Both Samsung Galaxy A72 and Samsung Galaxy S21 5G were released in 2021. S21 debuted in January followed by Galaxy A72 in March.
When comparing the two, S21 5G undoubtedly outshines Galaxy A72 due to its premium status and higher price. But is it worth the extra cost? Is the highest-end mid-range phone like Galaxy A72 a better choice? Let's compare.

Price Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A72 vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
According to research, the prices of these two phones are as follows:
– Samsung Galaxy A72 8GB/128GB: $379
– Samsung Galaxy A72 8GB/256GB: $429
– Samsung Galaxy S21 5G 8GB/128GB: $599
Comparison between Samsung Galaxy A72 and Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Design is Slimmer than A72
Dimensions, Weight:
– Dimensions of Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm, Weight: 169g
– Dimensions of Samsung Galaxy A72: 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm, Weight: 203g
There's a significant difference in size here, with the Galaxy A72 being much larger than the S21 5G. Both have a plastic rear, but the frame of the S21 5G is metal and the front is made of premium Gorilla Glass Victus, while the A72 still retains a plastic frame and Gorilla Glass 5 on the front. The water resistance feature of the S21 5G at IP68 is also superior to the A72's IP67 rating. In terms of materials and finish, the premium S21 5G outperforms the A72.
The design style depends on individual aesthetic preferences, but both have their own characteristics and exude a sense of luxury and sophistication.

Display of Samsung Galaxy A72 is Inferior to S21 5G
– Samsung Galaxy A72: 6.7 inches, Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits, 1080 x 2400 pixels
– Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: 6.2 inches, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits, 1080 x 2400 pixels
Although both have the same Full HD+ resolution, the S21 5G outperforms the A72 in other aspects such as refresh rate and maximum brightness. Additionally, the S21 5G features adaptive refresh rate technology ranging from 48Hz to 120Hz.
Despite lagging behind in certain specifications, the Galaxy A72 still boasts excellent display quality, visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The advantage of the A72 lies in its larger screen for those who prefer it over the smaller S21, seeking a better experience for watching movies or playing games.
Camera Comparison: Galaxy S21 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A72
– Samsung Galaxy A72: 4 rear lenses and 1 selfie camera
- Main: 64 MP, 26mm, f/1.8, 0.8µm, OIS, PDAF
- Telephoto: 8 MP, 1.0µm, f/2.4, OIS, PDAF, 3x optical zoom
- Ultra-wide: 12 MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm, 123-degree field of view
- Macro: 5 MP, f/2.4
- Front Camera: 32 MP, f / 2.2, 26mm (wide), 1 / 2.8 “, 0.8µm

– Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: 3 rear cameras and 1 selfie camera
- Main: 12MP, 26mm, f/1.8, 1.8µm, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
- Telephoto: 64 MP, 29mm, f/2.0, 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x hybrid zoom
- Ultra-wide: 12MP, 13mm, f / 2.2, 120-degree field of view, Super Steady video
- Front Camera: 10MP, 26mm, f/2.2, 1.22µm, Dual Pixel PDAF

Thus, you can see that the Galaxy A72 is not inferior to the S21 5G with its 3x optical zoom and 30x digital zoom capabilities, as well as OIS stabilization and an additional macro lens. Moreover, both the main sensor and selfie camera of the A72 are higher resolution than those of the S21 5G.
However, fewer pixels on the sensor mean larger pixels, allowing for more light capture. In reality, the S21 5G produces more accurate colors and better contrast than the 64MP sensor on the A72. The premium S21 5G also offers more photography software features such as dual pixel autofocus, precise focus tracking, and the ability to shoot up to 8K videos, along with many other interesting integrated features. The zoom capability on the S21 5G is also superior to the A72 due to the 64MP telephoto lens it is equipped with.
Galaxy S21 5G's Processor is Significantly Stronger than A72
– Samsung Galaxy A72: Snapdragon 720G (8 nm)
– Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Exynos 2100 (5nm) / Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) -in the US and Hong Kong
There's little need to elaborate on this configuration as the difference in power between these chips is evident. The S21 5G boasts two high-speed, powerful chip versions, while the A72 only has a mid-range chip. The Antutu scores of the two devices show a clear difference.

Battery Capacity of Galaxy A72 Surpasses Galaxy S21 5G
Samsung Galaxy A72 features a 5,000mAh battery, larger than the 4,000mAh battery of the S21 5G. Both come with 25W fast charging support, although the S21 5G does not include a charger in the box, unlike the A72.
Conclusion: Overall, Samsung Galaxy A72 proves to be an excellent alternative, offering similar flagship features with a massive battery life, large display, and competitive pricing. However, for those with extra financial flexibility, Galaxy S21 5G presents a solid choice, providing top-tier flagship experiences this year.