Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G. Both are vying for your attention in the competitive mid-range market, but they take different approaches to achieving that goal. Here’s a breakdown designed to help you decide which one is the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm | The A23 is a tad taller, while the M4 is slightly thicker. Both are similar in hand feel. |
| Weight | 197g | 200g | Practically identical weight; both feel fairly substantial. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | The A23's screen has newer protection, suggesting better scratch and drop resistance. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.58" | Minimal difference in screen size; both provide immersive viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 | 1080 x 2408 | Both are Full HD+, ensuring sharp and detailed visuals. |
| PPI | 400 | 401 | Similar pixel densities; both look crisp and clear. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD often offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The A23 provides smoother scrolling and animations, which may be noticeable in everyday use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | This is not the maximum brightness; rather both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G | Dimensity 700 | The Snapdragon 695 generally offers better performance and efficiency than the Dimensity 700. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,000 | 381,300 | The A23 scores slightly higher in benchmarks, indicating a bit more power for intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno GPUs are generally considered better for gaming than Mali GPUs at this level. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 13MP, f/2.2 | The A23 has a significantly higher resolution sensor and a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | The A23 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing broader scenes. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 5MP, f/2.2 | The A23 captures higher-resolution selfies with a wider aperture for low-light scenarios. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both provide similar depth-sensing cameras for bokeh effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The A23 includes a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps; OIS; Slow-mo: 120fps | 1080p@30fps; No; Slow-mo: No, 30fps | The A23 includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a higher slow-mo frame rate for smoother videos. |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, OIS, PDAF | Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Night Mode | The A23 emphasizes versatility and stability, the M4 has digital stabilization and a dedicated night mode. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar all-day battery life with typical usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | The A23 charges faster, which can save you time when topping up. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging | Reverse charging | The A23 lets you use the phone while bypassing charging, the M4 can act as a power bank. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 12 | The A23 gets more future OS updates compared to the M4. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi Direct | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi Direct, Dual band, MiMO, Wi-Fi Display | The M4 supports additional Wi-Fi features for advanced use. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, APT-x | 5.1 LE, EDR | Both support 5.1 LE, the A23 has better audio codecs, while the M4 has EDR. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The A23 supports QZSS offering better location precision. |
| SIM | Single SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | The M4 supports dual SIM cards simultaneously, ideal for using two numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | Varies | 64GB/128GB | The M4 has a default capacity of either 64 or 128GB. |
| RAM | Varies | 4GB/6GB | The M4 has more RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone provides an option for expandable storage using an SD Card |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both phones are evenly matched in audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones use a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for basic biometric security |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity(Ultrasonic) | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Proximity | The A23 includes additional environmental sensors, while the M4 has a compass. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
Strengths:
- Superior Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother, more responsive user experience.
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 695 offers better processing power and gaming performance.
- More Versatile Camera System: A 50MP main sensor, wide-angle, and macro lenses, with Optical Image Stabilization for smoother videos.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging significantly reduces the time needed to recharge the device.
- More software updates: Better longevity with upgrades up to Android 14.
- Better build: Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection.
Competitive Advantage: The A23 5G excels in everyday performance, camera versatility, and faster charging capabilities. This makes it a great all-rounder for users who want a reliable, responsive device.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G:
Strengths:
- IPS LCD Display: Typically offers better color accuracy and viewing angles compared to the A23’s PLS LCD panel.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows the simultaneous use of two SIM cards, ideal for travel or managing multiple numbers.
- Reverse Charging: Ability to charge other devices using its own battery.
- More RAM Options: Provides a 6GB RAM variant for better multitasking.
Competitive Advantage: The M4 5G offers a slightly better display experience (IPS LCD), and reverse charging functionality. This makes it a good option for those who prioritize those aspects along with a dual SIM feature.
Trade-offs and Limitations
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- The display tech, although it has a higher refresh rate, is PLS LCD which is considered to be inferior.
- Single Sim support.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G:
- Slower charging speed (18W) and weaker chipset.
- Camera system is less versatile with only 2 lenses and no OIS.
- Uses older screen protection glass.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Ideal User:
- Tech enthusiasts who prioritize a smooth and responsive user interface, better performance, and faster charging.
- Photography enthusiasts who value versatility in camera features and optical image stabilization for better video recording.
- Users looking for longer software support and longevity.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming and multimedia consumption.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Everyday tasks requiring consistent performance.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G:
- Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users seeking a reliable 5G device with a good display, and dual SIM capabilities.
- Users who need to manage multiple phone numbers or travel frequently.
- Use Cases:
- Basic everyday tasks, browsing, and social media.
- International travelers needing dual SIM capabilities.
- Users wanting to be able to charge other devices.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Performance Priority: Do you prioritize smoother performance for gaming and intensive tasks, or is basic performance sufficient for your needs?
- Camera Preference: Are you looking for a more versatile camera system with multiple lenses, OIS, and the ability to capture higher quality images and videos, or is a basic camera sufficient?
- Other features: Do you want a faster charging speed and a more durable screen, or is having a dual SIM card and reverse charging more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Performance Buff: If you're a gamer or need a phone that won’t lag, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is the better choice thanks to its Snapdragon chipset and higher refresh rate display.
- Camera Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G offers a more flexible camera system with more lenses, higher resolution and optical image stabilization.
- Budget Traveler: For budget-conscious users who prioritize dual SIM support, the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is a viable choice.
- Everyday User: If you just need a reliable phone for daily tasks, the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is a good enough phone at a slightly more competitive price, with additional dual SIM features.
My Pick and Why:
If it were my money, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G. Here's why:
As a tech journalist, I value real-world performance, and the A23's Snapdragon 695 chipset and 120Hz refresh rate offer a smoother, more enjoyable user experience for daily use. The superior camera system is also a significant plus for someone who takes a lot of photos. While I appreciate that the Poco M4 5G offers dual SIM functionality and reverse charging, they aren't essential for me. I would rather have better overall performance and imaging capabilities.
While both phones have similar battery capacity, the faster charging of the A23 makes it more practical and convenient. The A23's screen protection also provides extra peace of mind. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G hits the sweet spot of performance, camera quality, and charging speed, making it the better choice for me.
Ultimately, the "best" phone is subjective and depends on individual priorities. However, for me, the A23 is simply the better phone overall.
