1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 163.6 × 75.8 × 8.8 mm | The Poco is slightly shorter and thinner; both are very similar in hand feel and pocketability. |
| Weight | 196g | 195g | Both phones feel virtually identical in weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible size difference; both offer a large viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Poco M4 Pro 5G will display significantly sharper images and text, leading to a much better viewing experience. |
| PPI | 270 | 399 | The Poco's higher pixel density results in much sharper and detailed visuals, reducing pixelation. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | The Poco's IPS LCD panel generally offers better color accuracy and viewing angles compared to PLS LCD, resulting in better overall image quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Poco's 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smoother, providing a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have the same max brightness, although the actual values are missing so its not possible to comment on the usability under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | The Poco's chipset is much more powerful and efficient, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 438,700 | The Poco has significantly higher performance, meaning much snappier everyday performance and the ability to handle demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Poco's GPU is more powerful, providing better graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer a full day's usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Ion Polymer | The Poco charges much faster, minimizing downtime. Li-Ion Polymer is often more resilient with higher charge cycles than standard Li-Ion batteries |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Poco's main camera captures much more detail and is better in low light, leading to higher-quality photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | The Poco’s front camera captures higher resolution images for better quality selfies. The A02s has a wider aperture, theoretically better in low light, but in practice the resolution difference will likely be more impactful. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 8MP, f/2.2 | The Poco allows for capturing wide perspective shots, which is not available on the A02s. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | The A02s has a dedicated depth sensor for portraits, while the Poco relies on software processing for portraits. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | The A02s has a dedicated macro lens for closeup pictures, which is not available on the Poco. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps | The Poco can record video at 60fps and can also record slow-motion video, which the A02s cannot |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Both can be updated to Android 12, but the Poco has a newer base version, indicating potentially better long-term software support, but they will both probably not get further updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | The Poco supports faster Wi-Fi standards, resulting in better connection speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | 5.1 | The Poco has a newer version of bluetooth, allowing for better power consumption and connection stability, and more advanced audio codecs.. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou(B1) | The Poco supports more satellite systems, which means potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32 GB or 64 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB or 256 GB | The Poco offers significantly more storage options, meaning you can store more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 3 GB or 4 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | The Poco provides more options for multitasking and better app handling. |
| Expandable Storage | Not available | Not available | Neither phone allows for memory expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Poco offers a significantly better audio experience through enhanced spatial audio, higher audio quality, and better sound capture, especially when watching videos and listening to music. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Poco's fingerprint sensor offers convenient and quick unlocking and better security than pattern lock alone. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Poco screen is more protected against scratches and minor impacts due to Corning Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The Poco has a much more comprehensive suite of sensors, for more capabilities and better experiences with certain apps and games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset offers a massive performance boost over the Snapdragon 450, leading to snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Superior Display: The higher resolution (1080p) and pixel density (399 PPI), combined with a 90Hz refresh rate and IPS LCD, delivers a much more detailed, fluid, and visually appealing viewing experience.
- Better Camera: The 50MP main camera, 16MP selfie camera, and the addition of a wide angle lens capture more detailed and versatile photos and videos.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the A02s's 15W charging.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers offer a much better audio experience.
- Better Security: the fingerprint sensor offers a more secure and faster unlock method.
Practical Implications: The Poco M4 Pro 5G will feel significantly faster, smoother, and more responsive in day-to-day use. It will also be better for watching videos, playing games, and capturing higher-quality photos and videos.
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Depth and Macro Lens: the included depth and macro lenses allow for different photographic options
- Slightly wider selfie aperture might allow for slightly better low light selfie
Practical Implications: The A02s has more basic photography features that can help in specific scenarios, but are likely not used by most users.
Trade-offs:
- Performance: The most significant trade-off is the vastly superior performance of the Poco M4 Pro 5G, The A02s will struggle with more demanding applications and games.
- Display: The A02s display will not be as sharp or visually appealing when compared to the Poco.
- Camera: the Poco's camera will be much more versatile, better in low light and have better detail in most scenarios.
- Security: The A02s lacks the fingerprint sensor of the Poco.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A02s:
- Users with very basic smartphone needs.
- Individuals on a tight budget, looking for a basic phone for calls, text, and light web browsing.
- Users who prioritize a low price point over performance or advanced features.
- Those who value having depth and macro lenses.
Use Cases:
- Basic communication and light social media
- Simple web browsing and reading
- Photo taking of close up objects
- Photo taking with depth of field
Ideal User for Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G:
- Users who prioritize performance and a smooth user experience.
- Individuals who enjoy watching videos, playing games, and multitasking.
- Users who want to take high-quality photos and videos.
- Tech-savvy individuals who value fast charging and advanced features.
- Users who value better audio quality.
- Those who value secure fingerprint access.
Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming and video editing
- Watching high-definition videos and movies
- Capturing detailed photos and videos
- Smooth multitasking between multiple apps
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco M4 Pro 5G offers significantly more features and performance for its price, offering a much better value for money. The A02s, on the other hand, is suitable for individuals where the absolute minimum spending is the only focus.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The A02s is likely cheaper, so it might be the only option for those on a tight budget.
- How important is performance and responsiveness? The Poco M4 Pro 5G offers much better performance, if you value a smooth experience with app launching, playing games, or multitasking.
- What do I primarily use my phone for? If you watch videos, take pictures, or play games regularly, the Poco M4 Pro 5G is the better option. If you only need to make calls and check social media, the A02s will be suitable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User with Basic Needs - If your budget is extremely tight and you only need a phone for very basic tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A02s may be sufficient, although I'd recommend finding a cheaper alternative or even a second hand option.
- Scenario 2: User Prioritizing Performance and Multimedia - The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G is the clear winner, offering a much better experience for everyday use and entertainment.
- Scenario 3: Camera Focused User - The Poco M4 Pro 5G offers better image quality and more versatility with it's wide angle lens, despite not having a dedicated macro or depth lens, which most users would not use anyway.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G.
Why?
The Poco M4 Pro 5G is superior in almost every category that matters for modern smartphone use. The significantly better performance, display quality, camera capabilities, faster charging, and enhanced audio make it a much more enjoyable and versatile device. The A02s has a few specific photography advantages, but in general the benefits of the Poco far outweigh those small advantages. While the price might be a bit higher, the improved performance and features make the Poco M4 Pro 5G a much better value for money for most users. I prioritize a smooth, responsive experience, and a better camera for taking photos and videos, which the Poco provides. The A02s is only suitable if the price is absolutely the only focus, and even in that case I'd recommend considering second hand options of better phones before considering the A02s.
