Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy A55
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 161.1 × 77.4 × 8.2 mm | Poco X3 Pro is taller and thicker; A55 is more compact and thinner. |
| Weight | 215g | 213g | Both are similarly weighty, pocketable with a slight advantage for the A55. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Negligible size difference, both feel similar in hand. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer similar sharpness, no visible difference in everyday use. |
| PPI | 395 | 390 | Both offer very sharp images. No practical difference. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | A55 offers superior color vibrancy, deeper blacks, and better contrast, ideal for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and gaming experiences. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Exynos 1480 (4 nm) | A55's newer 4nm chip provides better overall performance and power efficiency for most tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 713,393 | A55 has a 14% performance edge in benchmark, which translates into smoother experience in multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Xclipse 530 | A55's GPU is newer, offering better gaming performance and graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX906 | A55 has a larger sensor, likely resulting in better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3T2 | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616 | A55 has higher resolution, leading to more detailed selfies with a larger sensor for better performance. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Omnivision OV8856 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", Sony IMX258 | A55 captures more detailed wide angle shots with a larger sensor. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Omnivision OV02B1B | None | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Hynix HI-259 | 5MP, f/2.4 | A55 has a higher resolution macro camera with more details. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS, OIS | Both offer 4K video, but A55 includes OIS for more stable recording. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Mobile: 108 (Photo: 110, Video: 117) | A55's tested camera performance is better overall |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Very similar battery capacity, both offer all-day usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Poco X3 Pro charges faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (upgradable to 18) | A55 has a much newer OS with better features, security, and longevity. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 5 | WiFi 6 | A55 has newer WiFi, offering faster speeds and better network performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | A55 has a newer Bluetooth version for better stability and features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A55 has more accurate positioning due to more satellite systems |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM | Dual Nano-SIM / eSIM | A55 supports eSIM, allowing for more flexible carrier switching. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer same storage options, no difference. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB or 12GB | A55 has higher RAM options for smoother multitasking, especially for more demanding users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | A55 offers slightly better audio experience with Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side mounted is usually faster and easier to access. A55 might have a sensor on the display. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A55 has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic Proximity | A55 has additional sensor (barometer) for advanced tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is notably faster than the A55's 25W.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted sensors are typically quicker and more intuitive to use than in-display options.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, though the A55 is capable of the same using AI.
- Lower Price: Generally, the Poco X3 Pro will be available at a lower price point.
Samsung Galaxy A55 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED offers better colors, contrast, and viewing experience than IPS LCD.
- Better Performance: Newer Exynos 1480 chip and higher AnTuTu score means smoother and faster performance.
- Enhanced Camera: Larger sensors, higher resolution front camera, OIS, and better overall image processing.
- Newer Software: Android 14 with longer support for upgrades.
- Better Connectivity: WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for improved wireless performance.
- eSIM Support: More flexibility in choosing mobile carriers.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Slightly better audio experience
- Better build quality: Gorilla Glass Victus offers better screen protection.
- More RAM Option: 12 GB of ram is available for better multi-tasking.
- Additional Sensors: Barometer for advanced environmental tracking.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: Compromises on display quality and camera capabilities for faster charging and a lower price.
- Galaxy A55: Costs more, slower charging, and lacks the physical depth sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro - Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious: Prioritizes value and performance over advanced features.
- Gamers: Looking for solid performance on a budget, though the A55 provides better performance for modern games.
- Users who prioritize charging speed: Faster charging is a key feature, even though the battery capacity is virtually identical.
- Users who prefer side-mounted fingerprint: This can be a subjective preference for ergonomic reasons.
Use Cases:
- Gaming on a budget
- Everyday social media and browsing
- Long battery life at a budget
Samsung Galaxy A55 - Ideal User:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Values high-quality display and sound for watching videos and movies.
- Camera Lovers: Wants a versatile camera with good low-light and overall performance.
- Power Users: Needs a smooth experience with multitasking, performance, and a newer operating system.
- Users who want to use eSIM: For frequent travelers and those who want to quickly switch mobile plans.
- Users who want good software support: Long term software updates
Use Cases:
- High-quality media consumption
- Photography and videography
- Demanding productivity tasks
- Future-proofing with latest software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Poco X3 Pro is significantly cheaper, so budget is a key differentiator.
- What do you value most: display or charging? The A55 has an superior screen, but the Poco charges faster.
- Do you need the best camera, or is a 'good enough' one okay? The A55 camera is much better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You want the best performance in gaming for the lowest possible price: Choose Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro due to its price and performance.
- Scenario 2: You watch a lot of movies and videos and want the best quality: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A55 for its display and overall camera quality.
- Scenario 3: You need a reliable device with long-term software updates: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A55 for its software support.
- Scenario 4: You want the convenience of faster charging over a better screen: Choose Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A55. While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers compelling performance at a lower price point, the improvements in the A55 in terms of display quality (AMOLED), camera performance (especially low light and video), software (Android 14 with longer support), and connectivity (WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, eSIM), makes it a more versatile and future-proof device. The better build quality and more comprehensive sensor suite of the A55 are also compelling. Despite the slightly slower charging, the overall user experience, especially for multimedia and camera-focused usage, makes it a better pick for me. The improvements in the camera and the additional 4GB of RAM will be noticeable on a daily basis.
