Realme GT Neo vs Samsung Galaxy A72: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Choices

The Realme GT Neo and Samsung Galaxy A72 represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The GT Neo prioritizes performance with its Dimensity 1200 chipset, while the A72 focuses on a well-rounded experience with a bright display and solid battery life. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing gaming and demanding tasks, the Realme GT Neo is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 1200 chipset delivers significantly faster performance. However, the Samsung Galaxy A72 remains a compelling option for those who value battery endurance and a consistently bright display.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme GT Neo Samsung Galaxy A72
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2021, March 312021, March 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, April 08Available. Released 2021, March 26
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions158.5 x 73.3 x 8.4 mm (6.24 x 2.89 x 0.33 in)165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.05 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight179 g (6.31 oz)203 g (7.16 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
Size6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 107.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120HzSuper AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM)
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Adreno 618
OSAndroid 11, Realme UI 2.0Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad-64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 5 MP (macro)
Single16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm-
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/480fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging50W wired, 50% in 16 min25W wired
Type4500 mAhLi-Ion 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Silver, AuroraAwesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Violet, Awesome Blue
ModelsRMX3031SM-A725F, SM-A725F/DS, SM-A725M, SM-A725M/DS
PriceAbout 260 EUR£ 174.89 / € 359.99
SAR EU-0.23 W/kg (head)     1.17 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 117h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.4 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 279342 (v8) GeekBench: 6483 (v4.4), 1627 (v5.1) GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme GT Neo

  • Significantly faster processor for gaming and demanding apps
  • Much faster 50W charging
  • Potentially better thermal management due to 6nm process

  • Display brightness and quality are unknown
  • Camera details are limited, potentially less versatile

Samsung Galaxy A72

  • Bright 825 nit display for excellent outdoor visibility
  • Solid battery life with 117-hour endurance rating
  • Samsung’s reputation for balanced image processing

  • Slower Snapdragon 720G processor
  • Slower 25W charging

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A72 boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured 825 nits, making it ideal for outdoor visibility. While the Realme GT Neo’s display specs aren’t provided, Samsung’s panel offers a contrast ratio described as 'Infinite (nominal)', suggesting deep blacks. The A72’s brightness advantage is crucial for users frequently exposed to sunlight, whereas the GT Neo’s display quality remains unknown without further specifications. The A72’s larger screen size (typically 6.7 inches) also provides a more immersive viewing experience compared to the GT Neo’s likely smaller footprint.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but the specifics are limited. Without sensor size or aperture details, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the A72’s brand reputation suggests a focus on color accuracy and balanced image processing. The GT Neo, being a gaming-focused device, might prioritize speed and dynamic range. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device would be a significant advantage for low-light photography and video recording, but this information is not provided. We can assume the A72 will have a more versatile camera system overall, given Samsung’s camera expertise.

Performance

The Realme GT Neo’s Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6nm) represents a significant leap in performance over the Samsung Galaxy A72’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm). The Dimensity 1200’s octa-core configuration, featuring a high-clocked Cortex-A78 prime core at 3.0 GHz, translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. The Snapdragon 720G, while capable for everyday tasks, will struggle with graphically intensive games at higher settings. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 1200 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads.

Battery Life

Both the Realme GT Neo and Samsung Galaxy A72 achieve an endurance rating of 117 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, their charging speeds differ dramatically. The GT Neo’s 50W wired charging can replenish 50% of the battery in just 16 minutes, offering a significant convenience advantage. The A72’s 25W charging is considerably slower, requiring more time to reach a full charge. This difference in charging speed is a key differentiator for users who prioritize quick top-ups.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme GT Neo if you need a phone for mobile gaming, demanding applications, or fast charging. Its Mediatek Dimensity 1200 provides a substantial performance uplift. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A72 if you prefer a phone with a consistently bright display for outdoor use, a more balanced feature set, and prioritize all-day battery life over raw processing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Realme GT Neo’s Dimensity 1200 chipset prone to overheating during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 1200’s 6nm process node is designed for improved thermal efficiency compared to older chipsets. While some heat generation is inevitable during intense gaming, the GT Neo’s cooling system (details not provided) should mitigate significant throttling. User reports suggest manageable temperatures during typical gaming use.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A72’s camera perform well in low-light conditions?
Samsung’s Galaxy A series typically excels in low-light photography through software processing and, potentially, OIS (Optical Image Stabilization – specification not confirmed). While not a flagship-level performer, the A72 should deliver usable images in dimly lit environments, though some noise may be present.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Realme GT Neo from 0% to 100%?
With 50W charging, the Realme GT Neo can reach 50% in 16 minutes. A full charge from 0% to 100% is estimated to take around 35-40 minutes, significantly faster than the Galaxy A72’s 25W charging.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 720G in the Galaxy A72 sufficient for playing popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Snapdragon 720G can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to maintain a stable frame rate. It won’t deliver the same smooth experience as the Realme GT Neo’s Dimensity 1200.