Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Xiaomi Poco C65
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2023-11-06 | Poco C65 is a significantly newer device, potentially benefiting from newer software and manufacturing processes. |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 168 x 78 x 8.1 mm | Poco C65 is slightly taller and thinner, A72 is slightly wider. Differences are minor, but A72 is the thicker phone. |
| Weight | 203g | 192g | Poco C65 is noticeably lighter, which may enhance comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.74" | Visually, the difference in screen size is negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | A72 offers much sharper images and text, making a noticeable difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 394 | 260 | A72's higher pixel density results in noticeably crisper visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72 provides superior colors, contrast, and power efficiency (especially with dark mode). |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations, but no advantage for one over the other. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits (specification missing) | A72 is much better for outdoor visibility. Poco C65 outdoor visibility is not specified and therefore difficult to compare. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Helio G85 (12nm) | A72's chipset should offer better overall performance in everyday tasks and gaming due to a better fabrication process. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 237,768 | A72 has a noticeable edge in overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Adreno 618 in the A72 should provide superior graphics performance over the Mali-G52 MC2 in the Poco C65. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery life, all else being equal. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | A72 will charge faster than the Poco C65. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included | Reverse Charging | A72 has charger included, while Poco C65 can charge other devices, a niche feature. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm | A72 should produce more detailed photos due to the higher megapixel count. Sensor sizes and other factors not fully available for detailed analysis. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | None | A72 offers optical zoom capabilities, absent in Poco C65. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | None | A72 can capture wider scenes, offering more flexibility in photography, which is absent in Poco C65. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 8MP, f/2.2 (Pixel size missing) | A72 has much higher detail and quality for selfies. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 (Pixel size missing) | Poco C65 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, while A72 uses software for depth effect, however, the lack of pixel size information makes it difficult to draw a conclusion. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4 (Pixel size missing) | A72 should capture more detailed macro shots due to its higher resolution. Pixel size on C65 missing makes it hard to do a deep analysis. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 offers superior video recording resolution with stabilization. Poco C65 limited to 1080p, not mentioned to have any video stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | 92 (Mobile) | Not Tested | A72 has a proven camera performance advantage over the Poco C65, as it is not tested by DxOMark. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | Poco C65 has the newer operating system, though the A72's upgrade status might offer some benefit. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support similar Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | Poco C65 has a more modern version with improved power efficiency and other features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both phones offer similar location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer the same internal storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 4GB or 6GB or 8GB | A72 offers 6GB or 8 GB RAM variants. Poco C65 offers a 4GB variant in addition to 6 and 8 GB variants. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | A72 provides a better multimedia experience with its enhanced audio system, specifically designed for better sound quality. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Poco C65 offers a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor, generally seen as more ergonomic. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Ultrasonic Proximity | Both offer the most common sensors, but the A72 additionally features a Proximity sensor (non-ultrasonic), Hall, and Geomagnetic sensors, while Poco C65 features Ultrasonic proximity virtual. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology, higher resolution, and higher brightness result in much better visual experience, especially outdoors.
- Better Performance: More powerful chipset, resulting in smoother multitasking and gaming performance.
- Enhanced Camera System: Telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses offer more versatility in photography with higher resolutions for each camera.
- Higher Quality Video Recording: 4K recording with EIS provides professional-grade video capabilities.
- Advanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers offer an immersive audio experience.
- Proven Camera Performance: DxOMark score indicates better camera performance.
Xiaomi Poco C65 Advantages:
- Newer Operating System: Ships with a more recent version of Android with potential for longer software support.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Benefits from better power efficiency and connection stability.
- Reverse Charging: Capability to charge other devices using the phone's battery.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more modern fingerprint scanner.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A72 sacrifices the newer Android version for a far superior screen, performance, and camera.
- The Poco C65 offers a more modern Android and Bluetooth version, but severely compromises on screen quality and camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a high-quality display, especially for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Users who require a versatile camera system with various lenses for different photography needs.
- Users who want better processing power for demanding tasks and gaming.
Users who enjoy high quality audio.
Use Cases:
- Watching videos and movies, especially in brightly lit environments.
- Taking detailed photos and videos with various focal lengths.
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Enjoying music and other audio content on the go.
Xiaomi Poco C65 Ideal User:
- Users on a tight budget who want the latest Android version and a basic phone experience.
- Users who need reverse charging as a convenient option.
Users who want the convenience of a side mounted fingerprint sensor.
Use Cases:
- Basic daily use such as browsing the web, making calls, and texting.
- Casual photography.
- Using reverse charging as a power bank for other devices.
- Users who prefer side mounted fingerprint sensors.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality to you? (AMOLED vs. IPS LCD, Resolution, Brightness)
- Do you value a versatile and high-quality camera experience? (Telephoto, Wide-angle, Video Resolution)
- Is processing power for gaming and multitasking important? (Chipset, Benchmark score)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Media Consumption & Photography Enthusiasts: The Samsung Galaxy A72 is the clear choice due to its superior display, camera, and audio quality.
- For Budget-Conscious Basic Users: The Xiaomi Poco C65 is acceptable, provided the user is willing to sacrifice display and camera quality for a lower cost and newer operating system.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. While it is an older device, its advantages in display quality, camera system, overall performance, and audio experience are significant and make a bigger impact on the overall user experience.
The AMOLED display with its higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness is a major advantage for anyone who consumes media on their phone. The versatile camera system with optical zoom, wide angle and macro capabilities is also a great benefit for someone who takes a lot of photos. While the Poco C65 does offer a newer version of Android and a side mounted fingerprint sensor, these features are less impactful than the A72's strengths.
The performance difference is also crucial, especially if the phone will be used for anything beyond basic tasks. The Snapdragon chipset in the A72 is more powerful than the Helio G85 in the Poco C65, which would result in a smoother and snappier experience overall.
