1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 165 × 77.4 × 8.4 mm | The A72 is slightly taller and thinner, potentially feeling more sleek, while the M3 is more compact, which might feel more comfortable in hand for some. |
| Weight | 198g | 203g | M3 is slightly lighter, may be preferable for those sensitive to weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.7" | A72 offers slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Very similar sharpness; difference is barely noticeable. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 394 PPI | Virtually identical; both offer sharp displays. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | A72's AMOLED provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | A72 provides smoother scrolling and animations; noticeably better user experience, especially while gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 800 nits | A72 is significantly brighter, offering much better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | A72's chipset is more powerful, offering faster app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 285,000 | A72 provides significantly faster overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 618 | A72's GPU offers better graphics performance, enhancing gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 64MP | A72 captures more detailed images in good lighting. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | M3 may perform slightly better in low light conditions with the slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Lens | None | 8MP | A72 allows optical zoom and portrait effects. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP | A72 captures more in a frame (for example, landscape photos). |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP | A72 offers macro photography capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 32MP | A72 produces much higher resolution selfies with finer detail. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.2 | M3 might perform slightly better in low-light selfies with its wider aperture, while A72 captures more detail. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | A72 provides higher resolution video recording with stabilization, better for those recording vlogs. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization | Quadruple camera, Optical zoom, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Night Mode | A72 offers more versatile camera features, improved stabilization, and low-light performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | M3 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W | 25W | A72 charges faster despite having a smaller battery. |
| Charging Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W fast charger in-box | 15W Fast Charger included | M3 can charge other devices and includes a faster charger in the box, but actual charging speed on the device is slower. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | A72 ships with a newer Android version; access to the latest software features. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 with various profiles | A72 has more Bluetooth profiles for better accessory compatibility. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | M3 offers slightly more satellite support for potentially improved accuracy in some regions. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | A72 provides more storage options, suitable for large media libraries. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB | A72 has more RAM, allowing better multitasking and smoother app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither allows external storage. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both offer stereo speakers. M3 offers Hi-Res Audio and A72 offers Dolby Atmos, both enhance audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | M3 provides a more advanced placement; A72 has a basic fingerprint sensor but the location and technology is unknown |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | M3 has confirmed screen protection; A72 lacks this information |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | A72 has a more comprehensive set of sensors suitable for different uses, such as gaming; M3's ultrasonic proximity sensor may allow for slightly better handling of accidental touches |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery provides potentially longer battery life than the A72.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices, which can be convenient.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Often considered more ergonomic than a standard fingerprint sensor.
- Included 22.5W Charger: Although the phone charges at 18W, a 22.5W charger is included in the box which can be used for other devices.
- Better screen protection: Gorilla Glass 3 provides some peace of mind in terms of durability.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 90Hz refresh rate and high brightness. It provides better color, deeper blacks, and smoother animations for a significantly better viewing experience.
- Better Performance: Snapdragon 720G and higher AnTuTu score provides faster and smoother performance.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers a telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lens, along with better video recording capabilities, making it suitable for different photography needs.
- Higher RAM and Storage Options: Provides more RAM and storage options, which allows for better multitasking and large media storage needs.
- Latest Android Version: Offers access to newer features and security updates.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging allows for faster refills, though a slower charger is included in box.
- More Advanced Bluetooth: More profiles for a better connection to accessories.
Trade-offs:
- Poco M3: Sacrifices screen quality and performance for a larger battery, cheaper price point, and more charger value.
- Galaxy A72: Sacrifices battery life and some charger value for better performance, display, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those prioritizing affordability and long battery life over performance and display quality.
- Users needing a secondary device: Excellent as a backup phone or a device for media consumption with long battery life, since screen is good, but not excellent.
- Users with basic smartphone needs: Good for browsing, social media, and light apps.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Multimedia consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos, play games, and need a high-quality display.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users wanting a versatile camera system with different lenses.
- Users needing good performance and multitasking: Ideal for users who often run multiple apps, play mobile games, or use demanding applications.
- Users who need a faster and brighter screen: This can be very useful when viewing the phone outside.
Specific Use Cases:
- Poco M3:
- Long travel days with limited charging access.
- Budget gaming at lower graphics settings.
- A secondary phone for emergencies.
- Galaxy A72:
- Mobile photography and videography.
- Gaming with higher graphics settings and smoother experience.
- Daily driver for heavy app usage and multitasking.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? The Poco M3 is more affordable than the Galaxy A72.
- What do you prioritize more, battery or display quality? If battery life is more important, then go for the Poco M3, but if display quality is a higher priority, then go for the Galaxy A72.
- What is your typical usage scenario? If your usage consists mainly of media consumption, photography and games, go for A72. If your needs are basic and you only need a phone to get you through the day and to not worry about battery, the M3 is a great option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Max Battery Life: Choose Xiaomi Poco M3. Prioritizes affordability and battery over advanced features.
- Scenario 2: Media and Gaming Enthusiast, Balanced Budget: Choose Samsung Galaxy A72. Provides a superior display and overall performance for a better entertainment and multitasking experience.
- Scenario 3: Photography Lover: Choose Samsung Galaxy A72. The versatile camera system and good low-light performance will make the A72 an excellent companion.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A72. While the Poco M3 has a larger battery, the A72 offers a substantially better overall experience. The significantly superior AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate alone makes a world of difference for everyday use, especially media consumption and browsing. The more powerful chipset and better GPU make it a more future-proof device, and its camera system is much more versatile. I also value the faster charging capabilities. While I would sacrifice some battery life and charger value, I would gain a better user experience, a higher quality display, better camera and better performance overall.
