1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 163.7 × 76.2 × 8.3 mm | A72 slightly taller and wider, but differences are negligible; both phones feel similar in hand. |
| Weight | 203g | 204g | Virtually identical weight; neither feels significantly lighter or heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Both phones have virtually identical screen sizes; negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both displays are equally sharp; visual clarity is identical. |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Both displays have similar pixel density; negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks, and great contrast; same visual quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi provides smoother scrolling and animations; noticeable difference for gamers and users who prioritize fluidity. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1200 nits | Xiaomi's display is significantly brighter in sunlight; much better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | MediaTek chip is more powerful; Xiaomi is significantly faster for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 528,100 | Xiaomi's performance is significantly better; much smoother experience, better multitasking, and superior gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Xiaomi offers superior gaming performance with the more powerful GPU. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 108MP, f/1.89, 0.70µm | Xiaomi captures more detail with higher megapixel count, but A72 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm, 1/4.4" | None | A72 has dedicated optical zoom; provides better lossless zoom capabilities, a versatile camera setup. |
| Selfie Lens | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 16MP, f/2.45, 1.00µm | A72 captures more detailed selfies with its higher resolution sensor; wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.14µm | A72 captures more detailed wide-angle shots with higher resolution sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72 takes more detailed macro shots; slight edge in close-up photography. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | 4K@30fps | Both offer 4k quality, but A72 also includes EIS at 4k and has slightly more versatile slow motion. |
| DXOMark | Main: 92, Photo:100, Video: 78 | No Data | Samsung's main camera is superior in photography and video |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | A72 likely offers slightly longer battery life due to larger battery capacity. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges incredibly fast, significantly reducing charging times; much more convenient in a fast-paced world. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max 12 | Android 11 | Samsung gets future OS upgrades; Longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | up to 802.11ac | up to 802.11ax (WiFi 6), Wi-Fi MiMO | Xiaomi provides faster, more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity due to new standards support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Xiaomi offers more efficient and higher quality audio connectivity and better performance due to new version and codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Xiaomi provides more accurate location tracking; more reliable GPS in different areas. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB / 256GB | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB | Xiaomi offers a more affordable 64GB option but both phones offer the same maximum storage. |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 6GB / 8GB | Both phones offer the same amount of RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone can be expanded with external storage; may be a drawback for some users. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi provides higher quality audio playback. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi is more practical and convenient due to faster side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi is more durable due to screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi is slightly better with an additional ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- More Versatile Camera System: Dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, higher resolution selfie camera, and better overall main camera scores according to DXOMark.
- Larger Battery: 500mAh larger battery capacity may offer slightly longer battery life.
- Software Updates: Guaranteed update to Android 12
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Offers superior image and video quality in low light and reduces hand shake in videos.
- Additional Camera Features: Phase detection autofocus
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Much better AnTuTu score and a more powerful chipset means smoother multitasking and superior gaming performance.
- Super-Fast Charging: 120W charging dramatically reduces charging time; very convenient for people on the go.
- Brighter Display: Much better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and animations for better user experience.
- Newer Connectivity Standards: Faster WiFi with WiFi 6 and better Bluetooth 5.2 support for better audio.
- More Accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection.
- Improved Audio: Hi-Res audio support, and 2 microphones for improved audio capture.
Trade-offs:
- A72: Loses out on performance and charging speed but offers a more versatile camera.
- Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G: Loses the telephoto lens and larger battery, but gains superior performance and faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 is Ideal For:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera versatility and features like optical zoom and good low-light performance.
- Casual Gamers: Users that don't require top-end performance and are satisfied with moderate gaming capabilities.
- Users Needing Longer Battery Life: Users who are on the go, need their phone for extended periods and don't like to be attached to a power source.
- Users Prioritizing Software Support: Users who are looking to keep their phone for long periods and are interested in software upgrades.
Use Cases:
- Taking detailed travel photos with optical zoom.
- Capturing higher-quality selfies.
- Using OIS for stable video recording.
- Daily usage with good battery life.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is Ideal For:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Gamers, multitaskers, and users who demand fast and responsive performance.
- Users on the Go: Those who need fast charging and bright displays for outdoor use.
- Media Consumers: Those who want a smoother display with better refresh rate and great audio quality.
- Users Prioritizing Durability: Users who need a more resistant device.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games.
- Quickly charging during short breaks.
- Watching content in bright sunlight.
- Using the phone in different locations with better GPS.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers a better price-to-performance ratio, providing a more powerful chipset and significantly faster charging for a similar price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera versatility to you?
- If you prioritize optical zoom and high quality photos, the A72 might be better.
- How important is performance and charging speed to you?
- If you need a faster, more responsive phone with super-fast charging, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is a better choice.
- What's your typical usage environment and use case?
- If you're often outdoors in bright sunlight, Redmi's display is a huge plus. If you need extra battery and are not always near an outlet, the A72 might suit you better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Buff: If you enjoy photography and need zoom capabilities and good software integration, the A72 is a better choice.
- Scenario 2: On-the-Go Power User: If you need a powerful phone that charges quickly, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is more practical.
- Scenario 3: Budget Conscious Buyer: If you prioritize value and don't mind sacrificing optical zoom for a better screen and performance, the Redmi is the winner.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G.
My decision is driven by the fact that, while the Samsung Galaxy A72 has a more versatile camera setup with a telephoto lens and higher selfie resolution, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers a significantly better user experience overall. The major performance difference is key, as the Dimensity 920 provides much smoother multitasking and gaming. Additionally, the 120W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing me to quickly top up the battery when needed, making it far more practical for my daily life. The brighter 120Hz display is also a big advantage for outdoor visibility and smooth scrolling. While the A72's battery may last slightly longer, the convenience of extremely fast charging makes the 11 Pro+ 5G more appealing for my usage patterns. The extra features such as better audio codecs, more accurate GPS and build quality make this device a clear winner for me.
