SAMSUNG GALAXY A72 6GB / 128GB | SM-A725F/DS

Pros

• Long battery life: Extremely commonly mentioned; many users report lasting two or more days on a single charge. Reports range from 1.5 days of intensive use to a week with various services constantly active and still having 27% battery remaining. Multiple users report 2-3 days of battery life with normal or intensive use. 40 hours of use (with video, music, and internet use) is reported by one user. Many describe battery life as superb, excellent, strong, phenomenal (compared to A70), or a "mega battery". Multiple users report having 46% battery remaining after two days of use. One user reports having 70% battery remaining at the end of an average day of use. One user reports 98% battery remaining after one night.
• Good camera: Frequently praised for taking sharp, detailed photos and videos in various lighting conditions. The macro mode is specifically praised (requires daylight), as is the wide-angle camera. Many users report exceeding expectations, with photos described as sharp, clear, and beautiful. Excellent quality, even when zoomed in, is noted. One user mentions superior quality to their Nikon camera. Another user considers it the best camera they''ve ever had on a Samsung phone. However, some users report occasional focus issues, particularly with close-up shots and when zooming in, and less effectiveness in low-light conditions with zoom. Slow photo-taking speed is also reported by some users. The wide-angle lens is noted to distort images at the edges. Many users describe the camera as fantastic, amazing, and great. One user notes that the night mode is superb. The telephoto lens is described as great.
• Large and clear display: The 6.7-inch AMOLED screen is repeatedly lauded for its size, clarity, vibrant colors, and ease of use. The 90Hz refresh rate is mentioned as contributing to a smooth user experience. Full HD+ resolution is also specified. Thin bezels are noted. However, one user notes that the screen becomes extremely dark in bright sunlight. The display is described as beautiful and amazing by multiple users. One user describes the screen as bright but not harsh on the eyes. The screen is described as smooth and fluid by multiple users.
• Durable and reliable: Many users report the phone surviving drops without damage. One user reported accidental submersion without issue. The phone is described as "not breakable". However, several users reported hardware failures (touchscreen malfunction, failure to charge/read SIM cards due to moisture/low temperatures, speaker failure) within two years. One user reported a charging port failure after only a couple of weeks.
• User-friendly interface: The intuitive interface and ease of use are frequently mentioned, particularly Samsung''s One UI. Easy to use, even for non-tech-savvy users, including seniors. Data transfer is described as seamless. The phone is described as easy to use by multiple users. The phone is described as user friendly and easy to learn.
• Good value for money: Often emphasized as excellent price-to-performance. Many users highlight the excellent price/quality ratio. One user calls it the best phone in its budget class. Another considers it as good as, or better than, higher-end models. One user describes the phone as offering great value for the money. Another user describes the price/quality ratio as excellent. Multiple users describe the phone as offering great value for its price.
• Dual SIM functionality: Appreciated by users needing two SIM cards. However, one user notes that using dual SIM prevents the use of an SD card.
• Fast charging: Mentioned as a positive. Charging to full takes approximately two hours. Many users describe charging as very fast or super-fast.
• Regular software updates: Receiving Android 14 is positively noted (though some users note issues with Bluetooth connectivity after updates).
• Good sound quality: Favorably mentioned for music and general use. One user specifically praised stereo sound from the top and bottom speakers. The sound quality is described as better than a previous S7 model. Multiple users describe the sound quality as good.
• Fast performance: Described as fast, responsive, smooth, super fast, extra fast, and fluid by multiple users. However, some users report occasional slowdowns and crashes, particularly during scrolling and with larger apps. Slow performance when changing pages and slow start-up time (approximately 1.5 minutes) are reported. One user reports a significant improvement in speed compared to a Samsung A3 2017. Another user reports that the phone is faster than their previous S8 model. Multiple users describe the phone as fast.
• Large screen size: Convenient for various app uses and video watching; however, some find it too large for pockets or one-handed use. Multiple users find the large screen size convenient. One user describes it as a big plus. The large screen is described as a significant advantage.
• Easy data transfer: Smart Switch is praised for its ease of transferring data from older devices. Multiple users praise the ease of data transfer using Samsung Smart Switch.
• Headphone jack: The presence of a headphone jack is positively noted.
• Water resistance: The phone''s water resistance (IP67) is noted positively by multiple users.
• Good grip: The phone is described as having a good grip.
• Lightweight: The phone is described as lightweight despite its size by one user.

Cons

• Camera focus issues: Some users report occasional unreliability, particularly with close-up shots and when zooming in. Slow photo-taking speed and slow camera performance are also reported. Low-light performance is noted as a drawback. One user reports disappointment with video and photo quality compared to their A70. The wide-angle lens is noted to distort images at the edges. Camera performance issues are frequently reported.
• Accidental unlocking: Occasional unlocking in pockets reported.
• Unwanted feature selection: Users reported issues with the phone selecting unwanted features or settings.
• Battery life degradation: A decrease in battery life over time is noted, requiring daily charging in one case. Battery life is noted to be less than expected by some users.
• Occasional slow performance: Slow performance during scrolling, changing pages, and with larger apps was reported. Occasional app crashes are mentioned. Slow performance compared to previous models is also noted. Occasional slowdowns and crashes are reported.
• Slow start-up time: One user reported a slow start-up time of approximately 1.5 minutes.
• Scratch-prone back: The back material is mentioned as prone to scratches without a protective case. The back is described as feeling cheap and plasticky, and looking cheap and hollow.
• Inability to copy objects from photos: One user noted the lack of this feature.
• Hardware failures: Multiple users reported hardware failures (touchscreen malfunction, failure to charge/read SIM cards due to moisture/low temperatures, speaker failure) within two years of purchase. One user reported a charging port failure after only a couple of weeks.
• Bluetooth issues: One user reported Bluetooth headphone incompatibility after a software update. One user reports issues with WiFi connectivity after changing locations.
• Microphone sensitivity: One user reported the microphone being overly sensitive, leading to issues with call clarity. One user reports difficulty being understood during hands-free calls. Sound quality during calls is also reported as a potential issue.
• Lack of 5G: One user noted the absence of 5G connectivity.
• Charging cable limitations: One user noted the lack of a USB-A output on the charging cable, making it incompatible with some car chargers and laptops. One user finds the USB-C cable too short. One user notes the lack of a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
• Memory card/dual SIM trade-off: One user noted that choosing dual SIM functionality prevents the use of an SD card.
• Water detection errors: One user reported false water detection errors, requiring factory resets.
• Large size: While some find the size convenient, others find it too large for pockets or one-handed use; it''s also described as heavy.
• Occasional crashes: One user reported frequent software crashes. The phone is described as freezing and requiring a full restart by several users. The phone frequently requests restarts due to SD card issues. One user reports that all their photos and videos disappeared from their gallery after a week of use.
• Lack of Samsung/Google Pay: One user reported initial difficulty downloading these apps.
• Messaging app issues: One user reported frequent issues receiving messages.
• Slow fingerprint and face recognition: One user reported occasional difficulties with fingerprint and face recognition. Face recognition is specifically mentioned as not working well. The fingerprint scanner is frequently mentioned as not working well or unreliable. The in-screen fingerprint reader is described as less responsive than expected.
• Bixby app: One user reported that the Bixby app repeatedly requested access and could not be deleted.
• Slow shutdown: One user reported slow shutdown time.
• Unreliable fingerprint scanner: One user reported the fingerprint scanner being unreliable and frequently activating in pockets.
• Screen brightness issues: One user reported issues with screen brightness not activating automatically outdoors.
• Difficulty taking screenshots: One user reports difficulty taking screenshots.
• Speaker volume: One user reported that the speaker volume cannot be increased during calls.
• Slow typing: One user reported that the phone sometimes misses letters when typing quickly.
• Occasional software bugs: One user reported experiencing several software bugs within a month of purchase, resulting in the phone becoming unusable and requiring a restart.
• Lack of inductive charging: Multiple users note the lack of wireless charging.
• Limited color options: One user expressed disappointment with the limited availability of cover colors.
• Display color accuracy: One user reports that colors appear duller compared to their previous high-end phone.
• Small keyboard: One user reports the keyboard as being too small. One user finds the keyboard less preferable than their previous phone''s keyboard.
• Lack of notification light: One user notes the absence of a notification light.
• Missing USB-A port on charging cable: One user notes this as inconvenient for use with some car chargers and laptops.
• SD card error messages: One user reports intermittent error messages despite no actual SD card issues.
• Heavy weight: The phone is described as heavy by some users.
• Camera protrusion: The cameras protrude, making them more vulnerable to damage.
• Internal memory limitations: One user notes that the internal memory (6GB RAM/128GB storage) is the same as previous models (A70, A71), and an upgrade would have been desirable.

Comments

The Samsung Galaxy A72 receives largely positive feedback, with its long battery life, excellent camera (though with some focus and zoom issues), and large, clear display as its most frequently praised features. Ease of use and price-to-performance are also common positives. Performance is generally described as fast and smooth, but some instances of slowdowns and crashes are reported. Several users reported hardware failures within two years, raising concerns about long-term reliability. Some experienced Bluetooth and charging cable compatibility issues, along with messaging app problems and difficulties with fingerprint/face recognition. The phone''s size is a point of contention, with some users finding it too large and heavy. The battery life, while often excellent, shows signs of degradation over time for some users. The overall ease of use is a significant advantage for many users. The absence of 5G and the trade-off between dual SIM and SD card functionality are also points to consider. The unreliability of the fingerprint scanner and occasional software glitches are recurring concerns. The phone seems well-suited for users who value ease of use and everyday functionality but may not be ideal for users demanding consistent performance and long-term hardware reliability. The phone''s large size may be a drawback for users with smaller hands. The lack of inductive charging is also a noted drawback. The limited color options for cases are also a point of feedback. Some users experience a duller display compared to higher-end devices. The phone''s build quality is questioned by some users who find the back to be cheap-feeling. The phone''s large size is a frequent point of both praise and criticism. WiFi connectivity issues are reported after changing locations. The camera''s quality is frequently praised, yet slow performance and focus issues are reported. The overall user experience is generally positive despite some reported hardware and software issues. The phone''s lack of a notification light is noted as a drawback. The absence of included earphones is noted by one user. The phone is described by one user as being as good as, or better than, higher-end models. Some users find the phone''s size less manageable. One user notes that the phone has a lot of functionality for the price. One user notes that the phone feels light despite its size. The large size of the phone is described as convenient by one user. Some users find the phone too long, while others appreciate the large screen size. The phone is frequently praised for its excellent value for money. The camera''s performance is a frequent point of discussion, with some users praising its quality while others report issues. Many users find the phone to be a significant upgrade from previous models (A70, A71, S8, Note 8). The phone is described by many users as perfect. One user mentions a very positive experience with customer service. Multiple users describe the phone as awesome, amazing, great, or perfect. The phone''s included informational app is praised for its clarity. Multiple users report upgrading from the A70 model. Many users describe the phone as a worthy successor to their previous S8.