Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A72
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | S21 is more compact and easier to handle with one hand, while A72 is larger and may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 169g | 203g | S21 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | A72 has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness; pixel density difference is moderate. |
| PPI | 421 | 394 | S21's display is slightly sharper, although most users may not notice the difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 offers a smoother experience during scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 800 nits | S21 is much brighter, making it significantly more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | S21's chipset is much more powerful, leading to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 285,000 | S21 offers significantly superior performance, especially for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 618 | S21's GPU is more powerful, enabling better graphics performance in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens Resolution | 12MP | 64MP | A72 has higher resolution for potentially more detailed photos in good lighting conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens Resolution | 64MP | 8MP | S21 has higher resolution and larger sensor, resulting in much better telephoto photos. |
| Selfie Lens Resolution | 10MP | 32MP | A72 has higher resolution for potentially more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | Yes (12MP) | A72 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in the frame. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes (5MP) | A72 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Yes (12.2MP) | No | S21 has a dedicated wide angle + macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 can record higher-resolution videos; A72 is limited to 4K. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 111 | 92 | S21 has significantly better overall camera performance. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 132 | N/A | S21 has significantly better overall selfie camera performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | A72 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support 25W fast charging. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | 15W Charger included | S21 offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, while A72 includes a 15W charger. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 15) | Android 11 (Up to 12) | S21 is expected to receive more major Android updates. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 supports the latest WiFi standard, offering potentially faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 | S21 supports more advanced bluetooth codecs. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos | S21 has slightly better audio quality due to the Noise cancellation microphone. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Barometer | No Barometer | S21 has a barometer for environmental sensing. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly faster processing speeds, better multitasking, and smoother gameplay, making the S21 feel more responsive and future-proof.
- Better Display: The higher refresh rate (120Hz) and brightness (1300 nits) provide a smoother, more vibrant experience and better visibility in bright conditions.
- Superior Cameras: The S21 excels in overall camera performance, particularly in telephoto and video recording, as demonstrated by higher DXOMark scores.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, Wi-Fi 6, and more robust Bluetooth features make the S21 a more feature-rich option.
- Better Software Support: The S21 is expected to receive more major Android updates, ensuring longevity in terms of software compatibility.
- Better Screen Protection: The S21 uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection.
- Environmental Sensor: S21 has a barometer.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers longer battery life, beneficial for users who prioritize endurance.
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen offers more screen real estate, ideal for media consumption and productivity.
- Macro and Wide Angle Lens: Dedicated macro and wide angle lenses provide more photographic versatility.
- Included Charger: A 15W charger is included in the box, whereas the S21 does not include one.
- Higher Resolution Main and Selfie Camera: The A72 has higher resolution sensors on both main and selfie cameras.
Trade-offs:
- Performance vs. Battery: The S21 offers much better performance but the A72 offers longer battery life.
- Premium vs. Versatility: The S21 is a more premium device with better performance and features, while the A72 offers more camera versatility and larger screen.
- Compact vs. Large: The S21 is a compact flagship, while A72 is a larger mid-range phone.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Gamers, multitaskers, and users who need fast performance and responsiveness.
- Content Creators: Those who prioritize video recording quality (up to 8K), or high-quality photos, and need powerful performance for editing.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest features and technology, including wireless charging and fast Wi-Fi.
- Outdoor Users: Individuals who require excellent screen visibility in bright sunlight.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal Users:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos or browse social media and prefer a larger screen.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate having dedicated macro and wide-angle lenses for creative shots.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize battery life and camera versatility over raw performance at a lower price point.
- Users Seeking an All-Day Phone: Individuals who require long battery life to get through the day without needing to recharge.
Price-to-Value Considerations:
- The S21 offers a significantly better price-to-performance ratio for users who value speed, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- The A72 offers a good price-to-value ratio for users who prioritize a large display, long battery life, and camera versatility.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your priority?: Is it raw performance, camera quality, battery life, or screen size?
- What is your budget? The S21 is likely more expensive, so is that within your financial plan?
- Do you need wireless charging and the fastest Wi-Fi? The S21 includes these features that the A72 lacks.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: User wants a high-performance phone for gaming and content creation. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Scenario 2: User wants a phone with long battery life and a large screen for media consumption. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72
- Scenario 3: User wants the best possible camera performance, especially for video recording and advanced photography. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Scenario 4: User is budget-conscious but wants a phone with a big display and a good main and selfie camera, Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A72
- Scenario 5: User is budget-conscious but wants a phone with the best possible overall performance, Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
Here's why:
- Performance is Key: I prioritize performance and responsiveness, particularly for multitasking and gaming. The Exynos 2100 chipset in the S21 is significantly more powerful, which translates to a smoother, more fluid experience. The higher Antutu score is a clear indicator of this advantage.
- Display Quality: The 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness of the S21's display are significant advantages. The improved outdoor visibility is crucial for my daily use, and the smoother scrolling provides a more pleasant overall experience.
- Camera Capabilities: While the A72 has higher megapixel counts, the S21 has better overall camera performance, particularly in video and telephoto capabilities. The DXOMark scores support this, and I value overall image quality over sheer resolution.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are features I would use, and I prefer the S21's more advanced Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
- Future Proofing: I prefer the added software support longevity and the higher grade screen protection.
While I appreciate the A72's larger battery and screen, I value the performance and the overall premium experience offered by the S21. The S21 also fits my need of a more compact phone for easier one-handed usage. For me, the S21's advantages in performance, display, and camera outweigh the A72's strengths in battery life and display size.
