Samsung A72 Vs A71 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It Honest User Reviews

When Samsung released the Galaxy A72 as the successor to the popular A71, many users were left wondering: is this upgrade actually worthwhile? Both phones sit in the mid-range segment, targeting consumers who want solid performance without breaking the bank. But beyond spec sheets and marketing claims, what do real-world users say? This article dives deep into hardware improvements, software experience, camera quality, battery life, and actual user sentiment to give you an honest answer.

Battery and Charging: A Meaningful Leap Forward

The most tangible improvement between the A71 and A72 lies in battery capacity and charging speed. The A71 comes with a 4500mAh battery and supports 25W fast charging — respectable for its time. However, the A72 bumps that up to a 5000mAh cell and introduces 25W Super Fast Charging with better thermal management.

In practice, users report gaining about 30% more screen-on time on the A72 under mixed usage. One Reddit user noted: “I used my A71 for two years and upgraded to the A72 last month. The extra 500mAh makes a real difference — I now regularly get through a full day of heavy use without needing a top-up.”

Tip: Enable Adaptive Battery in settings to extend charge cycles and reduce background drain.

Camera Performance: More Than Just Megapixels

Samsung markets the A72’s 64MP main sensor as a major upgrade over the A71’s 64MP shooter, but the real change is in stabilization and lens variety. The A72 adds Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) — a first in this price range at the time — which drastically improves photo clarity in low light and video smoothness.

User feedback consistently highlights this feature. “Night shots on my A71 were hit-or-miss,” says Priya M., a long-time Samsung owner from Chennai. “With the A72, even my shaky handheld videos look stable. OIS is a game-changer.”

The A72 also includes an upgraded 8MP ultra-wide, a 5MP macro, and a new 5MP depth sensor with better edge detection. While megapixel counts are similar, the A72 processes images faster and with less noise thanks to improved HDR and multi-frame processing.

Camera Comparison Table

Feature	Samsung A71	Samsung A72
Main Sensor	64MP (f/1.8)	64MP with OIS (f/1.8)
Ultra-Wide	12MP	8MP
Miscellaneous Sensors	5MP macro, 5MP depth	5MP macro, 5MP depth (improved)
Video Recording	4K@30fps	4K@30fps with OIS support
Front Camera	32MP	32MP with improved skin tone rendering

“Adding OIS to a mid-tier phone like the A72 was a strategic move. It bridges the gap between enthusiast photography and everyday usability.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Performance and Hardware: Subtle but Strategic Upgrades

Under the hood, both devices use different chipsets. The A71 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G, while the A72 upgrades to the slightly more efficient Snapdragon 720G. On paper, this might seem like a downgrade, but real-world performance tells a different story.

The 720G is built on an 8nm process (vs. 11nm on the 730G), leading to better power efficiency. Coupled with larger internal storage options (up to 256GB vs. 128GB max on A71) and UFS 2.1 storage (vs. eMMC 5.1), app launches and multitasking feel snappier on the A72 despite similar benchmark scores.

Gaming performance remains consistent across both models. Casual gamers won’t notice a difference in titles like COD Mobile or Genshin Impact at medium settings. However, extended sessions generate less heat on the A72 due to improved thermal design.

Mini Case Study: Daily Driver Upgrade Experience

Raj K., a digital marketer from Bangalore, used the A71 as his primary device for 18 months before switching to the A72. He logs around 6–7 hours of screen time daily, juggling social media, video calls, and photo editing apps.

“I didn’t expect much from the upgrade,” he admits. “But within a week, I noticed smoother scrolling in Instagram, quicker WhatsApp backups, and noticeably better zoomed photos. The battery lasts longer, and the phone doesn’t throttle as fast when editing videos. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s definitely refined.”

Design and Durability: IP Rating Makes a Difference

One often-overlooked upgrade is durability. The A72 introduces IP67 water and dust resistance — a feature absent on the A71. This means the A72 can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

For users in humid climates or those prone to accidental spills, this addition is invaluable. “I dropped my A71 in a puddle once — it died instantly,” recalls Lena T. from Jakarta. “Last monsoon, my A72 fell into a sink full of water. I dried it off, and it worked perfectly. That single feature saved me ₹30,000.”

Both phones share a similar glass-and-plastic build with a slim profile, but the A72 feels slightly more premium due to tighter seams and reinforced corners.

Tip: Even with IP67, always dry your phone thoroughly after water exposure and avoid saltwater immersion.

Software and Long-Term Support

Both devices launched with Android 10 and Samsung’s One UI. However, the A72 benefits from longer software support. It received updates up to Android 13 and is eligible for three major OS upgrades, whereas the A71 topped out at Android 12.

This extended support translates to better security patches, newer features, and longer app compatibility. For users planning to keep their phone for 3+ years, this is a significant advantage.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) summarized it well: “My A71 started lagging badly by year two. The A72 still feels fresh after 28 months. Samsung’s optimization has clearly improved.”

Checklist: Should You Upgrade from A71 to A72?

• ✅ Need longer battery life? → A72 wins with 5000mAh
• ✅ Want better camera stability? → A72 has OIS
• ✅ Use your phone near water? → A72 offers IP67 protection
• ✅ Plan to keep the phone for 3+ years? → A72 has longer update support
• ✅ Already satisfied with A71 performance? → Upgrade may not be urgent

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung A72 significantly faster than the A71?

Not in raw speed. Both handle daily tasks well, but the A72 offers better efficiency, smoother multitasking due to faster storage, and less overheating during prolonged use.

Can the A72 take better selfies than the A71?

Selfie quality is very similar, as both use a 32MP front camera. However, the A72 applies more natural skin tone processing and better HDR in backlit conditions.

Is the upgrade worth it if I already own an A71?

If you’re experiencing battery degradation, poor low-light photos, or frequent app crashes, yes. Otherwise, the improvements are incremental rather than transformative. Consider waiting for a newer model unless you value OIS or IP67.

Final Verdict: Who Benefits Most From the Upgrade?

The Samsung Galaxy A72 isn’t a radical leap over the A71, but it refines nearly every aspect. The inclusion of OIS, IP67 rating, larger battery, and longer software support make it a more future-proof device. For users upgrading from older phones or those frustrated with the A71’s limitations, the A72 delivers meaningful enhancements.

However, if you’re currently happy with your A71 and don’t need water resistance or better night photography, the upgrade may not justify the cost — especially given the price gap when both were new.

In essence, the A72 is what the A71 should have been: a well-rounded, durable, and reliable mid-ranger with thoughtful improvements where they matter most.

💬 Have you made the switch from A71 to A72? Share your real-world experience in the comments below and help others decide whether this upgrade is right for them.