Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. vivo V21 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | vivo V21 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm | A72 is larger and bulkier, V21 5G is slimmer and more pocketable. |
| Weight | 203g | 176g | V21 5G is significantly lighter, better for long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.44" | A72 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 394 | 409 | Indistinguishable sharpness to the human eye, effectively the same. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is better for outdoor visibility, especially in sunlight. The V21 5G brightness spec is missing so this is a limitation in the comparison |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Dimensity 800U offers slightly better overall performance (20% higher AnTuTu score). |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 343,150 | V21 5G will handle demanding tasks and games marginally better. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC3 | V21 5G’s GPU can potentially handle complex graphics slightly better. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | A72 should provide significantly longer battery life (1000 mAh difference). |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | V21 5G charges faster, despite a smaller battery. |
| Features | 15W charger included | Non-removable | A72 comes with a charger included in the box, V21 5G doesn't. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.79 | V21 5G has a slightly wider aperture, could potentially offer slightly better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 offers optical zoom, allowing for better photos at a distance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 44MP, f/2.0 | V21 5G has higher resolution and wider aperture, potentially better selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | A72 takes higher resolution wide-angle photos. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72 captures more detailed macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS | 4K@30fps with OIS | V21 5G has OIS for better video stabilization and better handheld video. A72 relies on EIS. |
| DXOMARK Mobile | Overall: 92 Photo: 100 Video: 78 | Not Tested | A72’s overall camera performance is quantified by DXOMARK. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, Quad Camera | OIS, Ultra Stable Video, Triple Camera, Front Flash | A72 focuses on versatility with its quad camera setup and optical zoom. V21 5G aims for stable video recording and better low-light front-facing photos with the front flash. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max Version 12 | Android 11 | A72 has an update to Android 12, while V21 5G doesn't have any max version update available. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both have the same WiFi standards and functionality. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | V21 5G has the newer Bluetooth version and Low Energy capability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both have similar location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both have Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Same storage options available on both. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8GB | V21 5G has 8GB of RAM, while A72 has both options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | A72 delivers superior audio quality and immersion due to stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones use a fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Exact screen protection is unknown for both phones, limiting the comparison. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | A72 has Hall and Geomagnetic sensors for better motion and magnetic sensing. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Longer battery life, less need to recharge.
- Telephoto Camera: Optical zoom for better close-up shots without losing detail.
- Better Audio: Enhanced sound quality with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos.
- Brighter display: Better outdoor visibility
- Additional Sensors: More comprehensive sensor suite, beneficial for more advanced apps and gaming.
- More Camera Features: Manual focus and night mode for photography enthusiasts.
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter & Slimmer: More comfortable for extended use and easier to carry.
- Faster Processor: Slightly better performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Faster Charging: Recharges quicker, despite a smaller battery.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfies.
- Optical Image Stabilization on Video: Better stabilization when filming handheld.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Better connection stability and efficiency.
- Front Flash: Provides better quality low-light front-facing photos
Trade-offs:
- A72: Larger, heavier, and with a less powerful processor, but has longer battery life, better sound, and a telephoto camera.
- V21 5G: Smaller battery, no telephoto camera, and basic audio, but is lighter, has a faster processor and selfie camera, and is better for handheld video.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize a large screen and long battery life.
- Multimedia consumers (watching videos, playing games).
- Users who value audio quality (stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos).
- Users who need a versatile camera system with optical zoom and a better wide angle lens.
- Users who need a brighter screen for use outdoors.
- Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows on the go.
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Capturing zoomed photos without losing quality.
- Listening to music and podcasts.
- Users who spend a lot of time outdoors.
vivo V21 5G:
- Ideal Users:
- Users who prefer a lightweight and compact phone.
- Selfie enthusiasts.
- Users who need fast charging.
- Users who prioritize performance and smoother handheld videos.
- Users who need a front-facing flash for low-light selfies
- Specific Use Cases:
- Taking frequent selfies and video calls.
- Recording videos on the go
- Gaming that requires faster processor power
- Daily use where the phone is often held for extended periods.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- This comparison is based only on specifications and features without factoring in price. The "better" value depends on individual user needs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize battery life and screen size, or portability and performance?
- Is a versatile rear camera with optical zoom more important to you, or is a high-quality selfie camera and smooth video stabilization a priority?
- Do you value superior audio quality with stereo speakers, or is basic audio sufficient?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: "The Multimedia Power User"
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72. Larger screen, longer battery, better audio for gaming, video, and general media.
Scenario 2: "The Mobile Content Creator"
- Recommendation: vivo V21 5G. Better video stabilization and front-facing camera for vloggers, content creators, and people who take lots of selfies.
Scenario 3: "The Daily User"
- Recommendation: It depends on individual needs. If the user cares about a lightweight phone that recharges quickly, they should pick the vivo V21 5G. Otherwise, they should pick the Samsung Galaxy A72 if they value a bigger screen and battery.
My Choice
Given my priorities, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. Although the vivo V21 5G has a better processor, front-facing camera and video stabilization, I find the A72's larger display and significantly larger battery life to be more valuable for my use cases. I also consume media often and the A72 has a superior audio experience with its stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos. The telephoto camera is useful for my photography, and the brighter display will be helpful in sunny conditions. Therefore, the Samsung Galaxy A72 better suits my needs and offers the features I value the most.
