1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A72 and Xiaomi Redmi A2+, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi A2+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 164.9 × 76.8 × 9.1 mm | Similar size; A2+ is slightly thicker, which may affect in-hand feel |
| Weight | 203g | 192g | A2+ is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.52" | A72 offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | A72 has a much sharper display with more detail |
| Pixel Density | 394 ppi | 269 ppi | A72 display will look significantly clearer and less pixelated |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72 has superior colors, contrast, and deeper blacks; better for media consumption and outdoor visibility |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A72 provides smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 offers much better screen visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | A72 offers faster processing and better overall performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 127,000 | A72 has noticeably faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming experience |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | PowerVR GE8320 | A72 has a more capable GPU, resulting in better graphics performance |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 8MP, f/2.0 | A72 takes significantly higher resolution photos with more detail |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 provides optical zoom capabilities and better portraits |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | A72 captures wider scenes with added versatility |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 allows for detailed close-up shots |
| Front Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A72 takes higher-resolution selfies with better clarity |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps | A72 captures higher-quality videos with better stabilization |
| DXOMark Score | 92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | Not Available | A72 is a significantly better camera performer according to DXOMark's testing |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | A72 charges much faster |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 12 | A2+ comes with a newer operating system, though A72 can be upgraded. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n | A72 supports faster Wi-Fi standards, potentially offering better network performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | A72 supports more Bluetooth profiles, including high-quality audio profiles |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | A72 offers potentially more accurate positioning with Galileo |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | Not Specified | A72 offers significantly more built-in storage; A2+ storage is not clear from provided specifications |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | Not Specified | A72 offers ample RAM, likely providing better multitasking capabilities; A2+ RAM is not clear from provided specifications |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | A72 has a better audio experience with spatial sound and louder output |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer standard biometric security |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and a 90Hz refresh rate provides a much better viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset is noticeably more powerful for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- More Versatile Camera System: The inclusion of a telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lens enhances photography capabilities significantly. The primary camera has much higher resolution too, for better photos in general.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging dramatically reduces charging times compared to the 10W charging on the Xiaomi.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers offer an enhanced audio experience.
- More Storage and RAM: Available with 128 or 256GB of storage, and 6 or 8 GB of RAM, provides more space and better multitasking.
Xiaomi Redmi A2+ Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: The phone is slightly lighter, which might be more comfortable to handle for some.
- Newer OS: Comes with a newer version of Android out of the box, however, the Samsung is upgradable to a newer version too
- Lower price point: The A2+ is usually offered at a significantly lower price.
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A72 provides a far superior overall experience in display, performance, camera and charging speed at the cost of increased size/weight and likely a higher price.
- The Xiaomi A2+ offers a basic smartphone experience focusing on affordability and battery life. Its main trade-off is the very basic low resolution display and slow charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a high-quality display for media consumption.
- Users who need good performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Mobile photographers who want a versatile and capable camera system.
- Users looking for a smooth and responsive user experience.
- Users who want faster charging.
- Use Cases:
- Watching videos, movies, and streaming content.
- Playing graphically demanding mobile games.
- Taking high-resolution photos and videos.
- General usage that benefits from a smoother, more responsive UI.
- All day use with less downtime for charging
Xiaomi Redmi A2+:
- Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for calls and messages.
- Users who prioritize battery life over high performance.
- Users who are not demanding in terms of screen quality or camera performance.
- Users who want a basic Android experience for casual use.
- Use Cases:
- Basic communication (calls, texts, emails).
- Web browsing and social media usage.
- Occasional photography where quality is not a primary concern.
- Long periods away from a power source where battery life is important.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions for buyers to consider:
- What is your budget? The A72 will almost certainly be more expensive, while the A2+ is a budget-friendly option.
- What are your main priorities?
- Do you prioritize screen quality, performance, and camera capabilities (A72)?
- Or do you prioritize affordability, simplicity, and battery life (A2+)?
- What is your main usage?
- Are you a heavy user, consuming media and playing games (A72)?
- Or a light user, mainly communicating, with little need for advanced features (A2+)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Enthusiast: If you watch a lot of videos, play games, or take many photos, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the clear choice due to its superior display, performance, and camera system.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is tight and you only need a basic smartphone for communication and light usage, the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ is a more affordable option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you need good performance and camera without the highest price, the Galaxy A72 remains a solid option with excellent value for money.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones for myself, I would definitively choose the Samsung Galaxy A72.
My reasoning is driven by several factors:
- Superior Display: As someone who consumes a lot of media on my phone, the AMOLED display with its higher resolution, brightness, and 90Hz refresh rate is a must-have for a truly enjoyable viewing experience.
- Enhanced Performance: I appreciate a smooth and responsive user experience for gaming, general use and multitasking, and the Snapdragon 720G offers a noticeable advantage over the Helio G36 in daily use.
- Versatile Camera System: I enjoy photography, and the A72's telephoto, wide-angle and macro lenses offer more creative possibilities. The higher resolution in both front and rear cameras also means better pictures overall.
- Faster Charging: I highly value fast charging for convenience. I hate having to wait a long time to recharge my phone. 25W charging is significantly faster than 10W charging.
- Overall Experience: The combination of these features provides a superior, more versatile overall experience.
While the Redmi A2+ is more affordable and lighter, the A72 provides a better experience that aligns more closely with my needs, usage, and the level of performance I expect from a smartphone. In my opinion, the improvements in display, performance, camera, and charging make it worth the potential extra cost.
