI | A72's higher pixel density provides significantly crisper visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | A72's AMOLED offers better blacks, contrast, vibrant colors, and superior power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is dramatically better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. The M12 screen may be hard to see outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Exynos 850 (8nm) | A72's Snapdragon 720G is more powerful; Offers faster app loading and smoother gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 285,000 | 117,341 | A72 has significantly better performance, suitable for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 | A72's Adreno 618 provides better gaming and graphics processing performance than M12's Mali-G52. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 48MP, f/2.0 | A72 captures more detailed images with better low-light performance due to wider aperture and higher resolution. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | A72 offers optical zoom capabilities for better photos at a distance. |
| Ultrawide | 12MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A72 captures wider, higher-resolution ultrawide photos. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72 can take more detailed close-up shots. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | A72 captures much higher-resolution selfies. |
| Depth Sensor | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | M12 offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 can record higher-resolution, smoother videos and has better video stabilization capabilities. |
| DxoMark Score | 92 (Mobile) | Not Available | A72 has been tested and it scored well |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life under typical usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | A72 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 | A72 has an upgrade path to Android 12. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 b/g/n | A72 supports faster Wi-Fi standards (802.11ac) and dual-band connectivity for better performance. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 3GB/4GB/6GB | A72 has more RAM, leading to better multitasking and app performance. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 32GB/64GB/128GB | A72 offers more storage space and a higher maximum storage option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | A72 provides enhanced audio quality for media consumption. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | M12 has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | A72 features a compass sensor for enhanced navigation and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution AMOLED display with significantly higher brightness and vibrant colors, making it excellent for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Better Performance: More powerful Snapdragon 720G chipset with a higher Antutu score, providing faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Enhanced Camera System: More versatile camera system with a higher-resolution main sensor, telephoto lens with optical zoom, higher-resolution ultrawide and selfie cameras and 4K video recording.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging compared to the 15W on the M12.
- Advanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi standards and has better location accuracy with Galileo GPS support
- More RAM and Storage: Offers more RAM and higher storage options.
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Lower Price: Generally, the M12 is more affordable than the A72.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: May be preferred by some users for its ergonomic design and easy accessibility.
- Dedicated depth sensor: Allows for a better portrait mode.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A72: The main trade-off for the A72 is its higher price compared to the M12.
- M12: The main trade-offs are a lower-resolution display, less powerful chipset, and significantly inferior camera system compared to the A72. The M12 also has basic audio features and a slower charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of videos, movies, and games and value a high-quality display and audio.
- Photography Lovers: Those who want a versatile camera system with good image quality in various situations and optical zoom capabilities.
- Power Users: Individuals who demand smooth performance for multitasking and gaming.
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phones in bright sunlight.
Specific Use Cases for A72:
- Watching HDR videos and movies on the vibrant AMOLED display.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos in different scenarios using its versatile camera system.
- Playing graphic-intensive games with high frame rates.
- Working outdoors in bright light without screen visibility issues.
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who prioritize affordability and basic smartphone functionalities.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and communication.
- Users Who Value Long Battery Life: Although both have 5000mAh batteries, the M12's less demanding processor might extend the battery life in certain cases.
Specific Use Cases for M12:
- Basic social media usage, browsing, and communication.
- Daily tasks without requiring high performance.
- Users seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with a long battery life.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The A72 offers significantly more features and superior performance for its higher price. It provides excellent value if the extra features are essential for the user.
- The M12 provides basic smartphone functionality at a lower cost, making it suitable for those on a tight budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The M12 is significantly more affordable, while the A72 is a higher-priced mid-range device.
- How important is display quality? If display quality is critical, the A72's AMOLED screen is significantly better than the M12's LCD.
- What is your primary use case? If performance, photography, and media consumption are high priorities, the A72 is the better choice. If basic tasks and affordability are more important, the M12 is adequate.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you are a student on a limited budget and mainly use your phone for social media and browsing, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a better choice because it is more affordable.
- Scenario 2: If you are a photo enthusiast and want good low-light performance, optical zoom, and high-quality selfies, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the recommended choice.
- Scenario 3: If you frequently watch videos and play games on your phone and need a display that performs well even in bright sunlight, the Samsung Galaxy A72 would be the better option due to its superior display.
- Scenario 4: If you need a phone with good overall performance for demanding tasks and want a high quality display the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the recommended device.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
Reasons:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with its higher resolution, brightness, and vibrant colors is a significant advantage for my daily usage, which includes a lot of media consumption.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset provides a noticeable boost in performance, which is crucial for seamless multitasking and occasional gaming.
- Versatile Camera: The A72's camera system, with optical zoom, a higher-resolution ultrawide camera, and better low-light performance, is essential for my interest in photography.
- Faster Charging: The 25W fast charging feature is a convenient addition, which can significantly reduce downtime.
- Improved Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers enhance the overall multimedia experience.
- Future-Proofing: The A72 is upgradable to Android 12, providing a longer life cycle.
While the Samsung Galaxy M12 is more affordable, the significant improvements in display, performance, camera, audio, and charging of the A72 make it a worthwhile investment for me. The A72 will be more suitable for my needs and provide a much better user experience.
