The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Xiaomi Poco C71 and Samsung Galaxy A05s represent two compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The Poco C71 aims for affordability with a Unisoc chipset, while the Galaxy A05s leverages Qualcomm's Snapdragon 680, promising a balance of efficiency and performance. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A05s is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, coupled with a brighter and higher contrast display, provides a smoother and more enjoyable user experience. While the Poco C71 is cheaper, the A05s’ superior performance and battery life justify the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Global | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - Global | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, April 04 | 2023, September 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April 08 | Available. Released 2023, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 171.8 x 77.8 x 8.3 mm (6.76 x 3.06 x 0.33 in) | 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.88 inches, 112.4 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 15 or Android 15 (Go edition), up to 2 major Android upgrades | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 32 MP, f/1.8, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Black, Cool Blue, Desert Gold | Black, Silver, Light Green, Violet |
| Models | 25028PC03I, 25028PC03G | SM-A057F, SM-A057F/DS, SM-A057M, SM-A057M/DS, SM-A057G/DSN, SM-A057G |
| Price | £ 59.98 / € 76.41 / ₹ 6,199 | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 |
| SAR | 0.82 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Poco C71
- Likely more affordable price point
- Octa-core processor for multitasking
- Potential for expandable storage (market segment expectation)
- Unisoc T7250 chipset is less powerful than Snapdragon 680
- Display specifications are unknown and likely inferior
- Slower 15W charging
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Brighter and higher contrast display (468 nits, 1418:1)
- Faster 25W wired charging
- Longer battery life (11:32h active use)
- Slightly higher price compared to the Poco C71
- Camera performance relies on software optimization
- May lack advanced features found in higher-end Samsung models
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A05s boasts a significantly more refined display experience. Its measured 468 nits of peak brightness ensures comfortable viewing even outdoors, a stark contrast to the likely lower brightness of the Poco C71 (data unavailable). The 1418:1 contrast ratio on the A05s further enhances image clarity and depth. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the A05s’ superior specifications suggest better color accuracy and overall visual fidelity. The Poco C71’s display specs are currently unknown, making it difficult to assess its performance in this critical area.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to assess without sample images, but the available data suggests the Galaxy A05s has a slight edge. While both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth sensor, the A05s benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processing capabilities. The Poco C71’s camera specs are unknown, but budget phones often prioritize megapixel count over sensor size and lens quality. The A05s’ lens aperture and sensor size (data unavailable) will be key determinants of low-light performance. It's reasonable to assume the A05s will deliver more consistent and detailed images.
Performance
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 in the Galaxy A05s represents a clear advantage over the Unisoc T7250 in the Poco C71. Built on a 6nm process, the Snapdragon 680 is more power-efficient, translating to better battery life and reduced thermal throttling. The CPU architecture also favors the A05s, with 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold cores for demanding tasks alongside 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver cores for efficiency. The Poco C71’s 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration, while octa-core, lacks the performance headroom of the Snapdragon. This difference will be most noticeable in multitasking and gaming.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A05s shines in battery life, achieving an impressive 11:32h of active use. While the Poco C71’s battery capacity is unknown, the Snapdragon 680’s 6nm efficiency and the A05s’ optimized software contribute to its longevity. Furthermore, the A05s supports 25W wired charging, significantly faster than the Poco C71’s 15W charging. This means quicker top-ups and less downtime, making the A05s more convenient for users on the go.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco C71 if your absolute priority is minimizing cost and you primarily need a phone for basic communication and light tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you value a more responsive user experience, better display quality for media consumption, and longer battery life, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the Galaxy A05s handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 680 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a playable experience for casual gamers. The Poco C71’s Unisoc T7250 will likely struggle with higher settings or prolonged gaming sessions due to thermal throttling.
❓ How significant is the charging speed difference between 15W and 25W charging?
The 25W charging on the Galaxy A05s will noticeably reduce charging times compared to the Poco C71’s 15W charging. Expect a significantly faster 0-100% charge on the A05s, potentially shaving off 30-60 minutes depending on battery capacity. This is particularly beneficial for users who need to quickly top up their phone throughout the day.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A05s support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality?
Generally, Samsung devices in this price range *do* support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), but carrier compatibility is crucial. Check with your mobile carrier to confirm support for these features on the Galaxy A05s in your region. The Poco C71’s support for these features is less certain.
