Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02 vs. Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | Poco X4 Pro is slightly larger in width, thinner by 1mm, with a marginally smaller overall volume; Both phones have similar physical sizes. |
Weight | 206g | 205g | Virtually identical weight; both will feel similar in hand. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Poco X4 Pro has a slightly larger screen for more immersive content consumption. |
Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Poco X4 Pro offers much sharper visuals and text clarity, leading to a more enjoyable user experience. |
Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 395 | Poco X4 Pro's higher pixel density results in noticeably crisper images and text. |
Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Poco X4 Pro's AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and potentially better battery life, especially with dark mode enabled. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Poco X4 Pro provides much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming visuals, offering a more fluid user experience. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Poco X4 Pro is far more usable outdoors in bright sunlight, ensuring better screen visibility. (Note: The 0 nits is probably a data error, but the Poco is much brighter) |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Poco X4 Pro's chipset is significantly more powerful and efficient; leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
AnTuTu Score | 50,774 | 395,978 | Poco X4 Pro offers drastically superior performance for all tasks including gaming and resource intensive apps. |
GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Adreno 619 | Poco X4 Pro's Adreno GPU provides significantly better graphics performance, leading to smoother gaming and better video rendering. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera Resolution | 13MP | 108MP | Poco X4 Pro captures much more detailed photos, and allows for greater cropping flexibility. |
Main Camera Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.9 | Both phones have the same aperture, suggesting similar low-light capability, though this is impacted by other factors such as sensor size. |
Selfie Camera Resolution | 5MP | 16MP | Poco X4 Pro offers much sharper selfies. |
Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.4 | The Samsung A02's selfie has a wider aperture, but the much higher resolution of the Poco X4 Pro makes it superior. |
Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP | Poco X4 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens allowing for more creative photos. |
Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both phones feature a macro lens for close-up shots. |
Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones record videos at 1080p at 30fps. |
Slow Motion Video | No | Yes (120fps) | Poco X4 Pro allows for more interesting and creative slow motion video recording. |
Camera Features | Basic | Advanced | Poco X4 Pro offers extra features like: Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Manual focus, RAW, Night Mode |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacities, suggesting similar battery life under normal use. |
Charging | 7.5W | 67W | Poco X4 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing charging time by a substantial amount. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 10 | Android 11 | Poco X4 Pro ships with a newer version of Android, offering improved features and security. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Poco X4 Pro has newer Wi-Fi standards, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections; it also has additional features like Dual-Band, Wifi Direct, Display and MIMO. |
Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Poco X4 Pro supports the latest Bluetooth standards, with improved range, speed, and power efficiency; also includes additional codecs like APT-x, LDAC, AAC. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Poco X4 Pro supports a wider array of satellite systems, potentially providing more accurate location tracking. |
Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 32 GB or 64 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB | Poco X4 Pro offers greater storage options, allowing for more apps, photos and other media. |
RAM | 2 GB/3 GB/4 GB | 6 GB/8 GB | Poco X4 Pro has significantly more RAM allowing smoother multitasking and better performance. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
Audio | |||
Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Poco X4 Pro offers a far superior sound experience, especially for media consumption. |
Security | |||
Security features | Basic security features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Poco X4 Pro offers a more secure biometric unlock via a fingerprint sensor. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco X4 Pro's screen is better protected against scratches and impacts. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Poco X4 Pro has additional sensors enabling more advanced functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher refresh rate (120Hz) and much higher brightness make for a significantly better viewing experience.
- Vastly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and larger RAM result in drastically faster performance and smoother multitasking.
- Superior Camera System: Higher-resolution main and front cameras, a wide-angle lens, better video features and overall a much more versatile camera system.
- Much Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging drastically reduces charging time.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio, Stereo speakers provide a significantly better listening experience.
- Improved Connectivity: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth, more GPS satellites allow for better connectivity and location tracking.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better screen protection.
- More Security: Includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Practical Implications: The Poco X4 Pro is better for everything, from browsing social media to gaming and taking photos.
Samsung Galaxy A02 Advantages:
- Slightly more compact design: The Galaxy A02 is slightly more compact, if this is important to you.
- Potentially lower price: As an older and much lower specified phone, the A02 will likely be much cheaper.
Practical Implications: The Galaxy A02 is primarily an entry-level phone that prioritizes affordability.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- The Galaxy A02 makes heavy compromises in display, performance, camera, and charging speed in favor of a lower price point.
- The Poco X4 Pro is more expensive but provides an overall much better user experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02 Ideal User:
- Users on a very tight budget who primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing.
- Individuals who prioritize affordability over all else.
- Those who rarely use their phone for gaming, photography, or demanding applications.
Use Cases:
- Basic phone for elderly relatives or children.
- A secondary phone for emergencies.
- A simple phone for those who prioritize simplicity and affordability.
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G Ideal User:
- Users who want a smooth, enjoyable experience for all their phone usage.
- Those who use their phones heavily for gaming, media consumption, and photography.
- Users looking for a phone with fast charging and good connectivity.
- Those who need a phone with a premium display and an enhanced audio experience.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, watching videos, browsing social media.
- Taking high quality photos and videos.
- Long-term usage and power users who need a phone that can keep up with their demands.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Galaxy A02 has a low price but very basic features.
- The Poco X4 Pro has a higher price but offers outstanding value for its features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Galaxy A02 is a budget option, while the Poco X4 Pro offers much better features at a higher price.
- How important is performance? If you need a smooth and responsive phone for apps and games, the Poco X4 Pro is the clear choice.
- How important is display quality? The Poco X4 Pro's AMOLED screen is significantly better than the Galaxy A02's LCD screen.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If budget is the primary concern and you only need a basic phone, the Galaxy A02 is an acceptable option. However, be aware of the many limitations.
- Scenario 2: If you want a good all-around phone for everyday use with a focus on performance, display, and camera, the Poco X4 Pro is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: If you're a power user who games or enjoys media on the go, the Poco X4 Pro is highly recommended.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G.
The reasons are:
- Superior Overall Experience: The Poco X4 Pro 5G offers a drastically better experience in virtually every category, from display quality and performance to camera capabilities and charging speeds. These aren't just theoretical advantages, they translate to a much more enjoyable user experience in day-to-day life.
- Future-Proofing: The more powerful chipset and larger amount of RAM make the Poco X4 Pro 5G a significantly more future-proof device, ensuring it will remain fast and responsive for years to come.
- Better Value Proposition: While the Poco X4 Pro 5G has a higher price, the vast improvements it offers make it a far better value for money. The A02's low price makes it a false economy, it is much inferior in every measurable way.
- Specific Use Cases: I personally value a quality display for media consumption, smooth performance for everyday use, and a versatile camera, which the Poco X4 Pro 5G delivers on in spades.
While the Samsung Galaxy A02 is an option for users with extremely limited budgets, the compromises it makes in almost all areas mean that the Poco X4 Pro 5G is far more compelling device.