Samsung Galaxy A34 vs A72: A Detailed Comparison for Smart Buyers
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A34 is the better buy. Its significantly brighter display (1009 nits vs 825 nits) and more efficient Mediatek Dimensity 1080 chipset, coupled with slightly better battery life, outweigh the A72’s established software support. The A34 offers a more modern experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy A72 | Samsung Galaxy A34 |
| 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 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 17 | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 26 | Available. Released 2023, March 24 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.05 x 0.33 in) | 161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2 mm (6.35 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 203 g (7.16 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | 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 (~394 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 107.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Always-on display | - | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 | Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB 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 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) | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@480fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 | Virtual proximity sensing | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Violet, Awesome Blue | Lime, Graphite, Violet, Silver |
| Models | SM-A725F, SM-A725F/DS, SM-A725M, SM-A725M/DS | SM-A346E, SM-A346B, SM-A346B/DS, SM-A346B/DSN, SM-A346E/DS, SM-A346E/DSN, SM-A346M, SM-A346M/N, SM-A346M/DSN, SM-A3460 |
| Price | £ 174.89 / € 359.99 | € 169.99 / $ 175.00 / £ 164.99 / ₹ 23,999 |
| SAR EU | 0.23 W/kg (head) 1.17 W/kg (body) | 0.55 W/kg (head) 1.49 W/kg (body) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 117h | Endurance rating 133h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | -26.4 LUFS (Good) | -26.1 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 279342 (v8) GeekBench: 6483 (v4.4), 1627 (v5.1) GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 472126 (v9) GeekBench: 2316 (v5.5), 2518 (v6) GFXBench: 23fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A72
- Proven software support and updates.
- Potentially lower price point due to age.
- Solid overall performance for basic tasks.
- Dimmer display compared to the A34.
- Older, less efficient Snapdragon 720G chipset.
- Shorter battery life.
Samsung Galaxy A34
- Brighter and more vibrant display.
- More powerful and efficient Mediatek Dimensity 1080.
- Longer battery life.
- More modern processor architecture.
- May have fewer software updates remaining.
- Potentially higher price point.
Display Comparison
The A34 boasts a considerably brighter display, reaching a measured 1009 nits compared to the A72’s 825 nits. This translates to significantly improved visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. Both phones share an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, typical of Samsung’s AMOLED panels, but the A34’s higher peak brightness is a clear advantage. While both likely use FHD+ resolution panels, the A34’s newer panel technology likely offers improved color accuracy and viewing angles. The A72’s display, while still good, feels dated in comparison.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature a 'Photo / Video' camera setup, but detailed sensor information is missing. However, the A34’s newer image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 1080 chipset likely provides improved image processing capabilities. This could translate to better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the A34’s newer processing power gives it an edge. It's important to note that both phones likely include lower-resolution auxiliary cameras (like a depth or macro sensor) that offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The A34’s Mediatek Dimensity 1080, fabricated on a 6nm process, represents a significant architectural leap over the A72’s 8nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G. The Dimensity 1080 features newer Cortex-A78 performance cores clocked at 2.6 GHz, compared to the A72’s 2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold cores. This results in faster application loading times and smoother multitasking on the A34. While both phones are capable of handling everyday tasks, the A34 will exhibit less lag and better responsiveness, particularly in demanding applications. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
The A34 edges out the A72 in battery endurance, achieving a rating of 133 hours versus the A72’s 117 hours. This difference, while not massive, is noticeable in real-world usage. Both phones support 25W wired charging, meaning 0-100% charge times will be comparable. However, the Dimensity 1080’s 6nm efficiency contributes to lower power consumption during typical use, extending the A34’s overall battery life. The A34’s slightly larger battery capacity, combined with the more efficient chipset, makes it the winner in this category.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A72 if you prioritize proven software support and a slightly longer track record of community fixes. It’s a solid choice if you found a deeply discounted unit. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A34 if you value a brighter, more vibrant display, improved performance for everyday tasks and gaming, and a more modern processor built on a smaller 6nm process for better efficiency.