Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Sony Xperia 5 IV
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | A72 is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use; Xperia 5 IV is more compact, easier to handle and fits smaller hands. |
| Weight | 203g | 172g | Xperia 5 IV is significantly lighter, better for extended use and carrying around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | A72 has a larger display for more immersive media consumption, while the Xperia 5 IV is more pocketable and comfortable for single hand use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2520 | Xperia 5 IV has slightly sharper visuals, but both are still FHD. |
| Pixel Density | 394 ppi | 449 ppi | Xperia 5 IV has noticeably sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colours and deep blacks; similar display quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xperia 5 IV has smoother scrolling and animations for a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 display is much brighter for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight; The brightness of the Sony is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Xperia 5 IV offers vastly superior performance, faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,021,542 | Xperia 5 IV has significantly better performance in benchmarks, indicating a major difference in processing power. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 5 IV has a more powerful GPU for demanding graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 12MP, f/1.7 | A72 has higher megapixel count but Xperia 5 IV has larger pixel size for better low light performance; Larger sensor on the Xperia 5 IV results in potentially better photos. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/2.4 | A72 has a dedicated telephoto + portrait lens, the Xperia 5 IV has a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.0 | A72 has higher megapixel count but Xperia 5 IV has wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Both have similar wide-angle cameras. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots while the Xperia 5 IV does not. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 4K@120fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | Xperia 5 IV can record much higher quality videos with more frame rate options and better stabilization. |
| DxoMark Score (Mobile) | 92 | 119 | Xperia 5 IV has a significant edge in overall camera performance with much higher ratings. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Triple camera, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | A72 offers more basic features and macro mode; Xperia 5 IV offers more advanced video features and RAW support. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, which may translate to similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Xperia 5 IV charges slightly faster. |
| Battery Features | 15W Fast Charger included, Non-removable | Bypass charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable | Xperia 5 IV has more advanced battery management features and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Xperia 5 IV has a newer operating system out of the box, more up-to-date experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Xperia 5 IV supports newer WiFi 6 standard for faster and more efficient connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Xperia 5 IV has a newer Bluetooth version for better performance and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Xperia 5 IV has a more comprehensive suite of GPS systems, resulting in more accurate location tracking, especially in difficult conditions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Xperia 5 IV offers more flexibility for travelers with eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB | Xperia 5 IV has 8 GB of RAM in all versions, which ensures seamless multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 5 IV is more audiophile-focused with Hi-Res audio support for superior sound quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xperia 5 IV has a more modern and convenient fingerprint sensor location. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 5 IV offers better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Xperia 5 IV has a barometer for more accurate altitude readings. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen offers a more immersive experience for media consumption.
- Significantly Brighter Display: With 800 nits of brightness, it excels in outdoor visibility.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers a unique perspective for close-up photography.
- Telephoto + Portrait Lens: Dedicated lens for portraits with some zoom capabilities.
- Included Fast Charger: Comes with a 15W fast charger in the box.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers significantly faster processing and graphics performance.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density results in crisper and more detailed visuals.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate offers more fluid scrolling and animations.
- Advanced Camera Features: Better low light performance with the main camera's larger pixels, also advanced video recording (4k@120fps), RAW capture, and superior overall camera scores.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers zoom capabilities
- Better Connectivity: Newer WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 offer faster speeds and lower latency.
- eSIM Support: Offers dual sim capabilities with eSIM.
- Hi-Res Audio: Superior audio playback capabilities for audiophiles.
- Bypass Charging: Allows to power the phone without charging the battery, improving battery health.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Ability to charge other devices.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more modern placement for unlocking the phone.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for increased durability.
- Barometer Sensor: Offers more data such as the atmospheric pressure.
- More Up-to-date Software: Ships with Android 12 and offers an upgrade to 13.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A72: Larger size and weight might be less convenient for some users; Significantly inferior performance for demanding tasks.
- Xperia 5 IV: Smaller screen may not appeal to users who prioritize larger displays; The screen brightness is unknown.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Users who prioritize a large, bright screen for media consumption.
- Those who enjoy casual gaming and aren't demanding in terms of performance.
- Individuals who appreciate the inclusion of a macro lens for close-up photography.
- Budget-conscious users who want an affordable device with a good screen.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos.
- Web browsing and social media use.
- Basic photography with macro lens capabilities.
- Everyday tasks like emails, calls, and light app usage.
Ideal User for Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Users who prioritize performance, gaming, and advanced features.
- Those who require a powerful camera for photography and videography.
- Audiophiles who appreciate high-fidelity audio playback.
- Tech enthusiasts who want the latest connectivity features.
- Users who want a more compact premium device.
Use Cases:
- High-performance gaming.
- Advanced photography and videography.
- Listening to high-resolution music.
- Professional use with extensive multitasking.
- Travelers that require eSIM and extra accurate GPS.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The price of the A72 is significantly lower than the Xperia 5 IV, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the user should be aware that it offers significantly less performance than the Xperia 5 IV, which justifies the higher price.
- The Xperia 5 IV offers higher price to value due to its premium build, better performance and higher camera quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Media consumption, gaming, professional use?)
- How important is performance? (Basic use, heavy multitasking, demanding games?)
- What is your budget? (Budget-friendly, mid-range, premium?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Casual User
- Need: A large screen, decent battery, and basic camera.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better fit. It provides the larger display, has a good battery and a macro lens for casual use at a lower price.
Scenario 2: Performance User
- Need: Top-tier performance, a great camera, and smooth display.
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 5 IV is ideal. It offers superior performance, a premium camera, high-quality audio, and advanced features.
Scenario 3: Audiophile/Videographer
- Need: High-quality audio and video recording capabilities.
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 5 IV excels in both aspects with its Hi-Res audio support and superior video recording features.
What I Would Choose
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has a larger display and potentially better outdoor visibility, the Xperia 5 IV offers a significantly better user experience in almost every other aspect that matters to me.
Here's my reasoning:
- Performance: As a user that values responsiveness and future-proofing, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a huge advantage. This ensures the phone remains fast and smooth for years to come, something the A72 cannot offer with its weaker chipset.
- Camera Quality: While the A72 has a higher megapixel count and a macro lens, the Xperia 5 IV's larger main camera sensor, advanced video features, and higher DxOMark score will be more appealing to me for taking photos and videos. The camera system in the Xperia 5 IV is much more robust and flexible.
- Display Quality: Although slightly smaller, the Xperia 5 IV's higher pixel density and 120Hz refresh rate provides a better viewing experience with sharper images and smoother animations.
- Connectivity and Features: I prefer the newer WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, eSIM, and more comprehensive GPS for a more modern and reliable user experience.
- Audio Quality: As someone who appreciates high-quality audio, the Xperia 5 IV's Hi-Res support is a major draw.
- Overall Experience: The Xperia 5 IV provides a premium experience, which I prefer as a primary daily driver. The more robust build quality, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and additional features like bypass and reverse charging are additional bonuses.
The only real compromise is the smaller display, but the other improvements more than justify this trade-off. The Sony Xperia 5 IV, while more expensive, is the clear winner for my needs.
