1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2021-10-03 | M52 5G is newer by about 6 months; potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 164.2 × 76.4 × 7.4 mm | M52 5G is slightly thinner and more compact. |
| Weight | 203g | 173g | M52 5G is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness and clarity. |
| PPI | 394 | 393 | Negligible difference in pixel density, visually identical. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | M52 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 800 nits | Both screens are equally bright. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) | M52 5G has a much faster and more efficient chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 589,200 | M52 5G is significantly faster for all tasks, especially gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 642L | M52 5G has a more powerful GPU, better for graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.97", 0.8µm, Samsung GW3 | Similar main camera, M52 5G has a slightly larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.0µm, Omnivision OV08A10 | Not present | A72 has dedicated zoom capabilities; M52 5G relies on digital zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm, Sony IMX616 | Both offer good selfie quality; the M52 5G has a slightly larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Not present | A72 has a dedicated wide-angle camera for landscape shots. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | Not present | 5MP, f/2.4 | M52 5G has a depth sensor for better bokeh effect |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | Not present | A72 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not present | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm, Sony IMX258 | M52 5G has a single lens for both wide-angle and macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps | Similar video resolution, A72 has EIS. M52 5G has better slow-mo at 240 fps. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 92 | Not Tested | A72's camera performance is known; M52 5G's is untested by DXOMark. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, PDAF, Night mode, etc. | Triple camera, 4K Video, etc. | A72 has more versatile photography features, M52 has basic 4K video. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support similar fast charging. |
| Charger in Box | 15W Charger Included | No Charger | A72 provides a charger. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | M52 5G likely has longer software support with one additional Android version upgrade. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | M52 5G supports faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Both have similar Bluetooth capabilities. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | M52 5G supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128GB | A72 has option of more storage. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 6/8GB | Both have similar RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | A72 has better audio immersion with stereo speakers; M52 has microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | M52 5G has a more modern and convenient fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | M52 5G offers better screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | A72 includes a compass and additional sensor for certain specific uses. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- More versatile Camera System: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, a wide-angle lens, and a macro lens, giving users more options for different photographic situations. It also features OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for sharper, clearer photos and videos, particularly in low light or when zoomed in.
- Stereo Speakers: Enhanced audio experience with stereo speakers, resulting in more immersive sound.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 15W fast charger in the box, saving users the cost of purchasing one separately.
- Compass: Includes a compass sensor for mapping and navigation.
- Slightly larger storage: Offers up to 256GB of internal storage (compared to 128GB on the M52).
- Known Camera Performance: DXOMark score provides verified information on camera performance.
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset offers much better performance compared to the Snapdragon 720G in the A72, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold and use for extended periods due to its lighter weight and thinner profile.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and animations make the display more enjoyable to use, particularly for gaming and browsing.
- Better Screen Protection: Features Corning Gorilla Glass 5, offering better protection from scratches and accidental drops.
- Updated Software Support: Likely to receive an extra Android OS update (up to 13).
- More advanced fingerprint sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is faster and more convenient.
- Faster Wi-Fi: supports WiFi 6, for faster download and upload speeds.
Trade-offs:
- The A72 offers a more versatile camera setup at the cost of overall performance while the M52 prioritizes performance and a modern display over camera features.
- The A72 includes a charger, while the M52 does not.
- The A72 has a more complete set of camera features, including optical zoom and image stabilization, while the M52 lacks these but offers a better main sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera versatility and want the ability to zoom, take wide-angle and macro shots. They value OIS for sharper photos.
- Audio lovers: Users who enjoy listening to music and watching videos and want an immersive audio experience with stereo speakers.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who prefer having a charger included, and may not need the latest or highest performance.
- Users who prefer a compass sensor.
Use Cases:
- Taking varied photos on travels, capturing landscapes, portraits, and close-up shots, and having the convenience of optical zoom.
- Enjoying multimedia content with enhanced audio experience
- People who prefer a more complete package at a mid-range price.
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Ideal Users:
- Performance-focused users: Gamers and users who need a phone that can handle demanding apps and multitasking without lag.
- Users who value smoothness: Prioritize smooth scrolling and responsive animations in the display.
- Users who prefer a lightweight device: Appreciate a device that is comfortable to hold and use.
- Users who value the latest software.
- Users who value faster data: Wi-fi 6 support makes for faster connectivity speeds.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Using multiple apps simultaneously without experiencing slowdowns.
- Daily browsing, social media, and entertainment where a smooth display is preferred.
- Looking for an affordable 5G phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for the phone? (e.g., photography, gaming, daily use)
- How important are camera versatility and optical zoom to you? (Or are performance and a modern display more important?)
- Do you value a lighter device and fast performance, or a more complete set of camera features and stereo speakers?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography is a priority. Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its versatile camera system, optical zoom, and OIS.
- Scenario 2: Performance and speed are crucial. Choose the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G for its faster chipset, smoother display, and lighter design.
- Scenario 3: A mix of features and value. The Samsung Galaxy A72 may offer a slightly better all around experience for the value with its added camera options, stereo speakers, and included charger, while the M52 offers more value in terms of better overall performance and software support.
What I would choose and why:
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G. Although the A72 offers a more versatile camera system, my priority in a smartphone is smooth performance and a modern user experience. The significantly faster Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset in the M52 would make a noticeable difference in daily use, especially when multitasking or playing games. The 120Hz display would also contribute to a more enjoyable browsing experience. While I do appreciate the additional cameras on the A72, the main camera on the M52 is good enough for my needs. Additionally, I value the lighter weight and thinner profile, making it more comfortable to hold. I also appreciate the extra software support, the side mounted fingerprint sensor, and better screen protection. These features offer more practical benefits for me in the long run, outweighing the optical zoom, stereo speakers, and included charger.
