1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm, 203g | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm, 183.5g | Redmi Note 12 4G is lighter and slightly thinner, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference; both provide immersive screen experiences. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; equally crisp text and images. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 4G's higher refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 4G offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12 4G has a newer chipset, offering better performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 338,900 | Redmi Note 12 4G performs better in synthetic benchmarks, translating to smoother real-world use. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 | A72 is expected to deliver better graphical performance in gaming due to its more powerful GPU. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm | A72 captures more detail due to higher resolution. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm | Not available | A72 provides optical zoom capabilities for portraits and distant subjects, while the Redmi lacks. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 13MP, f/2.45, 1.12µm | A72 captures higher-resolution selfies with better low-light performance due to its wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | A72 captures wider scenes with more detail. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | A72 captures better macro shots with more detail. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps | A72 captures higher-resolution video with stabilization, leading to better quality for vlogging. |
| DxOMark Main | 92, Photo:100, Video:78 | 63, Photo:54, Video:66 | A72 has much better camera performance, especially for photos and overall mobile use. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life for daily usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 4G charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Fast Charger included | Reverse charging | A72 comes with a charger, while Redmi Note 12 4G can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (max 12) | Android 13 (max 14) | Redmi Note 12 4G offers newer software with more features and longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both offer similar Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, more profiles | 5.0 LE | A72 offers more Bluetooth profiles. Redmi Note 12 4G has Bluetooth Low Energy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Both offer similar options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Similar options for multi-tasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | A72 offers superior audio quality with surround sound and stereo speakers, enhancing multimedia. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner is faster and more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi has stronger screen protection against scratches and minor falls. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Camera System: Offers higher resolution main, telephoto, selfie, wide-angle and macro cameras, leading to better photo and video quality and zoom capabilities, plus Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for smoother videos.
- Better Video Recording: Supports 4K video recording, which provides significantly higher quality videos compared to 1080p.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for a richer audio experience during media consumption.
- More Bluetooth profiles: Better compatibility for a greater number of audio and device accessories.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: Features a 120Hz refresh rate for more fluid animations and scrolling, leading to a more responsive user interface.
- Brighter Display: Higher screen brightness improves visibility in bright outdoor conditions, making it more practical for use under sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging allows the phone to recharge more quickly, minimizing downtime.
- Better Performance: Slightly higher AnTuTu score and a newer chipset suggest improved performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 13, offering the latest features and security updates.
- More secure Biometric: Features side-mounted fingerprint sensor, making it faster and more convenient to unlock the phone.
- Stronger screen protection: Features Gorilla Glass 3.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A72 provides better overall camera quality and enhanced audio, while the Redmi Note 12 4G offers a smoother and brighter display along with a newer OS, and faster charging. Users must prioritize which feature set aligns better with their usage.
- The Xiaomi doesn't have a telephoto lens, nor OIS for its cameras.
- The Samsung has only up to Android 12.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos, need optical zoom, and appreciate advanced features like OIS.
- Multimedia Consumers: Individuals who enjoy watching videos or listening to music and would benefit from the enhanced audio experience.
- Bluetooth Users: People with many accessories and need a more complete Bluetooth experience.
Use Cases:
- Capturing detailed photos and videos for social media or personal use.
- Enjoying movies and music with better sound quality.
- Using the phone as a reliable camera for travel.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Ideal Users:
- Casual Gamers: Users who prioritize smoother display animations and better overall performance for gaming and general use.
- Frequent Phone Users: Individuals who appreciate fast charging, longer support, and a brighter screen for outdoor visibility.
- Budget Conscious: Users who seek good value for money and a newer software experience.
Use Cases:
- Playing games and watching videos with smoother visuals.
- Using the phone in bright outdoor conditions.
- Charging quickly for uninterrupted daily use.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Redmi Note 12 4G is likely to offer a better price-to-value ratio, offering modern features like a 120Hz display, faster charging, and a newer OS.
- The Galaxy A72 might be more expensive, but its focus is on a better camera and audio system.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality for you? If it is a top priority, the A72 is the better choice. If not, the Redmi Note 12 offers a more balanced package.
- Do you frequently use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight? If so, the Redmi Note 12 4G’s brighter display will be advantageous.
- Do you prioritize gaming performance and fast charging? If so, the Redmi Note 12 4G is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography & Media Lovers - Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its superior camera, advanced video features, and enhanced audio.
- Scenario 2: Everyday Use & Gaming - Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G for its smoother display, faster charging, and newer software.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Buyers - Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G, which likely provides more value for the price.
Personal Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G.
My reasoning is based on the fact that its newer chipset and faster charging speed, along with the 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness, are very practical upgrades that enhance my daily user experience. While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has a better camera system on paper, the gains in practical everyday use I would experience on a daily basis outweigh the benefits of having a better, yet less frequently used camera. The newer Android version is also a good plus for longevity.
