Xiaomi Poco F3 vs Samsung Galaxy A55 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 27, 2021 March 15, 2024
Release Year 2021 2024

Physical

Volume 97.55 cm³ 102.25 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.4 "/g 3.1 "/g
Weight 196 g 213 g
Height 163.7 mm 161.1 mm
Width 76.4 mm 77.4 mm
Thickness 7.8 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Arctic White
  • Night Black
  • Deep Ocean Blue
  • Moonlight Silver
  • Navy
  • Iceblue
  • Lilac
  • Lemon

Display

Screen Size 6.67 " 6.6 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.9 % 85.8 %
Pixel Density 395 PPI 390 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1000 nits
Peak Brightness 1300 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 101.60 mAh/in² 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.33 mAh/cm³ 48.9 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4520 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) Exynos 1480 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) Octa-core (4x2.75 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 650 Xclipse 530

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 14
Maximum OS Version 13 18

Comparison Summary

Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco F3 vs. Samsung Galaxy A55

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureXiaomi Poco F3Samsung Galaxy A55Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm161.1 × 77.4 × 8.2 mmPoco F3 is taller but thinner; A55 is wider and thicker, impacting hand feel and pocketability.
Weight196g213gPoco F3 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for long use sessions.
Display
Size6.67"6.6"Minimal difference; both offer a large screen for media consumption.
Resolution1080x24001080x2340Virtually identical; both provide sharp visuals.
Pixel Density395 PPI390 PPINegligible difference; both are very crisp.
TechnologyAMOLEDAMOLEDBoth offer vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and gaming experiences.
Brightness1300 nits0 nitsPoco F3 is much more readable in bright sunlight; A55's brightness is not specified, which is a major concern.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Exynos 1480 (4 nm)Snapdragon 870 offers slightly higher benchmark scores, but the Exynos 1480 is more power efficient due to its smaller architecture.
AnTuTu Score800,216713,393Poco F3 has a slight performance advantage in synthetic tests, but real-world differences might be negligible for most users.
GPUAdreno 650Xclipse 530Poco F3's Adreno 650 is a more mature GPU, while Xclipse 530 is newer but performance difference is marginal for most games.
Battery
Capacity4520mAh5000mAhA55 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life.
Charging33W Fast Charging25W Fast ChargingPoco F3 charges faster, reducing downtime.
Battery TechLi-PolymerLi-IonBoth non-removable; Li-Polymer is generally more durable.
Camera
Main Camera Resolution48MP50MPA55 has a slightly higher resolution; the practical difference in image detail is small.
Main Camera Aperturef/1.79f/1.8Poco F3 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance.
Main Camera Sensor Size1/2"1/1.56"A55 has a larger sensor, allowing for more light capture and better low-light shots.
Main Camera Sensor ModelSony IMX582 Exmor RSSony IMX906A55's sensor is newer and offers better image quality.
Main Camera Pixel Size0.80 µm1.00 µmA55's larger pixels will capture more light.
Selfie Camera Resolution20MP32MPA55 captures more detailed selfie shots.
Selfie Camera Aperturef/2.45f/2.2A55's wider aperture will capture more light.
Selfie Camera Sensor Size1/3.4"1/2.8"A55's sensor is larger, allowing for more light capture.
Selfie Camera Sensor ModelSamsung S5K3T2Sony IMX616A55's sensor is newer, potentially offering better image processing.
Selfie Camera Pixel Size0.80 µm0.80 µmBoth are the same.
Wide Angle LensNo13MP, f/2.2A55 can capture wide-angle shots, a versatile feature.
Macro LensNo5MP, f/2.4A55 offers macro photography, not available on the Poco F3.
VideoUp to 4K@30fpsUp to 4K@30fpsBoth offer similar video resolution capabilities.
Video StabilizationEISEIS, OISA55 offers Optical Image Stabilization for smoother footage.
Slow Motion960fps240fpsPoco F3 can shoot higher slow-motion framerates.
DXOMARK ScoreNot Available108 (Mobile)A55's camera is officially tested, with a good score, but the Poco F3's capabilities are not fully assessed here.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (Upgradable to 13)Android 14 (Upgradable to 18)A55 has a much newer Android version with more security features and longer update support.
Connectivity
WiFiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6Both offer the latest Wi-Fi standards.
Bluetooth5.15.3A55 has a newer version, offering better connectivity and efficiency.
GPSMore systemsFewer systemsPoco F3 supports more GPS bands for more accurate location tracking.
SIMDual Nano SIMDual Nano SIM + eSIMA55 has the option for eSIM for easier switching.
Storage & RAM
Internal Storage128/256GB128/256GBBoth have the same storage capacity options.
RAM6/8GB8/12GBA55 has more RAM options for heavy multitasking.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone supports external storage.
Audio
Audio QualityDolby Atmos, Hi-Res, StereoDolby Atmos, Hi-Res, StereoBoth offer excellent audio quality.
Security
Fingerprint SensorSide-mountedBasicPoco F3's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally faster and more convenient than a basic sensor.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass 5Gorilla Glass VictusA55 has significantly better screen protection.
Sensors
SensorsBasic + ProximityBasic + Proximity + BarometerA55 features a barometer, useful for altitude information.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:

  • Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold and pocket for extended use.
  • Faster Charging: 33W charging significantly reduces charging time.
  • Potentially Brighter Display: Rated at 1300 nits, it's more readable outdoors, although A55's brightness is unknown.
  • Slightly Better Benchmark Scores: The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides a small performance advantage.
  • More GPS Bands: Better location accuracy in various scenarios.
  • Faster Slow Motion Recording: 960 fps compared to 240 fps in A55

Practical Implications: The Poco F3 is more practical for users who value a lightweight phone, rapid charging, and very bright display. The benchmark score difference is marginal, so is not a significant advantage.

Samsung Galaxy A55 Advantages:

  • Newer OS and Updates: Ships with Android 14, ensuring long-term software support and security updates.
  • Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery capacity should translate to better battery life.
  • Better Cameras: Larger sensors and newer tech on both main and front camera resulting in better image quality.
  • Wider Range of Camera Features: The inclusion of a wide-angle lens, macro lens, optical image stabilization, among other features greatly enhances versatility.
  • eSIM Support: Allows for multiple carriers without needing physical SIM cards.
  • Superior Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers much better scratch and drop resistance.
  • More RAM Option: 12GB RAM is better for heavy multi-tasking and gaming.
  • Barometer Sensor: Useful for altitude tracking and specific applications.
  • Newer Bluetooth Version: 5.3 offers improved connectivity.

Practical Implications: The Galaxy A55 is a better choice for those who value a versatile camera, long-term software updates, robust build quality, and better multi-tasking and gaming.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • Poco F3 trades overall camera versatility and long-term software support for a lighter design, faster charging, and potentially brighter screen.
  • Samsung Galaxy A55 sacrifices a bit of charging speed and potentially brightness for a much better camera system, newer software and more features.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal User for Xiaomi Poco F3:

  • Gamers: Who value fast charging and a reliable chipset for gaming.
  • Power Users: Who want good performance and a very bright display
  • Users on a Budget: Who prioritize performance and charging speed over camera features.

Use Cases:

  • Gaming for extended periods.
  • Outdoor use in very bright sunlight.
  • Users who often need to quickly charge their phone on the go.

Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A55:

  • Photography Enthusiasts: Who want a versatile camera system with good image quality.
  • Long-Term Users: Who value software updates and long-term support.
  • Multi-taskers: Who require more RAM for intensive use.
  • Travelers: Who use eSIM and want robust build and water resistance.

Use Cases:

  • Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
  • Using the device for multiple years with consistent software updates.
  • Running multiple apps simultaneously with less performance slow-down.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • The Poco F3, being older, may be available at a lower price now. If priced significantly lower, it offers excellent performance for the price.
  • The Galaxy A55, while newer, usually comes at a higher price. Its better camera, software, and build quality make it a good choice for those willing to pay more.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. How important is long-term software support and updates? If it's critical, the A55 is the better choice.
  2. How important is camera versatility? If you need a wide-angle lens, macro, and OIS, the A55 wins.
  3. How much do you prioritize charging speed and display brightness? If these are critical, the Poco F3 might be preferred.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1 (Budget-conscious): If the Poco F3 is significantly cheaper and the user primarily needs performance and fast charging, it's a good option.
  • Scenario 2 (Photography Focus): The Galaxy A55 is the clear winner for its superior camera system.
  • Scenario 3 (Long-Term Use): The A55's newer OS, superior software updates, and better build quality make it more suitable for longer use.
  • Scenario 4 (Outdoor Use/Gamers): Poco F3's possibly brighter display and faster charging may offer a better experience.

Final Decision

I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A55.

Reasoning:

While the Xiaomi Poco F3 offers a lighter design, faster charging, and potentially a brighter screen, the Samsung Galaxy A55 presents a more compelling overall package for my needs. Here's why:

  • Camera Versatility: I value a versatile camera system, and the A55's inclusion of a wide-angle lens, macro lens, OIS, and better sensors on both the main and selfie cameras are significant advantages.
  • Long-Term Software Support: As someone who prefers to use devices for several years, the A55's newer Android version and commitment to long-term software updates are crucial.
  • Build Quality: The A55's Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior screen protection, which is important for durability.
  • eSIM: The addition of eSIM functionality provides greater flexibility.
  • Newer and more Efficient Chipset: While benchmarks favor the Poco F3, the A55's Exynos 1480 is more power efficient and should offer similar real-world performance in most day-to-day scenarios.

Although the Poco F3 might be a more cost effective choice and faster charging is attractive, the A55's newer camera system, software, durability, and additional features make it a better long-term investment for my use case. The lack of a specified brightness in the A55 is a concern, but I am willing to give it a try to use the overall superior package.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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