Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Xiaomi 12 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm | A72 is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 203g | 204g | Virtually identical weight, negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers significantly better screen protection from scratches and impacts. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.73" | Negligible difference in screen size; both provide an immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3200 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's higher resolution offers sharper text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 521 PPI | Xiaomi 12 Pro's higher pixel density provides a more detailed and crisp display, noticeable for users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi 12 Pro's higher refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1500 nits | Xiaomi 12 Pro is significantly brighter, offering much better visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,177,498 | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides a much smoother and more responsive experience across all usage scenarios. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's GPU is significantly more powerful, crucial for high-end gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" sensor, 1.22µm pixel size, Sony IMX707 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's larger sensor size allows for better low-light performance and improved dynamic range despite lower resolution. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" sensor, 1.00µm pixel size, Omnivision OV08A10 | N/A | Samsung A72 offers dedicated telephoto zoom functionality. |
| Ultrawide | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" sensor, 0.64µm pixel size, Samsung S5KJN1 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's ultrawide camera captures more detail and better dynamic range than the Samsung A72. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixel size | N/A | Samsung A72 has a dedicated macro camera, useful for close-up shots. |
| Depth | N/A | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" sensor, 0.64µm pixel size, Samsung S5KJN1 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a dedicated depth camera for enhanced portrait mode photos. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm pixel size | 32MP, 1/3.14" sensor, 0.70µm pixel size, Samsung JD1 | Both have capable selfie cameras. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS, various slow-motion options | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers significantly higher quality video recording capabilities and more slow motion options. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | Mobile: 129 (Photo: 136, Video: 125) | Xiaomi 12 Pro significantly outperforms the A72 in both photo and video quality, as evaluated by DXOMark. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4600mAh | Samsung A72 has slightly larger battery, possibly offering marginally longer battery life under same usage scenarios. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 120W fast charging | Xiaomi 12 Pro charges much faster, crucial for those needing quick power-ups. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included | 120W wired charging (Surge P1 chip), 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | Xiaomi 12 Pro has faster charging speed as well as wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Marginally larger battery (5000mAh vs 4600mAh) might provide slightly better battery life.
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom capabilities, a feature not present in the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Allows for detailed close-up photography.
- Lower cost: Generally available for much lower cost.
Xiaomi 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU for smoother multitasking and demanding applications.
- Higher Resolution and Refresh Rate Display: Sharper, smoother visuals for a better viewing experience.
- Much Brighter Display: Significantly improved outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 120W charging dramatically reduces charging time, along with 50W wireless charging.
- Superior Camera Quality: Better main sensor, significantly better wide-angle, and improved video capabilities with 8K and HDR options.
- More Advanced Features: Includes 8K video, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, Hi-Res Audio, advanced satellite systems.
- Better Audio: Offers Hi-Res audio, improving the overall sound quality for music listeners.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 12 out of the box.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung A72: Sacrifices performance, display quality, and camera quality for better battery life and telephoto lens.
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Has a slightly smaller battery, lacks a dedicated macro lens and does not have a dedicated telephoto lens. However, it significantly outperforms the Samsung A72 in almost every other area.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User: Casual users who prioritize battery life, basic photography, and a lower price.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday social media, browsing, and communications.
- Users who need reliable all-day battery performance.
- Users who enjoy basic photography with telephoto and macro lenses.
- Price-to-Value: A good budget-friendly option for users who do not need top-tier performance.
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, and those who want top-tier display and performance.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming and other demanding applications.
- Mobile photography and videography.
- Users who want a high-quality, premium experience.
- Users who require very fast charging capabilities.
- Price-to-Value: Premium experience justifies the higher price for users who value flagship performance and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for your daily usage? If gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking are frequent, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the better choice.
- How important is battery life vs. charging speed? If extended battery life is crucial and you’re ok with slower charging, the Samsung A72 is ok. If you need ultra-fast charging, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is far better.
- How important is camera quality? If you are a serious photographer, the Xiaomi 12 Pro’s superior sensor and features are a major advantage. If you want basic photography features and a telephoto lens, the Samsung A72 is an option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Conscious): If budget is the primary concern and performance is not critical, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a decent option.
- Scenario 2 (Performance Priority): If you need the best performance for gaming or heavy applications, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3 (Camera Priority): If you value superior photo and video quality, especially in low light conditions, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is much better.
- Scenario 4 (Balanced Usage): If you want a premium experience, top of the line display, great camera with high quality video and good battery life with fast charging capabilities then Xiaomi 12 Pro is the go to phone.
My Choice
Based on the detailed comparison, I would choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a slightly larger battery and dedicated telephoto/macro lenses, the Xiaomi 12 Pro’s advantages in nearly every other key area are far more compelling for my use case:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers a dramatically better user experience, especially in demanding tasks and mobile gaming. The significantly higher AnTuTu score highlights this advantage.
- Display: The higher resolution, higher refresh rate and brighter display on the Xiaomi 12 Pro create a much more premium viewing experience.
- Camera: The Xiaomi 12 Pro’s camera setup is a substantial upgrade, offering better low-light performance, dynamic range and video recording quality.
- Charging Speed: The ultra-fast 120W charging and 50W wireless charging on the Xiaomi 12 Pro are significant conveniences that justify choosing this device.
While the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a competent mid-range phone, the Xiaomi 12 Pro provides a top-tier experience that aligns better with my needs as a tech enthusiast who values performance, display quality, camera capabilities and premium features. The premium experience outweighs the trade-offs in battery size and a dedicated telephoto and macro lens.
