Google Pixel 6a vs Samsung Galaxy A72 5G: A Mid-Range Showdown
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users prioritizing performance and software experience, the Google Pixel 6a is the clear winner. Its Google Tensor chip offers significantly faster processing and superior AI capabilities. However, the Samsung Galaxy A72 5G remains a compelling option for those who value faster 25W charging and a potentially more readily available repair network.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy A72 5G | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada) |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.05 x 0.33 in) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 203 g (7.16 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Unspecified | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 12, One UI 4.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 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) | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| ANT+ | - | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Violet, Awesome Blue | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | SM-A726B, SM-A726B/DS | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 550 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Samsung Galaxy A72 5G
- Faster 25W wired charging
- Potentially larger display size
- Wider availability of accessories
- Less powerful processor (Snapdragon 750G)
- Potentially slower software updates
- Image processing likely inferior to Pixel 6a
Google Pixel 6a
- Significantly faster processor (Google Tensor)
- Superior camera processing and AI features
- Guaranteed software updates from Google
- Slower 18W wired charging
- Smaller display size (likely)
- Potentially less readily available repair options
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A72 5G doesn't have display specs provided, but Samsung typically excels in display quality. The Pixel 6a boasts a bright display, peaking at 876 nits measured, ensuring excellent visibility even outdoors. While the A72 5G likely offers a larger screen size, the Pixel 6a’s contrast ratio is listed as infinite (nominal), suggesting deep blacks and vibrant colors. The lack of refresh rate data for the A72 5G is a drawback, as the Pixel 6a’s 60Hz panel is standard for the price, but not class-leading.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs for the A72 5G, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Pixel 6a benefits from Google’s renowned computational photography. The Tensor chip’s image signal processor (ISP) enables features like Magic Eraser and Real Tone, enhancing image quality and providing unique editing capabilities. While the A72 5G may offer more versatility with potentially more lenses, the Pixel 6a’s image processing is likely to deliver more consistently pleasing results, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The focus should be on the software processing, as Google's algorithms are a major advantage.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) is a significant leap ahead of the Samsung Galaxy A72 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm). The Tensor’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 cores, provides substantially more processing power than the A72 5G’s 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 cores. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While both phones likely feature adequate RAM, the Tensor’s superior architecture will be the defining factor for performance-intensive tasks.
Battery Life
Both the Samsung Galaxy A72 5G and Google Pixel 6a achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating comparable overall battery life. However, the charging speeds differ significantly. The A72 5G supports 25W wired charging, allowing for a faster 0-100% charge compared to the Pixel 6a’s 18W charging with PD3.0. While the Pixel 6a’s battery optimization may contribute to efficient power usage, the A72 5G offers a more convenient charging experience for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A72 5G if you need a phone with faster wired charging and prefer a larger screen for media consumption. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, exceptional camera processing, and guaranteed software updates directly from Google. The Pixel 6a is the better choice for photography enthusiasts and those who rely on AI-powered features.