1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | A72 is slightly larger, may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. Note 10S is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 203g | 178.8g | Note 10S is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. A72 feels heavier in the hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.43" | A72 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. Note 10S more compact and easier to handle. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed images. No practical difference in clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 409 PPI | Virtually indistinguishable, both offer sharp displays. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks, excellent contrast. No practical difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A72 has smoother scrolling and animations. Note 10S may feel less fluid in comparison. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1100 nits | Note 10S display is much brighter in sunlight, easier to see outdoors. A72 struggles more in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Note 10S offers better performance for gaming and demanding apps. A72 slightly less powerful, but efficient for daily tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 409,874 | Note 10S is noticeably faster, apps load faster and is smoother in general use. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G76 MC4 | Note 10S provides better graphical performance, especially noticeable in gaming. A72 is adequate for general use, but may struggle with high graphics. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer all-day battery life for typical use. No significant difference in capacity. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | 33W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Note 10S charges faster, quicker top-ups. A72 may take longer to fully charge. |
| Battery Features | 15W Fast Charger included | Reverse charging | A72 includes charger, note 10S can charge other devices (useful as a backup). |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80 µm | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70 µm | Note 10S has a slightly wider aperture, and larger sensor, potentially better low light. A72 is also decent. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00 µm | None | A72 has a dedicated telephoto lens, better for zoom shots. Note 10S relies on digital zoom, inferior quality at zoom. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80 µm | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.12 µm | A72 has higher resolution and slightly wider aperture, likely better selfies in various conditions. Note 10S will still take fine selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14 µm | A72 has a higher resolution, resulting in better wide angle shots. Note 10S is decent but lower resolution. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75 µm | Note 10S has a depth sensor for more accurate portrait mode. A72's portrait mode may not be as accurate. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75 µm | A72 offers a slightly higher-resolution macro lens, but both may not have great quality. |
| Video | 4K@30fps w/ EIS, 1080p@60fps w/ EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@120fps | Note 10S has a higher frame rate in 1080p mode. A72 also has video stabilization but may not be as good. |
| DxOMark | Overall: 92, Photo: 100, Video: 78 | N/A | A72 has a better camera system according to the rating. Note 10S has not been rated |
| Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, PDAF | 4k Video recording, Depth Sensor | A72's camera has better image stabilization and zoom capabilities, while Note 10S offers a depth sensor and better video recording frame rates. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Note 10S has longer support for software updates with upgrade to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, dual band | 802.11ac, dual band, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both offer similar Wi-Fi capabilities; Note 10S has an extra feature with MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, advanced profiles | 5.0 LE, EDR | A72 offers more comprehensive bluetooth profiles. Note 10S supports low energy. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both have similar GPS accuracy and capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM usage, useful for managing two numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 64GB or 128GB | A72 offers higher maximum storage, better for storing media and apps. Note 10S has limited storage options. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Both are well-equipped for multitasking with 6/8GB of RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, consider internal storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both offer stereo speakers. A72 has Dolby Atmos, and Note 10S has Hi-Res Audio, for a potentially richer sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Note 10S has a more convenient fingerprint sensor, faster and easier to unlock. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Note 10S has better screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both include essential sensors. The Samsung has additional hall and geomagnetic sensors, while the Xiaomi has an ultrasonic proximity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen is better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid user experience.
- Telephoto Camera: Offers better zoom capabilities with the dedicated telephoto lens.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Takes more detailed selfies with the 32MP sensor.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Provides better stability for photos and videos.
- Higher Internal Storage Option: Offers a larger 256GB option for more media and app storage.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Enhanced audio experience for media consumption.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Brighter Display: 1100 nits is far superior for outdoor visibility in sunlight.
- Faster Performance: The Helio G95 chipset offers better performance in benchmarks.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is significantly faster than 25W.
- Depth Sensor: Provides more accurate portrait mode photography.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, useful in a pinch.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- More convenient fingerprint sensor: Side-mounted is often faster than the basic sensor of the A72
- Latest Android upgrade: The Note 10S can be upgraded to Android 13, offering better OS support.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A72: Sacrifices performance for a better screen and camera system. Lower outdoor brightness.
- Note 10S: Sacrifices a telephoto lens and display refresh rate for better performance and outdoor visibility.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos and movies on their phone.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality selfies and photos, especially zoom capabilities.
- Users who value screen smoothness: Those who want smoother animation on the screen will notice the difference.
- Users needing More Storage: Those who need larger local storage for their files
Use Cases:
- Enjoying movies and TV shows on the go.
- Taking detailed portrait and zoomed photos.
- Smooth scrolling through social media feeds.
- Editing photos and videos on the phone.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Users who prioritize performance for smooth gaming.
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight.
- Power Users: Those who want faster charging.
- Users needing a backup battery: Those who like to have the option to charge another device.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Using the phone in bright sunlight, reading text and notifications.
- Quickly charging the phone before heading out.
- Charging other devices on the go.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S often offers a higher price-to-performance ratio, especially if performance and outdoor visibility are priorities.
- The Samsung A72 is better for camera performance, higher storage, and smoother screen, but comes at a cost of performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is outdoor visibility? If you use your phone often in direct sunlight, the Note 10S is a clear winner due to its significantly brighter display.
- Do you prioritize performance or camera capabilities? Gamers and power users will prefer the Note 10S, while those who value telephoto zoom and higher-resolution selfies will prefer the A72.
- How important is smooth scrolling? If a 90Hz refresh rate is essential for a fluid experience, the A72 is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy gamer and outdoor user - Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S for its superior performance and brighter screen.
- Scenario 2: Casual user who enjoys media and takes photos - Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its better display, telephoto zoom and high-quality front camera.
- Scenario 3: Budget-conscious user looking for the best value - Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S which generally offers more performance for a lower price.
My Choice:
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. My rationale is as follows:
- Performance is Key: For my daily usage, which includes running multiple apps, occasional gaming, and general multitasking, the increased performance of the Helio G95 is more valuable than a higher refresh rate and a telephoto lens. I find a smoother OS to be more important than a slightly higher refresh rate, which is less of a dealbreaker for me.
- Outdoor Visibility: I frequently use my phone outdoors, and the significantly brighter display of the Note 10S is a significant advantage.
- Faster Charging: The 33W charging would allow me to quickly top-up my phone, which is a huge convenience.
- Price-to-Performance: The Note 10S often provides a better price-to-performance ratio, making it a more sensible choice from a value perspective.
While the Samsung A72 has its strengths in display and camera, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S better matches my typical use case and provides a more balanced feature set for my needs.
