👍 Pros
- Large 5000mAh battery capacity, suggesting extended usage times.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on both main and telephoto cameras enhances photo and video stability.
- Dedicated telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom offers versatile photography options.
- Stereo speakers provide a more immersive audio experience.
- Expandable storage via microSDXC, allowing for increased data capacity.
👎 Cons
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset is significantly outdated, limiting performance in 2026.
- Plastic build materials may feel less premium compared to modern devices.
- Limited to 4G connectivity, lacking the widespread 5G support of contemporary phones.
- Only upgradable to Android 12, indicating a lack of current software support.
- 25W wired charging is slower than many current mid-range charging solutions.
Expert Review & Rating
Market Position in 2026
The Samsung Galaxy A72, released several years prior, occupies a niche in the 2026 market primarily as a budget-friendly option on the used or refurbished market. Its hardware has aged considerably compared to modern mid-range and entry-level smartphones, which now typically feature 5G connectivity and more powerful chipsets.
Performance & Daily Usage
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset, while capable in its time, will exhibit noticeable limitations in 2026. Everyday tasks like web browsing and social media should remain functional, but more demanding applications and multitasking will likely result in slower load times and potential UI stutters. Thermal management is unlikely to be a significant issue given the processor’s age and lower power demands compared to current high-performance chips, but its overall responsiveness will be a step behind contemporary devices.
The Compromises
The most significant compromise of the Galaxy A72 in 2026 is its Snapdragon 720G processor, which lacks the computational power and efficiency of current chipsets, impacting overall speed and future app compatibility. The absence of 5G connectivity is another major drawback, limiting network speeds in areas where 5G is prevalent. Furthermore, being stuck on Android 12 means it misses out on several years of critical security updates and new Android features, posing potential security risks and usability limitations. The plastic build, while durable, does not offer the premium feel of glass or metal found in many modern phones, even in the budget segment.
The Best Features
The Galaxy A72’s strongest selling points remain its large 5000mAh battery, which, even with an aging processor, should still provide reliable all-day endurance for light to moderate usage. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on both the 64 MP main camera and the 8 MP telephoto lens is a notable advantage, helping to produce sharper photos and more stable videos, a feature often absent in current budget devices. The dedicated 3x optical zoom lens offers genuine photographic versatility not commonly found in entry-level phones today, allowing for clearer zoomed-in shots without significant digital degradation. Additionally, the presence of stereo speakers enhances the media consumption experience, providing a more immersive soundstage than single-speaker setups. The option for expandable storage via microSDXC is also a practical benefit for users who require more space for media and apps.
Buying Advice
The Samsung Galaxy A72 in 2026 is a viable option for users primarily seeking a very affordable secondary device or a basic smartphone for communication and light media consumption on the used market. However, those requiring modern performance, 5G connectivity, or the latest software updates should prioritize newer budget or mid-range alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Samsung Galaxy A72 is primarily worth considering in 2026 as a very budget-friendly option on the used or refurbished market for basic tasks. Its outdated processor and lack of 5G make it less competitive against modern phones, but its battery life and OIS-equipped cameras might appeal to specific users.
Based on the hardware, the 64 MP main camera with OIS and a relatively wide f/1.8 aperture suggests it can capture decent low-light images for its class, benefiting from the stabilization. However, without advanced computational photography found in newer devices, its performance will likely be surpassed by contemporary smartphones, especially in very challenging low-light scenarios.