1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | S21 FE is more compact and pocketable, A72 is larger and may be less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 203g | 177g | S21 FE is noticeably lighter, leading to better comfort for extended use. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S21 FE offers superior screen protection against scratches and minor impacts, A72 screen protection unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | A72 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption, S21 FE is more manageable for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp visuals, with negligible real-world difference in clarity due to similar pixel density. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 403 PPI | Both are sharp, slight edge to S21 FE, but indiscernible to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S21 FE provides smoother scrolling and animations, making interactions feel more responsive, especially for gamers. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1300 nits | S21 FE offers significantly better visibility in bright sunlight, making outdoor usage much more pleasant. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | S21 FE offers significantly faster performance, leading to quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 923,836 | S21 FE is drastically faster in real-world usage. Expect a much more responsive experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 660 | S21 FE provides much better gaming performance, handling demanding games with higher frame rates and smoother graphics. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Lens | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm pixels | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor, 1.8µm pixels, Sony IMX555 | S21 FE captures more light with larger pixels, meaning better low-light performance, A72 has higher resolution for detail in good light |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" sensor, 1.0µm pixels, Omnivision OV08A10 | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm pixels, Hynix HI-847 | S21 FE has a wider aperture which can result in brighter telephoto shots. Both phones have similar telephoto quality otherwise. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm pixels | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor, 0.8µm pixels, Sony IMX616 | Similar selfie camera performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | N/A | A72 offers a dedicated ultrawide for more versatile photos. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixels | N/A | A72 offers a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots. |
| Wide + Macro | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor, 1.12 µm pixels, Sony IMX258 | S21 FE has a combined wide angle and macro lens for more versatile photos |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR and EIS | S21 FE offers higher frame rate 4k video with HDR, better for capturing fast-moving subjects, as well as more slow-motion options. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 92 | 117 | S21 FE offers significantly better overall camera quality, scoring 25 points higher. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | N/A | 127 | S21 FE offers significantly better selfie camera performance. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, OIS, PDAF etc. | Triple camera, OIS, PDAF, Continuous AF, RAW etc. | A72 offers a dedicated macro and ultrawide lens, S21 FE has advanced features such as RAW capture. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | A72 is expected to have slightly better battery life due to a larger battery capacity. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Charging speeds are the same, different battery chemistry. |
| Features | 15W charger included | No charger in-box, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, Reverse charging | S21 FE offers much more versatile charging options, but requires a separate purchase of a charger. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.7" screen is better for media consumption.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery is expected to provide longer battery life, although this may be offset by the less efficient chipset.
- Dedicated Macro and Ultrawide Lenses: Offers more lens flexibility for photographers.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 15W charger in the box.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Snapdragon 888 chipset provides a massive performance boost compared to the Snapdragon 720G.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate leads to smoother animations and more responsive touch.
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits brightness ensures much better outdoor visibility.
- Superior Camera Performance: Higher DxOMark scores indicate better photo and video quality.
- More Advanced Video Recording: Capable of 4K@60fps with HDR.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better scratch and impact resistance.
- More Modern Software: Comes with Android 12 and is upgradable to Android 16, compared to the A72 maxing out at Android 12.
- Wi-Fi 6 Support: Offers faster and more stable Wi-Fi connectivity.
Trade-offs:
- A72: Trades performance and some display quality for a larger screen, a slightly larger battery, dedicated macro and ultrawide lenses and a charger included in box.
- S21 FE 5G: Sacrifices some battery capacity and dedicated macro lens for superior overall performance, camera quality, charging flexibility, and screen brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Looking for a large screen device that's easy on the wallet.
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize a larger display for watching videos and browsing.
- Casual Photographers: People who want the flexibility of having a dedicated macro lens.
- Users Seeking Maximum Battery Life: Prioritize long battery life over raw processing power.
- Users that prioritize having a charger included in the box.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and shows on a larger display.
- Browsing the web and social media.
- Casual photography with some macro focus.
- Extended usage away from power outlets.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Those who need a smooth and fast experience for gaming and multitasking.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who demand higher frame rates and responsive controls.
- Photographers & Videographers: Those who want to capture high-quality photos and videos.
- Power Users: People who prioritize having a feature-rich phone and advanced connectivity.
- Users who like fast charging
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically demanding mobile games.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos, especially in low light.
- Smooth multitasking between demanding applications.
- Using the phone in bright outdoor conditions.
- Using wireless charging with a variety of devices.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: How important is speed and responsiveness for your daily tasks? (Gaming, multitasking etc.)
- Camera Importance: How much do you value photo and video quality, especially in low-light conditions?
- Battery Life vs. Features: Do you prefer a longer battery life with a more basic feature set or a more versatile, fast-charging device with modern features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Shopper): If you need a large screen on a budget and value a slightly larger battery, the Galaxy A72 is a decent option.
- Scenario 2 (Performance User): If you want the best performance possible and don't mind paying a bit more, the Galaxy S21 FE is the clear winner, due to the better processor and higher refresh rate.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Focused): If you care more about image quality and video recording than having a macro lens, the Galaxy S21 FE will provide superior photos due to the better sensor and image processing.
- Scenario 4 (Long Battery Life): If you need the absolute longest battery life without needing a lot of speed, the A72 offers a marginal advantage.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. My primary use case involves heavy multitasking, some mobile gaming, and a significant amount of photography and videography. The superior performance provided by the Snapdragon 888, coupled with the smoother 120Hz display and much better camera, significantly outweighs the slight advantage in battery life offered by the Galaxy A72. The S21 FE's wireless charging and superior display brightness also better meet my needs and offer a more modern and complete smartphone experience. The lack of included charger is not a big deal since i own several already. While the A72 has a larger screen, the slightly smaller size of the S21 FE is better for portability and one-handed use, which I value more than the slightly larger screen. In my opinion, the S21 FE is simply the better phone overall and worth the extra cost, as it feels significantly more premium and capable.
