Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy A04
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm, 215g | 164.4 × 76.3 × 9.1 mm, 192g | X3 Pro is slightly larger, thicker, and heavier, may be less comfortable for long use. A04 is lighter and thinner, more pocketable. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 (screen) | Unknown (screen) | X3 Pro offers significantly better screen protection against scratches and minor drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.5" | X3 Pro has slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | X3 Pro has much sharper and more detailed image quality. A04 display will appear less sharp. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 270 PPI | X3 Pro's display will show smoother text and images. A04's display will appear pixelated. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | X3 Pro generally offers better color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | X3 Pro provides much smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in games and UI navigation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to evaluate screen visibility in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | X3 Pro's chip is significantly more powerful, allowing faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. The A04 will struggle with demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 124,000 | X3 Pro is significantly faster in real world, able to run complex apps and games that may be problematic on the A04. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | PowerVR GE8320 | X3 Pro offers much better graphics performance, essential for gaming. A04 will struggle with graphically intensive games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 48MP (f/1.79) | 50MP (f/1.8) | A04 has a slightly higher main camera resolution, while X3 Pro has slightly wider aperture, leading to better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 20MP (f/2.2) | 5MP (f/2.2) | X3 Pro has drastically higher resolution selfie camera, capturing more detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2) | None | X3 Pro has additional wide-angle lens for capturing more of the scene. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Comparable depth sensors for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | X3 Pro has an additional macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps | X3 Pro supports higher resolution video recording with stabilization for better video quality. A04 will record lower resolution videos, limiting output quality. |
| Additional Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a significantly more comprehensive camera feature suite, with features such as 4k recording, image stabilization and manual focus. Samsung Galaxy A04 only has the most basic camera options. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity; real-world usage depends on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Li-Ion | X3 Pro charges much faster thanks to fast charging. A04 will take longer to charge. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | A04 has a newer Android version, potentially offering a better user experience, and software compatibility. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual Band | 802.11b/g/n/ac | X3 Pro supports additional Wi-Fi bands and features, potentially offering better Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.0, A2DP, LE | X3 Pro provides better Bluetooth codec support for higher-quality audio streaming. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | X3 Pro provides a more accurate and reliable location tracking due to the inclusion of additional satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 32/64/128 GB | X3 Pro offers higher storage options. While A04 has a 128GB version, lower variants may limit media and app storage. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 3/4/6 GB | X3 Pro provides more RAM, enhancing multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | X3 Pro provides better audio quality through Hi-Res audio and immersive experience with stereo speakers, offering a superior listening experience. A04 offers only the most basic audio options. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic security features | X3 Pro is more secure with a biometric fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Proximity, Accelerometer | X3 Pro features more sensors, leading to a more feature-rich experience with additional capabilities. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset offers significantly better processing power, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- High-Quality Display: The 120Hz IPS LCD with higher resolution and pixel density provides a sharper, smoother, and more vibrant visual experience.
- Better Camera System: Features a more versatile camera setup with wide-angle, macro lenses, and higher-resolution selfie camera, as well as 4k recording.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging allows for quicker charging times.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio provide a better audio experience.
- More Robust Build: Gorilla Glass 6 offers superior screen protection.
- Better Connectivity: Better Wifi and Bluetooth features
Samsung Galaxy A04 Advantages:
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android.
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold and pocket-friendly due to a lighter and thinner build.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Poco X3 Pro prioritizes performance and features over portability, with its larger, heavier build.
- The Samsung A04 is more affordable but makes significant compromises on performance, display quality, and camera features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Gamers, media enthusiasts, power users, or anyone who prioritizes performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming: Smooth gameplay on demanding titles with high refresh rate and powerful chipset.
- Media Consumption: High-resolution display with rich colors for immersive video streaming.
- Photography: Versatile camera system for capturing a variety of shots in different scenarios.
- Multitasking: Handling multiple apps with ease due to its powerful processor and ample RAM.
Samsung Galaxy A04:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, basic smartphone users, or those who need a simple, lightweight, and newer software experience.
- Use Cases:
- Basic Communication: Making calls, sending texts, using messaging apps.
- Light Social Media: Casual browsing and social media use.
- Casual Photography: Taking basic photos for memories and sharing.
- Everyday Tasks: Managing simple tasks, like browsing and email.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for you? If you play games, use demanding apps, or multitask heavily, the X3 Pro is the better choice.
- What is your budget? If price is the primary concern, the A04 is the more affordable option, but be aware of its limitations.
- What do you value more, better software or better display? The A04 offers a newer Android OS, but the X3 Pro excels in display quality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you are looking for a phone for mobile gaming, media streaming, and photography, and you have the budget, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: If you need a simple and lightweight phone for basic tasks and are on a very tight budget, the Samsung Galaxy A04 is an acceptable option, though sacrifices will be made on user experience.
- Scenario 3: If you prioritize smooth performance and visuals over portability and have the budget, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is more suitable.
What I Would Choose and Why
Given the provided specifications, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. While it is older, the performance difference between it and the Samsung Galaxy A04 is simply too vast to ignore. The Poco X3 Pro offers a superior experience in practically every way that matters to me, including gaming, media consumption, and camera quality. While the A04 might be newer, the older software is not a major sacrifice for the improvements offered by the X3 Pro's better processor, screen, camera and audio. The X3 Pro's combination of high-performance chipset, high-refresh-rate screen, and fast charging make it a more compelling and well-rounded device for someone looking for a powerful smartphone at a lower price point, even if it is not the newest phone on the market.
