Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy M55
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy M55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 163.9 × 76.5 × 7.8 mm | M55 is slightly smaller and thinner, making it potentially more comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 203g | 180g | M55 is significantly lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both offer the same screen real estate, suitable for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide a sharp, detailed viewing experience. |
| PPI | 394 | 393 | 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 | M55 provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 has much higher brightness for better outdoor visibility; the M55 brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SD 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SD 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | M55 offers significantly faster processing and improved power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 698,000 | M55 has much better overall performance, meaning faster app loading, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 644 | M55's GPU enables better graphics performance, crucial for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64MP f/1.8, 0.80 µm | 50MP f/1.8, Unknown µm | A72 has a higher resolution sensor, however, pixel size of M55 is not specified. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP f/2.4, 1.00µm, 1/4.4" (OV08A10) | None | A72 has a telephoto camera for optical zoom, the M55 lacks this feature. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2, 0.80µm | 50MP f/2.2, Unknown µm | M55 has a higher resolution front camera, however pixel size is unspecified. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP f/2.2, 1.12 µm | 8MP f/2.2, 1.12 µm | A72 provides a higher resolution for wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4, 1.12 µm | 2MP f/2.4, Unknown µm | A72 offers higher resolution macro photos. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@60fps (EIS) | 4K@30fps (OIS,EIS), 1080p@60fps (OIS,EIS) | M55 includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for smoother videos. M55 also has a better slo-mo capability. |
| DxoMark | 92 (Mobile) | Not Tested | A72 Camera has been tested; the camera performance of the M55 is unknown. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer a similar battery life for all-day use, though real-world usage varies. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | M55 charges significantly faster than A72. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | M55 runs on a much newer version of Android, providing the latest features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | M55 offers faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | M55 provides faster data transfer and a more stable connection with compatible devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC System | M55 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options, allowing ample storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB | M55 has a better RAM configuration for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone provides the ability to expand storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | A72 has stereo speakers, offering more immersive audio. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | M55 has a better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | A72 has a Hall sensor, the M55 lacks it. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: The 800 nits brightness makes it significantly better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.
- Telephoto Camera: Offers optical zoom, which is absent on the M55, providing greater versatility in photography.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides a more immersive audio experience compared to the M55's single speaker.
- Hall Sensor: Useful for advanced features and gaming.
- DXOMark Score: Has been tested and scored for camera performance.
Samsung Galaxy M55 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset offers much better processing power for smoother multitasking, gaming, and app usage.
- Faster Charging: 45W charging is much faster than A72's 25W charging, enabling quick top-ups.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a better experience than the A72's 90Hz.
- Newer Software: Android 14 provides the latest features and security updates.
- Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 offer faster, more reliable connections.
- Lighter Design: 23g difference is significant.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
- OIS Video Stabilization: The M55 video is stabilized by OIS.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Provides better quality front-facing images.
- More GPS Satellite Support: Better location accuracy.
- Higher Slow Motion Capability: The M55 supports up to 240 fps slow motion.
Trade-offs:
- The A72 offers a telephoto camera and stereo speakers but falls short on processing and software.
- The M55 has a much better performance and software but lacks a dedicated telephoto camera, stereo speakers, and has an unknown brightness level.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Those who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and need a bright screen.
- Photography Hobbyists: People who value optical zoom and enjoy taking zoomed photos.
- Casual Gamers: Suitable for general gaming use but not the best choice for intensive gamers.
- Audio Focused Users: Those who consume a lot of media on their device and value stereo speakers.
Use Cases for A72:
- Taking photos and videos in various lighting conditions, including bright sunlight.
- Watching videos, movies, and listening to music while on the go.
- Casual gaming and social media browsing.
Samsung Galaxy M55 Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Users who need a fast phone for gaming and multitasking.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest Android software and features.
- Frequent Chargers: Users who don't mind the lack of a bright screen as they often charge.
- Mobile Video Creators: Those who record a lot of videos and need OIS.
- Users who value portability: Those who want a lightweight device.
Use Cases for M55:
- Playing graphic-intensive mobile games.
- Running multiple apps simultaneously with smooth performance.
- Taking videos, and creating content on the go.
- Daily mobile tasks where performance is key, such as social media, productivity, etc.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The A72 might be a better value for users focused on outdoor visibility and camera versatility, assuming it is offered at a lower price point, since it is an older phone.
- The M55 offers superior performance and future-proofing, making it a better value for those who need a fast and modern device, if price is not a significant constraint.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is outdoor visibility? (If using the phone in direct sunlight is common, the A72 is a better choice due to its brightness. If outdoor usage is less common the M55 could be considered.)
- How important is processing power for gaming and multitasking? (If speed and performance are priorities, the M55 is the better choice.)
- How important is optical zoom, stereo speakers and having a tested camera? (If these are must-haves, the A72 may be the better option, if you are not concerned about software.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoor Use and Photography: If you often use your phone outdoors and value optical zoom, the A72 is the better option.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Latest Software: If you prioritize speed, multitasking, gaming, and want the latest Android version, the M55 is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Usage: If you want a good overall experience, with the focus on performance, then the M55 is recommended.
My Choice
Based on the detailed analysis, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M55. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has its merits, particularly its brighter display, telephoto camera, and stereo speakers, the M55 excels in areas that are more critical for modern smartphone usage, such as performance, software, and future-proofing.
Here's why:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset offers a huge leap in performance, which is noticeable in everyday use and is crucial for running demanding applications and games smoothly. The higher AnTuTu score further substantiates this.
- Faster Charging: The 45W charging capability is significantly faster, ensuring that the phone is ready to use quickly.
- Latest Software: With Android 14, the M55 comes with the latest features and security updates.
- Better Connectivity: The M55's Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 provide faster and more stable wireless connections.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations noticeably more fluid.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides superior protection against scratches and damage.
- Lighter Design: The lighter weight makes it more comfortable for extended usage.
The lack of a telephoto camera and stereo speakers on the M55 are minor drawbacks compared to the gains in performance, software, and charging speed. The unknown brightness level is a limitation, however, the other features, especially the performance boost, are too significant to overlook.
