1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A72 and Xiaomi Redmi A3x, focusing on their practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi A3x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 168.4 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | A3x is taller and slightly thinner, A72 is a bit wider. Differences are minor and may not impact usability for most users. |
| Weight | 203g | 193g | A3x is slightly lighter making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.71" | Negligible size difference; virtually identical viewing areas. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1650 | A72 offers sharper text, clearer images, and an overall more detailed viewing experience. |
| PPI | 394 | 268 | A72 has significantly higher pixel density resulting in a visibly sharper screen, especially noticeable when reading or viewing detailed content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, providing a better viewing experience, especially for media consumption and dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; however, the A72's superior screen tech amplifies this. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits (Not listed) | A72 is dramatically better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight and general viewing. A3x's display brightness will likely be poor outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Unisoc T603 (22nm) | A72's 8nm Snapdragon generally offers better sustained performance and efficiency in demanding tasks like gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 239,000 | A72 has a higher benchmark score, suggesting better overall performance and smoother app experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MP1 | A72 is better equipped for gaming due to the more powerful GPU. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Res | 64MP (f/1.8) | 8MP (f/2.2) | A72 takes much more detailed photos in good lighting conditions due to the significantly higher resolution and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP (f/2.4) | None | A72 offers optical zoom capability and portrait shots with better background separation. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 32MP (f/2.2) | 5MP (f/2.2) | A72's selfie camera captures much more detail. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP (f/2.2) | None | A72 offers a wide field of view for landscapes or group shots. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP (f/2.4) | None | A72 can take close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | A72 records higher quality video with more advanced stabilization and more options like 4K and slow motion. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life, depending on usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 10W fast charging | A72 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Charger | 15W Fast Charger included | Not specified | Samsung provides a 15W charger in the box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 14 (up to 16) | A3x offers a newer version of Android out of the box, ensuring better long-term updates and potential newer features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, dual-band | 802.11ac | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards. A72 has the better feature set with dual-band and Wifi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 LE | A72 has newer Bluetooth, generally providing better range, data speeds, and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | A72 supports Galileo offering better positioning accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 64GB or 128GB | A72 offers a 256 GB option offering more space. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8GB | 3 GB or 4GB | A72's higher RAM means smoother multi-tasking and better performance with demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so the onboard storage is the limit. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | A72 offers more immersive audio with wider soundstage thanks to its stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos enhancement. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A3x offers potentially faster unlock times with the side-mounted reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | A3x is more resistant to scratches and accidental damage. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A72 offers a more complete set of sensors including a gyroscope which is important for gaming and VR. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology, higher resolution, and much brighter screen, making it ideal for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Better Performance: More powerful Snapdragon chipset and more RAM ensure smoother multi-tasking, gaming, and general app performance.
- Superior Camera System: Features a significantly higher resolution main camera, telephoto lens with optical zoom, ultrawide lens, and much higher resolution front facing camera providing much more shooting flexibility and image quality.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging greatly reduces battery charging times.
- More Advanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers offer a more immersive and higher quality audio experience.
- More Complete Sensor Suite: Includes a gyroscope sensor which is important for gaming and VR.
- Better Connectivity Features: Better WiFi and Bluetooth features.
- More Storage Options: Up to 256GB internal storage.
Xiaomi Redmi A3x Advantages:
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 14, which likely means better long-term software support and newer features.
- Lighter Design: Slightly lighter weight may make it more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers better scratch resistance.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Potentially faster and more convenient than a basic fingerprint sensor.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A72's older OS vs A3x's Newer OS: Samsung's phone is running an older version of Android. This might mean a shorter support lifespan for software updates.
- A72's superior specs vs. A3x's newer OS & value: A3x is a much newer phone and might be cheaper with newer Android.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch videos, movies, and play games frequently, benefiting from its vibrant AMOLED display and powerful chipset.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value camera quality and need versatile camera options like telephoto, wide angle and better selfies.
- Power Users: People who multitask often and require consistent performance from their devices.
- Users who need good outdoor visibility: The brighter display makes outdoor use much better.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Watching movies on a bright commute.
- Playing graphics intensive games.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos for social media.
- Using the phone for extended periods without needing to recharge often.
Xiaomi Redmi A3x is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who prioritize affordability and need basic smartphone functionalities.
- Users seeking the latest version of Android: Those who prioritize the newest software features and security.
- Basic smartphone users: People who primarily use their phones for communication and web browsing.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi A3x:
- Basic social media and browsing.
- Simple games that aren't graphically intensive.
- Primary phone for communication with a long term support with newer Android.
- Users who don't require good outdoor visibility.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? (Do you prioritize vibrant colors and clarity, or is a basic display sufficient?)
- How much do you value camera performance? (Do you need high-resolution photos, optical zoom, and versatile shooting options, or are basic shots acceptable?)
- How important is the latest Android OS and software updates? (Do you want long term software support, or are you okay with an older OS with more features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Consumption & Performance are Key: If you watch a lot of videos, play games, or need a responsive phone for multi-tasking, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the superior choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget & Latest OS are Top Priorities: If you are looking for a basic smartphone at a lower price and prioritize having the latest version of Android for longer software support, the Xiaomi Redmi A3x is sufficient.
- Scenario 3: Well-Rounded Experience: If you want a well-rounded experience with a better display, better performance, and better camera system, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is better despite the older OS.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. Here's why:
The A72's AMOLED display is a significant upgrade for me, providing a much more enjoyable viewing experience for content consumption, which is one of my primary use cases for a smartphone. The superior camera system, offering optical zoom and versatile lens options, is also crucial for capturing high-quality photos and videos for my family. Furthermore, the significantly faster charging speed and more powerful processor with much more RAM ensure that the phone can keep up with my usage. While the A3x offers a newer operating system, this is an acceptable trade-off for the superior performance and display of the A72. In essence, for me, the enhanced viewing, imaging, and performance features of the Samsung Galaxy A72 far outweigh the advantage of having the newest Android OS.
