Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | 161.4 × 74.2 × 8.9 mm | A72 is taller and wider, while Note 13 Pro+ is slightly thicker; Note 13 Pro+ might feel more compact in hand. |
| Weight | 203g | 199g | Virtually identical weight; both will feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Minimal difference in size; both offer ample screen real estate for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | Note 13 Pro+ provides noticeably sharper text and images, leading to a more detailed viewing experience. |
| PPI | 394 | 446 | Note 13 Pro+'s higher pixel density results in significantly sharper image detail and clearer text, especially noticeable when reading small text or viewing high-resolution images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but other display specs differ. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Note 13 Pro+ provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations, improving the user interface fluidity. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1800 nits | Note 13 Pro+ will be much easier to view in bright sunlight, offering significantly better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Ultra (4 nm) | Note 13 Pro+ offers significantly better performance; faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 285,000 | 803,381 | Note 13 Pro+ provides a much faster overall experience and handles demanding tasks with ease, ideal for gamers and power users. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Note 13 Pro+ has a more powerful GPU, enabling better graphics performance for gaming and other demanding graphical applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity means both phones should offer comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W | 120W | Note 13 Pro+ charges much faster, minimizing downtime; a full charge will be significantly quicker compared to A72. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear | 64MP f/1.8 | 200MP f/1.65 | Note 13 Pro+ captures significantly more detail, potentially enabling better low-light performance and greater flexibility for cropping and editing; however, larger sensors also contribute to better images, even with lower MP counts, so this is not the only factor. |
| Telephoto | 8MP f/2.4 | None | A72 allows for better optical zoom for better image clarity from far away. |
| Selfie | 32MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.4 | A72 provides potentially more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP f/2.2 | None | A72 offers a dedicated wide-angle camera for landscape photos. |
| Portrait (depth) | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Note 13 Pro+ provides a dedicated sensor for better depth perception in portrait mode. |
| Macro | 5MP f/2.4 | None | A72 allows for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP f/2.2 | Note 13 Pro+ combines these functionalities in one camera. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS | Similar main video recording capabilities, with slight differences in frame rates for slow-motion. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 92 | 121 | Note 13 Pro+ scores higher in camera performance, indicating better image and video quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 16) | Note 13 Pro+ has a newer OS and will likely receive more updates, resulting in more new features and better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Up to 802.11ac | Up to WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Note 13 Pro+ has newer WiFi standard that allows better and faster connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | Note 13 Pro+ provides better and faster Bluetooth connection with lower energy consumption. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Note 13 Pro+ offers slightly better GPS accuracy with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM / eSIM) | Note 13 Pro+ supports eSIM, offering more flexibility for switching carriers. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Note 13 Pro+ offers more internal storage, accommodating more files, apps, and media. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB | Note 13 Pro+ has more RAM which helps multitasking and loading of large apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both offer enhanced audio with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both use a standard fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Note 13 Pro+ provides more robust screen protection, improving durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | A72 has more sensors and features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Dedicated Telephoto and Macro lenses: Offers more flexibility in photography with dedicated zoom and close-up capabilities.
- More Sensors: A72 offers additional sensors that may be relevant for specific needs.
- 32MP Front Camera: Potentially higher-resolution selfies for more detail.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Dimensity 7200 Ultra chipset offers a vastly superior overall experience, ideal for heavy usage.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper display with a higher refresh rate for smoother visuals and a more detailed user experience.
- Much Brighter Display: Superior outdoor visibility with significantly higher brightness.
- Faster Charging: 120W charging allows for much quicker charge times.
- Superior Main Camera: 200MP main camera and improved image quality as evidenced by DxOMark scores.
- Newer OS: Android 13 with more software update cycles.
- More Storage and RAM options: More space for apps, media, and better multitasking capabilities.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for better connectivity.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior protection.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Camera System: While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ excels in main camera performance, it lacks the dedicated telephoto and macro lenses of the Galaxy A72.
- Software Updates: While A72 still gets updates, the Note 13 Pro+ has a newer OS and will get more updates.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Users who value versatility in photography, needing a dedicated zoom lens and macro capability.
- Users who are less concerned about top-tier performance and high-refresh rates.
- Users who prefer a large screen without the need for the best brightness.
- Users who do not require high-end performance.
- Users who prefer additional sensors for their needs.
Use Cases for Galaxy A72:
- Everyday photography, especially with various focal lengths, from macro to far zoom shots.
- General media consumption with good audio quality.
- Users who need a basic, reliable smartphone for general use.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize top-tier performance and responsiveness.
- Users who want a premium display with high resolution and brightness.
- Users who value fast charging capabilities.
- Users who prefer the latest operating system and longer software support.
- Users who need the best main camera quality.
- Users who value the latest connectivity standards and enhanced screen protection.
Use Cases for Redmi Note 13 Pro+:
- Gaming and heavy app usage, requiring high performance and smooth visuals.
- Outdoor use where screen brightness is important.
- Users who want excellent main camera performance.
- Users who value fast charging, and want to be able to quickly charge up their phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your priority in smartphone usage? Is it photography versatility (A72) or top-tier performance, display quality, and main camera quality (Note 13 Pro+)?
- How important is performance, display quality, and main camera quality? If high-end performance is a must, the Note 13 Pro+ is the clear winner.
- What is your budget? The price will play a large role in your final decision.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast: If you prioritize diverse focal lengths and a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom shots and macro capabilities, then the A72 has more versatile lens options. However, the Note 13 Pro+ has a much higher quality main camera sensor and scores higher in DxOMark mobile scores.
- Scenario 2: Power User/Gamer: If performance, responsiveness, and graphics are most important, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is the superior choice.
- Scenario 3: Daily User/Casual Photographer: The A72 is a balanced device, and still a good option, but the Note 13 Pro+ offers superior display and main camera quality, with performance gains.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor User: The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is a better pick because of its much brighter screen and higher screen protection.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+. While I appreciate the dedicated telephoto and macro lenses on the Samsung Galaxy A72, the vast improvement in overall performance, display quality, charging speed, and main camera quality offered by the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ are too significant to ignore. The drastically better AnTuTu score, combined with the brighter, higher-resolution, and smoother display, makes the Note 13 Pro+ a far better daily driver for me. The much faster charging speed is also a practical benefit that aligns with my needs.
Even if I occasionally miss the dedicated zoom lens, the advantages of the Note 13 Pro+ in almost every other aspect outweigh this. The superior main camera performance, based on the DxOMark scores and specifications, would also result in better images in most everyday scenarios. The newer OS and advanced connectivity features like Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 make the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ the better future-proof choice.
