Samsung A32 Vs A72 Is It Worth Upgrading Or Is The A72 Overkill

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A32 and A72 can feel like navigating a minefield of trade-offs. Both phones sit within the mid-range segment, share similar design language, and offer solid everyday performance. But beneath the surface, key differences in processor, display, camera capabilities, and battery life could make or break your decision. For users already on the A32, the question isn’t just about specs—it’s whether the upgrade to the A72 delivers meaningful improvements or if it's simply overkill for typical usage.

The A72 may seem like a natural step up, but if you're not a power user or don't rely heavily on photography or gaming, you might not benefit from its enhanced hardware. On the flip side, if you want future-proofing, smoother multitasking, and better photo quality in low light, the A72 could be worth the investment. Let’s break down every critical aspect to help you decide.

Design and Build: Subtle Differences, Similar Feel

At first glance, both phones look nearly identical. They feature plastic backs, glossy finishes, and a centered rectangular camera module on the upper back. The A72 is slightly heavier at 203g compared to the A32’s 184g, and marginally thicker (8.4mm vs 8.1mm). These differences are negligible in hand, but the added weight of the A72 gives it a more premium feel—less “budget,” more “mid-tier.”

Both models are IP67-rated for dust and water resistance, a rare perk in this price range. This means either phone can survive brief submersion or heavy rain, making them practical choices for daily use. However, only the A72 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack *and* stereo speakers. The A32 has a single bottom-firing speaker, which limits audio immersion during media playback.

Tip: If you frequently watch videos or listen to music without headphones, the A72’s stereo speakers offer a noticeably richer sound experience.

Display Quality: Brighter and Smoother Matters

The most visible difference lies in the display. The A32 uses a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED panel with a 90Hz refresh rate, while the A72 ups the ante with a larger 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ screen and a full 90Hz refresh rate as well. Both are vibrant and color-accurate, but the A72’s display is brighter—up to 800 nits peak brightness versus 600 on the A32.

This brightness advantage makes the A72 far more usable outdoors. Whether you’re checking maps in sunlight or scrolling through social media on a patio, the screen remains clear and glare-resistant. The larger size also benefits media consumption and multitasking, though it may be less comfortable for one-handed use.

“Display quality is often the first thing users notice when upgrading. Even small gains in brightness and smoothness improve daily usability significantly.” — Lena Park, Mobile UX Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Performance Comparison: Chipset and Real-World Speed

Under the hood, the performance gap becomes more pronounced. The A32 runs on the MediaTek Helio G80, a capable chip for basic tasks but prone to throttling under sustained load. In contrast, the A72 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 720G—a more efficient, better-optimized processor that handles multitasking, gaming, and background apps with greater ease.

In benchmark tests, the Snapdragon 720G outperforms the Helio G80 by around 30% in CPU tasks and nearly 50% in GPU performance. Real-world implications? Apps launch faster, games like Genshin Impact run at higher settings, and system animations feel snappier. The A72 also comes with UFS 2.1 storage (vs eMMC 5.1 on the A32), meaning file transfers, app installations, and game loading times are quicker.

If your routine involves streaming, messaging, browsing, and occasional photography, the A32 performs admirably. But if you edit photos, play mobile games, or keep dozens of tabs open, the A72’s superior processing power pays off.

Camera Capabilities: More Than Just Megapixels

Both phones feature quad-camera setups, but execution differs. The A32 has a 64MP main sensor, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth lens. The A72 also uses a 64MP main sensor but improves low-light performance with larger pixel binning (1.6µm vs 1.4µm) and optical image stabilization (OIS)—a feature absent on the A32.

Feature	Samsung A32	Samsung A72
Main Camera	64MP, f/1.8, no OIS	64MP, f/1.8, with OIS
Ultra-Wide	8MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2
Mono/Macro Lens	5MP Macro + 5MP Depth	5MP Macro + 5MP Depth
Front Camera	20MP	32MP
Video Recording	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps, steady cam support

OIS is the real differentiator. It reduces blur in low-light shots and stabilizes video, making handheld footage noticeably smoother. The A72’s 12MP ultra-wide also captures more detail than the A32’s 8MP version. Front camera upgrades matter too—the 32MP selfie shooter on the A72 delivers sharper selfies and better skin tone accuracy.

Tip: If you take photos in dim lighting or record casual videos, OIS on the A72 is a worthwhile upgrade that the A32 simply can’t match.

Battery and Charging: Longevity vs Speed

Battery capacity favors the A32 slightly with 5000mAh, while the A72 packs a still-impressive 5000mAh as well. Despite identical capacity, real-world endurance is comparable due to the A72’s larger, brighter display offsetting efficiency gains from the Snapdragon chip.

Where they diverge is charging speed. The A32 supports 15W fast charging, taking about 100 minutes for a full charge. The A72 doubles that with 25W fast charging (charger sold separately), cutting charge time to roughly 70 minutes. Over months, this adds up—especially for users who charge daily or need quick top-ups before heading out.

“Fast charging is one of the most underrated features in mid-range phones. Saving 30 minutes per charge translates to over 180 hours saved annually.” — Raj Mehta, Senior Editor at MobileEdge Review

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria has used her Samsung A32 for two years. She’s happy with its battery life and screen quality but notices her phone lagging when switching between WhatsApp, Instagram, and Google Maps. She takes frequent travel photos, many of which come out blurry in evening light. After researching, she considers upgrading to the A72.

She tests both devices in-store. The A72 feels slightly heavier but launches apps faster. She tries the camera in a dimly lit corner—photos from the A72 are visibly sharper. The stereo speakers impress her during a YouTube video demo. Though her A32 still works, she realizes the A72 solves her pain points: better low-light photography, faster performance, and quicker charging. She upgrades—and finds herself using her phone more confidently, especially during weekend trips.

Is the A72 Overkill? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding, ask yourself the following. Check the boxes that apply:

• ☐ I frequently record videos or take photos in low light
• ☐ I play mobile games or use multiple apps simultaneously
• ☐ I value faster charging (25W) over included charger cost
• ☐ I watch a lot of videos and prefer stereo sound
• ☐ I want a phone that will remain smooth for 2–3 years

If three or more apply, the A72 is a justified upgrade. If not, the A32 remains a capable device for essential tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung A72 worth the extra cost over the A32?

Yes, if you value better performance, improved cameras with OIS, stereo speakers, and faster charging. The price difference (typically $50–$80) is reasonable for these upgrades. However, if you only use basic apps, the A32 offers excellent value.

Does the A72 last longer than the A32?

Battery life is similar, but the A72’s more efficient chipset and software optimization may extend long-term usability. With proper care, the A72 could stay performant for an additional 6–12 months compared to the A32.

Can the A32 still handle daily tasks in 2024?

Absolutely. The A32 runs Android 13 (with One UI updates) smoothly for messaging, browsing, streaming, and light photography. Unless you demand high-end performance, it’s far from obsolete.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Only If You Need the Edge

The Samsung A72 is not overkill—it’s a thoughtful evolution of the A-series formula. It refines what the A32 started: durable design, solid battery, and decent cameras—but elevates the experience with tangible improvements in display brightness, audio, camera stability, and processing power.

However, “worth upgrading” depends entirely on your usage. Casual users won’t exhaust the A32’s capabilities anytime soon. But for those pushing their phone daily—photographers, multitaskers, media consumers—the A72 delivers noticeable, lasting benefits.

💬 Have you upgraded from the A32 to the A72? Share your experience below—did the improvements meet your expectations?