Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Xiaomi Poco C31 and Samsung Galaxy M04 are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy M04 edges out the Poco C31 thanks to its slightly faster processor and notably quicker 15W charging. While both offer basic functionality, the M04 provides a marginally better overall experience for the price, especially for those valuing faster charging speeds.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 30 | 2022, December 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 02 | Available. Released 2022, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Royal Blue, Shadow Gray | Sea Glass Green, Shadow Blue |
| Models | MZB0A0MIN, MZB0A0KIN, 211033MI, 22031116AI | SM-M045F, SM-M045F/DS |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.38 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Poco C31
- Large display
- Long battery life
- Affordable price
- Slower processor
- Slow charging (10W)
- Basic camera performance
Samsung Galaxy M04
- Slightly faster processor
- Faster charging (15W)
- Reputable brand
- Battery life slightly shorter than Poco C31
- Basic camera performance
- Similar display quality to Poco C31
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for everyday use. However, color accuracy and brightness are typical for this price range. The Poco C31 might have a slightly larger display area, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Poco C31 typically features a 13MP main camera, while the Galaxy M04 often includes a 13MP main camera as well. Image quality is generally comparable, with both struggling in low-light conditions. Software processing plays a significant role in the final results, and Samsung's image processing might be slightly more refined.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy M04's Helio P35 chipset offers a small but noticeable performance advantage over the Poco C31's Helio G35. Expect slightly smoother multitasking and app loading times on the M04. Both phones are adequate for basic tasks like browsing and social media, but demanding games are not recommended.
Battery Life
The Poco C31 often boasts a larger battery capacity (typically 5000mAh) compared to the Galaxy M04 (typically 5000mAh). However, the Galaxy M04's 15W charging support provides a significant advantage in charging time, making it more convenient to top up the battery.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Poco C31 is ideal for users prioritizing a large display and extended battery life on a very tight budget. The Samsung Galaxy M04 is a better choice for those who want a slightly more responsive experience and faster charging, even if it means a smaller battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for demanding games. The Samsung Galaxy M04's slightly faster processor provides a marginally better experience, but both will struggle with high-end titles.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy M04 worth the extra cost?
If faster charging and a slightly smoother user experience are important to you, then the Galaxy M04 is worth the small price premium. Otherwise, the Poco C31 offers excellent value for those prioritizing battery life and a large display.
