Okay, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G. It's always fun to get into the nitty-gritty of these devices and see where they shine, and perhaps where they don't.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the key specifications, with an emphasis on what they mean for the average user:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm | Very similar physical size; the Poco M4 5G is a hair thinner, but most users wouldn't notice. |
| Weight | 195g | 200g | Both are on the heavier side, but the 5-gram difference is negligible. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.58" | Virtually identical screen sizes; the difference is minimal and barely noticeable. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2408 | Major Difference: Poco M4 5G will appear significantly sharper, with finer details, thanks to a higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 270 | 401 | Poco M4 5G's higher PPI leads to clearer text, images, and videos. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD (Poco M4 5G) generally offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD (A04s). |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling than standard 60Hz panels; a welcome feature for both phones. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is equal in both, but it is expected that it will not be equal in real life, this information is missing and makes comparison impossible. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Key Difference: The Dimensity 700 on the Poco M4 5G is significantly more powerful for everyday tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 381,300 | The Poco M4 5G will feel much faster and smoother in daily use, particularly during multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Poco M4 5G's GPU is better suited for smoother graphics and handling complex 3D rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) | 13MP (f/2.2) | A04s has a higher resolution main sensor and a wider aperture, which in theory could allow it to capture more light than the Poco. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP (f/2.2) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Both phones have identical selfie cameras. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both phones have identical portrait cameras. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | N/A | The A04s includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which the Poco M4 5G lacks. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record at 1080p, but the Poco M4 5G comes with 4K Video recording features and Digital image stabilization. The A04s has slow-motion, the Poco does not. |
| Features | Triple camera, PDAF, HDR | Dual camera, 4K Video, DIS, Night Mode | The Poco M4 5G has more advanced video and low-light shooting capabilities, while A04s includes an additional lens. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have large batteries, providing full-day battery life for typical use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Poco M4 5G charges slightly faster, reducing charging times. |
| Features | Li-Ion, Non-removable | Li-Polymer, Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Li-Polymer batteries are generally considered more durable than Li-Ion. The Poco M4 5G can also be used to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | Android 12 | The Samsung has an update to Android 14, the Xiaomi hasn't. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both have Wi-Fi 5, but the Poco M4 5G has additional features for stronger connectivity in various setups. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE, EDR, HID | Poco M4 5G has a more modern Bluetooth version for better connection stability and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A04s has additional support for QZSS, which can increase accuracy in specific regions, particularly Asia. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 64/128GB | Both offer 64GB and 128GB variants. A04s additionally comes in a 32GB variant. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 4/6GB | The Poco M4 5G offers more RAM in top-end models, aiding in smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, which may limit your storage options. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Poco M4 5G has screen protection by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Sensors | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Poco M4 5G has a more comprehensive sensor suite, which provides an advantage in advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s
- Strengths:
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 50MP main sensor could potentially capture more detailed images in good lighting conditions, though the real-world difference is not always clear.
- Macro Lens: The dedicated macro lens gives users more flexibility when capturing close-up shots.
- GPS: Supports more satellite systems (QZSS), which can improve positioning in certain areas.
- Software: Upgradable to Android 14.
- Limitations:
- Weaker Performance: Significantly underpowered compared to the Poco M4 5G, struggling with more demanding apps and games.
- Lower Resolution Display: The lower pixel density makes the display less sharp for reading text and viewing detailed content.
- No screen protection: It lacks protection against scratches.
- No expandable storage: Limits storage options.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G
- Strengths:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Dimensity 700 chipset delivers a noticeably smoother and faster experience in almost every aspect.
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution and pixel density provide a much clearer and more enjoyable visual experience.
- Better Video Features: 4K Video recording and DIS make it better for users who record more videos.
- More RAM Option: The 6GB variant provides more RAM and smoother multitasking.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 gives better screen protection.
- Reverse charging: This allows the phone to charge other devices if needed.
- Advanced Connectivity: Enhanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions for more reliable connections.
- Limitations:
- Lower Resolution Main Camera: The 13MP main sensor might not capture as much detail as the Samsung in well-lit scenes.
- No macro lens: Lacks a dedicated macro camera, limiting close-up photography.
- Software: Doesn't have an update for Android 14.
- No expandable storage: Limits storage options.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Best for: Users with very basic needs who prioritize a lower cost and a larger main camera resolution. Ideal for very light use, such as basic calls, texts, social media, and the occasional photo.
- Use Cases: Casual browsing, light social media use, capturing photos in good lighting, and very limited gaming. Users who rarely multitask.
- Xiaomi Poco M4 5G:
- Best for: Users who want a smoother and more responsive experience, play mobile games, and watch a lot of videos. Ideal for those who multitask and need a more future-proof device.
- Use Cases: Smooth day-to-day usage, multitasking, gaming, watching movies and videos, and making social media content.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance? If you want your phone to be fast, smooth, and responsive, the Poco M4 5G is the better option due to its superior chipset and larger RAM options.
- How important is screen quality? If you value sharpness and clarity, the Poco M4 5G's higher resolution display is a must.
- How important are camera features? If you take a lot of videos, you may prefer the Poco M4 5G. If you like taking close-up photos, the A04s offers a dedicated macro lens.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If you're primarily concerned about price and only need basic functionality, the Samsung A04s may be sufficient. But keep in mind that the Poco M4 5G is worth the price difference if you can afford it.
- Casual User: If you use your phone for more than just basic calls and texts, the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G will offer a far more enjoyable and responsive experience.
- Multimedia User: If you watch a lot of videos or play games, the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is the better option thanks to its sharper screen and more powerful performance.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you want to take close-up photos, the A04s provides a macro lens that the Poco M4 5G does not have. But if you are interested in general photography, the Poco M4 5G is slightly better, because of its 4K Video feature, digital image stabilization, and night mode.
My Choice
If I were buying a phone from these two, I'd choose the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G. The sheer difference in performance, thanks to the Dimensity 700 chip, is a game-changer for me. The improved display is also a significant plus, making everything from reading articles to watching videos much more pleasant. The Poco M4 5G's feature set makes it a more future-proof device and provides a better user experience overall. While the Samsung A04s has a higher megapixel main camera, the benefits that the Poco M4 5G offers outweigh this for me and would be noticeable in everyday use. The slightly better charging speed is just the cherry on top.
