1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | A72 is taller and wider, Redmi 10 is thicker. A72 may feel slightly larger in hand. |
| Weight | 203g | 181g | Redmi 10 is significantly lighter, likely more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Material | Unknown | Unknown | No information to compare. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | A72 offers slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer same sharpness for text and images. |
| PPI | 394 | 405 | Similar pixel density, meaning similar display sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | A72 has a superior AMOLED panel with better contrast, colors, and deeper blacks for a better viewing experience and better power efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, a crucial factor for outdoor use. Xiaomi Redmi 10's brightness is unknown. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 has screen protection against scratches and minor impacts, A72 has an unknown protection. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm) | A72's Snapdragon 720G offers slightly better overall performance and efficiency compared to G88, based on benchmark scores. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 253,600 | A72 achieves higher benchmarks, suggesting smoother experience for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 618 tends to offer better graphics performance for mobile gaming, but real-world experience depends on the optimization for specific games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | A72 has a higher resolution sensor, potentially capturing more detailed images, especially in good light. The larger pixel size may allow better light capture. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.0µm | None | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed photos and portraits, a feature missing on the Redmi 10. |
| Wide-Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | A72 has a higher resolution wide-angle lens. Pixel size is quite similar in both phones for the wide angle. |
| Portrait (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi 10 has a dedicated depth sensor which contributes to portrait mode pictures by creating better background blur. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72 has a higher resolution macro camera, allowing for more detailed close-up shots. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | 8MP, f/2.0 | A72's selfie camera has far higher resolution which might give clearer and detailed selfies. Redmi 10's selfie has a wider aperture. |
| Video | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@30/60fps (EIS), Slow-mo 120fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 120fps | A72 offers 4K recording, a higher quality for videos and smoother 1080p recording. Both have 120fps slow-mo, though implementation may differ. A72 has EIS stabilization, not present in the Redmi 10. |
| DxOMark | 92 (Photo 100, Video 78) | Not Tested | A72 is tested with decent camera performance based on the DxOMark scores. No information for Xiaomi's Redmi 10. |
| Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, Manual Focus, PDAF | 4K Video, RAW | Samsung Galaxy A72 has OIS for steadier shots and optical zoom for better zoomed photos. Redmi 10 records in 4k and has RAW capabilities. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have same battery capacity, resulting in similar all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 18W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | A72 charges faster, which is beneficial when time is of the essence. Li-Ion vs Li-Polymer has negligible practical impact. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included | 9W reverse wired charging | A72 includes a fast charger in the box. Redmi 10 offers the possibility of charging other devices at a low speed. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 with upgrade to 12 | Android 11 | Samsung Galaxy A72 has an upgrade available. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support dual-band WiFi for a stable connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Redmi 10 has a newer Bluetooth version with lower energy consumption. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Both have standard GPS capabilities for navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | A72 has the option for 256GB internal storage. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | A72 has higher RAM options, potentially better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support external storage, so users need to be mindful of available built-in storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | A72 has Dolby Atmos for better audio immersion when using speakers/headphones. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi 10 offers more convienient and fast side mounted fingerprint sensor. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi 10 has additional screen protection. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung Galaxy A72 has additional Proximity sensor, and a magnetic sensor for better navigation/compass. Xiaomi has an ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and higher brightness for better viewing, especially outdoors.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset and higher benchmark scores indicate smoother performance in apps and games.
- Better Camera System: Offers a telephoto lens, higher resolution main and selfie camera, and 4K video recording with EIS. It also has OIS for steady shots and optical zoom.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging.
- Dolby Atmos: Provides enhanced audio quality.
- Better RAM: Better multitasking capabilities.
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Advantages:
- Lighter: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Screen Protection: Has Gorilla Glass 3 protection.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 with low energy consumption and aptX.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank for other devices.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint: More convenient placement.
- 4K Video Recording and RAW: Enhanced video and photography options
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A72: Loses out in terms of weight and side mounted fingerprint sensor. Screen protection is also unknown.
- Xiaomi Redmi 10: Sacrifices camera quality, display quality, performance, and charging speeds for a lighter weight, screen protection and other features like reverse charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize display quality for media consumption (videos, games).
- Users who value a better camera system for photography and videography, especially those who need zoom capabilities.
- Users who need a smoother all around performance.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies/TV shows, playing graphics-intensive games, taking pictures and videos frequently.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Business users who multitask frequently.
Xiaomi Redmi 10:
- Ideal User:
- Users looking for a budget-friendly phone with a big screen, good battery life, and some premium features.
- Users who value lighter weight and screen protection.
- Users who need reverse charging and 4K video.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday use, browsing, social media, light gaming, and as a secondary phone.
- Users who need a device that can provide some charging to other devices.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? The Redmi 10 is likely to be the more affordable option.
- How important is display and camera quality to you? The A72 excels in these areas.
- Do you need fast charging and advanced camera features like telephoto lens? If yes, the A72 is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious): If budget is the primary concern, and you don't prioritize high-end performance or camera capabilities, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 is a reasonable option.
- Scenario 2 (Multimedia & Camera Focused): If you prioritize a vibrant display for video content and a better camera for photos/videos, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better choice, despite the higher price.
- Scenario 3 (All-Around User): If you want a more balanced option, the Samsung A72 provides more features overall with a better display, camera, and performance.
What I Would Choose and Why
Given my preference for a better overall experience, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. While it may be slightly heavier and doesn't offer the latest Bluetooth or reverse charging, the superior display, higher performance, better camera system (with optical zoom and stabilization), and faster charging are crucial for my daily needs. I often watch videos, browse photos, and take pictures and videos, so the advantages the A72 provides are well worth it for me. The higher RAM is a plus for multitasking. The addition of Dolby Atmos also adds to the experience. Despite not having a screen protector, there are aftermarket options to mitigate it.
