Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy A04e
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-24 | 2022-11-07 | The Galaxy A04e is significantly newer, potentially having newer software and features. |
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm | The Poco X3 Pro is slightly larger and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 215g | 188g | The Galaxy A04e is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.5" | The Poco X3 Pro has a marginally larger screen for more immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | The Poco X3 Pro's higher resolution provides significantly sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density | 395 ppi | 270 ppi | The Poco X3 Pro offers a noticeably sharper display, making visuals clearer and less pixelated. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | IPS LCD (Poco X3 Pro) generally offers better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD (A04e). |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The Poco X3 Pro's 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have the same peak brightness; Note that these specs are missing as we would want the actual nits brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | The Snapdragon 860 (Poco X3 Pro) offers significantly better performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 121,345 | The Poco X3 Pro is considerably faster for app loading, multitasking, and gaming; it will feel smoother and more responsive. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | PowerVR GE8320 | The Adreno 640 (Poco X3 Pro) provides much better graphics performance for games and visually intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 48MP, f/1.79 | 13MP, f/2.2 | The Poco X3 Pro has a higher resolution main sensor and a wider aperture, resulting in better low-light performance and sharper images. |
| Front Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | The Poco X3 Pro captures much more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | The Poco X3 Pro can capture wide-angle shots, offering more versatility. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Poco X3 Pro can take close-up macro shots, which the A04e cannot. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode photos |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps | The Poco X3 Pro can record in much higher resolution, offering better video quality and detail; It also features EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity, offering comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | No Fast Charging Specified | The Poco X3 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 11, upgradeable to 12 | Android 12 | The Galaxy A04e has a slightly newer OS out of the box. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11b/g/n | The Poco X3 Pro supports faster Wi-Fi standards, meaning better connection speeds with compatible routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, aptX, LDAC, AAC | 5.0 | The Poco X3 Pro has more advanced audio codecs, leading to better sound quality with wireless headphones. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | The Poco X3 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB | The Poco X3 Pro has more storage options, particularly for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 3GB or 4GB | The Poco X3 Pro has significantly more RAM for better multitasking and smoother performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, which can be limiting. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic | The Poco X3 Pro offers a much better audio experience with high quality playback and stereo speakers. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | None Specified | The Poco X3 Pro has the added security of a fingerprint reader. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | The Poco X3 Pro has better scratch and drop protection on the screen. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | Accelerometer, Proximity | The Poco X3 Pro has a much more comprehensive suite of sensors for advanced features and accurate readings. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset provides significantly better processing power, making it much faster for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Better Display: The 120Hz refresh rate, higher resolution, and IPS LCD technology offer a smoother, sharper, and more vibrant visual experience.
- Enhanced Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus the addition of wide-angle and macro lenses, provide more versatility and better image quality.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Superior Audio: Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers offer better audio quality.
- Better Security: Fingerprint scanner provides enhanced security and convenient unlocking.
- More Features: More advanced Wi-Fi, Bluetooth audio codecs, GPS, and sensors.
- Better Storage/RAM options: Offers more internal storage and RAM which enhance the user experience for demanding users.
Samsung Galaxy A04e Advantages:
- Lighter and Smaller: More comfortable for those who prefer a lightweight and compact phone.
- Newer OS: Ships with a slightly more recent version of Android out of the box (though the Poco X3 Pro can be updated).
- Lower Price: Likely to be more affordable (though pricing can fluctuate), making it more accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco X3 Pro is bulkier and heavier, which some may find less comfortable than the A04e.
- The A04e sacrifices display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and features for its lower price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal User:
- Gamers: The powerful chipset, 120Hz display, and ample RAM make it ideal for mobile gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system with higher resolution and additional lenses offers a superior photographic experience.
- Power Users: Those who need fast processing, smooth multitasking, and plenty of storage will appreciate the Poco X3 Pro.
- Media Consumers: The higher resolution display, high refresh rate and stereo speakers make it ideal for watching videos and listening to music.
Specific Use Cases for Poco X3 Pro:
- Playing graphic-intensive games smoothly
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos
- Multitasking between multiple apps
- Watching high-resolution content on a smooth display
- Enjoying higher quality sound
Samsung Galaxy A04e Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a basic smartphone with essential features at an affordable price.
- Light Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, social media, and basic web browsing.
- Users Seeking Lightweight Device: People who prioritize a lightweight phone over high performance and advanced features.
- Minimalists: Users who prefer basic features, simple design, and don't need many advanced functionalities.
Specific Use Cases for Galaxy A04e:
- Basic communication (calls and texts)
- Light social media browsing
- Simple web browsing
- Casual photography
- Daily phone tasks and less demanding apps.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Galaxy A04e is likely more affordable, while the Poco X3 Pro offers significant improvements at a higher price.
- What are my primary use cases? Do you need a powerful phone for gaming and demanding apps, or a basic device for everyday tasks?
- What is more important: performance or comfort? The Poco X3 Pro excels in performance while the Galaxy A04e is lighter and more compact.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its superior performance, smoother display, and better gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Student: The Samsung Galaxy A04e is a viable option for basic tasks if budget is the primary concern.
- Scenario 3: Photography Lover: The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers a more versatile and higher-quality camera system.
- Scenario 4: Basic User with No Gaming Needs: If you simply want to do daily tasks, both phones will work, but given the option, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro will offer a smoother and more responsive experience in most situations.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is the clear winner in terms of performance, display quality, camera versatility, and overall features. However, the Samsung Galaxy A04e serves as a more basic option for those who prioritize affordability and a lighter design, while not being too compromised for daily use.
My Choice
Given the information provided, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. Despite being older, the performance difference is significant. The Snapdragon 860 will offer a vastly superior experience in all use cases other than being lighter. The better screen (120Hz), significantly higher AnTuTu Score, better camera features and faster charging make it a superior option for most use cases.
While the Galaxy A04e is newer, the improvements in areas like screen, performance, and camera on the Poco X3 Pro outweigh the advantage of being a newer device. The slightly larger size is a small trade-off for the improvements in user experience that the Poco X3 Pro provides.
