Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm | A72 is slightly taller and wider, 11S 5G is a bit thicker, might affect grip and pocketability, with weight difference of 8 grams |
| Weight | 203g | 195g | The 11S 5G is slightly lighter which is noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | A72 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 399 PPI | Both are very sharp, with no noticeable difference in pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A72's AMOLED provides richer colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and more efficient for dark themes, offering superior visual quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A72 provides dramatically better outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Dimensity 810 (6nm) | 11S 5G's chipset is more recent and potentially more power-efficient due to its smaller manufacturing process. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 438,700 | 11S 5G offers significantly better overall performance, leading to faster app loading and smoother gameplay. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPUs, 11S 5G's Mali-G57 MC2 will offer better graphics performance given its much higher AnTuTu Score. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 11S 5G charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A72 has a higher resolution main sensor for more detailed shots. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | A72 includes a telephoto lens which allows for optical zoom, useful for portrait mode and capturing distant subjects. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.4 | A72 has a higher resolution selfie camera and a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | A72 captures wider scenes with more detail. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72 captures more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (EIS) | 1080p@60fps | A72 records higher resolution videos (4K) and includes Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) for more stable footage. |
| DxOMark Mobile | Main: 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | Main: 65 (Photo: 50, Video: 83) | A72 performs significantly better in photo quality, while 11S 5G offers slightly better video performance |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Optical Zoom, Quad Camera | Ultra Stable Video, Triple Camera, | A72 has better image stabilization, focusing, and zoom capabilities; 11S 5G provides Ultra Stable Video |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 11 | A72 has an upgrade to Android 12, providing access to the latest features, while the 11S 5G is not confirmed. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac Dual-band | 802.11ac Dual-band | Both offer similar Wi-Fi speeds and features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | 11S 5G has a newer Bluetooth version with lower energy consumption. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | A72 supports more satellite systems, potentially leading to more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 64/128GB | A72 offers higher storage options for users needing more space for photos and apps. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 4/6GB | A72 has more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | 11S 5G has Hi-Res audio for enhanced sound quality and two microphones for better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | 11S 5G offers a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | 11S 5G has a better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint; Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A72 has a more complete sensor package including a gyroscope which is useful for gaming and VR applications. 11S 5G has an Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor for improved proximity detection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with better contrast and colors.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main, selfie, wide, and macro cameras, plus an additional telephoto lens with Optical zoom and OIS. Higher Photo score in DXOMark.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
- More Complete Sensors: Has a gyroscope for gaming and VR, a regular proximity sensor for better detection.
- Better Video: 4k Resolution at 30 fps with EIS.
Practical Implications: The A72 is better for users who prioritize display quality, camera performance, and those that need more storage.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G Advantages:
- Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu benchmark scores, suggesting faster processing.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging for quicker battery top-ups.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.1 for more efficient connectivity.
- Better Audio Features: Hi-Res Audio and dual microphones for superior sound.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- Lower Price Point: Often found at a lower price point than the A72.
- More efficient Chipset: More power efficient chipset due to its 6nm manufacturing process.
Practical Implications: The 11S 5G offers better performance and is ideal for gamers, heavy app users, and those who value faster charging.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The A72 has a much better display, camera, and more storage, but the 11S 5G has better performance, faster charging, and a lower price point.
- The 11S 5G has a plastic build.
- The A72 has a plastic build.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system with optical zoom and OIS excels in diverse shooting scenarios and low-light photography. The better photo quality according to DXOMark gives it the edge.
- Media Consumers: The AMOLED display is ideal for watching videos, browsing photos, and enjoying visually rich content.
- Power Users: Those that need more storage and RAM to work on the go.
- Users who prefer Samsung's ecosystem and features.
Specific Use Cases for A72:
- Travel photography and videography.
- Watching movies and TV shows.
- Multi-tasking and using multiple apps.
- General use in daily life.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G Ideal User:
- Mobile Gamers: The Dimensity 810 chipset ensures better performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Offers good performance at a lower price point.
- Users who prefer faster charging.
- Users who prioritize screen protection.
- Users who prioritize newer technologies.
Specific Use Cases for 11S 5G:
- Playing graphics-intensive games.
- Running multiple apps.
- Quick charging and using the phone throughout the day.
- Users who want Hi-Res Audio and Dual Mics.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G typically offers a better price-to-performance ratio, as it provides superior performance at a more affordable price. However, the Samsung Galaxy A72 provides a more premium overall experience, if the features it provides are important to you.
4. Decision Framework
3 Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize display quality and camera performance, or raw processing power and faster charging? If you want better display and camera, choose the A72. If not, then pick the 11S 5G.
- How important are camera features such as optical zoom and OIS? If they are important, choose the A72. If not, choose the 11S 5G.
- Is budget a major concern? The 11S 5G usually provides a better value-to-performance ratio.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography & Media Enthusiast with a Flexible Budget: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its superior display and camera capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Gamer or Heavy App User on a Budget: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G for its better processing performance and faster charging.
- Scenario 3: General User Wanting Balanced Features: Consider the 11S 5G for its price and fast charging, while the A72 provides better overall experience at a higher price point.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A72. The reason for this choice is that I value the superior display and versatile camera system more than raw processing power and faster charging. As a user who consumes a lot of media and takes photos regularly, the AMOLED screen and telephoto lens with optical zoom would greatly enhance my user experience. While the 11S 5G offers better performance, the A72's strengths align better with my priorities for a smartphone. The additional RAM and storage options on the A72 also provide more flexibility for my needs. Finally, the better DXOMark scores on the A72's camera give it the edge for me.
