1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy M13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm | Very similar size; almost imperceptible difference. |
| Weight | 203g | 192g | M13 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | A72 has slightly larger screen, marginally better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Virtually identical sharpness; negligible real-world difference. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 400 PPI | Very similar sharpness; negligible real-world difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | A72 offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A72 has smoother animations, better for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright conditions; M13's brightness is not provided. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | A72's Snapdragon is significantly more powerful; faster app loading, better multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 117,300 | A72 has much better performance; suitable for more demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 | A72’s Adreno 618 is a more powerful GPU, translating to better graphics in gaming and apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A72's higher resolution can capture more detailed photos in good light |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 offers dedicated telephoto/portrait lens for optical zoom and better portrait shots |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | A72 captures significantly more detailed selfies with better clarity. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A72 captures much wider scenes with significantly more detail |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | M13 has a depth sensor for improved portrait mode effects |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72 has better macro shots with higher details |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | A72 offers higher video quality and frame rate, as well as EIS for better stabilization. |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Not Tested | A72 has a tested camera performance with better overall scores. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 15W fast charging | A72 charges significantly faster, reducing waiting time. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | M13 ships with a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both offer similar WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | A72 has a more comprehensive Bluetooth feature set |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | A72 has larger storage options for media and apps. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6 GB | A72 has more RAM which leads to better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | A72 offers better audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | M13 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | M13 has a more robust screen protection against scratches and impacts |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Light, Hall | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | A72 has a more advanced set of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 90Hz refresh rate and higher brightness offers significantly better visual experience, especially in bright environments and for media consumption.
- Higher Performance: Snapdragon 720G chipset provides much better performance for gaming, multitasking, and general usage compared to Exynos 850.
- Better Camera System: Includes telephoto lens, higher resolution main/selfie/wide-angle cameras, and 4K video recording, offering more versatility and better image quality.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to 15W on the M13.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos provide a more immersive audio experience.
Practical Implications of A72 advantages:
- Better for users who heavily consume video content or play games, who would notice the smoother display and more powerful chipset.
- Those who often take photos, will benefit from the versatile camera system and improved image quality.
- Users who prioritize fast charging and better audio will find the A72 a more compelling choice.
Samsung Galaxy M13 Advantages:
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 12 out of the box, though A72 can be upgraded.
- Slightly Lighter: 11g lighter than the A72, making it a bit more comfortable for extended holding.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers superior protection against scratches and impacts.
- More Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally considered more convenient and reliable.
Practical Implications of M13 advantages:
- The newer OS can offer long-term software support and newer features, and the side-mounted fingerprint sensor may be more ergonomically pleasing to some users.
- Users who need a more affordable phone with a newer OS may find M13 a better fit.
- The Gorilla Glass 5 screen will be more durable against potential damage.
Significant Trade-offs
- The Galaxy A72 is substantially more powerful but at the cost of being heavier and using an older version of Android out of the box
- The Galaxy M13 is lighter, with a newer OS, and a more durable screen but it has significantly lower performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 is Ideal For:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who watch a lot of videos, play games, and enjoy vibrant visuals will benefit from the superior AMOLED screen, powerful processor, and enhanced audio.
- Photography Lovers: Individuals who often take photos or videos and appreciate good image quality and flexibility, as the A72 offers a versatile camera system with telephoto and wide-angle options.
- Power Users: Those who require a smooth multitasking experience and want faster charging will benefit from the combination of a powerful processor, good amount of RAM and faster-charging capabilities.
Specific Use Cases for A72:
- Playing graphically intensive games with higher framerates
- Capturing photos and videos for social media with more detail and flexibility
- Binge-watching high-resolution video content with vibrant colors
- Working with multiple apps simultaneously without slowdown
- Charging quickly before heading out
Samsung Galaxy M13 is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who are looking for a more affordable smartphone with a decent feature set and newer OS.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Users who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and social media, and don't prioritize high-performance gaming or photography.
- Users Prioritizing Screen Protection: Those who need a more durable screen will benefit from the M13's Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
Specific Use Cases for M13:
- Everyday browsing, social media, and messaging
- Making calls and sending texts on the go
- Capturing casual photos without needing high-end camera capabilities
- Using navigation or listening to music during commutes
- Basic gaming
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What's your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, media consumption, basic use)
- How important is performance vs. price? (Do you need top performance or are you looking for affordability)
- What are your most important features? (Display quality, camera, battery life, screen protection, charging speed)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious, Everyday Use: If you prioritize affordability, a newer OS, and everyday reliability for basic tasks, the Samsung Galaxy M13 is a good choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Multimedia Focus: If you want a vibrant display, powerful performance, better camera capabilities, and fast charging, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a better fit, even if it costs more.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: For someone who wants a little bit of everything but not at a premium cost, the Samsung Galaxy A72 may be the choice even though it is older, it still has better performance, camera and screen.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. While it's older, the superior AMOLED display, significantly better performance, more versatile camera system with better quality, and faster charging make it a much more compelling device for my usage needs. I prioritize the smooth 90Hz screen, the ability to play more demanding mobile games, and a good camera system over the minor benefits of the M13, such as its slightly lighter weight and newer OS (which can be upgraded).
The M13 is a better fit for very basic users or those who are extremely price-conscious, but for anyone wanting a smartphone that offers a better overall experience, the A72 remains the stronger choice even years after its release.
