1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | Redmi 13 is slightly taller and narrower, potentially affecting one-handed use based on individual preferences. Both phones are similar in thickness. |
| Weight | 203g | 205g | Virtually identical weight; both will feel similar in hand. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.79" | Very similar screen sizes, negligible difference in daily usage. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both are Full HD+, differences are minor in clarity. |
| PPI | 394 | 396 | Both offer very similar pixel density, resulting in equally sharp screens. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, better color vibrancy and better power efficiency for dark themes than IPS LCD, noticeable when viewing multimedia. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smoother scrolling experience than standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | Samsung A72 has dramatically higher brightness, making it significantly easier to view outdoors in direct sunlight. The brightness of the Xiaomi Redmi 13 is unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G91 Ultra (12 nm) | Snapdragon 720G (8nm) is slightly better performing than Helio G91 Ultra (12 nm) in terms of speed and power efficiency but both are mid-range processors for everyday use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 269,266 | Samsung A72 has a marginally higher score, indicating slightly better overall performance but both are similar. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 618 is generally considered better performing for gaming than the Mali-G52 MC2, though both are mid-range GPUs. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.8 | 108MP f/1.8 | Xiaomi Redmi 13 has a higher resolution camera, potentially capturing more detail in well-lit conditions, but real-world photo quality depends on sensor quality. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP f/2.4 (with OIS) | None | Samsung A72 offers optical zoom capabilities for better close-ups and portrait shots. OIS helps in low light and when taking videos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2 | 13MP | Samsung A72 has higher resolution for selfies, potentially resulting in better clarity. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP f/2.2 | None | Samsung A72 provides a wider field of view, useful for capturing landscapes or group photos. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Redmi 13 has a dedicated depth sensor for better background blur in portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | None | Samsung A72 allows for close-up macro shots, good for capturing detailed images of small objects. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps | Samsung A72 provides higher quality video recording (4K), whereas the Xiaomi Redmi 13 is limited to 1080p. Samsung A72 video recording also offers EIS. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | Not Tested | Only Samsung A72 has been tested in DXOMark, demonstrating good photo and video quality, with scores of 100 and 78 respectively. |
| Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, Quad Camera | 4K Video, Dual Camera | Samsung A72 has OIS and optical zoom but the Xiaomi Redmi 13 has 4K video. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5030mAh | Very similar capacities, both are expected to offer a similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Redmi 13 charges faster with 33W, reducing charging time. |
| Features | 15W Charger Included | Reverse Charging | Samsung includes a 15W charger which is lower than the device's maximum charging speed and Xiaomi offers reverse charging so you can charge other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen provides better contrast, colors, and outdoor visibility.
- Better Camera System: Includes telephoto, wide-angle, macro lens and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Offers 4K recording and higher selfie resolution.
- Higher DXOMark Scores: Verified superior camera quality according to DXOMark scores.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support provide a better audio experience for media consumption.
- Better Performance: Slightly higher performance in benchmarks.
Practical Implications: The A72 is better for users who consume a lot of media, care about taking high quality photos, especially in different zoom ranges and low light conditions, and want a more vibrant display.
Xiaomi Redmi 13 Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 33W charging allows for faster battery refills.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, adding versatility.
- Newer OS: Ships with a newer version of Android.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and reliable unlocking compared to a basic sensor.
Practical Implications: Redmi 13 is better for users who need a quicker charging experience and want a newer operating system.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung A72: Older Android version, slower charging.
- Xiaomi Redmi 13: Inferior display quality, less versatile camera system, unknown screen brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User:
- Media consumers (movies, shows, YouTube).
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system with optical zoom and OIS.
- Users who need good visibility in direct sunlight.
- Users who prefer better audio experience.
- Use Cases:
- Enjoying high-quality video content with vibrant colors.
- Taking photos in various scenarios, including detailed close-ups and landscapes.
- Watching videos or using the phone outdoors on sunny days.
- Immersive audio for gaming or listening to music.
Xiaomi Redmi 13:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize faster charging.
- Users who want a newer Android version.
- Users who might need to charge other devices on the go.
- Users who want good performance for general use.
- Use Cases:
- Quickly topping up the battery when time is limited.
- Charging accessories like wireless earbuds in a pinch.
- Having the latest Android features and security updates.
- Smooth everyday performance for common tasks.
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung Galaxy A72, despite being an older model, offers premium features like AMOLED display, OIS camera, and Dolby Atmos support that will offer a better value for some users.
- The Xiaomi Redmi 13 is a modern device with slightly better battery charging and a newer Android version.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: How important is display quality (AMOLED vs IPS LCD) and brightness for your usage?
- Camera Needs: What type of photography do you primarily do (general snapshots, zoom, landscapes, videos)?
- Battery Priorities: Is faster charging a must-have, or is battery capacity more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Lover & Photographer: If you watch a lot of videos and want a versatile camera, the Samsung A72 is better.
- Scenario 2: On-the-Go User: If you need faster charging and want a newer OS, the Xiaomi Redmi 13 is a good choice.
- Scenario 3: Budget Conscious: If price is a primary concern and display or camera aren't your biggest priorities, the Redmi 13 may be a better value option, assuming the price is lower.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor Use: If you spend a lot of time in direct sunlight, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the better choice.
Which would I choose and why?
My Choice:
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
Reasoning:
My decision is based on the following factors:
- Display Quality: The AMOLED display is a significant advantage for me. The superior contrast, color vibrancy, and outdoor visibility are crucial for my usage patterns, which include watching videos and using my phone in varied lighting conditions.
- Camera Versatility: I appreciate a versatile camera system, and the A72's telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses, along with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), provide more flexibility and better low-light performance. The higher resolution selfie camera is also a plus for me.
- Audio Experience: I value good audio quality, and the stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support offer a better media consumption experience.
- Outdoor use: The known brightness of the A72 makes it better for outdoor use.
While the Xiaomi Redmi 13 offers faster charging and a newer OS, these factors are secondary to my needs. The superior display and camera of the Samsung Galaxy A72 outweigh the benefits of faster charging and the newest OS for my particular use case.
