1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2022-02-09 | Xiaomi is ~10 months newer, potentially having newer software features |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm, 203g | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm, 179g | A72 is larger and heavier, potentially less comfortable for small hands and extended use. 11S is more compact and lighter. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.43" | A72 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. 11S is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both displays are sharp with similar pixel density. |
| PPI | 394 | 409 | Negligible difference in sharpness; both are very sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast ratios. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both provide smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1000 nits | 11S will be more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Helio G96 (12 nm) | 11S has a slightly higher benchmark score, indicating slightly better performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 302,877 | 11S shows slightly better performance in benchmarks; minor real world difference. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both can handle most mobile games; slight edge to the 11S in GPU performance based on theoretical benchmarks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar all-day battery life with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 33W fast charging | 11S charges slightly faster, leading to less downtime. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included, non-removable | Reverse charging, non-removable | 11S can charge other devices. A72 Includes the charger, convenience for users. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | 108MP, f/1.9, 0.7µm, 1/1.52" | 11S has higher resolution for more detailed photos, A72 has wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Telephoto+Portrait Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | N/A | A72 offers optical zoom for better portrait shots at a distance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm, 1/3.13" | A72 has higher resolution, good for selfies, 11S has slightly larger pixel size for better low light selfies |
| Wide Angle lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.14µm | A72 captures higher resolution ultra-wide images. Pixel sizes are very similar in performance |
| Portrait mode (depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | 11S can create depth effect in photos. |
| Macro lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | A72 has higher resolution macro shots |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | A72 records higher resolution video, better for content creation. |
| Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, PDAF | None | A72 has more advanced photography features |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 11, No max upgrade | A72 has a confirmed upgrade; 11S's upgrade path is unknown. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual Band | 802.11ac, Dual Band, Wi-Fi MiMO | Similar WiFi performance. 11S has additional Wi-Fi MiMO for enhanced multi-device connections |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, multiple profiles | 5.0 LE | A72 has more comprehensive Bluetooth profile support. 11S offers LE for power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer standard location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | A72 has more storage options, for users who need larger storage for media and apps. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both phones have options for good multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both offer stereo sound; A72 emphasizes surround sound, 11S offers higher audio fidelity. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | 11S fingerprint sensor is often faster and more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | 11S screen is more resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have similar sensor capabilities; A72 includes Proximity, Hall, Geomagnetic, while 11S includes Ultrasonic proximity virtual |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption and comfortable reading, ideal for users who prioritize immersive visual experiences.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom capability, enabling clearer zoom shots compared to digital zoom.
- Better Video: Records video at higher 4K resolution, good for vloggers or users who want to capture higher quality footage
- OIS: Optical image stabilization for sharper photos and videos.
- More Comprehensive Bluetooth Profile Support: Supports more features for connectivity with external devices.
- More Internal Storage Options: Up to 256GB of internal storage offers more space for media and apps.
- Confirmed OS Upgrade: Confirmed to be upgradable to Android 12, assuring more software updates.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry for extended periods or for users with small hands.
- Higher Brightness: Better visibility in outdoor conditions.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging allows for quicker battery top-ups, useful for busy users.
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: 108MP main sensor allows for more detailed photos, good for printing or extensive cropping.
- Better screen protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protects against drops and scratches.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, which is a convenient feature.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint: Typically faster and more convenient than a basic fingerprint sensor.
- Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor: Newer sensor technology.
- Slightly better performance
Trade-offs:
- The A72 is larger and heavier, which may be a disadvantage for some users.
- The 11S has a slightly smaller display but offers better outdoor visibility.
- The A72 has a more advanced camera system with telephoto lens and OIS but lacks the 11S’s depth sensor for portrait mode.
- The A72 has confirmed software updates while the 11s does not.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 - Ideal User:
- Media Enthusiasts: Enjoy watching videos, movies, and playing games. The larger AMOLED screen with good color accuracy makes for an enjoyable experience.
- Casual Photographers: Users that value versatility in their camera, particularly the telephoto lens, and prefer sharp, stabilized images.
- Users who need storage space: Users who have a lot of media will appreciate the larger storage space.
Users who value software updates: Users who want to be sure of their phones future operating system will appreciate the confirmation of Android 12.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies, TV shows, and sports
- Casual photography with optical zoom and stabilization.
- Content creation such as social media content and vlogging
- Long-term users seeking software updates and storage capacity
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S - Ideal User:
- On-the-go Users: Prioritizing a lightweight phone, good for active users who prioritize portability.
- Users in Bright Environments: Requiring good visibility in sunny conditions.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Seeking good value in performance and battery life.
Users who want a fast phone: The 11S has a slightly higher benchmark score
Use Cases:
- Daily communication and social media browsing.
- Quickly capturing and sharing photos on-the-go.
- Outdoor usage due to its high display brightness.
- Users looking for a balance of performance and practicality.
- Charging other devices using the reverse charging feature
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize screen size and camera versatility? (If yes, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a better choice.)
- Do you prioritize portability, outdoor visibility, and charging speed? (If yes, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is a better choice.)
- How important is storage space and future software upgrades to you? (The Samsung Galaxy A72 offers more storage space, and an upgrade path is known).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual user with a large media library: The Samsung Galaxy A72 provides the needed storage space and display for viewing and can do so in high video quality.
- For the Everyday user who needs an agile device: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is the better option, given its lower weight, higher brightness, and fast charging
- For the Camera user: The Samsung Galaxy A72 provides a more versatile camera system with telephoto zoom and OIS, and higher quality videos.
What I would choose and why!
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S. While I appreciate the Samsung Galaxy A72's larger display, telephoto lens, and better video recording capabilities, the everyday practicality of the Redmi Note 11S wins out for me. Its lighter weight, higher brightness screen, and faster charging are more aligned with my daily usage patterns. The fact that it also has a slightly better benchmark score is a bonus. While I might miss the telephoto lens, I believe the Redmi Note 11S provides a more balanced and practical experience for most daily tasks.
The confirmation of Android 12 is a pro for the A72 but ultimately, the practicalities of the 11s are more important to me.
