1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | A72 is larger and slightly thicker, potentially less comfortable in smaller hands. M4 Pro is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 203g | 179.5g | M4 Pro is significantly lighter, better for extended use and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.43" | A72 offers a larger screen for media consumption and gaming, M4 Pro is slightly more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp visuals for daily use. |
| PPI | 394 | 409 | Similar pixel density, making sharpness nearly indistinguishable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 offers much better screen visibility in direct sunlight. M4 Pro's brightness is not provided, and cannot be compared, making its practical impact unclear. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | M4 Pro's chipset is generally faster, leading to snappier performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 438,700 | M4 Pro scores significantly higher, suggesting faster app loading and smoother gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | M4 Pro has a higher score implying better gaming capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | A72 offers higher resolution, but M4 Pro has a larger sensor and could potentially be better in low light (though not clear given other factors) |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | None | A72 offers optical zoom capabilities and dedicated portrait mode. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.00µm | A72 offers higher resolution selfies and a wider aperture for potentially better low light performance. |
| Wide-Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | A72 provides more resolution for wide shots. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | None | A72 offers dedicated macro photography capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps w/ EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 offers higher resolution video with stabilization. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | Not tested | A72 is rated for photo quality and video by DXOMark. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Quad | Dual, Ultra Stable | A72 has optical image stabilization and more camera versatility; M4 Pro offers ultra-stable video. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery endurance. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | M4 Pro offers faster charging, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion Polymer | |
| Included Charger | 15W Fast Charger | Not mentioned | A72 includes a charger that is not the maximum speed the phone can support. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 11 | A72 is guaranteed to receive one more Android update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer similar Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | M4 Pro has a more recent Bluetooth version with more audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | M4 Pro has more comprehensive GPS support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both offer dual SIM support. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | Not Specified | A72 offers higher storage options, M4 Pro internal storage not specified. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | Not Specified | A72 has more RAM, useful for heavy users. M4 Pro RAM not specified. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo, 2 mics | M4 Pro offers more advanced audio features (Hi-Res and better mic setup). |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Side-Mounted | M4 Pro uses a faster fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | M4 Pro offers better protection from scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both are well-equipped with sensors; M4 Pro uses an Ultrasonic proximity sensor vs traditional proximity on the A72 |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Better Display Brightness: Significantly higher brightness at 800 nits, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. This is crucial for outdoor use.
- Telephoto Camera: Offers a dedicated telephoto camera with optical zoom, useful for photography and portraits, providing a more versatile camera system overall.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: 32MP front-facing camera, potentially offering clearer selfies than the M4 Pro.
- More Camera Features: Includes OIS for better low light photos and video, PDAF for fast focusing, and a dedicated Macro lens.
- Higher Internal Storage and RAM: A72 has the possibility for 256GB of internal storage, and 8GB of RAM, depending on the model chosen.
- DXOMark score: A72 has been tested with a good score of 92.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro Advantages:
- Faster Performance: Superior chipset and AnTuTu benchmark scores for smoother overall performance, better multitasking, and improved gaming.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging allows for faster replenishment of battery, reducing downtime.
- Better Audio Features: Includes Hi-Res audio support and a dual microphone system, offering superior audio experience.
- More Recent Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 LE provides better energy efficiency and newer codec support for audio.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more advanced and convenient biometric security option.
- Screen protection: Gorilla Glass 3 provides extra protection against scratching
- More GPS support: M4 Pro supports more satellite systems providing better accuracy in navigation.
- Lighter design: 23.5g lighter than the A72.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung A72 sacrifices some performance and charging speed for better screen brightness, camera features (especially zoom) and potentially longer software support (one more update).
- Xiaomi M4 Pro prioritizes performance, battery charging, and audio quality but has less versatile camera system (no telephoto/zoom), and lower brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Those who need a bright screen for easy viewing in sunlight.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Individuals who prioritize versatile camera systems, especially optical zoom and macro capabilities.
- Users who enjoy watching videos outdoors.
- Users who value brand recognition: Samsung has a well-established brand reputation and ecosystem.
- Users who prioritize software updates: The A72 will get at least one more Android version update.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro Ideal User:
- Gamers: Users who require better performance for a smoother mobile gaming experience.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who prioritize fast charging and enhanced audio quality for an immersive experience.
- Users who want a smoother overall experience: The faster processor leads to quicker app loading and less stuttering.
- Budget-Conscious: Value for the performance offered at a potentially lower price point.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung A72: Great for travel photography, outdoor navigation, and watching videos in bright conditions.
- Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro: Better for mobile gaming, media consumption on the go, and for people who value a lighter phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is outdoor screen visibility? If you use your phone often in direct sunlight, the A72 is significantly better.
- Do you prioritize camera versatility or overall performance? The A72 excels in its camera features, while the M4 Pro prioritizes performance.
- How important are battery charging speeds and audio features to your usage? The M4 Pro has faster charging and better audio.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For a user who spends a lot of time outdoors: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its superior screen brightness.
- For a user who plays a lot of mobile games and likes watching media: Choose the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro for its faster processor, smoother performance, better audio and faster charging.
- For a user on a budget seeking the best performance: Choose the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro for its faster chipset at a potentially lower price.
- For the user who wants the most versatile camera: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its telephoto lens and other camera features.
My Choice and Explanation
If I had to choose between the Samsung Galaxy A72 and the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro. Here's why:
Prioritizing Practical Daily Use: While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has a brighter screen and a more versatile camera system, the enhanced performance of the M4 Pro would give a snappier experience day to day, and the faster charging is a key convenience I would not want to miss.
Performance Advantage: The M4 Pro's higher AnTuTu score indicates a significant performance difference. I value fast app loading, smooth multitasking, and a lag-free experience more than a more diverse camera or higher brightness. Also, the performance gap is higher than the difference in brightness, making the choice clearer.
Value Proposition: Given that the A72 is an older phone, and the M4 Pro provides a faster processor, better audio and faster charging, I would expect the M4 Pro to have the better price to value ratio.
Personal Preference: I prefer a phone that feels fast and responsive. While the camera is important, I don't need a dedicated zoom lens and prefer the faster experience. The improved audio and faster charging speed of the Poco M4 Pro make it the better choice for my needs.
It's important to acknowledge that the Samsung A72 is a good option for those who prioritize a bright screen, camera versatility, and possibly longer software updates. However, for my specific needs and preferences, the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro comes out ahead.
