1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 168 × 77.8 × 8.8 mm | A05s is slightly taller and thinner, X3 Pro is more compact but thicker. |
| Weight | 215g | 194g | A05s is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Nearly identical screen sizes; minimal difference in hand. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Same sharpness; both are Full HD for crisp visuals. |
| PPI | 395 | 393 | Very similar pixel density, making it difficult to distinguish differences with the naked eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | X3 Pro's IPS LCD typically offers slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles than PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | X3 Pro has smoother scrolling and animations, a more responsive feel in gaming and navigation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness data is not available. Unable to determine the brightness performance. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | X3 Pro's chipset is significantly more powerful, providing much faster performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 260,000 | X3 Pro offers drastically better performance, with more than double the score. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 610 | X3 Pro's GPU is much more powerful, for much smoother and higher quality graphics in games. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A05s has a slightly higher resolution but X3 Pro’s wider aperture allows more light, potentially better low light images. |
| Front Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.0 | X3 Pro has higher resolution front camera, but A05s has wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | N/A | X3 Pro can capture wider shots, while A05s lacks this option |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar for both phones; provides depth information for blurred backgrounds in portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar for both phones; for close up photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | X3 Pro offers higher resolution video recording, with much better slow-motion recording capabilities, offering more options for videos |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacities, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | X3 Pro charges faster, reducing time spent waiting for a full battery. |
| Technology | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Both non-removable; Li-Polymer generally has a higher energy density and is lighter than Li-Ion. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 13 | A05s ships with a newer version of Android for improved features and security. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, MIMO | 802.11ac | X3 Pro supports Wi-Fi MIMO, for potentially faster and more reliable connections. Both have dual-band support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, AptX, LDAC | 5.1 LE | A05s has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, while X3 Pro offers better audio codec support (AptX, LDAC). |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A05s supports more satellite systems, potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support Dual SIM; ability to use two SIM cards simultaneously. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | X3 Pro has more storage options, with up to double the capacity on the highest model, allowing for more data and media to be stored locally. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | X3 Pro has more RAM, beneficial for smoother multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | X3 Pro offers higher fidelity audio with stereo sound, better audio for music and videos. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biometrics | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic biometric security for unlocking the phone. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | X3 Pro offers superior screen protection against scratches and damage. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity | X3 Pro offers a comprehensive suite for enhanced user experience including advanced gaming controls and virtual reality applications. A05s is limited with basic sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: Snapdragon 860 chipset and Adreno 640 GPU result in much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a much smoother visual experience compared to 90Hz.
- Better Camera System: The X3 Pro has better video recording capabilities (4K) and includes a wide angle lens, offering more versatility. Also it provides better front camera resolution and wider aperture in the main rear sensor, which can lead to better low-light performance.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging gets the phone juiced up much faster than A05s's 25W charging.
- Superior Audio: Features Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience.
- Better Build Quality: Comes with Gorilla Glass 6 for screen protection.
- More Storage and RAM options: With up to 256 GB storage and 8 GB RAM for better performance.
- More Advanced Sensors: Includes compass, gyroscope and ultrasonic proximity sensor, offering better functionality for various use cases.
Samsung Galaxy A05s Advantages:
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13, a more modern operating system out of the box.
- Lighter Build: Weighing 194g makes it more comfortable for extended use.
- More Accurate GPS: Supports QZSS for more precise location tracking.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1.
- Slightly Higher Resolution Main Camera: 50MP vs 48MP.
Trade-offs:
- Performance vs. Modern OS: The X3 Pro sacrifices a newer OS for significantly superior performance, while the A05s offers a more up-to-date software experience at the cost of processing power.
- Features vs. Simplicity: X3 Pro has more advanced features at the cost of a slightly more complex design, while A05s offers a basic, streamlined smartphone experience.
- Weight vs. Power: The A05s is lighter but the X3 Pro packs considerably more power.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, multimedia consumers.
- Use Cases:
- High-performance mobile gaming with smooth frame rates and fast loading times.
- Demanding multitasking for professionals who need fast processing for multiple apps.
- Enjoying high-quality videos, including 4K content, with excellent audio.
- Users who need fast charging for their device.
- Users who appreciate a more versatile camera system and need a wide angle lens.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value for performance, making it a good choice for budget-conscious buyers who don't want to compromise on speed.
Samsung Galaxy A05s:
- Ideal User: Basic users, those prioritizing ease of use, and casual smartphone users who need reliable performance for everyday tasks.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday use like browsing the web, social media, and sending emails.
- Casual photography and video recording with basic features.
- Users that prefer a lighter device
- Those who want a more up-to-date version of Android.
- Price-to-Value: A more budget-friendly option with reliable performance for basic use cases but may not offer the best value for users wanting peak performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, social media, photography, productivity, etc.)
- How important is performance versus a modern OS? (Do I need high-end speed or just a reliable system?)
- What is my preferred trade-off for features, and build quality? (More advanced features vs. simplicity, better screen protection?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: A user who prioritizes performance and gaming: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is the obvious choice due to its superior processing power, 120Hz refresh rate display, and advanced sensors.
Scenario 2: A user who needs a reliable phone for basic tasks and prefers a newer OS: Samsung Galaxy A05s is better because of its more modern Android version and lighter build.
Scenario 3: A user who enjoys multimedia consumption and good camera features: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is more suitable, offering 4K video recording, better front camera, stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio.
Scenario 4: A user who values battery and charging: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has the slight edge with fast 33W charging capabilities.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. Despite being an older model, its significantly superior performance, 120Hz display, more versatile camera, and faster charging make it a more compelling option for me. While the A05s has the advantage of a newer OS, the performance gap between the two devices is massive. I would prioritize the raw power and enhanced features of the X3 Pro for my personal usage, which includes gaming, multitasking, and media consumption. The X3 Pro also offers better screen protection. The trade-off of having an older OS is acceptable to me, since the core functionalities are still present. The additional sensors also provide more versatility for various applications.
