1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 12T Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 163.1 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | Similar size; A72 slightly taller/wider, 12T Pro slightly thicker; Negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 203g | 205g | Virtually identical weight; Both feel substantial in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Almost identical screen size; Minimal difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | 12T Pro significantly sharper display; Text and images appear clearer on the 12T Pro. |
| PPI | 394 | 446 | 12T Pro has higher pixel density; More detailed and sharper visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Similar vivid colors and deep blacks; Consistent visual experience across both phones. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | 12T Pro has slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1200 nits | 12T Pro much better visibility in bright sunlight; Easier outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | 12T Pro significantly faster and smoother; Handles demanding apps/games with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,311,127 | 12T Pro much better overall performance; Noticeable difference in responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 730 | 12T Pro better gaming performance; Faster frame rates and smoother graphics. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life; Expect comparable usage time. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | 12T Pro charges much faster; Full charge in significantly less time. |
| Charging Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Minor chemistry differences; minimal user impact. |
| Included Charger | 15W Fast Charger included | Not specified | Galaxy A72 includes a charger in the box |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 200MP | 12T Pro captures much more detail; Greater potential for higher-quality prints and cropping. |
| Rear Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.69 | 12T Pro gathers slightly more light; Slightly improved low-light performance |
| Rear Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.64 µm | Individual pixel size is smaller in 12T Pro |
| Rear Main Camera Sensor Size | Not specified | 1/1.22" | 12T Pro larger sensor for better light capture and overall quality |
| Rear Telephoto Camera | 8MP | None | A72 has a dedicated Telephoto camera, while 12T Pro does not |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 20MP | A72 captures slightly more detail for selfies; Minor difference |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.24 | Negligible difference in selfie camera aperture; both have similar light gathering. |
| Rear Wide Angle Resolution | 12MP | 8MP | A72 has higher resolution in its wide angle camera |
| Rear Macro Resolution | 5MP | 2MP | A72 has higher resolution in its macro lens |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps | 12T Pro supports higher video resolutions; Better video quality and editing flexibility. |
| Slow Motion | 120fps | 1920fps | Xiaomi has higher frame rate for slow motion video capture |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Mobile: 129, Photo: 130, Video: 134 | 12T Pro has significantly better overall camera performance. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Optical Zoom | OIS, Ultra Stable Video, RAW | Different camera feature sets catering to different needs |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | 12T Pro has newer OS and more future software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | 12T Pro offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connection with Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | 12T Pro has newer and more efficient Bluetooth connectivity. |
| GPS | Standard GPS | Standard GPS + L1/L5 bands | 12T Pro has more precise GPS with dual band support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | 12T Pro supports eSIM for more convenient dual SIM usage. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | 12T Pro offers more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | Not Supported | Not Supported | Neither supports external memory cards; Storage is fixed at the purchased amount. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | 12T Pro has slightly better audio quality with Hi-Res audio. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have basic fingerprint security features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Not Specified | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | 12T Pro has better screen protection from scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Hall, Geomagnetic | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, RGB | Different sensor selection to accommodate different usage scenarios. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom for better quality zoomed-in photos, a feature absent in the Xiaomi 12T Pro.
- Potentially Lower Price: As an older model, it might be more affordable, providing a more budget-friendly option.
- Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF): May offer slightly faster autofocus in some situations compared to contrast detection.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 15W fast charger in the box.
Xiaomi 12T Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset provides much faster performance for gaming, apps, and multitasking.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper and more detailed visuals with a higher pixel density.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better visibility in bright sunlight with 1200 nits brightness.
- Faster Charging: 120W charging allows for much quicker charging times, a huge convenience factor.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor and higher megapixel count means better image quality and light gathering.
- Better Video Quality: Supports 8K video recording for higher resolution content.
- More Modern Software: Ships with a newer version of Android, and guaranteed to receive more OS upgrades
- Wi-Fi 6: Latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds and lower latency on compatible networks.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio fidelity for audiophiles.
- eSIM Support: Offers flexibility in dual SIM configurations, particularly for international travelers.
- Superior Camera Scores: Better overall scores according to DxOMark.
- Better Screen Protection: Comes with Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi 12T Pro lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, relying on digital zoom.
- Samsung Galaxy A72 has inferior overall performance compared to the Xiaomi 12T Pro.
- Samsung Galaxy A72 does not have 8K Video Recording capabilities
- Xiaomi 12T Pro doesn't come with charger in the box, whereas Samsung includes a 15W charger.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User: Casual users, price-conscious buyers, and users who prioritize a good telephoto camera over raw performance.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday social media browsing and communication.
- General photography with good optical zoom.
- Users who value a bundled charger and are okay with lower performance.
- Users who prefer Samsung's ecosystem and UI.
- Strengths: Budget-friendly, decent camera, included charger.
Xiaomi 12T Pro:
- Ideal User: Performance-focused users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, and tech enthusiasts looking for cutting-edge features.
- Use Cases:
- Heavy mobile gaming.
- High-resolution video recording and editing.
- Professional photography/videography with more versatile camera capabilities.
- Users who value fast charging.
- Power users who want the latest features and software updates.
- Strengths: High performance, advanced camera capabilities, fast charging, and better display.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, daily use, etc.)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to spend more for top-tier performance and features?)
- Do you prefer camera versatility or raw performance? (Do you value optical zoom, or do you need the best possible chipset?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Budget-Conscious User: If price is the main concern, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a viable option offering a well-rounded phone with a decent camera and included charger.
Performance Enthusiast: If you need a top-performing device for gaming and demanding apps, the Xiaomi 12T Pro is the clear winner due to its superior chipset, faster RAM and more future-proof software support.
Photography Lover: If you value better image quality and video recording, the Xiaomi 12T Pro is the superior choice, thanks to its higher resolution main sensor, better video capabilities and higher DxOMark score. However, if you need optical zoom, the A72 may be preferable due to its telephoto lens, albeit with significantly worse performance and main camera capabilities.
Casual User: If you prioritize a balance of good performance and a decent camera and included charger, the Samsung Galaxy A72 offers a satisfying experience at a potentially lower price point.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi 12T Pro. The substantial leap in performance offered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, combined with the significantly better display, faster charging, and superior main camera, makes it a far more future-proof and versatile device. While the lack of a telephoto lens might be a downside for some, the overall package of the 12T Pro delivers a far superior user experience for a variety of use cases, including gaming, photography, and general productivity. The newer software and faster charging are the key factors that contribute to my selection.
