1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A72 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm, 203g | 163 x 76 x 8 mm, 187g | Redmi Note 12 Pro is slightly more compact and significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in screen size. Both offer immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness, both provide crisp and clear visuals. |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Indistinguishable difference in pixel density, both displays are equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations, providing a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 900 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro is more visible under direct sunlight, improving outdoor usability. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a more powerful and efficient chipset, leading to faster performance in daily tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 573,200 | Redmi Note 12 Pro is significantly faster overall, providing a smoother experience with resource-intensive applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers better gaming performance and graphical capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Redmi Note 12 Pro has larger sensor size and pixel size, likely capturing more light and detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | Galaxy A72 offers more zoom versatility. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | 16MP, pixel size not provided | Galaxy A72 provides potentially sharper selfies due to higher resolution. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/1.9 pixel size not provided | Galaxy A72 has a higher resolution sensor and wider field of view. Redmi Note 12 Pro has wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Galaxy A72 offers higher resolution for better macro details. Redmi Note 12 Pro has larger pixels which may provide better low-light. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps, 720p@960fps | Both have 4k capabilities, Redmi Note 12 Pro has better slow-motion capabilities. |
| DxOMark Score | 92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | 102 (Mobile), 108 (Photo), 98 (Video) | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a higher overall score, superior photo and video quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, providing a full day's usage for most users. |
| Charging | 25W | 67W | Redmi Note 12 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a more up-to-date OS out of the box, with potential for additional updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded environments. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a newer Bluetooth standard, offering better efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Redmi Note 12 Pro has more accurate GPS positioning for better navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support dual SIM usage. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8/12 GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers up to 12GB of RAM, which is more beneficial for heavier multitasking and resource-intensive gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both offer good audio quality with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a more advanced side-mounted sensor for faster unlock times. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers superior screen protection from scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung Galaxy A72 has a more comprehensive sensor suite |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Here's a summary of the main advantages of each phone:
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Telephoto Lens: Offers more versatile zoom capabilities, useful for detailed close-ups and portraits.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Provides sharper and more detailed selfies.
- Wider Angle Lens with higher resolution: Better for group photos and scenic shots.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite Has additional Hall and Geomagnetic sensors.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: More powerful chipset resulting in significantly better app loading, gaming, and multitasking.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging significantly reduces charging time, keeping you powered throughout the day.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother visual experience.
- Brighter Display: 900 nits makes outdoor visibility much better, especially in sunny conditions.
- Superior Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor size and pixel size provide better image quality, particularly in low light.
- Better Camera Performance Overall: DxOMark scores show better photo and video quality.
- Newer Software: Android 12 out of the box, likely with more future updates.
- Faster Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 offers faster and more reliable connections.
- More RAM Options: Up to 12GB of RAM for smoother multitasking.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides added durability.
- More Accurate GPS Positioning Provides better location accuracy
- More advanced fingerprint sensor: Side-mounted sensor is often more convenient and faster.
- Better slow motion video capabilities: Up to 960fps slow motion compared to 120fps.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Galaxy A72 sacrifices performance and charging speed for zoom capabilities.
- Redmi Note 12 Pro lacks a dedicated Telephoto Lens, limiting zoom versatility.
- Galaxy A72 is physically larger and heavier, less comfortable for extended handling.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize versatile zoom and selfie quality.
- Users less concerned about high-performance gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Users who prefer a larger device that feels more premium and robust.
- Users who appreciate the extra sensors that A72 offers.
Use Cases for Galaxy A72:
- Capturing detailed close-ups with the telephoto lens.
- Taking high-resolution selfies for social media.
- Casual usage with occasional gaming.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Gamers, multitaskers, or anyone who needs a fast and fluid experience.
- Users who prioritize quick charging.
- Users who frequently use their phones outdoors due to higher display brightness.
- Users who prefer a lighter, more compact device.
- Users who want better camera quality especially in low light and video recording.
Use Cases for Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Demanding gaming.
- Extensive app usage and multitasking.
- On-the-go users who need a device that charges quickly.
- Outdoor photography in bright conditions.
- Fast and accurate navigation.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro generally offers better value considering its superior performance and faster charging for a similar price. However, if zoom is a critical feature the A72 may provide better value.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions for buyers to consider:
How important is zoom capability?
- If zoom is critical, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a better choice.
- If zoom is not a priority, the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers superior overall camera quality.
How important is performance and battery charging speed?
- If performance and fast charging are critical, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear choice.
- If performance is not a major concern, and you can wait longer to charge the device the A72 is an option.
What is your daily usage pattern?
- If you use your phone heavily for gaming, multitasking, and use it outside a lot, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is recommended.
- If you primarily use it for casual browsing, social media, and occasional photos, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is still capable, but may not be ideal.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and heavy multitasking - Choose the Redmi Note 12 Pro for better performance and smooth operation.
- Scenario 2: Frequent travelers who prioritize battery and charging- Choose the Redmi Note 12 Pro for faster charging and reliable performance.
- Scenario 3: Photography enthusiasts who love zoom - Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for its telephoto lens.
- Scenario 4: A user who wants a balance of features - Choose the Redmi Note 12 Pro for better camera, processing power, and a smoother experience.
- Scenario 5: A user who wants better sensor suite - Choose the Samsung Galaxy A72 for additional sensors.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. While the telephoto lens on the Samsung Galaxy A72 is appealing, the overall package offered by the Redmi Note 12 Pro is significantly more compelling. The improved performance, smoother display, faster charging, and superior main camera sensor are all factors that would make my day to day experience much better. The significantly better benchmark score is also important and will likely result in a more future-proof device. The added screen protection and more modern features like WiFi 6 and more accurate GPS add to the advantages it holds. While the Galaxy A72 has a higher resolution selfie camera, I believe that the overall quality of the Redmi's camera is more important.
