Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Xiaomi Redmi A2
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi A2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2023-03-24 | Redmi A2 is ~2 years newer; potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm | Similar size; A2 slightly thicker, might feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 203g | 192g | A2 is slightly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.52" | A72 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | A72 has a significantly sharper display, better for reading and detail. |
| PPI | 394 | 269 | A72's display appears much clearer with finer text, images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72 has superior color, contrast, better for watching videos, deeper blacks, power efficiency in dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A72 has smoother animations, scrolling, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 much better for outdoor viewing in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | A72 is significantly more powerful, better app loading, multitasking, gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 127,000 | A72 is much faster overall, better for demanding apps/games. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | PowerVR GE8320 | A72 has better graphics performance, smoother gameplay. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life for typical use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | A72 charges faster, less time plugged in. |
| Charger Included | 15W Fast Charger | Not specified | A72 comes with a faster charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 64MP, f/1.8 | 8MP, f/2.0 | A72 takes significantly more detailed photos, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4 | Not present | A72 has an extra lens for zoom and portrait photos. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A72 has a much higher resolution selfie camera, better for selfies and video calls. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | Not present | A72 has an extra lens for wider shots, capturing more in the frame. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not present | A72 has a lens for very close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@60fps (EIS), Slow-mo 120 fps | 1080p@30fps, No Slow-mo | A72 has higher quality video, with image stabilization, and slow-motion capabilities. |
| DXOMark Score | 92 (Photo 100, Video 78) | Not Tested | A72 is much better overall camera performance. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Redmi A2 has the newer OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n | A72 has faster Wi-Fi and more features such as Wi-Fi display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | A72 has wider Bluetooth profile support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | A72 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 32/64 GB | A72 offers significantly more storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 2/3/4 GB | A72 has significantly more RAM, smoother multitasking, app switching. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | A72 has better audio quality, stereo speakers for media, and games. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Security | A72 has a fingerprint sensor, for faster and more secure unlocking. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | A72 has more sensors, offers better control for apps and games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and refresh rate provides a vastly superior visual experience, particularly for media and gaming.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset offers a dramatically better user experience with faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Much Better Camera System: The A72 boasts a versatile quad-camera system with higher resolution sensors, OIS, optical zoom, and significantly better video capabilities.
- Faster Charging: The 25W charging is much faster than the 10W charging of the Redmi A2.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos provide a richer audio experience.
- More RAM and Storage: Significantly more RAM and storage are available.
- Better Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi standard and more GPS systems supported.
- More Sensors: Offers additional features like a fingerprint sensor, gyroscope, and compass.
Xiaomi Redmi A2 Advantages:
- Newer Operating System: Comes with Android 12 out of the box.
- Lighter: Slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Lower Cost: Typically, the Redmi A2 will be significantly cheaper, targeting budget-conscious users.
Trade-offs:
- Display Quality: The Redmi A2's IPS LCD display is a significant downgrade compared to the A72's AMOLED in brightness, contrast, and overall image quality.
- Performance: The Redmi A2 struggles with demanding tasks due to its weaker chipset and less RAM, experiencing lags and stutters.
- Camera Capabilities: The Redmi A2's camera is very basic, lacks features and produces lower quality images, especially in low light.
- Charging Speed: The Redmi A2's slow charging can be inconvenient for some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos, movies, and enjoy high-quality display and audio.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who play graphics-intensive games and require smooth performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with good image quality in all lighting conditions.
- Power Users: Users who multitask heavily and need a phone that can keep up with their demanding workload.
- Users who value the complete package: The A72 offers an all-round experience in performance, display, and camera.
Specific Use Cases for Galaxy A72:
- Enjoying Netflix, YouTube, or other streaming services in high definition with vibrant colors.
- Playing demanding mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact with smooth frame rates.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos for social media or personal use.
- Working on the go, opening multiple apps, and switching between them quickly.
- Using GPS navigation and other location-based services with greater accuracy.
Xiaomi Redmi A2 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who prioritize affordability over high-end features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Users who primarily use their phone for calls, messages, and basic social media browsing.
- Users Looking for a Secondary Device: Users who need a secondary phone for simple tasks, such as travel or emergencies.
- First-Time Smartphone Owners: Users who want an inexpensive device to learn the basics of smartphones.
Specific Use Cases for Redmi A2:
- Making phone calls and sending text messages.
- Browsing social media and checking emails.
- Basic web browsing and online shopping.
- Using simple apps like maps and calculators.
- As a backup device for emergencies or travel.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? The Redmi A2 is significantly cheaper.
- Primary Use Case: What will you be using the phone for the most? Media consumption and gaming? Or basic communication and browsing?
- Performance Expectations: Do you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks or are you OK with basic performance?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance & Media Consumption: If you want a superior display and powerful performance for gaming, videos, and photography, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious and Basic Use: If you're on a tight budget and only need a phone for basic tasks, the Xiaomi Redmi A2 is the more affordable option, although you will sacrifice significantly on features.
- Scenario 3: Balance of Price and Performance: There is no balance between the two as they are built for different audiences. If that is a requirement, a third alternative phone should be considered.
My Choice: Samsung Galaxy A72
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely pick the Samsung Galaxy A72. The overall experience would be superior. The AMOLED display with high resolution and refresh rate, the much faster performance, the vastly superior camera system, stereo speakers, faster charging, and other features justify the additional cost compared to the Xiaomi Redmi A2. While the Redmi A2 is cheaper, the user experience would be severely lacking, especially with the low-quality display, sluggish performance, and subpar camera.
Even though the A72 is older, the difference in performance and overall user experience is too significant to ignore. For an enjoyable experience, the A72 is by far the better device. The additional features, like the fingerprint sensor, superior connectivity and more versatile sensors make it a far superior option, even though its newer than the A2 by almost 2 years, the specifications and performance difference is significant, therefore making it a better overall option.
