1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 5G is taller and slightly thinner; A72 is wider. Minor size differences for in-hand feel. |
| Weight | 203g | 199g | Virtually the same; both feel substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.79" | Negligible difference; Both are large for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Very similar; both offer sharp images. |
| PPI | 394 | 396 | Identical; both offer sharp images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72 has superior blacks, contrast, color vibrancy, and better battery efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 is significantly better for outdoor visibility in sunlight. Redmi 12 5G has no stated brightness value. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Redmi 12 5G's newer chipset offers better power efficiency and performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 456,552 | Redmi 12 5G is significantly faster for gaming, apps, multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 613 | Redmi 12 5G's GPU is better suited for modern mobile gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A72 has a higher resolution main sensor, potentially more detail. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 has a dedicated zoom lens for better close ups. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | A72 has an ultra-wide lens for more expansive shots. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close up photos. |
| Depth | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi 12 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A72 has far better selfie resolution for quality video calls. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | A72 can record higher resolution videos. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 92 | 63 | A72 has a significantly better camera overall, both for photo and video. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Quadruple, manual focus, continuous shooting, night mode | OIS, dual camera | A72 offers a more versatile camera system. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W, Li-Ion | 18W, Li-Polymer | A72 charges faster. |
| Charger Included | 15W | No info provided | A72 includes a charger, though not the fastest compatible. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 13 (up to 14) | Redmi 12 5G has a newer OS and will likely get more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual band, Hotspot | 802.11ac, Dual band, Hotspot | Both offer similar connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, Extensive Features | 5.0, LE, EDR | A72 has a more comprehensive suite of bluetooth features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | A72 supports more satellite systems for accurate location. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 4/6/8GB | Both offer similar RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Basic | A72 offers enhanced audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi 12 5G's is more modern and convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi 12 5G offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A72 has a more comprehensive sensor suite including Gyroscope for advanced features. Redmi 12 5G has Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED offers significantly better contrast, colors, and outdoor visibility.
- Better Cameras: Offers a far more versatile setup with Telephoto, Wide-angle, and Macro lenses, and significantly higher selfie resolution, also backed up by the DxOMark scores.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging is faster than Redmi 12 5G's 18W.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide a better audio experience.
- More extensive sensors: Includes Gyroscope, which is important for advanced features and gaming.
- More Bluetooth Features: More Bluetooth protocols are supported
- Included Charger: The A72 includes a 15W charger.
Practical Implications: The A72 is better for users who prioritize media consumption, camera quality, faster charging, better audio and advanced features that might require gyroscope.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 provides much better performance and is more power-efficient.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 13 (upgradeable to 14) vs. A72's Android 11.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More modern and convenient placement.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor: It can measure distance more accurately
Practical Implications: Redmi 12 5G is better for users who prioritize performance, software updates, and convenience.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A72: Older chipset and software, less convenient fingerprint sensor.
- Redmi 12 5G: Inferior display, cameras, audio, and charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 is ideal for:
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who watch videos, browse photos, and appreciate good color and contrast.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with zoom, wide-angle, and macro capabilities.
- Users who value Audio: Users who are looking for high quality audio with Dolby Atmos.
- Moderate Gamers: Users who play casual games and may not need the cutting-edge performance.
- Outdoor users: Users who spend a lot of time outdoors and need good sunlight visibility.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies/TV shows on a vibrant display.
- Taking photos in diverse scenarios (landscapes, portraits, close-ups).
- Enjoying music and podcasts with high-quality audio.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is ideal for:
- Performance Users: Those who play mobile games or multitask heavily.
- Software Users: Those who are looking for the latest OS with long term support.
- Value Seekers: Users who want good performance at a lower price point.
- Users who want convenience: Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Switching between multiple apps seamlessly.
- Daily tasks and browsing.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Without pricing details, it's difficult to compare. However, if the Redmi 12 5G is significantly cheaper, it could offer a better price-to-performance ratio. The A72 offers better value for its screen, cameras and audio, but would likely be more expensive.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is display quality (color accuracy, outdoor visibility)?
- How important is camera versatility and quality?
- How important is raw performance (gaming, multitasking)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Camera and Display are Priorities: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. Its AMOLED screen and versatile camera system outweigh the performance trade-off.
Scenario 2: Performance and Software are Priorities: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. The newer chipset and software offer a more future-proof experience.
Scenario 3: Balanced usage with no single priority: It depends on the price, and if it's in the same price range, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better choice with a much better camera and display, whereas the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is only slightly better in performance and slightly superior in security.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A72. While the Redmi 12 5G has a newer processor, the A72’s superior display quality (AMOLED), significantly better camera system, and enhanced audio features, are more important to me. As a user who values media consumption, good image quality, and a better multimedia experience. The performance of the A72 is still acceptable for daily usage, while the camera and display are a much larger upgrade that the Redmi 12 5G cannot match. Also the fact that the A72 comes with a charger is a good bonus. The tradeoff in slightly lower performance is acceptable in return for the much better screen, camera and audio features.
