Hisense H72 Review – Is the Hisense H72 Just Budget Hype or a Hidden Gem?

This is a Hisense review. Have you used Hisense H72 before? Leave your review in the comments section below. You’ve probably seen the Hisense H72 advertised as a budget-friendly smartphone that “does the job” without breaking the bank. It’s often promoted as the ideal entry-level device for students, first-time smartphone users, or anyone needing a basic backup phone.

But is that just marketing fluff, or does the Hisense H72 actually deliver on its promises? I dug into Reddit threads, Quora discussions, TikTok videos, and user comments across forums to get the real story. The goal was to find out whether this device is a hidden gem or just another forgettable budget phone.

What the Hisense H72 Gets Right

Let’s start with what works. The Hisense H72 is praised for its affordability. In South Africa, it’s often found under R2000, making it one of the cheapest dual-SIM smartphones with a 6-inch screen and 4 GB RAM. That price point alone draws attention from students, pensioners, and budget-conscious buyers. On TikTok, HisenseSA promoted the H72 as “the top smartphone choice under R2000,” and the comments reflect genuine interest in its value proposition.

Users say it’s a solid pick for basic tasks like WhatsApp, email, and YouTube. The 4 GB RAM is enough to keep things running smoothly for light multitasking. The 32 GB internal storage, while modest, is expandable via microSD, which helps offset the limited onboard space.

The screen size is another win. At 6 inches, it’s large enough for comfortable browsing and video playback. The display isn’t AMOLED or high refresh rate, but it’s serviceable for casual use. The build quality is described as “surprisingly sturdy” for the price. It doesn’t feel premium, but it doesn’t feel flimsy either.

The plastic back is durable and less prone to cracking than glass. The dual-SIM capability is a major plus for users juggling work and personal numbers or switching between networks for better coverage.

Camera and Battery: Manage Expectations

Camera performance is where expectations need to be tempered. The Hisense H72 features an 8 MP rear camera and an 8 MP front camera. These specs are modest, and the results reflect that. Daylight shots are acceptable, but low-light performance is weak. Autofocus can be slow, and image sharpness is inconsistent.

Users on forums say the camera is “fine for scanning documents or snapping quick pics,” but not ideal for social media photography. Video recording is basic, with limited stabilization and resolution options.

Battery life is another area where the H72 shows its budget roots. The 3000 mAh battery is sufficient for a day of light use, but heavy users will need to recharge by evening. There’s no fast charging, and the micro-USB port feels dated in 2025. Still, for users who aren’t gaming or streaming for hours, the battery holds up reasonably well.

The phone runs Android Go, a lightweight version of Android designed for low-spec devices. This helps optimize performance and reduce bloat, but it also means limited app compatibility and fewer customization options.

Where the Hisense H72 Falls Short

Now let’s talk about the downsides. The most common complaint across Reddit and Quora is lag during multitasking. While 4 GB RAM sounds decent, the processor isn’t powerful enough to handle demanding apps or games. Users report stuttering when switching between apps or loading web pages with heavy content.

The internal storage fills up quickly, especially after installing a few apps and downloading media. Without regular cleanup or an SD card, the phone slows down noticeably.

Another issue is the display quality. While the size is appreciated, the resolution and brightness levels are underwhelming. Outdoor visibility is poor, and color reproduction is muted. The touch response can be sluggish, especially near the edges of the screen.

Some users mention ghost touches or delayed input, which affects typing and gaming. The speaker quality is also basic. Audio is tinny and lacks depth, making it less enjoyable for music or video playback without headphones.

Customer support and software updates are hit-or-miss. Hisense doesn’t have the same update cadence as Samsung or Xiaomi, so users shouldn’t expect regular Android upgrades or security patches. This affects app compatibility and long-term usability.

On Reddit, users warn that “you get what you pay for” and recommend buying from retailers that offer extended warranties or return policies. There’s also skepticism around build quality over time. While the phone feels solid initially, some users report issues with the charging port or screen responsiveness after a year of use.

Features and Specifications of the Hisense H72

The Hisense H72 comes with a 6-inch display, 8 MP rear and front cameras, 4 GB RAM, 32 GB ROM, and a 3000 mAh battery. It supports dual SIM cards and runs Android Go. The build is plastic, with a micro-USB charging port and basic speaker setup.

There’s no fingerprint sensor or face unlock, which may be a dealbreaker for some. The phone supports 4G LTE, but not 5G. The UI is clean and minimal, with pre-installed Google apps and limited bloatware.

Hisense H72 Review: What Other Users Are Saying

Let’s zoom in on the general sentiment. Across forums, the Hisense H72 is described as “good enough” for basic use. It’s not a powerhouse, but it’s not a disaster either. The value-for-money angle is strong, especially for users who understand its limitations.

On TikTok, the H72 is positioned as a top pick under R2000, and users echo that sentiment in the comments. They appreciate the affordability, dual-SIM support, and decent RAM. On Reddit, opinions are more mixed. Some users say it’s “fine for WhatsApp and calls,” while others warn about lag and poor camera quality. The consensus is that it’s a starter phone, not a long-term investment.

Quora discussions highlight similar themes. Users ask whether the H72 is suitable for elderly parents or school kids, and the answer is usually yes—with caveats. It’s fine for communication and light browsing, but not for gaming or photography. One user said they bought it for their grandmother, who only needed WhatsApp and Facebook, and it worked perfectly. Another said they used it as a backup phone during travel and appreciated the dual-SIM feature. The phone’s simplicity is seen as a strength for non-tech-savvy users.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Hisense H72

In terms of advantages, the H72 offers affordability, dual-SIM flexibility, and a decent screen size. The RAM is sufficient for basic tasks, and the expandable storage helps manage media files. The Android Go OS keeps things lightweight and responsive. The build quality is better than expected for the price, and the phone handles calls, texts, and messaging apps reliably.

On the flip side, disadvantages include weak camera performance, limited battery life, and sluggish multitasking. The display lacks brightness and clarity, and the speaker quality is poor. Software updates are infrequent, and customer support varies by region. The micro-USB port feels outdated, and the lack of biometric security features may concern some users.

Who Is the Hisense H72 For?

So who is the Hisense H72 for? It’s best suited for users who need a basic smartphone for communication, browsing, and light media consumption. Students, pensioners, and first-time smartphone users will find it adequate. It’s also a good backup phone for travelers or anyone needing dual-SIM support. It’s not for gamers, photographers, or power users. If you expect high performance, premium features, or long-term durability, you’ll be disappointed.

The Hisense H72 delivers on its promise of affordability and simplicity. It’s not magic, but it’s not junk either. You get what you pay for, and in this case, that’s a functional, entry-level smartphone with a few compromises. If you’re starting from scratch and need a quick, budget-friendly solution for calls, texts, and WhatsApp, the H72 can be a solid head start. But it won’t run your digital life on autopilot. You’ll need to manage storage, avoid heavy apps, and accept its limitations.

Have you tried the Hisense H72 yourself? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation honest and helpful for others considering this device.