Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | A72 slightly larger, but minimal real-world difference. |
| Weight | 203g | 201.8g | Both feel similarly weighted in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp, detailed visuals. |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Indistinguishable sharpness to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, excellent viewing angles on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is much easier to see outdoors under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has a slightly more capable processor for faster app loading and smoother overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 397,200 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G shows noticeably better performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 618 | Identical gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5020mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W charger included | Reverse charging | A72 has charger, 12 Pro can charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.9 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G captures more detail in good light, potentially better for large prints. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A72 provides optical zoom, useful for distant subjects. |
| Ultra-wide | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | A72 captures more detail in wide shots. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | A72 captures higher resolution selfies. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro capabilities. |
| Portrait (depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | 4K@30fps | Similar video quality with stabilization on A72. |
| Slow-motion | 120fps | 960fps | Redmi has a much higher framerate. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 92 (Photo: 100, Video: 78) | Not Tested | A72 has a benchmark, it is unknown if it is better or worse. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgrade to 12 | Android 12 | Redmi ships with a newer OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support similar WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Redmi has slightly newer Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both provide accurate location services. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both offer the same memory options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Hi-Res Audio | Both have stereo speakers, audio experience varies. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi offers a faster side fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has stronger screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Slightly different sensor implementations, but minimal real-world impact. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Optical Zoom: Dedicated telephoto lens offers better zoomed images compared to digital zoom on Redmi.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Captures more detailed selfies.
- Wider Aperture in the Main Camera: Slightly better low-light performance in the main camera (though sensor size difference should be considered)
- Dolby Atmos: Potentially more immersive sound for media consumption.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Improves video stability and low-light photo performance
- DXOMark Tested: Can compare its performance with other phones using objective scores.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Advantages:
- Significantly Brighter Display: Much better outdoor visibility under direct sunlight.
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 732G): Noticeably better overall performance and app loading speeds.
- Faster Charging (67W): Considerably reduces charging times.
- High Refresh Rate (120Hz): Provides smoother scrolling and animations.
- More advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted scanner is often faster and more comfortable for many users.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
- Depth Sensor: Improved portrait mode with better background blur.
- 960 fps Slow Motion: Great for creative video recording.
Trade-offs:
- A72 users sacrifice faster charging and higher brightness for optical zoom and slightly better selfie camera.
- Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G users may sacrifice better zoom capability and OIS for faster charging and brighter display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value optical zoom capabilities, OIS and want good quality selfies.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize good audio experience, thanks to Dolby Atmos.
- Users who don't need incredibly fast charging: Those who are less concerned about charging speed.
Use Cases: Taking zoomed photos of landscapes or wildlife, capturing social media content, watching movies, casual gaming, and general daily use.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Users who prioritize fast performance, smooth user experience and fast charging.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright screen for clear visibility in sunlight.
- Gamers: Those who want higher refresh rate for smoother gameplay and fast charging.
- Users who want the latest software: Ships with a newer operating system.
Use Cases: Gaming, social media, heavy app usage, outdoor navigation, and long days with minimal charging time.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Given its performance advantages and modern features like the brighter display and faster charging, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G likely offers a slightly better price-to-value ratio.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize camera zoom capabilities, selfies and OIS over performance and screen brightness? If yes, consider the Samsung Galaxy A72.
- Do you need a phone with a very bright screen for outdoor use and fast charging? If yes, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is a better fit.
- How important is smooth performance and fast charging speed for you? If crucial, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoor Photography: If you take a lot of photos in various lighting conditions and use zoom frequently, the Samsung Galaxy A72 may suit your needs, but consider the limitations for bright daylight use.
- Scenario 2: Fast-Paced Lifestyle: If you need quick charging and rely on fast performance for multiple apps and gaming, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is the stronger option.
- Scenario 3: Casual Use: If you are not a heavy user, and enjoy media consumption, both phones will likely handle the basics effectively. A72 has an edge in sound quality, while Redmi has a sharper display.
- Scenario 4: Long battery life and high brightness display: If you want to use your phone all day under sun, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is more suitable.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G. Here's why:
- Performance & Speed: The Snapdragon 732G offers a noticeable boost in performance, which I value for smooth multitasking, faster app loading, and a better user experience overall.
- Display Quality: The 120Hz refresh rate coupled with the much brighter display (1200 nits) makes a big difference for me. I appreciate the smoother animations and superior visibility, especially when using the phone outdoors.
- Fast Charging: 67W charging is a game changer for reducing downtime. It fits better with my on-the-go lifestyle, I don't like to wait long for my phone to charge.
- More Modern Features: The newer OS, side-mounted fingerprint scanner and generally more modern feel of the Redmi is very attractive to me.
While the Samsung Galaxy A72 has its strengths, particularly the telephoto lens and higher resolution selfie camera, for my needs, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers a better blend of performance, display quality and convenience. I am often outdoors and having a much brighter screen, faster charging, and smoother experience outweigh the benefits of the telephoto lens for me.
