Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and help you decide which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, with a focus on what the technical specifications mean in real-world terms:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 162.1 × 77.6 × 8.3 mm | The A24 is slightly larger, which might affect one-handed use. Both have the same thickness. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 195g | The Poco M5s is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for longer periods of holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.5" | Very similar screen sizes, with the A24 being negligibly larger. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer crisp Full HD visuals; the difference is almost imperceptible. |
| PPI | 409 | 396 | Both have high pixel densities; visuals should look sharp on both devices. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The A24’s 90Hz refresh rate will make scrolling and animations feel smoother. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1000 nits | The Poco M5s is slightly brighter, making it more readable under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | The G99 in the A24 is newer and more efficient, offering better sustained performance and potentially better battery efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,627 | 411,900 | Nearly identical performance levels, both will handle daily tasks and moderate gaming smoothly. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Poco M5s has a more powerful GPU, which might lead to smoother performance in demanding games, but the G99 in the A24 will be more efficient. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9, 1/2", 0.7µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Poco M5s has a higher resolution sensor while the A24 has a slightly wider aperture, good for low-light situations. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06", 1.12µm pixels | 13MP, f/2.2 | The A24 has a slightly wider aperture for better selfies in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm pixels | 5MP, f/2.2 | The Poco M5s offers a higher-resolution wide-angle camera. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | The Poco M5s has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, while A24 uses software for this. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro lens capabilities on both devices. |
| Video Resolution | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | 1080p@30fps | The Poco M5s can record video in 4K, while the A24 is limited to 1080p; Poco M5s provides more video options. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G includes video stabilization for smoother video, while Xiaomi does not |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery sizes should deliver comparable all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The Poco M5s will charge slightly faster. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | No | The Poco M5s can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | The A24 offers a newer Android version which will have updated features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer modern standards; The Poco M5s has MIMO support |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | The A24 uses a newer version of Bluetooth for enhanced connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The A24 offers a slightly more robust satellite system for location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 128 GB | The Poco M5s offers more storage options; the 256 GB variant is a big advantage for media hoarders. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both come with multiple RAM configurations; choose based on your multitasking needs. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither of the phones have expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | The Poco M5s offers an enhanced audio experience. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Poco M5s offers the protection of a Gorilla Glass 3 screen, the A24 has an unknown protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Poco M5s features an ultrasonic proximity sensor as an upgrade from the A24's regular one. |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
Xiaomi Poco M5s Strengths:
- Superior Display Brightness: The 1100 nits display is excellent for outdoor use, ensuring you can see the screen even in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: The 33W charging will fill up your battery faster.
- More Versatile Camera: The 64MP main sensor and 4K video recording capabilities give you more creative flexibility, as well as an extra depth camera.
- Better Audio: With Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers, the Poco M5s has a better audio experience than the A24.
- More Storage Options: With a 256GB variant, you can store significantly more files without worrying about running out of space.
- Reverse Charging: You can use the Poco M5s as a portable power bank to charge other devices, which is very handy.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides better protection.
- Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor: More precise and reliable proximity readings.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate makes the UI and animations feel more fluid.
- Newer Chipset: The Helio G99 is more energy-efficient and may have better sustained performance.
- Newer OS: It ships with Android 13 for up-to-date software features and better compatibility.
- Better Video Stabilization: Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) improves the quality of the videos compared to no stabilization on the Poco M5s.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Optical Image Stabilization reduces blurring and camera shakes.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 offers improved connectivity and efficiency.
- Satellite Navigation: The A24 includes QZSS for more precise location tracking in some regions.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M5s trades some screen smoothness (60Hz refresh) for superior brightness and faster charging.
- The Galaxy A24 prioritizes efficiency and software updates but might lack a little of the multimedia capabilities of the Poco M5s.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5s is best for:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who value a great screen for watching videos, listening to music, and capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Power Users on the Go: People who need a device with a bright display, fast charging, and reverse charging capabilities.
- Gamers: The more powerful GPU and additional features such as the ultrasonic proximity sensor make this a better budget gaming phone.
- Users who need storage: If you store a lot of videos, photos and games, the 256 GB option of the Poco M5s might be very useful.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G is best for:
- Everyday Users: Those who want a balanced phone with a smooth display and a newer software experience.
- Social Media Users: People who want to capture well stabilized videos.
- Users who want longer lasting battery: The energy-efficient chipset ensures you'll get more battery out of it.
- People who want better location accuracy: The QZSS support helps with this.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much do you prioritize display smoothness versus brightness? If you prefer smoother animations, go for the A24; for better outdoor visibility, choose the M5s.
- What are your priorities for the camera? If you value higher-quality video recording, including 4K resolution, choose the M5s. For better video stabilization, choose the A24.
- Do you need better audio quality, storage options, and charging speed, or do you value the newer software and more efficient chipset? If you need enhanced multimedia features, go for the M5s. For more efficient software and a newer android version, pick the A24.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Traveler/Outdoor Enthusiast: You often use your phone outdoors and need a bright display, fast charging, and a decent camera. Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M5s
- Scenario 2: Casual User with a Focus on Social Media: You mostly use your phone for browsing, social media, and taking pictures and videos. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A24 4G
- Scenario 3: Budget Gamer: You want a budget-friendly device capable of playing graphics-heavy games. Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M5s
Personal Choice and Explanation
If I were choosing between these two, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Poco M5s. The significantly brighter display, faster charging, and more versatile camera system (including the 4K recording) are more aligned with my needs as a tech journalist and multimedia user. The audio improvements also win me over since I consume a lot of content on my phone. While the A24’s 90Hz refresh rate is a nice touch, I value the other features more. Plus, the ability to have more storage on the phone is always beneficial.
The A24 is definitely a strong contender, especially for users who want a phone with a newer OS and better stabilization, but for my specific use case, the M5s edges it out. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities.
