1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 160.5 × 75.7 × 6.8 mm | The A72 is larger and bulkier, while the Mi 11 Lite 5G is more compact and pocketable. The Mi 11 Lite 5G is easier to handle for smaller hands and prolonged use. |
| Weight | 203g | 159g | The Mi 11 Lite 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to carry and hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.55" | The A72 offers a slightly larger viewing area, which can be preferable for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp, detailed images. There's no difference in terms of image clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 402 PPI | Both have very similar pixel density making the visual experience comparable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | The A72's higher brightness makes it much more usable outdoors in bright sunlight. The Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G's nits are not specified, but this implies it's not optimized for bright outdoor usage. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 780G (5 nm) | The 780G in the Mi 11 Lite 5G is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 567,671 | The Mi 11 Lite 5G has almost double the benchmark score, indicating a substantial performance difference in daily tasks and demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 642 | The Adreno 642 in the Mi 11 Lite 5G provides better graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and better visual experience overall. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.79 | Both cameras have similar resolutions, but the slightly wider aperture in the Mi 11 Lite 5G may offer slightly better low-light performance, although real-world performance depends on other factors. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots, a feature the Mi 11 Lite 5G lacks. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 20MP, f/2.24 | The A72's selfie camera captures more detailed images with its higher resolution. |
| Wide-angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | The A72's wide-angle lens captures more details. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have comparable macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Both record similar quality videos, but the Samsung uses video stabilization, whereas the Xiaomi does not. Samsung has a lower slow motion frame rate. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | N/A | The A72 has been tested by DxOMark and offers great photo quality and reasonable video, whilst Xiaomi has not been benchmarked by DxOMark. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4250mAh | The A72 has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life, especially under heavy usage. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | The Mi 11 Lite 5G charges faster than the A72. |
| Battery Tech | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Both batteries are non-removable; no significant practical difference. |
| Included Charger | 15W | N/A | The A72 comes with an included fast charger but at 15W while it is capable of 25W. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Max 12) | Android 11 (Max 13) | The Mi 11 Lite 5G will likely receive one additional major Android update compared to the A72. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | The Mi 11 Lite 5G supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, potentially offering faster speeds and better network performance, especially in congested areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | The Mi 11 Lite 5G has a newer Bluetooth version, offering better efficiency, connection stability and audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo (L1+L5) | The Mi 11 Lite 5G offers more precise GPS positioning with dual-band GPS support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options; there is no practical difference here. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both offer good ram, no significant practical difference here. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | The Mi 11 Lite 5G has a slight edge with Hi-Res Audio and 2 mics, offering better quality and voice capture, whilst the A72 has Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Mi 11 Lite 5G's side-mounted sensor is generally faster and more convenient compared to a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | The Mi 11 Lite 5G has better scratch and shatter resistance with Gorilla Glass 6 protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have a comprehensive sensor suite; the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G offers ultrasonic proximity. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: A slightly bigger 6.7" screen, beneficial for media consumption and gaming.
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher maximum brightness (800 nits) for better outdoor visibility.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities.
- Larger Battery: A 5000mAh battery, which usually equates to longer battery life.
- Included Charger: Includes a 15W fast charger, although it could be higher.
- DxOMark Tested: Camera quality has been tested, confirming photo quality.
Practical Implications: The A72 is better for users who prioritize media consumption outdoors, require optical zoom, and desire all-day battery life.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much more powerful Snapdragon 780G chipset for faster performance and better gaming.
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: More comfortable to handle and carry due to its significantly lighter and slimmer profile.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging, which allows for quicker top-ups.
- Newer Bluetooth & Wi-Fi: More advanced connectivity with Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6.
- Dual-Band GPS: Offers more precise GPS positioning.
- Hi-Res Audio: Supports high-resolution audio.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 for improved durability.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and faster fingerprint sensor.
- Potentially longer software support: Android 13 update is available for this device.
Practical Implications: The Mi 11 Lite 5G is geared towards users who value performance, portability, advanced connectivity, and better durability.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A72: Trades raw performance and a compact design for a larger screen, a dedicated zoom camera, better brightness, and larger battery.
- Mi 11 Lite 5G: Trades a dedicated zoom camera, better brightness, a larger battery for much better performance, a slimmer profile, faster charging, newer connectivity standards, better build quality, better fingerprint sensor, high res audio and better software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos or play games and need a larger screen.
- Outdoor Users: Individuals who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and need good visibility.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value optical zoom capabilities and a telephoto lens.
- Battery-Focused Users: People who prefer longer battery life and value all-day usage on a single charge.
Use Cases: Watching movies on the go, taking photos with zoom, outdoor photography, using the phone for GPS in sunny conditions, and users who do not require intensive use cases.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Users who want a smooth and responsive experience, especially for multitasking and gaming.
- Design-Conscious Users: Those who prefer lightweight, slim and aesthetically pleasing devices.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate the latest connectivity standards and features.
- Frequent Travelers: Those who need precise GPS and a fast-charging phone for on-the-go usage.
- Audio-Lovers: Those who prioritize high-quality audio.
Use Cases: Demanding gaming, using complex apps, multitasking, using wireless headphones, travelling and relying on GPS, and general everyday use.
Price-to-Value: The price difference will be a key factor. If prices are similar, the Mi 11 Lite 5G offers more value due to its superior performance, connectivity, and durability. However, if the A72 is substantially cheaper, some users may find it a reasonable choice for their particular needs, especially if they need a larger screen and better visibility in sunlight.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is more important, a larger screen with better visibility outdoors, or better overall performance?
- Do you need a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, or do you prioritize a slimmer profile and better handling?
- Do you need the latest connectivity features and better software support, or do you prioritize having a larger battery?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: User prioritizes gaming and smooth performance, the Mi 11 Lite 5G is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: User spends a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight watching videos or navigating, and also needs optical zoom, the A72 is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: User needs a phone that's comfortable to hold all day and doesn't need optical zoom, and values newer connectivity standards, the Mi 11 Lite 5G is a better option.
- Scenario 4: User is focused on having a larger screen and good outdoor visibility, with long battery life, the A72 is a better choice.
- Scenario 5: User is looking for the best overall value and doesn't have specific needs, the Mi 11 Lite 5G offers a superior balance of features for general use.
Decision
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G. While the Samsung A72 offers a slightly larger screen and better brightness, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G's advantages in performance (almost double the Antutu score), lighter design, faster charging, newer connectivity, superior build quality, and better software support outweigh the benefits of the slightly larger screen and optical zoom capabilities of the Samsung.
The vastly superior processor and GPU of the Xiaomi will provide a more fluid and responsive experience throughout daily use, making it a better long-term purchase. The newer connectivity standards provide a better experience when connected to wireless networks and bluetooth devices and the better screen protection provides durability. Ultimately, the Xiaomi provides a more balanced package with minimal trade-offs.
