Samsung Galaxy A52 vs A72: A Detailed Comparison for Budget-Conscious Buyers
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A72 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its superior battery endurance, boasting 117 hours versus the A52’s 105, and brighter 825 nit display provide a more comfortable and reliable experience, especially for media consumption and all-day use. The performance is identical, making the A72’s advantages compelling.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy A72 |
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 17 | 2021, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 26 | Available. Released 2021, March 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.05 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 203 g (7.16 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~407 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 101.0 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 107.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | 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) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| - | Virtual proximity sensing | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 25W wired, 50% in 30 min | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Violet, Awesome Blue | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Violet, Awesome Blue |
| Models | SM-A525F, SM-A525F/DS, SM-A525M, SM-A525M/DS | SM-A725F, SM-A725F/DS, SM-A725M, SM-A725M/DS |
| Price | C$ 699.00 / £ 129.99 / € 169.89 | £ 174.89 / € 359.99 |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) | 0.23 W/kg (head) 1.17 W/kg (body) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 105h | Endurance rating 117h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | -27.0 LUFS (Good) | -26.4 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 261282 (v8) GeekBench: 5865 (v4.4), 1577 (v5.1) GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 279342 (v8) GeekBench: 6483 (v4.4), 1627 (v5.1) GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A52
- Slightly more compact and lighter design.
- Faster charging claim (50% in 30 mins specified).
- Potentially more affordable depending on retailer.
- Lower battery endurance (105 hours).
- Less bright display (794 nits).
- No significant advantages over the A72.
Samsung Galaxy A72
- Superior battery life (117 hours).
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility (825 nits).
- Potentially larger camera sensor (speculation based on size).
- Slightly larger and heavier.
- Charging speed not explicitly stated.
- May be slightly more expensive.
Display Comparison
Both the A52 and A72 feature displays with an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting excellent black levels. However, the A72 pulls ahead with a measured peak brightness of 825 nits, compared to the A52’s 794 nits. This 31-nit difference translates to noticeably better visibility in direct sunlight. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels, the A72’s higher brightness suggests a potentially more efficient panel or more aggressive power delivery. Both share the same nominal contrast ratio, meaning the difference in viewing experience will be most apparent in bright environments.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but the provided data lacks specifics regarding sensor size, aperture, or OIS. Given their market segment, it’s reasonable to assume both feature multi-camera setups with a primary sensor, ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. Without detailed specifications, it’s difficult to definitively declare a camera winner. However, the A72’s slightly larger size *could* accommodate a larger sensor, potentially improving low-light performance. The image processing style is likely consistent across both devices, reflecting Samsung’s signature vibrant color profile.
Performance
Critically, both the Galaxy A52 and A72 are powered by the Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver cores. This means performance will be virtually identical across most tasks, from everyday app usage to moderate gaming. The 8nm process node offers a good balance of power efficiency and performance, but neither device is positioned as a gaming powerhouse. Thermal throttling is unlikely to be a significant issue given the chipset's capabilities and the phones' mid-range positioning.
Battery Life
The most significant difference lies in battery endurance. The Galaxy A72 achieves an impressive 117-hour endurance rating, surpassing the A52’s 105 hours. This 12-hour advantage translates to a tangible difference in real-world usage, allowing the A72 to comfortably last a full day even with heavy use. Both support 25W wired charging, with the A52 claiming a 50% charge in 30 minutes. While the A72’s charging speed isn’t explicitly stated, it’s likely comparable. The A72’s larger battery capacity is the primary driver of its superior endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A52 if you prioritize a slightly more compact form factor and are comfortable with a marginally shorter battery life. It’s ideal for users who frequently use their phone one-handed or prefer a lighter device. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A72 if you value extended battery life and a brighter, more visible display, making it perfect for power users, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who consume a lot of video content.