1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | Poco X3 Pro is slightly thicker (0.3mm), may feel slightly less sleek |
| Weight | 215g | 195g | A04s is 20g lighter, more comfortable for extended holding |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.5" | Poco X3 Pro offers a marginally larger viewing area for content consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Poco X3 Pro's higher resolution means sharper text, images, and videos |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 270 PPI | Poco X3 Pro's higher PPI leads to a noticeably clearer display, less pixelation |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | Poco X3 Pro's IPS LCD provides generally better color reproduction and viewing angles |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Poco X3 Pro's 120Hz provides smoother scrolling and animations, better gaming experience |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same brightness, which is missing, making it hard to know how they fare outdoors |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Poco X3 Pro's chipset provides significantly better app loading, gaming, and multitasking |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 117,300 | Poco X3 Pro is much faster overall, suitable for demanding apps and games |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Mali-G52 | Poco X3 Pro's GPU delivers superior graphics performance for games and intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.79 | 50MP f/1.8 | A04s has slightly higher resolution, but Poco X3 Pro has a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP f/2.2 | 5MP f/2.2 | Poco X3 Pro offers much higher resolution selfies, better for detail and cropping |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | None | Poco X3 Pro allows capturing wider scenes, more versatile photography |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Similar performance, used for background blur in portraits |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Similar performance for taking close-up shots |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Poco X3 Pro offers superior video quality and multiple frame rate options, better for content creation |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, expected to last a similar time |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Poco X3 Pro charges much faster, reducing waiting time |
| Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Minor difference in battery chemistry, but no clear practical advantage |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | A04s has a newer OS out of the box with an additional upgrade |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Similar Wi-Fi standards, Poco X3 Pro has added features |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both support 5.0 LE, Poco X3 Pro includes higher quality codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A04s supports more satellite systems for potentially better location accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 32GB/64GB/128GB | Poco X3 Pro has higher storage variants, more space for apps and media |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 3GB/4GB | Poco X3 Pro has more RAM for smoother multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports additional storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Poco X3 Pro delivers better audio quality and a more immersive experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Similar security features with side-mounted fingerprint sensors |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Poco X3 Pro has superior screen protection for improved durability |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity | Poco X3 Pro has more sensors useful for more advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset and Adreno 640 GPU offer significantly faster processing, better app loading, and smoother gaming. This means smoother daily usage, better graphics in games, and more future-proof performance.
- Better Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density, and a 120Hz refresh rate result in sharper visuals, smoother scrolling, and a more enjoyable viewing experience. This is noticeable when browsing, watching videos, or playing games.
- Enhanced Camera Features: Higher resolution selfie camera and inclusion of a wide angle lens provide more versatile photography options. 4k video recording capability with EIS is better for content creators.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging reduces waiting time compared to A04s’ 15W.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers give better audio quality compared to A04s basic audio.
- More RAM and Storage Options: 6GB/8GB RAM and 128GB/256GB storage configurations enable better multitasking, app loading, and media storage.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 provides superior screen scratch and impact resistance.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: The addition of a compass and gyroscope enhances user experience in games and other applications that require directional awareness and movement tracking.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Advantages:
- Lighter Design: The A04s is 20g lighter, which some users will find more comfortable for extended use.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 12 out of the box and is upgradable to Android 14.
- Potentially Better GPS: Includes QZSS satellite support, which can provide more accurate location data, especially in urban environments.
- Lower Initial Price: Typically more affordable than the Poco X3 Pro.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Performance vs Price: The Poco X3 Pro is a powerhouse but may be more expensive. The A04s is more affordable but sacrifices significant performance and display quality.
- Camera Versatility vs Simplicity: The Poco X3 Pro offers more camera features and video options, but A04s is simpler to use with less options.
- Durability vs Lightweight: The Poco X3 Pro has better screen protection, while the A04s is lighter and more comfortable to hold for long durations.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, multimedia enthusiasts, and those who value performance and a high-quality display. Users who prioritize speed, smooth performance, and high resolution content consumption.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphic-intensive games with high frame rates.
- Running multiple apps simultaneously without lag.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Watching high-resolution videos and movies.
- Taking good quality selfies and wide-angle shots.
- Content creation and vlogging due to 4k recording capabilities.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Offers excellent performance and features for its price, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious power users.
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, those who need a reliable smartphone for basic tasks, and those who value lightweight and affordability.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like calls, messaging, and browsing.
- Casual social media use.
- Basic photography and capturing simple photos.
- Users who prefer a lighter device for extended periods of usage.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Provides good value for its cost, appealing to those who want a simple, functional phone without unnecessary bells and whistles.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for you?
- High priority (gaming, heavy apps): Poco X3 Pro.
- Basic tasks only: Samsung Galaxy A04s.
- What do you prioritize in a display?
- Sharpness, smoothness: Poco X3 Pro.
- Basic functionality: Samsung Galaxy A04s.
- What is your budget?
- Price is key: Samsung Galaxy A04s.
- Willing to pay more for features: Poco X3 Pro.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gamer/Power User: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its superior performance, smooth display, and better gaming capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A04s for its lower price and good basic functionality.
- Scenario 3: Casual Photographer: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its better camera features and flexibility.
- Scenario 4: Comfort and Lightweight: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A04s for its lighter weight, which will be more comfortable to hold over longer periods.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. The significantly superior performance, higher resolution display, and more versatile camera system make it a much better choice for my typical usage. I use my phone for a variety of tasks, including gaming, media consumption, social media browsing, photography, and work related tasks. The Poco X3 Pro's enhanced capabilities in these areas justify the price difference for me. While the Samsung A04s is lighter and has a newer Android version, these are not enough to compensate for its much slower performance and poorer display quality. The better display, the much faster performance and the wider feature set that the Poco X3 Pro provides are more important to me as a user, I would choose it and it would be a more future-proof choice.
