Alright, let's dive deep into the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Xiaomi Poco M5s. These two phones are positioned in a similar space, but as we'll see, they take different approaches. I'm going to break this down so you can see what each device brings to the table, and more importantly, how it impacts your day-to-day life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | The A23 is slightly larger and might feel less comfortable in hand for some users. |
| Weight | 197g | 178.8g | The Poco M5s is noticeably lighter, which is a plus for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.43" | The A23 offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp, clear picture, the difference is negligible. |
| Pixel Density | 400 PPI | 409 PPI | Practically the same clarity on both. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | The M5s' AMOLED screen delivers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency when using dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The A23 has a smoother user interface and more fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | The M5s is significantly brighter and more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G | Helio G95 | Both offer good day-to-day performance, however, the Snapdragon 695 chip is more power-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,000 | 418,627 | Both provide very similar levels of performance for everyday use and mobile gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G76 MC4 | Both provide good gaming, but the GPU's differ, though the AnTuTu score says they are comparable. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) | 64MP (f/1.9) | The M5s takes higher-resolution pictures. The A23 has a wider aperture and a smaller sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 13MP (f/2.4) | The M5s has a higher-resolution front-facing camera but a smaller aperture. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 5MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | The M5s captures more detail in wide-angle shots with 8MP vs 5MP. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both are equivalent for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both are equivalent for macro mode. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The M5s has higher video capabilities. |
| Video Stabilization | OIS | No | A23 offers Optical Image Stabilization which helps with low light capture and less shaky videos. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Continuous | 4K Video, Digital IS, Night Mode | A23 offers Optical Image Stabilization whereas M5s offers 4k Recording and a dedicated Night Mode. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer a full-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 25W Fast | 33W Fast | The M5s charges faster than the A23. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging | Reverse Charging | The A23 can bypass the battery when plugged in to minimize heat during gaming and the M5s can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 12 | Samsung has an upgrade path to Android 14, while Xiaomi's upgrade path is unknown. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards, however, Xiaomi offers more feature support in this domain. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | A23 offers better and more modern connectivity with 5.1 over M5s. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A23 offers more support for positioning systems. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | The M5s has dual sim functionality which is useful for travel or using two lines. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | No specific data | 64/128/256 GB | The Poco M5s offers a variety of storage options whereas the A23 doesn't specify. |
| RAM | No specific data | 4/6/8 GB | The Poco M5s offers more RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Basic audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The M5s offers better audio experiences with stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Biometrics | Fingerprint (side) | Fingerprint (side) | Both use fingerprint scanners for easy biometric access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | The A23 offers better screen protection than the M5s. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The A23 has an additional Barometer, while the M5s has a compass sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Strengths: The A23 shines with its smoother 120Hz display, a better Bluetooth version (5.1), a more secure screen with Gorilla Glass 5, and a more feature rich GPS with QZSS support. The Samsung also has a Barometer sensor. The camera has a wider aperture in the main lens and has Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) which makes up for not having a 4k recording mode. It offers a more modern chip with a 6nm fabrication process giving it more efficiency. The A23's Bypass Charging feature will benefit gamers and people who do processor intensive tasks for long periods of time.
- Trade-offs: The phone is heavier, lacks the vibrancy of an AMOLED display, and comes with a slower 25W charging speed compared to the Poco M5s. Also it lacks dual sim capability, dual band wifi and expandable storage which could be crucial to many users.
Xiaomi Poco M5s:
- Strengths: The M5s boasts a superior AMOLED display, a brighter screen, a higher resolution main camera, faster 33W charging, dual sim, dual band wifi, and higher storage options. It also has a 4K video recording capability, stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio for a great media experience. The reverse charging capability makes it more versatile as a travel companion. The M5s has a compass sensor.
- Trade-offs: It has an older Bluetooth 5.0 version, a lower 60Hz refresh rate, lacks OIS in its camera, and has an older Gorilla Glass 3 protection. Its older MediaTek processor uses a 12nm fabrication process, making it less power efficient and more likely to generate heat during intense usage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is best for:
- Users who prioritize a smoother visual experience: The 120Hz refresh rate is a noticeable upgrade for everyday scrolling and animations.
- Users who prefer a more comprehensive GPS system: The A23 provides more satellite support for better positioning.
- Users who want optical image stabilization: The OIS provides better image quality in low light, as well as shake free video capture.
- Users who do intensive tasks and game for long periods of time: The bypass charging feature prevents damage to the battery over long charging cycles.
- Users who need better screen protection: The Gorilla Glass 5 protection is more rugged than the Gorilla Glass 3 present in the M5s.
Xiaomi Poco M5s is best for:
- Users who value a vibrant display: The AMOLED screen enhances the viewing experience with deeper blacks and richer colors.
- Users who need faster charging: The 33W fast charging significantly reduces downtime.
- Users who want superior multimedia experiences: With 4k video, stereo speakers, and Hi-Res Audio.
- Users who want more storage: With up to 256GB of internal storage, and dual sim compatibility.
- Users who want to travel and use it as a power bank: The reverse charging feature allows it to charge other devices.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is a vibrant, high-contrast display to you? If you watch a lot of video content or prefer rich colors, the AMOLED display of the Poco M5s is a clear winner. If you prefer a smoother visual experience and do not care about color saturation, the A23 is the option for you.
- Do you need high-quality video capture? If so, the M5s with 4K recording capability is a better option. If you don't use 4K or care more about shake free shots, the A23 with OIS is the option for you.
- What is your priority when charging? If a quick charge is essential, the M5s' 33W capability is a game changer. If you prefer to use the phone for long periods during charging and are concerned about battery degradation, the A23 is the option for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Media Enthusiast: If you are heavily into streaming or watching content, the Xiaomi Poco M5s is the clear winner with its AMOLED screen, 4K video, and stereo speakers.
- For the Mobile Gamer: The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G has a smoother refresh rate, a modern processor, and bypass charging.
- For the Daily User: If you prioritize a lightweight and fast charging phone with a good camera, the Poco M5s is great. If you prefer better screen protection, a smoother refresh rate, and OIS in the camera the A23 is a great pick.
- For the Traveler: The Xiaomi Poco M5s is a great pick as it provides dual sim support, reverse charging and a great display for when travelling and on long journeys.
My Choice
Personally, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Poco M5s. While the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G offers a smoother display and more GPS support, the overall package of the Poco M5s is more appealing for my use case. The AMOLED display is a significant upgrade, making content consumption more enjoyable. The faster charging is a practical benefit that saves me time. The inclusion of a 4K recording and stereo speakers make it better for when I want to share my experiences. The reverse charging capability is also extremely useful for when I am out and about. The dual sim support is also a great addition for international travelers.
While the A23's OIS is a solid feature, the lack of 4K recording and slower charging are deal-breakers for me. For a general user, the Poco M5s just offers a better overall value.
