Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5 and the Samsung Galaxy A35. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what the numbers mean for your daily usage:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5 | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm | 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm | Poco M5 slightly taller and thicker, A35 slightly wider; Poco feels larger overall |
| Weight | 201g | 209g | Poco M5 slightly lighter; minimal difference in hand |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.58" | 6.6" | Virtually identical display size |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2340 | Sharp displays on both; similar pixel density |
| PPI | 401 | 390 | Both displays are crisp and detailed |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | A35 has richer blacks, vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A35 offers smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness of both phone is identical |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | A35 generally faster with smoother app loading and better overall performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 414,500 | 578,500 | A35 scores significantly higher; noticeably faster |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MP5 | A35 has more powerful GPU for gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96" sensor | A35 captures more light and better details with a larger sensor |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | A35 has a higher-resolution selfie camera |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | A35 offers a wide-angle camera for group and landscape shots |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Poco M5 has a dedicated portrait lens |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm pixel size | A35 captures slightly better macro photos |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | A35 records higher resolution videos with electronic image stabilization; more features |
| DXOMark | Not tested | 104 (Mobile), 107 (Photo), 110 (Video) | A35 has been benchmarked and scored well |
| Camera Features | Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Front Flash | Optical Stabilization (OIS), All Pixel Omni-Directional PDAF, NPU AI Engine, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR | A35 has advanced features such as OIS and improved autofocus |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity; should offer comparable endurance |
| Charging | 18W | 25W | A35 charges faster |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Minor difference in battery chemistry |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, max 14 | Android 14, max 18 | A35 comes with a newer OS version and will be supported for longer |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | A35 supports newer WiFi standard for faster speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, LE | 5.3 | A35 offers more audio codecs such as Apt-x & LDAC |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A35 has more GPS systems for better location accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | A35 offers more storage capacity |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | A35 has more RAM for better multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | A35 offers a better audio experience with richer sound |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Poco M5 has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A35 has superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Hall, Geomagnetic | A35 has a more comprehensive sensor suite for better gaming and advanced features |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5 Strengths
- Price: Typically positioned as a more budget-friendly option.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and quick biometric security.
- Dedicated Portrait and Macro Cameras: Additional lenses for specific photography needs.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Strengths
- Display Quality: Superior AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Performance: Faster processor and GPU, offering smoother overall performance.
- Camera System: Higher-quality main camera sensor and a much better selfie camera, along with OIS for better video.
- Software Support: Newer Android version with extended support.
- Build Quality: Premium materials, such as Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Audio Experience: Includes stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio
- Connectivity: Offers Wi-Fi 6
Trade-offs
- Poco M5: The main compromise is in the display and processing power. It has an older LCD screen with a slower refresh rate and a slightly less powerful processor.
- Galaxy A35: The main downside is that it's typically more expensive than the Poco M5. Also, the fingerprint sensor is basic which means it could be slower than the one on the Poco M5.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5
- Budget-Conscious Users: Perfect for those who want a capable smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Suitable for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming.
- Users Who Prefer Physical Fingerprint Sensors: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a nice touch.
Samsung Galaxy A35
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Ideal for those who value a high-quality display for watching videos and playing games.
- Photography Lovers: Great for those who want a versatile camera system with better quality output, both front and rear.
- Power Users: Best for those who need a phone that can handle multitasking, gaming, and other demanding tasks.
- Users who value future support: The newer Android version means this phone will be getting updates for longer.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What's your budget? If cost is your top priority, the Poco M5 is more economical.
- How important is display quality? If you want vibrant colours, deep blacks, and a smooth refresh rate, the Galaxy A35 is the clear winner.
- What will you use the phone for the most? If you are looking for basic everyday usage, then the Poco M5 will be enough. If you are looking for more performance, better camera quality, and an overall premium experience, then the Galaxy A35 is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: "I need a reliable daily driver on a tight budget."
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M5. It offers great value for basic use.
- Scenario 2: "I want the best possible entertainment experience on the go."
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A35. Its AMOLED display and stereo speakers are perfect for media consumption.
- Scenario 3: "I'm a mobile photographer and videographer."
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A35. It has the better camera hardware and features for higher-quality images and videos.
- Scenario 4: "I want a phone that will last and get updates for longer."
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A35. It has a newer Android version and Samsung's long commitment to updates.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd personally lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A35. Here's why:
- Display: The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate is a game-changer. Once you go AMOLED, it's tough to go back. The blacks are deep, the colors pop, and the overall visual experience is much more enjoyable.
- Performance: As someone who uses a lot of apps and games, the smoother performance with the Exynos 1380 is a big plus for me. I need a phone that can keep up with my day-to-day usage.
- Camera: As a content creator, having a higher quality camera with OIS is very useful, it allows me to capture videos and photos that are crisp and stable.
- Software and support: Getting more support and newer versions of the operating system is important for the longevity of the phone.
- Overall Experience: The A35 feels like a more complete and polished package. While it comes with a higher price tag, I think the overall experience justifies the cost.
The Poco M5 is a great budget phone, but for my needs, the Samsung Galaxy A35 is the better option.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs and what you value most in a smartphone. Do your research and see what fits your lifestyle!
