Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco F3 vs. Samsung Galaxy A54
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-27 | 2023-03-24 | The A54 is a newer model, potentially with longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 158.2 × 76.7 × 8.2 mm | Poco F3 is taller; A54 is thicker, impacting in-hand feel and pocket fit. |
| Weight | 196g | 202g | Poco F3 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.4" | Poco F3 has a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both have sharp displays; difference is negligible in real-world use. |
| PPI | 395 | 403 | Both have similar pixel densities; very similar display sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant and high-contrast displays; similar visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Poco F3 significantly better for outdoor viewing in bright sunlight (A54 brightness spec is missing). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Poco F3 has a faster chipset based on benchmarks; better performance in demanding tasks and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 578,600 | Poco F3 scores significantly higher, indicating better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Poco F3 has a more powerful GPU, better for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 5000mAh | A54 has slightly larger capacity; potential for slightly better battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Poco F3 charges faster, reducing time plugged in. |
| Features | QC3+/PD3.0 | Non-removable | Poco F3 supports more fast-charging protocols, providing potentially faster and more versatile charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | A54 has a larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance; Poco F3 has wider aperture which is also better for low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4" | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | A54 has higher resolution and larger sensor; potentially better image quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" | A54 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in a single frame. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | A54 has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS | Both capture 4K video, however, A54 has OIS and more stable video. |
| DXOMark | - | Mobile: 107 (Photo: 106, Video: 115) | A54 camera is tested and known; Poco F3 camera performance is unknown. |
| Features | Many standard features | Many standard features + OIS, Night Mode | A54 has more advanced features like OIS for stable videos and Night Mode for low-light photos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | A54 is likely to receive longer software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both have similar WiFi capabilities; similar experience for browsing and online use. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | A54 supports newer Bluetooth version with more features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Poco F3 offers more precise positioning due to more satellite system support; more accurate in demanding navigation situations. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM / eSIM | A54 offers eSIM support, providing digital carrier switching options, alongside physical SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer ample storage for photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both have enough RAM for multitasking and smooth app operation. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage; users need to be careful with how they use their storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Both provide high-quality audio for media consumption and games. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Poco F3 has a faster and more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor; Basic fingerprint sensor can be slow and not convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | GG5 | GG5 | Both phones have similar screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyro, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyro, Proximity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Samsung Galaxy A54 has more sensor for a richer experience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset and higher AnTuTu score give the Poco F3 a significant performance edge, making it better for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Brighter Display: With 1300 nits brightness, the Poco F3 is significantly more visible in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging means less time plugged in, improving convenience.
- More GPS Systems: Supports more satellite systems which improves GPS precision and accuracy.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More advanced than the basic fingerprint sensor
Samsung Galaxy A54 Advantages:
- Newer Model: Launched almost 2 years later, the A54 is likely to receive longer software support and updates.
- Larger Battery: The 5000 mAh battery may offer better battery life.
- Better Camera System: Larger main camera sensor, dedicated wide-angle and macro lens. As well as features like OIS and Night Mode.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM support, providing flexibility for digital carrier switching.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 provides a more reliable connection with more features
- More Sensors: Geomagnetic and Hall Sensors for a better user experience
Trade-offs:
- Poco F3: Trades better camera quality and software updates for superior performance and a brighter screen.
- Galaxy A54: Trades the best-in-class performance for a more versatile camera system and longer software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal Users:
- Gamers: The superior processing power and GPU make it ideal for high-performance gaming.
- Power Users: Those who prioritize fast app loading and smooth multitasking.
- Outdoor Users: The brighter display is beneficial for use in direct sunlight.
- Users who prefer a more lightweight device: The Poco F3 is lighter than the A54.
- Users who want a faster and more convenient fingerprint unlock experience: Side-mounted is faster than in-display.
Use Cases:
- Intensive mobile gaming
- Running demanding applications
- Viewing media in bright outdoor environments
Samsung Galaxy A54 Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system with wide-angle and macro lenses offers creative flexibility.
- Users who prefer good video quality: OIS and EIS in video recording result in stable high quality videos.
- Users who prioritize software longevity: The A54 will likely receive more software updates.
- Users who want a full-featured experience: All the features that are added to the A54, such as the eSIM and more sensors make it a more well-rounded user experience
- Users who want good battery life: The bigger 5000 mAh battery makes the A54 slightly better in terms of battery life
Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos, especially in low light
- Everyday use with reliable software updates
- Users who want a more full experience with the additional sensors and eSIM capabilities.
- Users who prefer a slightly better battery life.
Price-to-Value:
- The Poco F3 offers higher performance for its price.
- The A54 provides a more well-rounded feature set with a focus on camera and software support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do I prioritize performance or camera quality? (Poco F3 excels in performance; A54 in camera)
- How important are software updates and long-term support? (A54 is the newer phone with better software support)
- What specific use cases are most important to me? (Gaming vs. photography, indoor vs. outdoor use).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gamer, frequent outdoor user: Choose the Xiaomi Poco F3 for its superior performance and brighter display, even if it may mean sacrificing camera quality.
- Scenario 2: Casual user who prioritizes camera, software support, and battery: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A54 for its versatile camera system, longer software support, and larger battery, even if it means sacrificing a little performance.
- Scenario 3: User who wants a full experience with all features: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A54 for its additional sensors and eSIM capabilities.
- Scenario 4: Price-conscious and needs the best performance-per-dollar ratio: Choose the Xiaomi Poco F3, balancing cost and functionality.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A54. Even though the Poco F3 is better in performance, I value the more well-rounded experience that the A54 provides. The A54 has a better camera system, and because I do a lot of photography, this is important. It also has a bigger battery, which makes me feel more comfortable using it as my daily driver. The longer software support is also an important factor, since I prefer keeping my phone for a longer period of time. Even though it is not the best performance-wise, it is still adequate for all the tasks that I need to do. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A54 is a better fit for my use case.
