Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro. We'll break down the tech specs and see how these phones stack up in real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | A52s 5G is slightly wider and thicker, but both are similarly sized. |
| Weight | 189g | 179.5g | The Poco M4 Pro is a bit lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | Very similar screen sizes; both are in the comfortable phablet range. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Sharp and clear visuals on both phones, fine for everyday use and media consumption. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 409 PPI | Very similar sharpness; both displays are very crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The A52s 5G screen feels smoother with animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A52s 5G is much better for outdoor viewing in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | The Snapdragon 778G in the A52s 5G is more powerful, leading to faster app loading and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 570,752 | 438,700 | The A52s 5G generally performs faster in demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Adreno GPU on the A52s 5G is better for graphically intense gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | A52s 5G has a higher resolution and a larger sensor, which should mean better low-light performance and more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV16A10 | The A52s 5G has a higher resolution and wider aperture for potentially sharper, brighter selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355 | A52s 5G has a higher resolution wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | The A52s 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | The A52s 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps | The A52s 5G offers higher resolution video recording with better stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Poco M4 Pro has a larger battery for potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | The Poco M4 Pro charges faster, getting you back to full charge more quickly. |
| Other | |||
| Software | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 11 | The A52s 5G has a more robust update lifecycle, meaning it will stay updated longer. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | The A52s 5G supports a newer, faster WiFi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Both support standard Bluetooth audio codecs; Poco has more codecs but the A52s has more profiles. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | A52s 5G offers either 128 or 256GB, providing more storage options. | |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | A52s 5G comes with 6GB or 8GB, for smoother multitasking. | |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Poco M4 Pro has better audio with Stereo Speakers. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Poco M4 Pro provides a more modern fingerprint sensor solution. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | The A52s 5G has better screen protection. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 778G chipset is significantly more powerful than the Helio G96, translating to smoother, faster performance in daily use and gaming.
- Better Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness make the screen feel more fluid and easier to view outdoors.
- Better Camera System: The A52s 5G has higher resolution sensors, a larger primary sensor, an additional depth sensor and a macro lens for more versatility, also supporting 4K video recording.
- Software Updates: The A52s 5G is confirmed to be upgradeable to Android 14, giving it an edge in long-term software support.
- Better Wi-Fi standard: The A52s 5G supports Wi-Fi 6, which is a newer and faster standard.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery means longer battery life, which is important for heavy users.
- Faster Charging: The 33W charging ensures that you can get back to full power faster.
- Better Audio: The inclusion of stereo speakers, Hi-Res audio and two microphones makes for a better audio experience.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a more convenient and modern solution for unlocking the phone.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Uses the new Bluetooth 5.1 version, with added codecs.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G: Its battery capacity is slightly lower, though it's usually enough for a full day of use. Does not offer stereo speakers for immersive audio.
- Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro: The performance is not as good for gaming or heavy multitasking. The display is not as good and it also has no long term software support.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G: Best for users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera versatility. It’s excellent for gaming, media consumption, and photography. Users who want a longer-lasting phone will also appreciate the long software update lifecycle.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro: Best for users who prioritize battery life, fast charging, and better audio capabilities. It's a good choice for casual users who want a reliable phone with good everyday performance. It’s also great for people who want great audio performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider when choosing between these two phones:
- How important is gaming and performance to me? If you're a gamer or heavy app user, the A52s 5G is the clear choice. If you’re a casual user, the Poco M4 Pro will be enough.
- Do I value long battery life and fast charging more, or display and camera quality? If battery and charging are priorities, go for the Poco M4 Pro. If you need a better display and camera system, choose the A52s 5G.
- How long do I expect to keep my phone, and how important are software updates? If you plan to keep your phone for a long time, the A52s 5G has better long-term update support.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Get the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G for its superior gaming performance and display quality.
- The Photographer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G for its versatile and higher-quality camera system.
- The Power User on a Budget: The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro strikes a better balance between battery life, and audio, making it suitable for more casual usage.
- The Average Daily User: If you prioritize battery life and quick charging, the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro is a great choice. If you'd like a better experience all around, the A52s 5G is the right call.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G. While the Poco M4 Pro has its strengths with battery life, fast charging, audio and a more modern fingerprint reader, the A52s 5G offers a better overall experience. The superior performance, a better quality screen and the significantly better camera system, coupled with longer software support, make it the better investment for my needs. The slight hit in battery life and lack of stereo speakers are trade-offs I'm willing to make for the advantages it provides.
