Samsung A54 Vs A72 Is The Newer Model Really Worth The Upgrade 2

Choosing between Samsung’s mid-range smartphones can be tricky, especially when newer models enter the market while older ones remain available at discounted prices. The Samsung Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A72 represent two strong contenders in this category—separated by nearly two years of technological evolution. While the A54 is the newer release, does that automatically make it the better choice? For users weighing cost against performance, durability, and future-proofing, a direct comparison is essential.

This analysis dives deep into both devices, evaluating real-world usability, long-term software support, hardware upgrades, and overall value. Whether you're upgrading from an older phone or switching brands, understanding where each model excels—and where compromises exist—can save you money and frustration down the line.

Design and Build: Subtle Shifts in Feel and Function

The Galaxy A72, released in 2021, features a more traditional design with a plastic frame and back panel, topped with a glossy finish that attracts fingerprints. It’s slightly heavier at 203g and thicker at 8.4mm, which gives it a solid feel but makes one-handed use less comfortable. The A54, launched in 2023, trims the weight down to 199g and adopts a matte finish on the back, reducing smudges and improving grip. Its squared-off edges echo current flagship styling, giving it a more modern aesthetic.

Both phones use Corning Gorilla Glass protection (Victus on the A54, Gorilla Glass 5 on the A72), but only the A54 adds IP67 water and dust resistance—a meaningful upgrade for those who frequently use their phones outdoors or in unpredictable environments.

Tip: If you often use your phone near water or in dusty conditions, the A54’s IP67 rating offers peace of mind the A72 simply can’t match.

Display and Performance: Clarity Meets Efficiency

The display is one area where the A54 pulls ahead decisively. Both phones feature 6.4-inch Super AMOLED panels with Full HD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh rates, delivering smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. However, the A54’s screen peaks at 1000 nits brightness—significantly higher than the A72’s 800 nits—making it far more usable under direct sunlight.

Under the hood, the differences are even more pronounced. The A72 runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 720G, a capable chip in its time but now showing its age when multitasking or handling demanding apps. In contrast, the A54 uses Samsung’s Exynos 1380, built on a 5nm process, offering better power efficiency and stronger CPU/GPU performance. Real-world usage reflects this: app launches are snappier, gaming is smoother, and background task management is noticeably improved.

“Modern mid-range processors like the Exynos 1380 aren’t just faster—they’re more efficient, meaning cooler operation and longer battery life over time.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst

Camera Comparison: Evolution Over Revolution

On paper, the A72 appears to have the edge with a 64MP main sensor, 8MP periscope telephoto (3x optical zoom), 12MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens. The A54 drops the telephoto and macro lenses, replacing them with a 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro—but gains a significant software advantage.

In practice, the A54 produces more consistent results. Its larger pixel size (0.8µm vs 0.8µm with pixel binning) and updated image processing engine deliver better dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light performance. While the A72’s 3x optical zoom is useful, digital zoom beyond that degrades quickly. The A54 compensates with superior AI-enhanced zoom and Night Mode across all lenses.

Feature	Samsung A54	Samsung A72
Main Camera	50MP f/1.8	64MP f/1.8
Ultrawide	12MP f/2.2	12MP f/2.2
Telephoto	None	8MP f/2.4 (3x optical)
Front Camera	32MP f/2.2	32MP f/2.2
Video Recording	4K@30fps	4K@30fps
Night Mode	All lenses	Main only

If you regularly take close-up shots of distant subjects, the A72’s telephoto may still appeal. But for most users, the A54’s cleaner processing, faster autofocus, and better low-light output make it the more reliable daily driver.

Battery and Software: Longevity in Focus

The A72 packs a 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging—solid for 2021 standards. The A54 retains the same battery capacity but limits charging to 25W only with compatible chargers (otherwise defaults to 15W). Despite slower peak charging, the Exynos 1380’s efficiency means the A54 often lasts longer on a single charge, especially with adaptive refresh rate support (45–120Hz).

Software support is where the A54 shines brightest. It ships with Android 13 and is guaranteed four major OS updates and five years of security patches—meaning it could run Android 17 through 2028. The A72, launched with Android 11, maxes out at two OS upgrades (up to Android 13) and receives only three years of security updates, ending in 2024.

Tip: Always consider software lifespan when buying a phone. A device supported until 2028 will stay secure, receive new features, and maintain app compatibility far longer.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria used her Galaxy A72 daily for work and family photos. By 2023, she noticed slowdowns in messaging apps, poor night photography, and frequent overheating during video calls. She considered sticking with the A72 due to its lower price secondhand but opted for the A54 after testing both in-store.

She immediately appreciated the brighter screen in outdoor meetings, the crisper front camera for Zoom calls, and the confidence of knowing her phone would receive updates until 2028. Though she missed the 3x zoom for pet photos, she found the A54’s Night Mode and ultrawide lens more useful in everyday scenarios. After six months, she reported her battery lasted longer and the phone felt consistently responsive—even with 50+ apps installed.

Is the A54 Worth the Upgrade?

For users still on the A72, the decision hinges on priorities. If you value:

• Long-term software support
• Better screen visibility outdoors
• Improved processor efficiency
• Dust and water resistance
• More consistent camera performance

…then yes, the A54 is absolutely worth the upgrade. The absence of a telephoto lens is a trade-off, but not a dealbreaker for most. The A54 isn’t just a newer version—it’s a more future-ready device designed for longevity.

However, if budget is tight and you primarily need a reliable camera with optical zoom for hobbies or travel, the A72 remains functional and can be found at steep discounts. Just be aware that by late 2024, it will no longer receive security updates, increasing vulnerability to emerging threats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Samsung A54 last until 2028 with heavy use?

Yes, provided you manage storage, avoid extreme temperatures, and keep software updated. The combination of durable build, modern chipset, and long-term update promise makes it one of the most future-proof mid-range phones available.

Does the lack of a telephoto lens hurt the A54?

It depends on your needs. Casual users won’t miss it—the ultrawide and improved digital zoom suffice. But photographers or birdwatchers who rely on optical zoom may prefer the A72 or consider the A54’s successor, the A55, which improves zoom processing.

Is the Exynos 1380 better than the Snapdragon 720G?

In every measurable way: CPU performance is ~40% faster, GPU is ~50% faster, and power efficiency is significantly improved. Real-world tasks like app switching, photo editing, and gaming benefit noticeably.

Final Verdict: Invest in Longevity

The Samsung Galaxy A54 isn’t merely an incremental update over the A72—it represents a shift toward sustainable smartphone ownership. With better materials, smarter software, longer support, and improved daily usability, it justifies its higher price tag for most users. The A72 was a strong phone in its day, but technology moves fast. Choosing the A54 means choosing fewer compromises today and greater reliability tomorrow.

💬 Have you upgraded from the A72 to the A54? Share your experience and let others know what surprised you most!