The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The BLU G72 Max and Samsung Galaxy A14 5G represent compelling options, but cater to different priorities. The G72 Max aims for a balance of features at an aggressive price, while the A14 5G leverages Samsung’s brand recognition and software ecosystem. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a smoother overall experience and long-term software support, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is the better choice. Its Exynos 1330 chipset, while not a powerhouse, offers a significant performance advantage over the BLU G72 Max’s Helio G37, and its display is brighter and more usable outdoors.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 2, 5, 66, 77 Sub6/mmWave - USA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 04 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 04 | Available. Released 2023, January 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 78.8 x 9.9 mm (6.63 x 3.10 x 0.39 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~258 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - SM-A146BOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - SM-A146P |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) - SM-A146BMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) - SM-A146P |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G68 MP2 - SM-A146BMali-G57 MC2 - SM-A146P |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI Core 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - USA onlymicroSDXC (dedicated slot) - International |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 other unspecified cameras | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio (Exynos 1330 chipset only), recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer (USA only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Mint, Orange | Black, Light Green, Dark Red, Silver |
| Models | - | SM-A146B, SM-A146B/DS, SM-A146P, SM-A146P/DS, SM-A146U, SM-A146U1, SM-A146U1/DS, SM-A146W, SM-A146P/N, SM-A146P/DSN, SM-S146VL, SM-A146M |
| Price | - | $ 77.63 / C$ 151.00 / £ 97.00 / € 159.79 / ₹ 14,990 |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.28 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 130h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1334:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.8 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 307886 (v9)
GeekBench: 1727 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
BLU G72 Max
- Aggressive pricing offers excellent value.
- Comparable battery life to the A14 5G.
- Potentially larger storage options (depending on configuration).
- Significantly weaker processor performance.
- Less refined software experience.
- Uncertainty regarding long-term software support.
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
- Superior processor performance (Exynos 1330 or Dimensity 700).
- Brighter and more usable display.
- Samsung’s One UI offers a polished user experience and software updates.
- Slower 15W charging.
- Potentially higher price point.
- May include bloatware (depending on carrier/region).
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G boasts a brighter display, measured at 519 nits, compared to the BLU G72 Max (brightness data unavailable). Both share a 1334:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar color depth. However, the A14 5G’s higher peak brightness translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. While neither phone is expected to have high-end panel technology, the A14 5G’s display is demonstrably more usable in bright environments, a crucial factor for outdoor users.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but details are sparse. Without specific sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the A14 5G’s brand reputation suggests more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The presence of a dedicated Night Mode on the A14 5G, a common Samsung feature, hints at better low-light performance. The G72 Max likely relies on simpler computational photography techniques. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t heavily influence purchasing decisions.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, depending on the region, utilizes either the Exynos 1330 (5nm) or the MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7nm). Both are superior to the BLU G72 Max’s MediaTek Helio G37 (12nm). The Exynos 1330’s Cortex-A78 cores provide a substantial uplift in CPU performance compared to the G37’s Cortex-A53 cores. The 5nm process node of the Exynos 1330 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained tasks. The A14 5G will handle multitasking and moderately demanding games with greater ease.
Battery Life
Both the BLU G72 Max and Samsung Galaxy A14 5G achieve an Endurance Rating of 130 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. The A14 5G’s 15W charging is relatively slow, but the efficient Exynos 1330 or Dimensity 700 chipset may offset this with lower power consumption. Without knowing the G72 Max’s charging wattage, it’s difficult to assess a clear advantage. The similar endurance ratings suggest both phones can comfortably last a full day for average users.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G72 Max if you need maximum value for your dollar and are comfortable with a less refined software experience. It’s a good option for users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G if you prefer a more polished user experience, better performance for multitasking and gaming, and the assurance of Samsung’s software updates and brand reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1330 in the Galaxy A14 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While not a flagship-level chip, the Exynos 1330’s 5nm process node and Samsung’s thermal management generally prevent significant overheating during gaming. Expect some throttling after extended play, but it shouldn’t lead to complete performance collapse. The Helio G37 in the BLU G72 Max is more likely to throttle due to its less efficient 12nm process.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget phones typically produce low-resolution, soft images with limited detail. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful camera component. You'll get better results using the main camera in standard photo mode and cropping in.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
The Galaxy A14 5G can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings for a smoother experience. While the Exynos 1330 or Dimensity 700 can handle the game, pushing the graphics settings to 'High' may result in noticeable frame drops and lag. The BLU G72 Max will struggle even at lower settings.
❓ How long will Samsung provide software updates for the Galaxy A14 5G?
Samsung typically provides at least three years of security updates and two major Android OS upgrades for its A-series devices. This is a significant advantage over BLU, which has a less predictable software support track record. Expect the A14 5G to remain secure and up-to-date for a longer period.
