Samsung A53 Vs A72 Is The Newer Model Actually Worth The Upgrade 2

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A53 and A72 can be tricky. Both phones sit in the mid-range segment, offer solid features, and are priced competitively. The A53, released in 2022, is the newer model compared to the A72 from 2021. But does being newer automatically make it better? Or does the A72 still hold its ground with practical advantages? This deep dive compares both devices across key categories to help you decide if upgrading—or choosing—the A53 is truly worth it.

Design and Build Quality

The design language of both phones follows Samsung’s modern aesthetic: flat edges, minimal bezels, and a centered punch-hole front camera. However, subtle differences affect usability and feel.

The A53 uses a slightly more refined polycarbonate back with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. It's marginally lighter at 189g versus the A72’s 203g. While that 14-gram difference may not seem significant, over long usage sessions—especially one-handed—it becomes noticeable. The A72 feels sturdier due to its weight but sacrifices portability.

Both devices feature IP67 water and dust resistance—a rare perk in this price range. The A53 gains an edge here as the A72 lacks any official IP rating, making the A53 the safer choice for users exposed to rain or spills.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or near water, the A53’s IP67 rating offers real-world peace of mind.

Display and Screen Experience

Both phones sport 6.5-inch Super AMOLED displays with Full HD+ resolution, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. Where they diverge is refresh rate.

The A53 runs at a smooth 120Hz, updating twice as fast as the A72’s 90Hz display. In daily use, scrolling through social media, browsing web pages, or navigating menus feels noticeably more fluid on the A53. Gamers will appreciate the responsiveness, though casual users might only notice the difference in side-by-side comparisons.

Brightness is another win for the A53, peaking at around 800 nits (HBM), making it far more usable under direct sunlight. The A72 struggles outdoors, requiring manual brightness boosts that drain the battery faster.

“Higher refresh rates aren’t just about specs—they translate into tangible improvements in comfort and usability.” — Lena Park, Mobile UX Analyst

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the two phones take different approaches. The A72 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, a reliable chipset from 2020 built on an 8nm process. The A53 swaps to Samsung’s Exynos 1280, a 5nm chip introduced in 2022.

While the Exynos 1280 isn't a performance monster, its smaller transistor size means better power efficiency and improved multitasking. Real-world benchmarks show the A53 outperforming the A72 in CPU-heavy tasks by about 25–30%. App launches are snappier, and background app retention is stronger thanks to consistent software optimization.

Both run Android with Samsung’s One UI skin, but the A53 benefits from longer software support. It launched with Android 12 and is eligible for four major OS updates and five years of security patches—unheard of in this tier. The A72, in contrast, maxes out at two OS upgrades and four years of security updates.

Feature	Samsung A53	Samsung A72
Processor	Exynos 1280 (5nm)	Snapdragon 720G (8nm)
RAM Options	6GB / 8GB	6GB / 8GB
Storage	128GB / 256GB (expandable)	128GB (expandable)
OS Support	Up to Android 16	Up to Android 14
Security Updates	5 years	4 years

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results

On paper, both phones boast quad-camera setups, but actual photography performance tells a different story.

The A72 includes a 64MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 5MP depth sensor. Its older image processing tends to oversharpen and over-saturate, especially in mixed lighting. Low-light photos often suffer from noise and poor dynamic range.

The A53 uses a 64MP main sensor too, but pairs it with smarter AI processing and larger pixel binning (1.0µm → 2.0µm). This results in cleaner low-light shots, better HDR handling, and more natural color reproduction. Its ultrawide lens is also sharper at the edges than the A72’s.

Video recording is where the gap widens. The A53 supports steady 4K at 30fps with decent stabilization. The A72 can record 4K but lacks advanced stabilization, making handheld footage shaky without external support.

Tip: For social media creators or vloggers, the A53’s superior video stability and color accuracy make it a better long-term investment.

Mini Case Study: Travel Photography Showdown

Consider Maya, a digital nomad who travels across Southeast Asia. She used the A72 for six months before switching to the A53. On a trip to Bali, she noticed immediate differences: sunset shots retained highlight details without blowing out skies, night markets were captured with less grain, and her Instagram Reels looked more professional thanks to smoother video transitions. “I didn’t expect such a jump in quality,” she said. “The A53 feels like a true step up, not just a minor refresh.”

Battery Life and Charging

Battery capacity favors the A72 with a 5,000mAh cell—identical to the A53’s. However, efficiency plays a decisive role.

Thanks to the Exynos 1280’s 5nm architecture and the 120Hz display’s adaptive refresh logic (which drops to 60Hz during static content), the A53 typically lasts 3–5 hours longer on a single charge under moderate use. Users report reaching bedtime with 20–30% battery remaining, while A72 owners often scramble for chargers by late afternoon.

Charging speed is identical: 25W fast charging supported, though neither phone includes a charger in the box. Both support basic reverse USB charging, allowing you to power small devices like earbuds.

• A53: Up to 1.5 days of light use
• A72: Full day with heavy usage
• Standby drain: A53 shows less background consumption

Value and Upgrade Decision

At launch, the A72 was priced around $350, while the A53 started at $450. Today, both hover near $300 depending on region and retailer. Given that pricing overlap, the decision comes down to longevity versus immediate utility.

The A53 wins in future-proofing: longer software support, better processor efficiency, improved screen, and IP67 rating. If you plan to keep your phone for three years or more, the A53 is clearly the smarter buy.

However, if budget is tight and you prioritize raw power for gaming (where the Snapdragon 720G still holds up reasonably well), or you find the A72 significantly cheaper secondhand, it remains a functional device. Just expect shorter support life and reduced resale value.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

1. Are you currently using a phone older than 3 years? → Yes? A53 is a worthy upgrade.
2. Do you want longer software updates? → Yes? Choose A53.
3. Is water resistance important to you? → Yes? Only A53 offers IP67.
4. Do you shoot videos or post photos regularly? → Yes? A53 delivers better media quality.
5. Is your budget under $250? → Then consider discounted A72 models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A72 get Android 14?

Yes, the A72 received Android 13 officially and is expected to receive Android 14 as its final OS update, though rollout timing varies by region.

Is the A53 camera better in low light?

Yes. Thanks to improved sensor processing and pixel binning, the A53 captures brighter, clearer images in dim environments with less noise compared to the A72.

Does the A53 have a headphone jack?

Yes, both the A53 and A72 retain the 3.5mm headphone jack—a rarity in modern smartphones and a plus for wired audio fans.

Final Verdict: Is the Newer Model Worth It?

The Samsung Galaxy A53 isn’t just newer—it’s meaningfully better. From its efficient processor and 120Hz display to extended software support and IP67 rating, it addresses nearly every limitation of the A72. While the A72 still functions well for basic tasks, it lacks the refinement and staying power today’s users need.

If you're deciding between these two, the A53 justifies its slight premium with tangible improvements that enhance daily use and extend usability over time. Technology evolves quickly, but smart choices last longer. For most buyers, the answer is clear: yes, the newer model is worth the upgrade.

💬 Have experience with either phone? Share your thoughts below and help others make an informed decision between the Samsung A53 and A72.