1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 164 × 76.1 × 8.9 mm | Very similar size; negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 196g | 200g | Virtually identical; not a significant factor. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones with similar build quality (excluding screen protection) |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.58" | Practically the same viewing area; minimal difference. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2408 | Poco M4 5G has a noticeably sharper display; text and images appear clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 401 | Poco M4 5G display is significantly sharper with more detail visible. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Poco M4 5G provides better viewing angles and color accuracy than the Samsung Galaxy A02s. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Poco M4 5G screen scrolling and animations look smoother. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones offer an unknown brightness level; an important factor is missing. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco M4 5G offers better screen protection, potentially reducing scratches and cracks |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Poco M4 5G has a significantly faster and more efficient chipset; apps launch quicker, smoother multitasking and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 381,300 | Poco M4 5G provides a much faster experience across the board; far superior performance in every aspect. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Poco M4 5G has a more capable GPU, resulting in better graphic performance in games and apps |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 13MP, f/1.8 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Samsung A02s may perform slightly better in low light due to a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 5MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Similar selfie camera performance. |
| Portrait Camera Resolution | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar depth camera capabilities for bokeh effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung A02s offers macro capabilities for close-up shots |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record standard HD videos |
| Video Stabilization | No | Digital Image Stabilization | Poco M4 5G offers digitally stabilized video for less shaky footage |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, PDAF, Panorama | Dual camera, 4k Video, Night Mode, White balance, Exposure Compesation | Poco M4 5G offers more advanced video and picture features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life; both should last a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Poco M4 5G charges slightly faster reducing waiting time. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Poco M4 5G can share its power with other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Poco M4 5G comes with a newer Android version and features out-of-the-box |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Poco M4 5G supports faster Wi-Fi standards for better connections and speeds |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.1 LE | Poco M4 5G has a newer Bluetooth version for improved connection stability and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Similar Location capabilities |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64 GB | 64/128 GB | Poco M4 5G offers more internal storage for apps and files. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 4/6 GB | Poco M4 5G has more RAM allowing for better performance and multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both phones have similar audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Poco M4 5G offers more convenient and secure access using a fingerprint |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Poco M4 5G has a more complete sensor set suitable for different use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Advantages:
- Significantly better performance: The Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset offers a vastly superior experience compared to the Snapdragon 450. This results in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Higher resolution and refresh rate display: The 1080p display with a 90Hz refresh rate provides a sharper, smoother visual experience.
- Faster charging: The 18W fast charging allows for quicker battery top-ups.
- More storage and RAM: Higher storage and RAM options contribute to better performance and multitasking capabilities.
- Modern software: Ships with a newer version of Android and can be more future-proof.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers better scratch and damage resistance.
- Enhanced Features: Offers additional features such as: Digital image stabilization, fingerprint sensor, 4k video, Night Mode, White balance settings, Exposure compensation, Reverse Charging, Compass and Gyroscope sensors
- Superior Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: The latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards allow for better wireless connections.
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Wider aperture main camera: The f/1.8 aperture might perform slightly better in low-light conditions and offers a shallower depth of field compared to the f/2.2 of the Poco M4 5G.
- Dedicated macro camera: The Samsung Galaxy A02s has a macro lens that allows you to take pictures with more details from close range.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A02s sacrifices performance and display quality for a lower cost.
- The Xiaomi Poco M4 5G, while offering better performance, may come at a slightly higher price point.
- The Samsung A02s has a macro lens while the Poco M4 5G doesn't.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic smartphone functionality and don't need high performance or gaming capabilities. Good for elderly people that need a simple smartphone for phone calls and occasional picture taking.
- Use Cases: Casual web browsing, social media, basic photography, light app usage, and calls.
- Price-to-Value: Offers basic functionality at a low price point, but falls short on performance and modern features.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who want a good balance of performance and features without breaking the bank. Good for students that need to use the phone for school and gaming.
- Use Cases: Smooth multitasking, moderate gaming, watching videos, capturing social media-worthy pictures, and using it as a daily driver.
- Price-to-Value: Provides significantly more value for the money with its powerful processor, improved display, and modern features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Samsung Galaxy A02s will be more affordable, but the Poco M4 5G offers much more value for the money.
- How important is performance? If you use your phone for more than just basic tasks or you enjoy gaming, the Poco M4 5G is the better choice.
- How important is the screen quality? The better display of the Poco M4 5G will offer a noticeably better experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget is tight): If you're on a strict budget and mainly use your phone for basic tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A02s is adequate, but consider the Poco M4 5G if budget allows.
- Scenario 2 (Performance matters): If you want a phone that can handle moderate multitasking, gaming, and video consumption, the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is the best option.
- Scenario 3 (Screen is essential): If you prioritize a sharper, smoother display, the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is the clear winner.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G. Here's why:
While the Samsung A02s might be more affordable, the Poco M4 5G offers far superior value due to its significantly better performance, smoother and sharper display, and more modern features. The difference in the chipset performance is substantial, leading to a much more responsive and enjoyable user experience. The higher refresh rate screen alone will make a huge impact on daily usage.
The additional features of the Poco M4 5G, such as the fingerprint sensor, digital image stabilization, better connectivity, and reverse charging, provide practical advantages that are well worth the slightly increased cost. The improved display and camera features, particularly 4K video, would also have a big impact in daily usage. In my opinion, the Poco M4 5G is simply a much better phone that provides a smoother and more complete experience that would last longer.
