Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy A72 has entered the highly competitive mid-range smartphone market, aiming to strike a balance between premium features and affordability. As tech enthusiasts, we've put this device through its paces to determine if it lives up to Samsung's reputation for quality and innovation. In this comprehensive review, we'll explore the A72's design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall value proposition.
Design and Build Quality
Samsung has clearly put thought into the A72's design, creating a device that feels both familiar and refreshing. The polycarbonate back with its matte finish is a welcome departure from the ubiquitous glass-backed phones that dominate the market. This choice not only gives the A72 a unique look but also makes it more resistant to fingerprints and smudges.
Measuring 165 x 77 x 8.4 mm and weighing 203g, the A72 is noticeably larger than its sibling, the A52. This increased size may not be to everyone's liking, but it does provide a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. The IP67 dust and water resistance rating is a standout feature in this price range, offering peace of mind for users who are prone to accidents or enjoy using their devices in various environments.
Display: A Visual Treat
The centerpiece of the A72 is undoubtedly its 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display. With a Full HD+ resolution and support for a 90Hz refresh rate, this screen delivers crisp visuals and smooth scrolling that elevate the user experience. The inclusion of an in-display fingerprint sensor adds a touch of premium feel, though its performance can be inconsistent at times.
One area where Samsung consistently excels is in display technology, and the A72 is no exception. The AMOLED panel offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. The 90Hz refresh rate, while not as high as some competitors offering 120Hz, still provides a noticeable improvement over standard 60Hz displays. This makes everything from browsing social media to playing games feel more fluid and responsive.
Performance: A Mixed Bag
Under the hood, the Galaxy A72 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor, paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM. This chipset, while capable, raises some eyebrows considering the device's price point. Many competitors in this segment offer more powerful processors, such as the Snapdragon 765G or even 800-series chips.
In real-world usage, the A72 handles everyday tasks with ease. Multitasking and app switching are smooth, and the device can handle casual gaming without breaking a sweat. However, when pushing the device with more demanding applications or graphically intensive games, limitations become apparent. Users may need to lower graphics settings in some games to maintain smooth performance, and there can be occasional heating issues during prolonged intensive tasks.
Storage options of 128GB or 256GB should be sufficient for most users, and the ability to expand storage up to 1TB via microSD card is a welcome feature that's becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones.
Camera Capabilities: Versatility Takes Center Stage
The camera system is where the A72 aims to differentiate itself from both its younger sibling and many competitors. The quad-camera setup consists of:
- A 64MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS)
- An 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS
- A 12MP ultrawide camera
- A 5MP macro lens
This versatile array of cameras allows for a wide range of photographic possibilities. The main 64MP sensor captures detailed and vibrant images in well-lit conditions, while the addition of OIS helps in low-light situations and video recording. The telephoto lens, which replaces the depth sensor found on the A52, is a significant upgrade, offering true optical zoom capabilities that are often reserved for more expensive devices.
In our testing, we found the camera performance to be generally impressive, with a few caveats. Colors tend to be on the saturated side, which may appeal to some users but can sometimes lead to unrealistic results. The 3x optical zoom produces sharp images and is a standout feature at this price point. Low-light performance is decent, thanks to Samsung's night mode, though it doesn't quite match the capabilities of flagship devices.
Video recording capabilities are solid, with the A72 able to capture 4K footage at 30 fps. The inclusion of OIS on both the main and telephoto lenses helps produce smoother, more stable videos.
However, we did encounter some software-related issues during our testing. Occasional focus problems and app glitches detracted from an otherwise capable camera system. We hope these can be addressed through future software updates.
Battery Life and Charging
With a 5,000 mAh battery, the A72 promises excellent endurance. In practice, the device lives up to expectations, easily lasting through a full day of moderate to heavy use. Many users will find themselves comfortably reaching the end of a second day before needing to charge.
The inclusion of 25W fast charging is appreciated, allowing the device to fully charge in about 1.5 hours. While not the fastest charging solution on the market, it strikes a good balance between speed and battery longevity.
Software Experience
The Galaxy A72 runs on Android 11 with Samsung's One UI 3.1 overlay. This software experience is feature-rich, offering a wide array of customization options and productivity tools. Samsung's commitment to providing three years of major Android updates for the A-series is commendable, ensuring the device will stay current for years to come.
However, the abundance of features can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for users coming from a more stock Android experience. Additionally, the presence of pre-installed apps (often referred to as bloatware) may not be to everyone's liking, though most can be uninstalled or disabled.
Value Proposition and Market Position
The Samsung Galaxy A72 finds itself in a challenging position within the mid-range market. While it offers a well-rounded package with some standout features like the versatile camera system and water resistance, its pricing puts it in direct competition with devices sporting more powerful processors and 5G capabilities.
For Samsung enthusiasts and those invested in the brand's ecosystem, the A72 represents a solid choice, offering a taste of premium features at a more accessible price point. The device's strengths in display quality, camera versatility, and battery life make it a compelling option for users who prioritize these aspects.
However, for spec-focused buyers or those seeking the absolute best performance for their money, there may be more attractive options from competitors. The use of the Snapdragon 720G processor, while capable, feels somewhat out of place in a device at this price point in 2021.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy A72 is a capable mid-range smartphone that excels in several areas while falling short in others. Its stunning display, versatile camera system, and long-lasting battery make it a solid choice for multimedia enthusiasts and casual photographers. The inclusion of water resistance and Samsung's commitment to software updates adds long-term value to the package.
However, the device's processor choice and pricing strategy may limit its appeal in a highly competitive market segment. As it stands, the A72 feels more like an incremental upgrade to the A52 rather than a true mid-range flagship killer.
Ultimately, the Galaxy A72 is a device that will appeal to Samsung fans and those who value a well-rounded experience over raw performance metrics. For others, it may be worth exploring alternatives or waiting to see how the A72's price evolves in the months following its release.
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the A72 represents Samsung's vision for the mid-range market – a vision that prioritizes versatility and user experience over cutting-edge specifications. Whether this approach will resonate with consumers remains to be seen, but there's no denying that the Galaxy A72 is a competent device that brings several premium features to a more accessible price point.
