1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 11T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 164.1 × 76.9 × 8.8 mm | Very similar size, the Xiaomi 11T is slightly thicker. Likely negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 203g | 203g | Identical weight, no difference in how heavy they feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Virtually identical screen sizes, minimal practical difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; both display sharp, detailed images. |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Practically identical pixel density, indistinguishable to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi 11T will have noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, making it feel more responsive, especially in gaming and fast-paced apps. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1000 nits | Xiaomi 11T will be more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) | Xiaomi 11T has a significantly faster and more efficient chip. It will handle demanding apps and games much better and likely have better battery efficiency in intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 712,100 | Xiaomi 11T provides a vastly better performance experience, evident in gaming, video editing, and general use. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G77 MC9 | Xiaomi 11T’s GPU offers substantially more graphical power, leading to better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 64MP | 108MP | Xiaomi 11T's main sensor captures more detail, potentially resulting in sharper images, especially when cropped or printed at larger sizes. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.75 | Xiaomi 11T's slightly wider aperture might lead to slightly better low-light performance, but it's a marginal advantage. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP (with OIS) | None | Galaxy A72 offers optical zoom capability which is absent in Xiaomi 11T. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 32MP | 16MP | Galaxy A72 captures more detail in selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | Galaxy A72’s wider aperture might lead to slightly better low-light selfie performance. |
| Wide Angle Camera Res | 12MP | 8MP | Galaxy A72 captures more detail in wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens Res | 5MP | 5MP | Both offer similar macro photo quality. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS | Both capture 4k video, but Samsung offers more frame rate options for 1080p. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Galaxy A72 has a better video stabilization. |
| DXoMark Mobile Camera | 92 | Not Tested | Samsung A72 scored 92 in DxOMark overall for Mobile Camera. |
| DXoMark Selfie Camera | Not Tested | 115 | Xiaomi 11T scored 115 in DxOMark for Selfie Camera. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life, assuming similar usage patterns; battery endurance is likely comparable. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 67W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Xiaomi 11T charges significantly faster, making it much more convenient for people who need to top up quickly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Xiaomi 11T has the advantage of a later Android update, offering more recent OS features and a potentially longer software support period. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Xiaomi 11T has faster Wi-Fi, beneficial for downloading, streaming, and online gaming. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Xiaomi 11T has a more recent Bluetooth version offering efficiency and better audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, other | Xiaomi 11T uses more satellite systems, likely resulting in more accurate GPS location. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8GB | Xiaomi 11T has at least 8 GB of ram, good for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither of the devices have expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Both offer stereo speakers, however Xiaomi 11T has an additional microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Xiaomi 11T offers a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 11T offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi 11T has more environmental sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Telephoto Camera: The inclusion of an 8MP telephoto lens with OIS offers optical zoom capabilities, which is a significant advantage for users who frequently need to zoom without losing image quality.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: With a 32MP front-facing camera, it captures more detailed selfies.
- More Camera Features: Features like OIS and PDAF.
- Video Stabilization: Video recording with EIS, and more frame rate options for 1080p
More Bluetooth profiles: More supported bluetooth profiles.
Trade-off: It has a significantly less powerful processor, slower charging, and lacks certain connectivity and build quality features found on the Xiaomi 11T.
Xiaomi 11T Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 1200 chipset and a higher AnTuTu score result in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging dramatically reduces charging times, offering more convenience to users.
- Better Display: A higher 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness, which is more user friendly and offers a smoother visual experience, especially outdoors.
- More Advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, providing better speed, lower latency, and energy efficiency.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers more durable screen protection.
- More Sensors: Includes environmental sensors, such as a barometer, which the Galaxy A72 lacks.
- More advanced fingerprint sensor: Includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- More Satellite Systems: Better location accuracy
- More Audio Features: Includes two microphones, for better audio recording.
More Software Updates: Can be upgraded to a later Android version.
Trade-off: Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens and may not offer the same level of overall camera quality (based on DXOMARK scores for Mobile camera) as the Galaxy A72 in certain conditions.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize zoom capabilities with a dedicated telephoto lens and want a detailed selfie camera.
- Casual Gamers/General users: It can handle everyday tasks and casual games with acceptable performance.
- Users who prioritize brand: Users who prefer the Samsung ecosystem and One UI, and value the additional software features.
Use Cases:
- Capturing detailed zoom photos without significant quality loss
- Taking high-resolution selfies for social media and sharing
- Casual gaming and general usage.
Xiaomi 11T Ideal Users:
- Performance Users: Gamers, power users, and anyone who needs a fast and responsive phone, especially for demanding apps and games.
- Users Needing Fast Charging: People who are always on the go and need a device that charges quickly.
- Media Consumers: Users who value a smooth, bright screen for watching videos and browsing.
- Users Who Want a Modern Device: Value the benefits of newer standards like Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 and a later version of Android.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphic-intensive games at high frame rates
- Quickly charging the phone during short breaks
- Watching videos and browsing in bright outdoor environments
- Using the phone for demanding multi-tasking and productivity apps.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
How important is gaming and performance for you?
- If performance is a priority, the Xiaomi 11T is the clear winner.
- If casual usage is the goal, the Samsung is sufficient.
Do you frequently use a zoom lens, and take selfies?
- If zoom photos are important, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is preferable due to its dedicated telephoto lens.
- If you take many selfies, the higher resolution camera on the A72 would be a better choice.
How important is fast charging and a better screen?
- If fast charging and the best visual experience are key, the Xiaomi 11T is the better choice.
- If charging speed and screen quality are less important, the Samsung is sufficient.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "The Gamer": If gaming performance is key, choose the Xiaomi 11T for its superior chipset, GPU, and faster refresh rate.
- Scenario 2: "The Photographer": If capturing zoomed photos is important, the Samsung Galaxy A72's telephoto lens makes it more appealing.
- Scenario 3: "The Power User": For users who want the smoothest performance, the Xiaomi 11T will be more capable because of its high-performance chipset, faster charging, and superior display.
Price-to-Value:
- The Xiaomi 11T generally offers more performance and features for a comparable price, making it a better value for most users who don't prioritize telephoto lens or a high-resolution selfie camera. However, actual pricing will depend on retailer and region.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi 11T.
Reasoning:
My priority is performance and a smooth, responsive user experience. The Xiaomi 11T's vastly superior chipset and 120Hz display will provide a more enjoyable and future-proofed experience. While the lack of a telephoto lens is a drawback, the other advantages (faster charging, modern connectivity, better screen protection, better performance) outweigh this for my use case. I do not take many selfies, and the telephoto lens is not important to me. I also prefer the faster charging speeds. The extra sensors and additional software support are also a plus.
