Edward Collins
Nov 20, 2023
After diving deep into reviewing entry-level and mid-range smartphones, the Galaxy A72 by Samsung stands out as a clear winner in terms of value for money among its mid-range peers.
Priced competitively against the Galaxy S20 FE and other models like the Realme 8 Pro, Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro, and its own cousin, the Samsung Galaxy A52, the Galaxy A72 boasts a stylish design and a considerably large display, making it an ideal choice for media enthusiasts. What's more, Samsung promises four years of software updates, ensuring longevity for tech lovers.
Samsung Galaxy A72 specs at a glance
| Display type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Body | 165.0x77.4x8.4mm, 203g; Glass front, plastic back; IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins). |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm): Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver); Adreno 618. |
| Memory | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM; microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot). |
| Rear camera | Wide (main): 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm, 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS; Telephoto: 8 MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom; Ultra wide angle: 12 MP, f/2.2, 123-degree, 1.12µm; Macro: 5 MP, f/2.4. |
| Front camera | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm. |
| Video capture | Rear camera: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS; Front camera: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps. |
| Battery | 5000mAh; Fast charging 25W. |
| Misc | Fingerprint reader (under display, optical); 3.5mm jack. |
| Price | $789 |
Design and display
The A72's functional design and a generous 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display offer a delightful visual experience. The 90Hz refresh rate and a 5,000 mAh battery maintain a sleek profile, though the absence of an adaptive refresh rate and the need to manually switch display settings could be considered downsides. While vibrant and bright, the display may need a slight adjustment for colour accuracy.
Camera and gaming
Equipped with a versatile camera suite, including a rare telephoto lens, the A72 captures impressive shots. Whether in daylight or nighttime, the camera performs admirably. Additionally, gaming on this device surpasses expectations, offering detailed visuals and better performance compared to other smartphones in its league.
Performance and battery life
The Snapdragon 720G processor, while capable, occasionally suffers from slowness, affecting the overall performance. However, during testing, the device held up well with everyday tasks and gaming without significant heating or crashes. The 5,000 mAh battery life is commendable, although the 25W fast charging falls short compared to competitors offering faster-charging options.
Conclusion
Overall, the Galaxy A72 ticks many boxes, excelling in display quality, camera versatility, and commendable battery life. Its support for four years of security updates adds value, but the slightly underwhelming processor and charging speeds may disappoint some users. Its resemblance to the Galaxy A52 5G might confuse potential buyers, who'll have to choose between 5G connectivity and the A72's telephoto lens.
Personally, considering the long-term benefits, I'd lean towards 5G connectivity, but what's your take? Despite a few quirks, how would you rate the Samsung Galaxy A72?
DISCLAIMER: The price has been taken as of November 2023 and is subject to change over time.
