1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Physical Size | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 164 × 76.1 × 8.9 mm | A72 is slightly wider, Redmi 10 5G is slightly thicker. Both are similar in size, differences are marginal in daily use. |
| Weight | 203g | 200g | Both phones are nearly identical in weight, negligible difference in feel. |
| Build | Unknown Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi 10 5G has better scratch/drop resistance with Gorilla Glass 3. A72s screen protection is unknown and is assumed to be of lower quality. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.58" | A72 offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption or multi-tasking. The difference is noticeable but not dramatic. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both have very similar resolution, resulting in comparable sharpness. |
| PPI | 394 | 401 | Virtually identical pixel density, so no visible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72's AMOLED provides deeper blacks, higher contrast, better color vibrancy, and better power efficiency in dark mode. It will generally have a more visually appealing display. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, equally suitable for gaming and media consumption. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72's higher brightness will be substantially better for outdoor use, especially under direct sunlight. The Redmi 10 5G brightness is not provided, meaning its outdoor visibility is likely inferior to the A72. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) | Redmi 10 5G's newer, more efficient 7nm Dimensity 700 provides better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 381,300 | Redmi 10 5G has significantly better benchmark performance, implying faster app loading and smoother everyday use. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Redmi 10 5G will generally perform better for gaming due to its newer GPU architecture. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A72 has a higher resolution primary sensor, potentially capturing more detail but not always translating to better image quality. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed photos, providing better quality at a distance, and a portrait camera |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.0 | A72 has a much higher resolution selfie camera. Redmi 10 5G has a wider aperture, potentially performing better in low light but lower resolution. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | A72 allows for capturing wide landscapes or group photos. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi 10 5G has a dedicated depth camera for better portrait mode, Samsung's portrait camera is located on the Telephoto sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 can capture close-up photos. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 can record in 4K with stabilization and 1080p at higher framerates, which is superior for quality vlogs and home videos. Redmi 10 5G video quality is capped at 1080p 30 fps without stabilization. |
| Slow-Motion | Yes, 120 fps | No | A72 has better slow-motion video recording capabilities. |
| DxOMark Score | Main 92 (Photo 100, Video 78) | Not Tested | A72 offers better overall camera performance based on the DxOmark score, though real-world performance may vary. |
| Additional Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, PDAF, Quad camera | 4K Video, Dual Camera | A72 has Optical Image Stabilization and zoom, while Redmi 10 5G has 4k video capabilities (though that conflicts with the video specifications) and Dual camera instead of a quad camera. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have the same capacity, so battery life is likely comparable, but battery performance depends on other factors. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging (Li-Ion) | 18W fast charging (Li-Polymer) | A72 charges faster. Redmi 10 5G utilizes a slightly more modern battery technology. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included, Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | A72 includes a charger and Redmi 10 5G can reverse charge other devices. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | A72 has a higher storage option, better for those who need space for photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | A72 has higher RAM options, which is better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, limiting flexibility. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 12 | Android 12 | Redmi 10 5G ships with a newer OS, offering better long-term software support (if applicable) |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Direct, Display, MIMO | Redmi 10 5G has additional MIMO support, slightly faster wi-fi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP, HOGP | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | Redmi 10 5G has a more modern and more efficient Bluetooth version and includes LE (Low energy), while A72 supports more advanced audio profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both phones offer identical GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby (Nano) | Dual SIM, Dual Standby (Nano) | Both phones support Dual SIM. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both offer stereo speakers for improved audio. A72 has Dolby Atmos for surround sound, while Redmi 10 5G has Hi-Res Audio for higher quality music. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi 10 5G's side mounted fingerprint sensor is usually more convenient and reliable than basic fingerprint sensor. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | A72 includes additional Hall and Geomagnetic sensors, potentially more accurate motion and orientation tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology offers a more vibrant, higher-contrast display, especially beneficial in dark mode and for media consumption. The higher brightness is a significant plus for outdoor use.
- Better Camera System: Features a telephoto lens for zoomed photos, a higher resolution selfie camera, a wide angle camera, and macro lens, offering more versatility and higher photo quality than Redmi 10 5G, as confirmed by higher DxOMark score. It also offers OIS and optical zoom for enhanced picture quality.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to 18W on the Redmi 10 5G.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Offers more storage and RAM, which leads to better performance.
- More audio features: Dolby Atmos for better surround sound, better for watching videos.
- More Sensors: More sensor array means more accurate measurements and a more enjoyable experience in more apps.
Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G Advantages
- Better Performance: Higher benchmark scores due to the newer Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, suggesting a smoother experience for everyday use and gaming.
- Newer Software: Redmi 10 5G is running a newer version of Android out of the box, potentially offering longer support from Google.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices, a potentially useful feature for users.
- Better Screen Protection: Redmi 10 5G has better scratch and drop protection with Gorilla Glass 3.
- More Modern Bluetooth: The Redmi 10 5G has a more modern Bluetooth version, meaning better pairing and battery performance for bluetooth devices.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and reliable than basic sensors.
- Hi-Res Audio: For better audio quality for listening to music.
- Lower Price: Usually significantly cheaper compared to the Samsung Galaxy A72, making it a very good value option.
Trade-offs
- A72: Sacrifices performance and battery optimization for a superior display, more versatile camera system, and more storage options. It is also a much older phone, and may not receive the same amount of software support.
- Redmi 10 5G: Sacrifices display quality and camera versatility to deliver better performance, a newer OS, and improved screen protection at a lower price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize display quality for watching videos and browsing photos, as the AMOLED display is vibrant and offers great contrast.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value versatility in the camera system, including telephoto, wide, and macro lens options. OIS will be beneficial for better quality shots.
- Multi-taskers: Users who often work with multiple apps simultaneously, or would like to future-proof for a better experience.
- Outdoor Users: Users who frequently use their phones outdoors in bright sunlight due to the superior display brightness.
- Users that listen to audio with high-quality headphones: Dolby Atmos will allow for surround sound experiences when watching videos with the A72.
Use Cases: Watching high-definition videos, taking a variety of photos in different situations, heavy social media browsing, frequent outdoor use.
Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G Ideal User
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who want a good smartphone experience with smooth performance and a newer OS without paying a premium price.
- Gamers: Users who play mobile games and would like to get the best possible performance within a given budget.
- Practical Users: Users who want a more convenient and reliable fingerprint sensor, with a preference for functionality over display quality, or better battery optimization and screen protection.
- Users with other devices: Reverse charging will be very valuable for users who also own bluetooth headphones or other small devices.
- Users that listen to music with high-quality headphones: Hi-Res Audio will provide a better audio experience on compatible headphones.
Use Cases: Casual gaming, everyday social media, and communication, prolonged usage without needing to charge very frequently, streaming music.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- How important is display quality? (If you need vibrant colors and good outdoor visibility, choose the A72. Otherwise, the Redmi 10 5G's LCD is sufficient.)
- How important is camera versatility? (If you want more flexibility with telephoto, wide angle and macro lenses, the A72 is a better choice. Otherwise the Redmi 10 5G may be enough.)
- How important is price? (The Redmi 10 5G will often be significantly cheaper than the A72.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: "I want a phone for watching videos and taking good photos." Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. Its AMOLED display and versatile camera system make it ideal for media consumption and photography. The higher RAM and storage are also good for longevity of the phone.
- Scenario 2: "I need a phone for everyday use and light gaming." Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G. It provides better overall performance for a lower price and offers better battery optimization with a newer version of Android.
- Scenario 3: "I am on a tight budget but want a phone that is good for most tasks." Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G. It offers a good balance between performance and price, with a newer OS and better screen protection.
- Scenario 4: "I do not care about cost and want a great phone for gaming, media, and taking photos." Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its great camera, great display, and better overall sensor suite.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. While the Redmi 10 5G offers better performance and a lower price, I prioritize display quality, camera versatility, and future proofing, which the A72 provides. I value the AMOLED display for media consumption, the telephoto and wide-angle lenses for photography, and the larger RAM/storage configuration, and I would be happy to pay a premium for the better camera, screen, and sensor suite. Additionally, the brighter screen on the A72 would be a very useful feature, as I would be using the phone in different lighting conditions.
