1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 11T Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 164.1 × 76.9 × 8.8 mm | Xiaomi is slightly shorter and narrower, but thicker. |
| Weight | 203g | 204g | Virtually identical weight, negligible difference in feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Nearly identical screen sizes, marginal difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both phones offer the same level of sharpness. |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Virtually identical pixel density, same image clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1000 nits | Xiaomi display is noticeably more visible outdoors under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Xiaomi offers vastly superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 863,489 | Xiaomi offers significantly faster performance; noticeable in daily use |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 660 | Xiaomi's GPU offers significantly higher graphics performance in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | 108MP, f/1.75, 1/1.52", 0.7µm | Xiaomi offers more detailed images; slightly better low light performance. |
| Rear Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.0µm | N/A | Samsung offers dedicated telephoto zoom capabilities. |
| Rear Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | Samsung offers higher resolution on the ultrawide lens. |
| Rear Macro | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.12µm | Similar macro capabilities on both devices. |
| Front Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.0µm | Samsung has a higher-resolution front camera for selfies. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | Xiaomi provides superior video recording capabilities (up to 8K) and more flexible frame rate options. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 92 (Main), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | 108 (Main), 110 (Photo), 126 (Video) | Xiaomi provides significantly higher quality video and better overall main camera performance based on DxOMark scores. |
| DxOMark Selfie | N/A | 121 (Main), 111 (Photo), 137 (Video) | Xiaomi has a better selfie camera based on DxOMark scores, data is not available for the A72 |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Quad Camera, Optical Zoom | 8K Video, Triple Camera, Ultra Stable Video | Samsung features an Optical zoom and OIS, Xiaomi has 8K video and ultra-stable video |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both provide similar battery life for all day usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 120W fast charging | Xiaomi charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer is generally more efficient, Li-Ion is cheaper |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Xiaomi has a more recent version of android available. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (ax) | Xiaomi has faster speeds, better latency, better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Xiaomi offers more efficient power management and more advanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Xiaomi has greater precision due to more satellite frequencies |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar storage options |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Xiaomi offers more RAM for better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, limiting long-term options. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi offers higher fidelity audio and better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic | side-mounted | Xiaomi is faster and more convenient than basic sensors |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi provides superior protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi has additional sensors suitable for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Telephoto Lens: Offers dedicated optical zoom, useful for photography enthusiasts who need zoom capabilities
- Front Camera Resolution: Higher resolution front camera for detailed selfies
- Slightly higher ultrawide resolution: Provides more details in ultrawide images
Practical Implications:
- The telephoto lens allows you to get closer to subjects without losing detail, ideal for portraits and distant objects.
- Higher resolution on the front camera can be beneficial for social media and clearer video calls
Xiaomi 11T Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers significantly better overall performance and gaming capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 120W charging is dramatically faster, ideal for users on the go.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz display provides a smoother visual experience.
- Higher Brightness: The 1000 nit display offers better outdoor visibility.
- Superior Video Recording: Capable of recording up to 8K video and 4K video at 60fps.
- Better Overall Camera Performance: The DxOMark results show higher scores in both photo and video.
- More advanced audio: Includes Hi-Res Audio, and 2 microphones for better voice quality
- Newer Bluetooth: More energy efficient and has better codec support.
- Improved Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 provides faster and more stable connections.
- Additional Sensors: Barometer and Ultrasonic proximity virtual provides extra environmental and advanced feature support.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for greater durability
Practical Implications:
- The Snapdragon 888 chip means smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better gaming.
- Faster charging is very convenient for busy users.
- The 120Hz display is noticeably smoother in daily use, especially when scrolling.
- The 8K video capabilities and higher video quality make it a better choice for videographers.
- The better audio and newer Bluetooth will make for better media consumption.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- Samsung sacrifices raw power and charging speeds for a telephoto lens and higher-resolution front camera.
- Xiaomi lacks a telephoto lens, and focuses on having a higher main camera quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Casual Photographers: Those who appreciate having a dedicated telephoto lens for versatile shots.
- Selfie Lovers: Users who prioritize high-resolution front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
- Users Who Prefer Traditional Features: Those who appreciate more classic features, like the optical zoom.
- Budget Conscious: Those looking for a well-rounded device at a slightly lower cost.
Use Cases:
- Taking varied photographs with zoom capability
- Clearer and more detailed selfie photos and video
- Everyday use for social media and communication
- Users wanting a traditional set of features on a budget
Xiaomi 11T Pro Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need excellent performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize superior display quality, smooth refresh rates, and high fidelity audio.
- Videographers: Users who require high-resolution video recording with good video quality.
- Users Who Want Modern Features: Those who want the latest connectivity standards, and faster charging.
- Users who care about durability who want a screen more resistant to damage
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games
- Enjoying high-quality video content
- Capturing professional-grade video
- Heavy daily use with multiple apps and multitasking
- Users needing a durable phone that's less prone to screen damage
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi 11T Pro likely offers more value for power users and those who require advanced features due to its superior performance, faster charging, and higher quality display and camera at a higher price.
- The Samsung A72 will offer value for those who want a dedicated telephoto lens and front camera at a slightly lower price, while giving up performance and charging speed.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for a smartphone? (e.g., gaming, photography, social media, everyday use)
- How important is fast charging, and overall performance? (Do you need the fastest charging, or are you okay with a slower speed?)
- What are your priorities with camera quality? (Do you prefer flexibility with zoom capabilities, or high quality images/videos?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Casual User with a Budget If budget is a primary concern and you primarily need a reliable phone for communication and social media, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a decent option.
- Scenario 2: The Photography Enthusiast: If you need zoom capabilities and want a higher quality front camera and do not care about performance as much, the Samsung A72 is the phone for you
- Scenario 3: The Power User/Gamer: If performance, fast charging, and excellent multimedia capabilities are your priority, the Xiaomi 11T Pro is the clear choice, albeit at a higher price point.
- Scenario 4: The Videographer: If you need the highest video quality the Xiaomi 11T pro is the better option.
- Scenario 5: The User who prefers durability: The Xiaomi 11T pro is the better option due to having a significantly better screen protection
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi 11T Pro. My decision is primarily driven by the significantly superior performance of the Snapdragon 888 chipset, the exceptionally fast 120W charging, and the higher quality display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Although the Samsung A72 does have the advantage of a telephoto lens, the overall improvements in performance, speed, and the quality of the multimedia experience that the Xiaomi 11T Pro offers make it a more compelling option for me. The additional features like Wi-Fi 6, more advanced audio, and a more durable screen further solidify my preference for the Xiaomi 11T Pro.
While the telephoto lens is beneficial, the vast performance difference means that the Xiaomi will be better for the vast majority of the tasks I'd use a phone for including gaming, videos, editing, and so on. I also really value the faster charging speed, which will be a huge QOL boost. Although the price is higher, the overall package is better, and would be worth the increase in cost for me.
