Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Xiaomi Poco C65. Both are aiming for the budget-conscious market, but they approach it with different philosophies. I'll break down the specs and translate them into what you, the user, actually experience.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | 168 × 78 × 8.1 mm | C65 is taller and wider, but thinner, making it feel slightly larger overall. A04s is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 195g | 192g | Both are nearly identical in weight; neither will feel particularly light or heavy. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Poco C65 offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same HD+ resolution, suitable for everyday viewing but not pin-sharp. |
| PPI | 270 | 260 | Very similar pixel density; both displays will look similar in terms of sharpness. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD (Poco C65) typically offers better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD (A04s). |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | 90Hz refresh rate on both provides smoother scrolling compared to standard 60Hz screens. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not reported, making it hard to compare screen visibility in bright sunlight conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | The Exynos 850 (A04s) is built on an 8nm process, potentially more power-efficient, while the Helio G85 (C65) provides better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 237,768 | The Poco C65 has a significant performance advantage. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Poco C65's Mali-G52 MC2 GPU generally offers slightly better graphics performance, especially in gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer a 5000mAh battery, which is good for all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 18W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | The Poco C65 charges slightly faster and uses a Li-Polymer battery, which can often be more durable. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | The Poco C65 offers the added benefit of reverse charging, which allows you to use it to charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Rear) | 50MP, f/1.8, No sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, Samsung S5KJN1 | Similar main cameras, but the C65's sensor (S5KJN1) may offer better low-light performance and detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2, No sensor | 8MP, f/2.2, No sensor | Poco C65's selfie camera captures more detail due to its higher resolution. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Identical depth cameras; both offer portrait mode with background blur effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Identical macro cameras for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion (34fps) | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion (120fps) | Poco C65 has better slow-motion recording with 120fps. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, HDR, Face detection, Scene mode | 4K Video, Digital image stabilization, Continuous shooting, HDR, Face detection, Scene mode | Xiaomi Poco C65 has much more advanced video recording capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Max 14 | Android 13 | Poco C65 comes with a newer Android version out of the box. The Samsung A04s can be updated to Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band | Poco C65 supports dual-band Wi-Fi, allowing it to connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, generally providing better speeds and less interference. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE | 5.3, LE, APT-x | Poco C65 has a newer Bluetooth version for better connection stability and audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Samsung A04s supports additional QZSS satellite system for potentially more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 128/256GB | Poco C65 starts with more base storage, useful for storing photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 4/6/8GB | Poco C65 offers more RAM options, leading to improved multitasking performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage; this is a disadvantage for users with large media libraries. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Features | Basic Features | Both phones offer similar basic audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar biometric security with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | No specific information available about the screen protection used on either device. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Poco C65 has a more complete sensor suite, enabling better motion tracking and gaming experiences. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s: Strengths
- Slightly More Compact: A touch smaller and thicker, which some users may find more comfortable.
- GPS Advantage: Inclusion of QZSS support can lead to slightly more accurate location tracking in certain regions.
- Potentially More Power Efficient: The Exynos 850 may be more power-efficient for basic tasks due to the 8nm architecture.
Xiaomi Poco C65: Strengths
- Superior Performance: The Helio G85 and higher AnTuTu score indicate a much faster experience for most daily tasks.
- Better Display: IPS LCD panel offers better viewing angles and potentially better color accuracy.
- More RAM and Storage: Significantly more base storage and RAM options for better multitasking and future-proofing.
- Enhanced Camera Features: The 8MP front camera and 120fps slow-motion are clear advantages for video recording and selfies.
- Reverse Charging: This phone can charge other devices if you are in a pinch.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 offers improved connectivity, less interference, and more modern features.
- Wider Sensor Suite: Has a gyroscope and compass for more advanced gaming and motion-tracking.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 13 which is more recent than the Galaxy A04s.
Trade-Offs and Limitations
- Samsung Galaxy A04s: Slower overall performance, older software version (Android 12).
- Xiaomi Poco C65: Might feel larger for some users, especially with it being taller, wider, but thinner.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s is best for:
- Users on a tight budget looking for a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light browsing.
- Those who prioritize a slightly more compact phone.
- Individuals in areas where QZSS GPS is relevant (e.g., Japan and some parts of Asia).
Xiaomi Poco C65 is ideal for:
- Users who want a smoother, more responsive experience for multitasking and social media.
- Gamers who want a phone capable of handling basic games without lag.
- Those who prioritize a better selfie camera and video recording experience.
- Users who prefer a larger screen for media consumption.
- Users who need more storage space for apps and media.
- Users who want the latest version of Android.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when choosing between these two phones:
- How important is performance for you? If you want a smooth experience and plan on doing anything beyond basic tasks, the Poco C65 is the clear winner.
- How often do you take photos and videos? The Poco C65 has a better front camera, as well as better features and recording.
- What is your budget and how much internal storage do you need? The Poco C65 has more base storage and RAM, which might justify its price.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: "I just need a phone for calls and messages on a low budget" - Samsung Galaxy A04s is acceptable.
- Scenario 2: "I like to play casual mobile games and want a smooth multitasking experience" - Xiaomi Poco C65 is the superior choice due to its better performance.
- Scenario 3: "I want to take good photos for social media and video record" - Xiaomi Poco C65 has the better camera specs and recording.
Final Thoughts and Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, the Xiaomi Poco C65 would be my pick, hands down. It offers a much better overall experience, especially when it comes to performance and camera capabilities. The larger display, enhanced camera, and better performance are significant advantages that outweigh the slightly larger size.
While the Samsung Galaxy A04s has its merits, it lags behind in terms of performance and user experience. For anyone who uses their phone for more than just the absolute basics, the Poco C65 presents much greater value. It strikes a better balance between affordability and functionality, making it the better option in my book.
