Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Samsung Galaxy A04
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm | The Poco M3 is slightly shorter and thicker, while the A04 is taller and slimmer. The differences are minimal and may not be noticeable in everyday use. |
| Weight | 198g | 192g | The A04 is slightly lighter, which could be a minor advantage for those sensitive to weight, especially for prolonged usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.5" | Almost identical screen sizes; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 720 x 1600 | The Poco M3's higher resolution leads to a much sharper and clearer display, making text and images appear more detailed. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 270 | The Poco M3's significantly higher PPI results in sharper text and images, enhancing the visual experience. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | The IPS LCD of the Poco M3 generally offers better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard refresh rates, meaning similar smoothness in everyday use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness levels are not specified; this could be a significant factor affecting outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Helio P35 (12 nm) | The Snapdragon 662 is generally more powerful, resulting in snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 124,000 | The Poco M3's higher score indicates significantly better performance in benchmarks, translating to a smoother user experience in real-world use. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 | The Adreno 610 in the Poco M3 is generally more capable, offering better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 48MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.8 | While the A04 has slightly higher resolution, the Poco M3's wider aperture allows for slightly better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 5MP, f/2.2 | The Poco M3's selfie camera has higher resolution and a wider aperture, capturing better-quality selfies, especially in low light. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A04 includes a depth sensor for better portrait mode photos, while the Poco M3 relies solely on software processing for portrait effects. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps; slow-motion: 120fps | 1080p@30fps; slow-motion: 30fps | Both shoot 1080p, but the Poco M3 offers higher frame rate slow-motion videos. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Manual focus | Dual camera | The Poco M3 includes triple camera capabilities, digital image stabilization, and manual focus options, offering more versatility. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | The Poco M3 has a significantly larger battery, likely offering much longer battery life per charge. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Standard charging | The Poco M3 supports fast charging, while the A04 does not, making charging faster and more convenient. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger in-box | None | The Poco M3 can act as a power bank and comes with a faster charger in the box. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | The A04 has a newer OS with updated features and security, while the Poco M3 runs an older version. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11b/g/n/ac | The Poco M3 supports dual-band Wi-Fi, which may provide more stable and faster connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | The Poco M3 supports more satellite systems, likely providing more accurate GPS tracking. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both have similar Bluetooth capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 32 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB | Both offer similar storage options; A04 has a 32 GB base version. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 3 GB, 4 GB, or 6 GB | Both phones have a maximum of 6GB of RAM; A04 has a 3GB option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio & Security | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | The Poco M3's Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers provide a significantly better audio experience for music, videos and gaming. |
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic security | The Poco M3's fingerprint sensor offers a convenient and fast way to unlock the phone. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Poco M3's Gorilla Glass 3 screen offers better protection from scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Proximity | The Poco M3 has more sensors, which leads to additional functionalities and better user experience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution and pixel density for a sharper and clearer viewing experience, plus better display technology (IPS LCD).
- Better Performance: More powerful processor and GPU (Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610) for smoother multitasking and gaming performance.
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh battery provides significantly longer battery life, combined with fast charging (18W) and reverse charging capabilities for added convenience.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio support and stereo speakers for a much better audio experience.
- More Versatile Camera: Better main and selfie cameras with wider apertures; triple camera setup with more features like digital image stabilization, and manual focus options.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass 3 protection for added screen durability, and a fingerprint sensor for enhanced security and convenience.
- More Sensors: Inclusion of fingerprint, compass, and ultrasonic proximity sensor leads to additional functionality.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Advantages:
- Newer OS: Ships with a more recent version of Android (12), offering newer features and better security.
- Depth Camera: Dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode photography.
- Lighter: It is slightly lighter, which is important for some users.
- Slightly Slimmer: It is slightly thinner, which is important for some users.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M3 offers better overall performance, a superior display, better battery life, enhanced audio, and security, but runs an older OS version.
- The A04 has a newer OS and a dedicated depth camera for portrait mode, but has less processing power, a lower quality display, and a smaller battery and basic audio and security features
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 is ideal for users who:
- Value Performance: Gamers, multitaskers, and those who need a smooth, responsive device.
- Consume Media: Users who watch a lot of videos and need a high-quality display and good audio output.
- Need Long Battery Life: Users who are often away from a power outlet or want to avoid constantly charging their phone.
- Prioritize Camera Quality: Users who want better quality main and selfie images, and more versatile camera features.
- Value Additional Security: Users who like the fingerprint sensor feature for more convenient unlocking.
Specific use cases:
- Mobile gaming on a budget
- Extended video streaming or social media use
- Travelers who need reliable GPS and long battery life
- Users who frequently take pictures and videos and want high quality output
Samsung Galaxy A04 is ideal for users who:
- Want a Newer OS: Users who prefer the latest Android features.
- Basic Photography Needs: Users who mainly take snapshots or like portrait mode photos.
- Basic Everyday Tasks: Users who only perform basic tasks and don't require heavy performance.
Specific use cases:
- Basic communication and social media usage
- Users who want the latest software experience
- Budget-conscious buyers who value having a depth sensor for portraits
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco M3 generally offers more value due to its superior performance, display, battery life, audio, and security despite the slightly older OS.
- The A04 is more of a budget-friendly option, focusing on the newest OS and having a dedicated depth sensor.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for your use case? If you need smooth multitasking and mobile gaming, the Poco M3 is much better.
- Do you prioritize screen quality and overall visual experience? The Poco M3's higher resolution and IPS panel provide a clearer and sharper experience.
- What is more important, battery life or the latest Android version? If battery life is more crucial, choose the Poco M3. If you need the newest OS, the A04 is more appealing.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Performance and Media Focused): If you need a phone for daily multitasking, gaming, video watching, and listening to music, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is the better option.
- Scenario 2 (Basic Usage with Latest OS): If you primarily make calls, browse social media, take basic photos, and want the latest Android experience with an emphasis on portrait shots, the Samsung Galaxy A04 is sufficient.
- Scenario 3 (Battery Life Priority): If long battery life is a must and you frequently use your phone all day, the Xiaomi Poco M3 will last much longer.
My Choice
Based on the analysis, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco M3.
Reasoning:
Despite having an older version of Android, the Poco M3 offers a more well-rounded experience. The significantly better display with higher resolution and pixel density would make my daily use far more enjoyable. The superior performance of the Snapdragon 662 would ensure smoother multitasking and app usage, plus the larger 6000mAh battery with fast charging means I wouldn't need to worry about battery anxiety. The enhanced audio with stereo speakers is a plus. While the A04 has a newer OS and dedicated depth sensor, these are not enough to offset the Poco M3's significant advantages in performance, display, battery life, audio quality and security. The Poco M3 offers a better overall experience for most daily smartphone use cases, making it the better choice overall.
