1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm | Samsung is slightly larger, may be less comfortable for small hands. Xiaomi is a bit thinner. |
| Weight | 203g | 202g | Virtually identical weight. Neither is significantly heavier. |
| Build | Unknown Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi offers better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference. Both offer large screen experiences, the difference will not be noticeable in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed images. |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Virtually identical sharpness; Both displays are sufficiently sharp for typical use |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast on both phones |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi's 120Hz provides a smoother scrolling and animation experience, especially for gaming and social media |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1200 nits | Xiaomi is significantly better in bright outdoor conditions for visibility |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Helio G96 (12nm) | Xiaomi is likely to perform better with faster app loading and better multitasking based on benchmark results |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 405,259 | Xiaomi performs better for gaming and resource-intensive applications; the difference is substantial enough to be noticeable |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPUs. Xiaomi performs better in graphic-intensive tasks like gaming |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life for typical use |
| Charging | 25W | 67W | Xiaomi charges much faster, reducing waiting time, particularly useful for users who need quick top-ups |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion Polymer | No major practical difference in everyday use |
| Charger Included | 15W | None Mentioned | Samsung includes a fast charger, while it's unclear if Xiaomi includes one, so it may need to be purchased separately. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.9 | Xiaomi's higher resolution produces more detailed images with cropping capabilities, while Samsung's wider aperture is better in low light. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, OIS | None | Samsung's telephoto lens allows optical zoom without losing detail; it's more versatile for portraits |
| Ultrawide | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Samsung has slightly higher resolution for ultrawide shots, giving slightly sharper images. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Samsung's selfie camera offers more detail, though both are likely capable in good lighting conditions |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung offers more detail in macro photos. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Samsung can record higher quality video with its 4K recording; it also has more comprehensive image stabilization for video recording. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 92 | 78 | Samsung is rated as a better overall mobile camera for photos, while Xiaomi is better for videos |
| DxOMark (Photo) | 100 | 81 | Samsung scores higher for photo quality |
| DxOMark (Video) | 78 | 85 | Xiaomi scores higher for video quality |
| Features | OIS, Quadruple Camera, Optical Zoom, PDAF | Triple Camera, Ultra stable video, RAW | Different strengths. Samsung provides hardware stabilization and optical zoom while Xiaomi provides extra video recording stability and RAW support. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 11 upgradable to 12 | Android 11 | Samsung offers a clear upgrade path, which may mean future features. The absence of any future upgrades for Xiaomi is a downside. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-Band, Direct, Hotspot | 802.11ac, Dual-Band, Direct, Hotspot, MiMO | Xiaomi has additional WiFi MiMO support, which can result in faster wifi speeds and a more stable connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Xiaomi has the newer version of Bluetooth for better connectivity, efficiency, and some added features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Xiaomi has a slightly more advanced GPS and should be more precise in locating position |
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Both offer comparable storage options |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both are equally capable for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Xiaomi offers slightly better audio features (Hi-Res Audio and Dual Mics) which can be great for recording videos or listening to music. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi's side-mounted sensor may be more convenient than a basic fingerprint sensor; it may also be slightly faster. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic, Hall, Biometric: Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity, Biometric: Fingerprint | The phones have slightly different sensor configurations that mostly do not result in practical differences. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Better Overall Camera Performance: Higher DxOMark Photo score, optical zoom, more detailed ultrawide, and selfie camera. It is more versatile for still photography.
- 4K Video Recording: It provides sharper, more detailed videos for higher-quality content.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): It provides sharper images by reducing blur from hand shake and it also assists during low light.
- Included Charger: The Samsung Galaxy A72 comes with a fast charger in the box
- Clear OS upgrade path: The A72 will be upgraded to at least android 12
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Higher AnTuTu score suggests better performance in gaming and multitasking.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate makes animations and scrolling more fluid and responsive.
- Brighter Display: Better visibility in outdoor, sunny conditions.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging fills the battery much faster, saving time.
- Better Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 LE is more efficient and offers better audio quality for wireless audio devices.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio offers enhanced audio output. The dual microphones improve voice recording clarity.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better protection against scratches.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung A72: Slower performance and charging compared to the Redmi, less smooth display.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro: Lower video quality, lacks a telephoto lens, lower overall photo score, and the lack of an official upgrade path.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 - Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize photo quality, especially those who value optical zoom and stabilization.
- Content Creators: Users who need good video recording quality, though at 30fps. The inclusion of OIS makes it a good option for recording videos.
- Users Familiar with Samsung Ecosystem: Users who appreciate Samsung's user interface and included features (charger in box)
Specific Use Cases:
- Travel Photography: The optical zoom and image stabilization make it great for capturing detailed shots.
- Social Media Photos/Videos: The good selfie camera, OIS, and 4k video, it captures high-quality images for social media sharing.
- Everyday Use with emphasis on photography: If a good camera is your main priority, the A72 is a good fit.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro - Ideal Users:
- Gamers: The faster processor and 120Hz display are ideal for mobile gaming.
- Users who value responsiveness: The 120hz refresh rate and fast processor make the user experience smoother and snappier.
- Users who prioritize battery life and quick charging: The faster charging feature is ideal for busy people.
- Audiophiles: The dual mics and high-res audio will offer a better listening experience.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: The high refresh rate and performance deliver a better gaming experience.
- Social Media Browsing: 120hz will make scrolling and animations very smooth.
- On-the-go Users: The fast charging and solid battery will keep you running all day.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro generally offers a higher performance to cost ratio, making it a better value pick for users not deeply invested in photography. The A72 is better for specific use cases in which photography is a high priority.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality, specifically the ability to zoom, versus gaming and overall responsiveness?
- Do I prioritize a higher refresh rate for smoother scrolling and gaming, or better video quality and optical zoom?
- Is fast charging and convenience more important, or am I fine with a slower charging and prefer better quality photos?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography is my main priority and I need good quality and optical zoom: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. It's the clear winner for photos due to the higher-rated overall camera performance, OIS, optical zoom capabilities, and 4K video capabilities.
- Scenario 2: I am a gamer and want a smooth experience and fast charging: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro. The performance is much better. The fast charging and smooth display are better suited for your use case.
- Scenario 3: I want a balanced phone with a great display, good audio, and overall solid performance and battery: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro because it offers a good display, fast charging, and better audio.
- Scenario 4: I am a Samsung ecosystem user and want the best photo quality and better video stabilization for my use case: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. The included charger, good photo and video capabilities, and Samsung UI is a better option.
My Choice:
Based on my priorities and the data, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has a better camera system on paper, the practical gains in performance (gaming, app loading), display smoothness, and charging speed of the Redmi Note 11 Pro outweigh the differences in camera quality for my general usage. The improved audio experience and added screen protection are extra bonuses. The trade-offs in terms of video quality are acceptable, since the benefits outweigh the slightly lower camera performance overall for my use case. For a general user who does not heavily prioritize photography, this is a better all-around choice.
