Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 vs. Samsung Galaxy A72
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm | A72 is larger and might be less comfortable for one-handed use; Note 10 is more compact. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 203g | Note 10 is significantly lighter, making it easier to hold for longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | A72 offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness for everyday use. |
| PPI | 409 | 394 | Both have similar pixel density; difference is barely noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | A72 has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 800 nits | Note 10 has superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | A72's chipset is slightly more efficient and better performing but real world performance is very similar. |
| AnTuTu Score | 277,254 | 285,000 | Very similar overall performance; both capable of handling day-to-day tasks and some gaming smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 618 | A72's GPU offers slightly better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both provide similar battery life, typically lasting a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | Note 10 charges faster; Li-Polymer is typically more durable than Li-Ion. |
| Charging Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W Fast Charger included | Note 10 can charge other devices; A72 includes a charger, but slower charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582 | 64MP, f/1.8 | A72's higher resolution may capture more detail. Note 10 may perform slightly better in low light. |
| Telephoto Camera | None | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" Omnivision OV08A10 | A72 has an additional telephoto lens, offering optical zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV13B10 | 32MP, f/2.2 | A72 provides higher-resolution selfies, capturing more detail; also slightly better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355 | 12MP, f/2.2 | A72 captures slightly more detail in wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Note 10 has a depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1 | 5MP, f/2.4 | A72 has a higher resolution macro lens, capturing more detail in close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, No EIS, 960fps slow-mo | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS, 120fps slow-mo | A72 has electronic image stabilization (EIS) for steadier videos and better slow-motion. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | 92 (Mobile), 100 (Photo), 78 (Video) | A72 has a tested and proven camera quality; Note 10 has no DXOMark rating. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | A72 has more advanced features like OIS, manual focus, and optical zoom. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Both offer similar OS upgradeability. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar WiFi connectivity, Note 10 has additional MiMO support. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE (A2DP, EDR, HID, LE) | Bluetooth 5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP) | A72 has more Bluetooth profile support, possibly for more accessory compatibility. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both provide accurate location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both offer dual SIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | A72 offers more internal storage options for apps, media and files. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 6GB or 8GB | A72 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage; users should consider the internal storage variant they purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers for better audio, but A72 offers a better audio experience with Dolby Atmos support. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Note 10's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally faster and more convenient; both provide biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Note 10 has confirmed screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Both have a robust set of sensors; A72 has additional proximity, Hall, and Geomagnetic sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher peak brightness (1100 nits) for better visibility in sunlight.
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry, especially for users with smaller hands.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging allows for quicker battery replenishment.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally faster and more convenient than the standard sensor on A72.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices, a convenient feature for some users.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio quality for audiophiles
Samsung Galaxy A72 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations.
- Better Camera System: Telephoto lens, higher resolution selfie camera, OIS, better macro lens, better video quality and DXO Mark score make it the better camera overall.
- Larger Screen: Slightly larger display offers a more immersive viewing experience.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage for better multitasking and more content storage.
- More Bluetooth profiles: Wider Bluetooth accessory compatibility.
- Dolby Atmos: Better audio quality.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10: Sacrifices screen smoothness and camera versatility for brightness, ergonomics, and charging speed.
- Galaxy A72: Is heavier, slightly bulkier, has slower charging and is more expensive compared to the Note 10, trading portability and price for a better display smoothness, camera versatility and audio quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious: Users seeking a balance of good features and price.
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and need excellent screen visibility.
- Users who prioritize battery charging speed: Those who need to charge their phone quickly.
- Users who enjoy consuming content on their phones and care about Hi-Res Audio.
- Users who prefer lighter, more compact devices: Those who value ease of handling and portability.
Use Cases for Redmi Note 10:
- Daily browsing, social media, and casual gaming.
- Outdoor photography and video recording in bright conditions.
- Quick battery top-ups before leaving the house.
- Frequent travelers who prioritize compact devices.
Samsung Galaxy A72 Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera system with optical zoom, OIS, and high-resolution selfie capabilities.
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos, playing games, and want a larger display with smoother animations.
- Multitaskers: Users who frequently switch between apps and benefit from more RAM.
- Users who want enhanced audio experience.
- Users who prefer better Bluetooth accessory compatibility.
Use Cases for Galaxy A72:
- Serious mobile photography and video recording.
- Watching movies and TV shows.
- Heavy gaming and app multitasking.
- Business users who require robust performance and a versatile camera.
Price-to-Value:
- Redmi Note 10: Offers great value for the price.
- Galaxy A72: More expensive, but offers more premium features like a better camera, display and audio quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (e.g., social media, gaming, photography, productivity).
- How important is camera quality? (do I need optical zoom, OIS, etc.).
- What are my priorities in screen and battery performance? (brightness vs smoothness and charging speed vs battery life).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious, Outdoor User: If you primarily need a reliable phone for everyday use, especially outdoors, with a good screen in bright sunlight, and faster charging, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is the better choice.
Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: If you prioritize a versatile camera with features like telephoto zoom, high-resolution selfies, OIS, and are willing to pay more, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is the clear winner.
Scenario 3: Multimedia User: If you value a larger, smoother display, Dolby Atmos, and better multitasking performance with more storage, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a better option.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A72. While the Redmi Note 10 is a great value, the A72's superior camera system, smoother display with a 90Hz refresh rate, Dolby Atmos speakers and additional RAM make it a more compelling option for my personal use case. My primary use case involves using my phone for multimedia consumption, capturing photos and videos, and running multiple apps simultaneously. The A72's slightly larger display and the added clarity and detail that it brings to photos and videos are aspects I value more than the slightly brighter screen of the Redmi Note 10 and reverse charging. Although the slightly heavier weight and slower charging of the A72 are drawbacks, the superior camera capabilities with OIS, and the better audio and video experience with Dolby Atmos ultimately justify my preference.
