Samsung A54 5g Vs A72 Is Upgrading Really Worth It

Choosing between two solid mid-range Samsung smartphones — the Galaxy A54 5G and the older Galaxy A72 — isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. On paper, the A54 appears to be the natural successor with newer hardware and software support, but if you already own an A72, the real question becomes: does the upgrade deliver enough tangible benefits to justify the cost?

This analysis dives deep into design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, software updates, and real-world usability to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're considering a switch for better performance, improved photography, or future-proofing your device, this breakdown will clarify whether the move from A72 to A54 5G is truly worthwhile.

Design and Build: Subtle Evolution, Not Revolution

The Galaxy A72 introduced a sleek, minimalist design with a plastic back and matte finish, while the A54 5G refines that formula rather than reinventing it. Both phones feature flat aluminum frames and similar dimensions, but the A54 feels slightly more refined with its flush-mounted camera bump and reduced glare on the display.

The A54 uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and back, whereas the A72 only has Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and a glossy plastic back prone to fingerprints. This small upgrade improves durability and aesthetics, especially for users who don’t use cases.

Tip: If you frequently drop your phone, the A54’s symmetrical glass build offers slightly better grip and scratch resistance compared to the A72’s slippery back.

Performance: Generational Leap in Efficiency

Under the hood, the differences are significant. The A72 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G — a capable chip in its time — while the A54 5G uses Samsung’s Exynos 1380, built on a more modern 5nm process. Though Exynos chips have historically lagged behind Snapdragon in marketing perception, the Exynos 1380 holds up well in daily tasks and multitasking.

The A54 supports faster RAM speeds (LPDDR5 vs LPDDR4X) and UFS 3.1 storage, translating to quicker app launches, smoother transitions, and better handling of heavy apps like photo editors or video streaming platforms. Real-world testing shows the A54 outperforms the A72 by around 30–40% in benchmark scores and noticeably less thermal throttling during extended use.

“Mid-range processors today do more with less heat and power. The shift from 8nm to 5nm architecture means longer responsiveness over time.” — Raj Mehta, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Display and Brightness: A Clear Advantage for A54

Both devices feature 6.5-inch Super AMOLED displays with 90Hz refresh rates, but the A54 takes a major step forward in brightness and outdoor visibility. It peaks at 1000 nits (HBM), compared to the A72’s 800 nits, making screen content far easier to read under direct sunlight.

The A54 also supports adaptive brightness with greater precision and includes an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance — a feature absent on the A72. This makes the A54 significantly more durable in wet conditions or accidental spills.

Feature	Samsung A54 5G	Samsung A72
Display Type	Super AMOLED	Super AMOLED
Refresh Rate	120Hz (adaptive)	90Hz
Peak Brightness	1000 nits	800 nits
IP Rating	IP67	None

Camera Comparison: Incremental Gains, Not Night and Day

The A72 boasts a 64MP main sensor, optical image stabilization (OIS), and a periscope telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom — features that still impress in 2024. The A54 5G steps down to a 50MP main sensor without OIS but compensates with improved computational photography, better low-light processing, and enhanced HDR.

In daylight, both cameras produce sharp, vibrant images. However, the A54 handles dynamic range better, preserving highlights and shadows more naturally. Low-light performance favors the A54 due to larger pixel binning and AI-powered night mode enhancements. That said, the A72’s 3x optical zoom remains superior to the A54’s digital crop zoom, which starts degrading quality beyond 2x.

The ultrawide and macro sensors are nearly identical in resolution and output, though the A54 applies cleaner edge detection and noise reduction.

Tip: If you regularly shoot distant subjects (e.g., wildlife, concerts), keep the A72. For everyday snapshots and social media content, the A54 delivers more consistent results.

Battery and Charging: Trade-Offs Between Capacity and Speed

The A72 wins on paper with a 5000mAh battery versus the A54’s 5000mAh unit — same capacity, but different efficiency. Thanks to the Exynos 1380’s power efficiency and adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, the A54 often lasts longer in real-world mixed usage despite identical battery size.

However, charging speed is where the A72 pulls ahead. It supports 25W fast charging, reaching 50% in about 30 minutes. The A54 is limited to 25W charging as well, but Samsung ships it with only a 15W charger in the box, slowing down adoption unless you already own a compatible brick.

• A54: 5000mAh, 25W charging (15W included)
• A72: 5000mAh, 25W charging (charger included)

Neither supports wireless charging, so wired performance is key. In endurance tests, the A54 averages 10–12 hours of screen-on time, while the A72 manages 9–11 hours — a modest but noticeable gain.

Software and Long-Term Value: Where the A54 Shines

This may be the most compelling reason to upgrade. The A54 5G launched with Android 13 and is guaranteed four major OS upgrades and five years of security patches, meaning it will be supported until at least 2028. In contrast, the A72, released in 2021 with Android 11, maxes out at two OS upgrades (up to Android 13) and three years of security updates — support likely ended in 2024.

Ongoing software support means access to new features, better app compatibility, and critical security fixes. For users who keep phones for 3+ years, this longevity makes the A54 a smarter investment.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria has used her Galaxy A72 since 2021. By early 2024, she noticed slower app launches, delayed notifications, and missing security updates. Her WhatsApp occasionally crashes, and Instagram no longer loads stories smoothly. She considered buying another budget phone but opted for the A54 after reading about its long-term support.

After switching, she reported immediate improvements: faster response times, crisper display, and peace of mind knowing her phone will receive updates through 2028. While she missed the 3x zoom, she found herself using digital zoom less and relying more on primary camera quality — which the A54 delivers consistently.

Is Upgrading Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Use this checklist to determine if the A54 5G is the right upgrade for you:

1. Are you still satisfied with your A72’s performance and camera? → Maybe stay.
2. Have you experienced slowdowns or app instability recently? → Upgrade recommended.
3. Do you want better outdoor visibility and brighter display? → A54 wins.
4. Is water resistance important for your lifestyle? → A54 offers IP67.
5. Do you plan to keep your phone for 3+ years? → A54’s software support matters.
6. Do you frequently take zoomed photos? → You may miss the A72’s periscope lens.
7. Are you sensitive to screen smoothness? → A54’s 120Hz adaptive refresh is superior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A54 5G last longer than the A72?

Yes, not just in battery life but in overall lifespan. With better processor efficiency, longer software support, and improved build quality, the A54 is designed to remain functional and secure for several more years.

Does the A54 have better speakers than the A72?

No. Both phones feature stereo speakers tuned by AKG, delivering similar audio quality. There’s no significant difference in volume or clarity.

Will my A72 accessories work with the A54?

Most cases and screen protectors won’t fit due to slight changes in camera layout and frame dimensions. However, chargers and cables are fully compatible via USB-C.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

For users still enjoying a responsive A72 with no urgent issues, the upgrade to the A54 5G may feel incremental rather than transformative. The lack of OIS and optical zoom could even be seen as a downgrade for photography enthusiasts.

But for those experiencing performance lag, concerned about security, or wanting a brighter, more durable display with longer support, the A54 5G represents a meaningful step forward. Its modern chipset, adaptive 120Hz screen, IP67 rating, and extended software commitment make it a more future-ready device.

💬 Thinking about upgrading? Share your experience with the A72 or A54 in the comments — your insights could help others decide their next move!