1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm | Samsung is slightly larger and thicker; Xiaomi is more compact. |
| Weight | 203g | 202g | Negligible difference; both are similarly weighted |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Minimal difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness and detail. |
| Pixel Density | 394 ppi | 395 ppi | Similar display clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi has smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1200 nits | Xiaomi is much more viewable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Xiaomi offers newer architecture and better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 405,259 | Xiaomi provides noticeably faster performance in apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | Xiaomi will perform better in graphically demanding tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.9 | Xiaomi captures more detailed photos in good lighting; Samsung has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Samsung captures higher-resolution selfies and performs better in low light. |
| Ultrawide | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Samsung has a wider ultrawide lens. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung has better macro images with more details. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (EIS) | 1080p@30fps | Samsung offers higher resolution video with stabilization. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 92 | 78 | Samsung has better main camera performance; Xiaomi has better video. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges significantly faster. |
| Charger Included | 15W Charger | Not Specified | Samsung provides a charger; Xiaomi's inclusion is not stated. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgrade to 12) | Android 11 | Samsung offers 1 major OS update; Xiaomi's update is not stated. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer similar Wi-Fi performance; Xiaomi has MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Xiaomi has a newer, more efficient version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Xiaomi offers better location accuracy with additional GPS system. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | Not Specified | Samsung has configurable internal storage. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | Not Specified | Samsung is configurable with higher RAM for performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi offers slightly better audio quality with better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic sensor | Side-mounted sensor | Xiaomi offers more convenient and faster unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Not Specified | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi has better screen protection from scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Similar sensor suites; Samsung includes Hall and Geomagnetic, while Xiaomi features an ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Versatile Camera System: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, a higher-resolution selfie camera, and 4K video recording.
- Higher DxOMark Score: Demonstrates better still image quality.
- Configurable Storage and RAM Options: Offers up to 256 GB of internal storage and 8 GB of RAM.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 15W fast charger included in the box.
- Hall Sensor and Geomagnetic Sensor: Includes additional sensors that can offer more features and potentially better gaming experience.
Practical Implications: Samsung Galaxy A72 is better for users who prioritize a comprehensive camera setup with zoom capabilities, higher selfie quality, and better video recording, alongside with more storage and RAM.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Faster Performance: Significantly better AnTuTu score and newer chipset for faster app loading and smoother multitasking.
- Superior Display: Offers a smoother 120Hz refresh rate and brighter display (1200 nits) for better outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: Supports 67W fast charging, drastically reducing charging time.
- Better Audio: Features Hi-Res Audio and dual microphones for better sound quality and voice capture.
- More Advanced Bluetooth: Uses Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX and LDAC for higher quality wireless audio.
- Better Screen Protection: Features Corning Gorilla Glass 5, more scratch-resistant.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Faster and more convenient unlocking experience.
- Better Location Accuracy: Supports BeiDou (B1) GPS system.
Practical Implications: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is superior for users who prioritize a smooth user experience, fast charging, and high-quality media consumption, while gaming and outdoor visibility are important factors.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Camera System: Samsung has superior zoom, better main camera still images and 4k recording, while Xiaomi has a better video score from DxO.
- Display: Xiaomi offers 120Hz and higher brightness, while both displays offer similar sharpness.
- Software Updates: Samsung offers upgrade to Android 12, while Xiaomi's update status is unclear.
- Internal Storage: Samsung has internal storage options (128/256GB), whereas the Xiaomi storage option is not specified.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A72:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who often take photos and videos and value zoom capabilities, 4k video recording, and higher-resolution selfies.
- Users Needing More Storage: Those who store large amounts of photos, videos, and apps.
- Users that prefer 1 major os update: Those who seek to keep up to date with latest Android OS.
Specific Use Cases:
- Travel Photography: Capturing distant landscapes and objects with optical zoom.
- Social Media Content Creation: Producing high-quality selfies and videos.
- Business Use: Storing and accessing large files and documents.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G:
- Power Users: Users who need fast performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Media Consumers: Those who watch videos, play games, and listen to music frequently.
- On-the-Go Users: Those who need a long-lasting battery and fast charging.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: Enjoying smoother gameplay with the 120Hz display and Adreno 619 GPU.
- Streaming Videos and Music: Enjoying better sound quality with Hi-Res audio and more immersion with dual microphones.
- Frequent Travel: Benefiting from fast charging and improved outdoor visibility.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The best option depends on current market prices. If the price is similar, the Xiaomi offers better value for most users due to its performance, display and charging speeds. If the Samsung has a significant price reduction, the versatility of the camera might attract specific users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Camera Priority: Do you need a versatile camera with optical zoom and higher-resolution selfies, or is a simpler, albeit high-resolution, camera system sufficient?
- Performance vs. Battery/Display: Do you prioritize raw performance and fast charging with the smoothest display, or are you fine with slightly lower performance but an arguably more versatile camera with potential upgrades?
- Use Case: What primary use cases do you have in mind? Is the phone more for entertainment, media consumption, gaming, or photo and video creation?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography is a top priority.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72 for its optical zoom, higher-resolution selfie camera, and 4K video recording capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Mobile gaming and media consumption are primary.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G for its 120Hz display, faster chipset, and significantly faster charging.
- Scenario 3: User prioritizes best value and all-around experience.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G for its performance, display, charging speed, and audio improvements (if it's priced competitively).
- Scenario 4: Specific Needs (e.g., external sensors)
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72 for its inclusion of hall and geomagnetic sensors.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones based on the provided information and for my personal use, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G.
Here's why:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 695 offers a significant performance boost over the Snapdragon 720G. As someone who uses their phone for multitasking, browsing, and occasional gaming, the smoother experience offered by the Xiaomi is more appealing.
- Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and brighter screen is a significant advantage. The difference between 90Hz and 120Hz is noticeable, making scrolling and animations feel much smoother. The higher brightness is also important for outdoor visibility.
- Charging Speed: The 67W fast charging is a game-changer. Being able to quickly top up the battery is more important to me than having a built-in charger or slow charging with an included brick.
- Audio: The inclusion of Hi-Res Audio and dual microphones is a plus for enjoying media and voice calls.
- Future-Proofing: The newer chipset and features of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G make it a more future-proof option, while the update situation for both is not completely clear.
While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has a more versatile camera system, I am not a heavy mobile photographer. The Xiaomi's primary camera and video performance is still good enough for general use and more than enough for my casual photography needs. The Xiaomi wins out with its focus on overall user experience, including better performance, display, and charging speeds.
