Choosing between two closely-specced smartphones can be a head-scratcher. Samsung’s popular A-series offers compelling options, and the A52 and A72 are prime examples. Both devices aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag.
If you’re weighing up the Samsung A52 vs A72, you’re likely looking for a great balance of features, performance, and value. While they share a similar design language and many core functionalities, subtle yet significant differences could sway your decision.
This comparison dives deep into what sets the Galaxy A52 and A72 apart. We’ll explore their displays, cameras, battery life, and overall performance to help you determine which mid-range marvel is the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | samsung a52 | a72 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.5-inch | 6.7-inch |
| Display Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 720G/750G | Snapdragon 720G |
| RAM Options | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB |
| Rear Camera (Main) | 64MP | 64MP |
| Rear Camera (Ultrawide) | 12MP | 12MP |
| Rear Camera (Macro) | 5MP | 5MP |
| Rear Camera (Depth) | 5MP | 5MP |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 32MP |
| Battery Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung A52: Features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The display is bright and vibrant, offering excellent viewing angles for its price point. However, some users might find the 90Hz refresh rate a slight step down from higher-end devices.
- A72: Boasts a larger 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The increased screen real estate is beneficial for media consumption and multitasking. It offers the same excellent color reproduction and brightness as the A52.
- Winner: a72
Processor & Performance
- Samsung A52: Powered by the Snapdragon 720G chipset. This processor handles everyday tasks smoothly and can manage most popular games at moderate settings. While capable, it’s not the absolute fastest and might show limitations in very demanding applications.
- A72: Utilizes the Snapdragon 720G chipset, the same as the A52. Performance is therefore very similar, with no significant advantage in raw speed. Both devices offer a reliable and consistent user experience for their class.
- Winner: Samsung A52
Camera System
- Samsung A52: Equipped with a versatile quad-camera setup: 64MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth. Photos are generally good in well-lit conditions, with the ultrawide and macro lenses adding creative options. Low-light performance is decent but can be noisy.
- A72: Features a similar quad-camera setup but with a slight upgrade: 64MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The addition of a dedicated telephoto lens is a significant advantage for zoomed shots. Image quality is strong across the board, with the zoom capability being a standout.
- Winner: a72
Battery Life
- Samsung A52: Comes with a 4500mAh battery, supporting 25W fast charging. The battery easily lasts a full day for most users with moderate usage. The charging speed is adequate but not the fastest on the market.
- A72: Packs a larger 5000mAh battery, also supporting 25W fast charging. This larger capacity provides even better endurance, comfortably lasting more than a day for many. The increased battery size is a noticeable improvement for heavy users.
- Winner: a72
Build Quality & Design
- Samsung A52: Features a plastic build with a matte finish, making it resistant to fingerprints. It has an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, which is a great addition at this price point. The design is modern and comfortable to hold.
- A72: Also sports a plastic build with a similar matte finish and IP67 water and dust resistance. The larger size might make it slightly less comfortable for one-handed use for some. Both phones share a cohesive design language.
- Winner: Samsung A52
Storage & RAM Options
- Samsung A52: Typically available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. This offers good flexibility for multitasking and storing files. The higher RAM options ensure smoother performance.
- A72: Offers similar configurations, usually with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, also expandable. Both devices provide ample storage for most users’ needs. The availability of larger storage options is a plus for media hoarders.
- Winner: Samsung A52
Audio
- Samsung A52: Includes stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience compared to single-speaker setups. The sound quality is good for a mid-range phone, with decent volume and clarity. It also retains the 3.5mm headphone jack.
- A72: Also features stereo speakers, delivering a similar quality of audio output as the A52. The larger chassis doesn’t seem to translate to a significantly louder or richer sound. The inclusion of the headphone jack is a welcome feature for many.
- Winner: Samsung A52
Price & Value
- Samsung A52: Generally positioned at a more affordable price point, offering excellent value for its features. It strikes a good balance between performance, display quality, and durability. It’s a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.
- A72: Typically priced higher than the A52, reflecting its larger display, telephoto camera, and bigger battery. The added features justify the price increase for those who can afford it. It offers a more premium experience within the A-series lineup.
- Winner: Samsung A52
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Smoothness | samsung a52 |
| Display Size | a72 |
| Battery Capacity | a72 |
| Overall Value | samsung a52 |
| Camera System | Tie |
| Design & Build | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both the Samsung A52 and A72 boast vibrant Super AMOLED displays, offering excellent color reproduction and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience.
- Camera Versatility: They share a similar quad-camera setup on the rear, including main, ultrawide, macro, and depth sensors, providing flexibility for various photography scenarios. Both also feature a high-resolution 32MP front camera for sharp selfies.
- Build Quality and Durability: Both devices are constructed with a plastic back and frame but come with an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, offering peace of mind against everyday accidents.
- Software Experience: Users will find a familiar One UI software experience on both phones, with Samsung’s feature-rich interface and regular software updates.
- Expandable Storage: Both models support microSD card expansion, allowing users to easily increase their storage capacity for photos, videos, and apps.
- Fast Charging Support: While battery capacities differ, both phones support fast charging to quickly top up their batteries.
Samsung A52 Vs A72 Buying Guide
Performance and Gaming
When it comes to raw performance and gaming capabilities, both the Samsung A52 and A72 offer a very similar experience. They are powered by the same Snapdragon 720G chipset, which is more than capable of handling everyday tasks, social media browsing, and light to moderate gaming. You won’t notice a significant difference in app loading times or general snappiness between the two. For demanding games, expect both to run them smoothly at medium settings, with occasional frame drops in the most intensive scenarios. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Switch Lite )
Display and Multimedia
Both devices boast excellent Super AMOLED displays with vibrant colors and deep blacks, making them ideal for watching videos and consuming media. The A52 features a 6.5-inch screen, while the A72 offers a slightly larger 6.7-inch panel. While the size difference is noticeable, the resolution and refresh rate (90Hz on A52, 120Hz on A72) are key differentiators for a smoother visual experience, especially during scrolling and gaming. The A72’s higher refresh rate provides a more fluid feel.
Camera Capabilities
The camera systems on the A52 and A72 are largely identical in terms of their core sensors and capabilities. Both feature a versatile quad-camera setup including a 64MP main sensor with OIS, an ultrawide lens, a macro lens, and a depth sensor. This means you can expect very similar photo quality in good lighting conditions, with both producing sharp and colorful images. The A72 does offer a telephoto lens, providing optical zoom which the A52 lacks, giving it an edge for zoomed shots.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a strong suit for both smartphones. The A52 is equipped with a 4500mAh battery, while the A72 sports a larger 5000mAh cell. In real-world usage, both will comfortably last a full day for most users. The A72’s larger battery offers a slight advantage, especially for heavy users. Both phones support 25W fast charging, ensuring you can quickly top up their batteries when needed, though the charger in the box might be 15W. (See Also: Pixel 6a Vs Iphone 12 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy samsung a52 If…
- You prioritize a smoother scrolling experience with its 120Hz display.
- You’re looking for a more compact and lighter phone that’s easier to handle.
- You want to save some money while still getting a capable mid-range Samsung phone.
- You don’t necessarily need the absolute largest screen size.
Buy a72 If…
- You prefer a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- You want a phone with a slightly larger battery for extended usage.
- You’re willing to pay a bit more for the bigger screen and battery.
- The slightly lower refresh rate on the A72 is not a dealbreaker for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key difference between the A52 and A72?
The most significant differences lie in their display size and refresh rate, battery capacity, and camera system. The A72 has a larger 6.7-inch 120Hz display compared to the A52’s 6.5-inch 90Hz screen. Additionally, the A72 boasts a larger 5000mAh battery and includes a telephoto lens in its camera setup, offering optical zoom capabilities that the A52 lacks.
Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones share the same Snapdragon 720G processor, so their gaming performance is very similar. The A72 has a slight edge due to its higher 120Hz refresh rate display, which can provide a smoother visual experience in supported games. However, for most games, the difference will be marginal, and both offer a good gaming experience for their price point.
Do both phones have water resistance?
Yes, both the Samsung Galaxy A52 and A72 are rated with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. This means they can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. This is a great feature for peace of mind against accidental spills or light rain. (See Also: Galaxy Watch 6 Vs Active 2 )
Is the A72 camera significantly better than the A52?
While both phones have excellent main cameras, the A72’s addition of a dedicated telephoto lens with optical zoom gives it an advantage for capturing distant subjects without losing quality. The A52 relies solely on digital zoom, which can result in a loss of detail. For general photography, the results are often comparable, but the A72 offers more versatility.
Which phone offers better value for money?
The A52 generally offers better value for money as it provides a very similar core experience to the A72 at a lower price point. You get the same performance, a great display, and a capable camera system. The A72’s advantages, such as the larger display, higher refresh rate, bigger battery, and telephoto lens, come at a premium. Your choice depends on your budget and specific needs.
Final Verdict
Both the Samsung Galaxy A52 and A72 are excellent mid-range smartphones offering a compelling blend of features and performance. The A72 edges out the A52 with its larger, smoother 120Hz display, a more substantial battery, and the added versatility of a telephoto camera lens. If your budget allows and these upgrades are important to you, the A72 is the more premium option. However, the A52 remains a fantastic choice for those seeking great value and a very similar core experience.
Winner: Samsung A72