1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 152.8 × 71.5 × 8 mm | A72 is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. Xiaomi 13 is more compact. |
| Weight | 203g | 185g | Xiaomi 13 is noticeably lighter, making it easier to hold for extended periods. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 13 offers superior screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.36" | A72 has a larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking; Xiaomi 13 is more compact, better for portability. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have sharp displays; no noticeable difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 394 | 414 | Xiaomi 13 has slightly sharper visuals, but difference is unlikely to be noticeable in most cases. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi 13 provides smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1900 nits | Xiaomi 13 is dramatically brighter, vastly better visibility under direct sunlight, suitable for outdoor use; A72 may be difficult in bright light. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 13 is significantly faster for all tasks, from everyday use to demanding gaming and apps, as it is a flagship tier processor. A72 has lower performance with budget tier processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,532,113 | Xiaomi 13 offers much better performance, significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming; A72 may lag during demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 740 | Xiaomi 13 has a significantly more powerful GPU for better gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 64MP f/1.8, 0.8µm | 54MP f/1.8, 1/1.49" Sony IMX800, 1.0µm | Xiaomi 13 uses a larger sensor and larger pixel size, potentially better low light performance, although A72 has higher resolution. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP f/2.4, 1/4.4" Omnivision OV08A10, 1.0µm | None | A72 has a dedicated telephoto/portrait lens, offering better zoomed shots, while Xiaomi 13 lacks this sensor. |
| Selfie | 32MP f/2.2, 0.8µm | 32MP f/2.0, 1/3.2" Omnivision OV32C, 0.7µm | Xiaomi 13 has wider aperture, potentially slightly better low-light selfies; A72 has a slightly larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP f/2.0, 1/3.9" Samsung S5K3K1, 1.0µm | Xiaomi 13 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, offering enhanced clarity at a distance, while A72 doesn't. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | 13MP f/2.2, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV13B10, 1.12µm | Both have similar wide angle capabilities, with slightly higher resolution on Xiaomi. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4, 1.12µm | None | A72 has a dedicated Macro lens for super close-up photography; Xiaomi 13 doesn't offer the same level of detail in macro photos. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, various slow-motion | Xiaomi 13 can record in significantly higher resolution (8K) with more advanced slow-motion options; Better for professional content creation. |
| DxOMark Score | 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | 130 (Photo: 0, Video: 0) | Xiaomi 13 has a higher overall score, indicating superior camera performance, however Samsung A72 seems to have superior photo and video quality scores |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | A72 has a slightly larger battery; potentially longer battery life depending on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Xiaomi 13 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime; A72 will take longer to fully charge. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included | Reverse charging, 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse wireless charging, Surge G1 battery management chip, 3rd Generation Silicon Anode Battery System. | Xiaomi 13 has advanced features, including wireless charging and reverse charging, a better battery management chip, and faster charging; A72 only has a included charger. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 13 (up to 14) | Xiaomi 13 comes with a newer Android version, providing access to the latest features, better security, and enhanced user experience. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Xiaomi 13 has faster speeds and improved network performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | Xiaomi 13 has newer, more efficient Bluetooth for better connection and battery saving. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Xiaomi 13 has more GPS systems for better accuracy. |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | Xiaomi 13 offers a higher storage variant; more space for files and apps. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB or 12GB | Xiaomi 13 offers a higher RAM variant; more smooth multitasking and gaming experience |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 13 provides higher quality audio with Hi-Res audio and Dolby Atmos. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Xiaomi 13 has additional support for eSIM. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption, multitasking, and those who prefer a big screen.
- Macro Lens: Allows for dedicated close-up photography.
- Telephoto+Portrait Camera: Dedicated sensor for zoomed and portrait photography.
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life for less frequent charging, although this is dependent on usage.
Xiaomi 13 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Top-tier chipset ensures smooth performance for all tasks, from basic to intensive gaming.
- Superior Display Brightness: Much better visibility in outdoor settings and bright light, more enjoyable usage experience.
- Faster Charging: Significantly quicker charging times, reducing downtime.
- More Advanced Camera: Better video capabilities with 8K recording, and better low-light performance.
- Higher RAM Options: Offers 12 GB of RAM for smooth multitasking and future-proofing.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio quality for a more immersive experience.
- Newer OS/Software: Comes with a newer Android version with more future updates.
- Better Screen Protection: More durable display with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- More Storage: Option for 512 GB of storage.
- eSIM Support: Ability to switch between carriers digitally.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A72 sacrifices performance and display quality for a larger screen, macro lens and a dedicated telephoto sensor, which is beneficial for certain types of photography. It also has a larger battery.
- The Xiaomi 13 provides excellent performance and display quality with fast charging and better camera, but has a smaller screen and a smaller battery capacity, and lacks macro and dedicated telephoto/portrait sensors.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize a large screen for watching videos and browsing.
- Casual Photographers: Those who want to experiment with macro and telephoto photography without a need for professional quality.
- Users on a Budget: Those looking for a bigger screen, decent cameras, and reliable battery life while prioritising cost savings.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Watching movies, shows, and YouTube videos.
- Browsing social media and websites with a comfortable display.
- Taking casual macro photos of flowers or other close-up subjects.
- General everyday use where raw performance is not critical.
Ideal Users for Xiaomi 13:
- Power Users: Those who need the best performance for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking.
- Photographers: Those who want high-quality photos and videos with more options and better low-light capabilities.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright display for use in sunlight.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest technology and features.
- Users Looking for Future-Proofing: Those wanting a phone that will still run well in a few years.
Use Cases for Xiaomi 13:
- Playing graphically intense mobile games.
- Recording high-quality videos, especially in low light.
- Professional or advanced mobile photography.
- Working or performing other demanding tasks on the go, using multiple apps simultaneously.
Price-to-Value: The Samsung A72 is an older and budget friendly model, while the Xiaomi 13 is a newer flagship model. The value proposition is clearly in favor of the Xiaomi 13, it offers superior performance, display, camera and a better user experience. However, the Samsung A72 remains a compelling choice for those seeking a large display for media consumption or a large battery and more budget friendly.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance? If you prioritize speed and smooth multitasking, the Xiaomi 13 is superior. If you are a casual user, the A72 may be sufficient.
- What are your primary usage needs? If a large screen for content consumption is most important, the A72 could be a better fit. If a brighter screen and better photography, the Xiaomi 13 wins.
- How important is future proofing and the latest features? The Xiaomi 13 is superior due to its advanced features, a more modern OS and improved chipset with more RAM.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Budget-Conscious Users: If budget is the primary concern and a large screen is desired, the A72 is a reasonable choice, but expect compromises in performance and display quality.
- For Mobile Gamers: The Xiaomi 13 is the obvious choice due to superior chipset and GPU, and also with 120Hz refresh rate.
- For Photographers/Videographers: The Xiaomi 13 is superior in video capabilities (8K) and camera quality, but A72 has a macro and portrait sensor.
- For Outdoor Use: The Xiaomi 13's brighter display makes it the clear winner for use in direct sunlight.
- For Casual Everyday Use: The Xiaomi 13 will provide a much smoother experience due to its performance, but A72 is sufficient for basic tasks if cost is a major concern.
What I would choose and why:
I would choose the Xiaomi 13 without hesitation. Although the Samsung A72 has a bigger battery and screen, the sheer performance advantage of the Xiaomi 13 is undeniable. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a significantly more powerful chip, resulting in snappier performance, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience. The dramatically brighter display of the Xiaomi 13 is a game-changer for anyone who uses their phone outdoors, and the faster charging is a major convenience. While I appreciate the A72's dedicated macro and telephoto/portrait lens, the Xiaomi 13 offers superior overall image quality and 8k video recording capabilities. The newer OS also makes it a much more future-proof device.
In short, the Xiaomi 13 offers a superior user experience in nearly every aspect that I value: performance, display, and camera capabilities. The Samsung A72, while more affordable, does not compete with the high quality user experience that the Xiaomi 13 provides.
