1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 163.2 × 74.6 × 9.1 mm | A72 is taller and wider, while the 13 Ultra is thicker. 13 Ultra might feel more compact in hand despite being thicker. |
| Weight | 203g | 227g | A72 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. 13 Ultra is noticeably heavier, may cause fatigue over prolonged usage. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.73" | Both have nearly identical screen sizes; difference is negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3200 | 13 Ultra offers significantly sharper images, text, and details. A72 is still good, but 13 Ultra provides a higher level of clarity. |
| PPI | 394 | 522 | 13 Ultra's higher pixel density results in a noticeably sharper and more refined display, making small details more visible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | 13 Ultra's higher refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations. The A72 is still smooth but less so compared to 13 Ultra. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 2600 nits | 13 Ultra offers dramatically better outdoor visibility and readability in bright sunlight. A72 might struggle in very sunny conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | 13 Ultra’s newer chipset delivers vastly superior performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking. A72 is suitable for everyday tasks, but struggles with more intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 1,532,113 | 13 Ultra is significantly faster, making it ideal for heavy users and gamers. A72 is slower and may lag during demanding apps/games. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 740 | 13 Ultra's GPU provides superior graphics performance, allowing for smoother gameplay and more graphics-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.9, 1", 1.6µm pixel size, Sony IMX989 | 13 Ultra has larger sensor & pixels, resulting in better low-light performance & dynamic range despite lower megapixel count. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.0µm pixel size, Omnivision OV08A10 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.51", 0.64µm pixel size, Sony IMX858 | 13 Ultra provides superior zoom capabilities, and more detail in zoomed photos with its dedicated lens and superior sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 50MP, f/3.0, 1/2.51", 0.64µm pixel size, Sony IMX858 | 13 Ultra provides a second telephoto lens. Great for greater flexibility in shooting distant subjects |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | None | A72 offers a dedicated ultra-wide camera for capturing expansive shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixel size | None | A72 has dedicated macro lens for close up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.51", 0.64µm pixel size, Sony IMX858 | 13 Ultra has a single lens that provides ultra-wide and macro capabilities |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm pixel size | 32MP, f/2.0, 0.70µm pixel size | 13 Ultra's wider aperture allows for brighter selfies. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@1920fps with HDR, EIS | 13 Ultra provides significantly higher quality video capture capabilities and frame rates across all resolutions, ideal for professional video work. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | Main: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Main: 140, Photo: 138, Video: 137 | 13 Ultra offers drastically better photo and video quality, as indicated by a significant margin in scores. |
| DxOMark Score (Selfie) | N/A | Main: 128, Photo: 123, Video: 137 | 13 Ultra selfie camera is very good, especially for video. |
| Camera Features | Standard features plus OIS, Night Mode | Standard features plus Tracking AF, RAW 14 bits, 8K video, LAF, Time-lapse | 13 Ultra has advanced features for professional-grade photography and videography and better image stabilization. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity; expect comparable endurance with moderate use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 90W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless | 13 Ultra charges significantly faster and offers wireless charging. A72 is slower in terms of charging. |
| Features | 15W Charger included | Reverse charging, Surging P2 chip | 13 Ultra has advanced charging features and can wirelessly charge other devices. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | 13 Ultra has a newer OS with the latest features. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | 13 Ultra has faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latency and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | 13 Ultra has newer Bluetooth with low energy consumption and better codecs. |
| GPS | Standard GPS | Dual Frequency GPS | 13 Ultra provides better and faster GPS accuracy. |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024GB | 13 Ultra offers significantly more storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 12/16GB | 13 Ultra offers much more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, 3 microphones | 13 Ultra has better audio recording, enhanced playback and spatial sound. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | 13 Ultra has much better screen protection for better durability |
| Sensors | Standard set | Barometer + Standard | 13 Ultra includes Barometer for environmental tracking, enhanced features and better gaming experience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages
- Lighter: Significantly lighter (203g) making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Dedicated wide-angle lens for those that prefer it.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for those that prefer it.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra Advantages
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip provides a significantly faster and smoother experience for any use case.
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density, and higher brightness provide a dramatically better viewing experience.
- Superior Camera System: Higher quality sensors, superior zoom capabilities, and more advanced features, result in significantly better photos and videos.
- Faster Charging: Much faster wired and wireless charging speeds.
- More RAM and Storage: Higher capacity RAM options and significantly higher maximum storage options
- Newer Software: Newer version of Android with updates.
- Better Audio Recording & Playback: Hi-Res Audio, 3 microphones.
- Better Screen Protection: More durable screen that is more resistant to scratches and breakage.
Significant Trade-offs
- A72: The A72 sacrifices performance, display quality, and camera capabilities for a lighter build and older technology.
- 13 Ultra: The 13 Ultra sacrifices weight for vastly superior performance and a dramatically better camera and display experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72
- Ideal User: Casual smartphone users who prioritize a light phone for basic day-to-day use.
- Use Cases:
- Basic social media browsing.
- Casual photo taking for social media.
- Streaming video at good quality.
- Everyday calling and texting.
- Users who want a dedicated macro and ultra wide lens.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for budget-conscious users who don't need the best of everything.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra
- Ideal User: Power users who demand the best possible performance, display, and camera capabilities. Professionals that need a phone for content creation.
- Use Cases:
- Professional-grade photography and videography.
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Demanding multitasking and productivity.
- Viewing HDR content.
- Users who want all the latest features in a smartphone.
- Price-to-Value: High-end pricing, but delivers top-tier performance and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is your primary use case? (Casual user vs. power user/content creator)
- How important is the camera to you? (Do you just want to take social media pics or a professional grade experience)
- What is your budget? (Are you looking for great value, or the best that money can buy)
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Casual User with Budget Constraints: If you prioritize basic use and a comfortable, light weight phone, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is suitable, especially if you desire a dedicated macro and ultra wide lens.
- Scenario 2: Power User Prioritizing Performance and Camera: If you need top-tier performance, superior camera capabilities, and the best display, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is the obvious choice, despite its increased weight and price.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is better equipped with the best camera and all of its features for the best photography and videography experience.
Personal Choice and Reasoning
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would pick the Xiaomi 13 Ultra without hesitation. Although it is more expensive and heavier, the advantages in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities are too significant to ignore.
As someone who uses a smartphone for more than just basic tasks, the difference in responsiveness, screen quality, and the flexibility of the camera system is worth the extra money and weight. I often need a phone that can handle demanding apps, play games smoothly, and capture professional-grade photos and videos. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra's superior capabilities in all of these areas make it a far more compelling option for me. The A72 is suitable for more casual users with lighter requirements, but the 13 Ultra is the better device overall.
