The Xiaomi Poco C71 and Samsung Galaxy A14 represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Poco C71 leverages a Unisoc chipset, while the Galaxy A14 offers a choice between a Mediatek Helio G80 and an Exynos 850, creating a fascinating performance disparity we'll explore.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a potentially smoother software experience, the Samsung Galaxy A14 (specifically the Exynos 850 version) is the better choice. While the Poco C71 offers a competitive price, the Galaxy A14’s more mature chipset architecture and Samsung’s software optimizations provide a more refined user experience.
| 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, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April 08 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| 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) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.88 inches, 112.4 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15 or Android 15 (Go edition), up to 2 major Android upgrades | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, 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, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/1.8, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Black, Cool Blue, Desert Gold | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | 25028PC03I, 25028PC03G | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | £ 59.98 / € 76.41 / ₹ 6,199 | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR | 0.82 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Poco C71
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Decent battery life (estimated)
- Unisoc chipset may struggle with demanding tasks
- Less refined software experience
- Potentially lower resale value
Samsung Galaxy A14
- More powerful Exynos 850 version available
- Samsung’s established brand and software support
- Potentially better camera performance
- Helio G80 version offers less performance gain
- May be slightly more expensive than the Poco C71
- 15W charging is relatively slow
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the specifics are missing. The Galaxy A14’s larger screen size (typically 6.6 inches vs the Poco C71’s 6.54 inches) offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience. Without knowing the peak brightness or color gamut coverage, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner, but Samsung generally offers better color calibration even on its budget devices.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature a multi-camera setup, but details are sparse. The Poco C71 likely relies heavily on software processing to enhance image quality. The Galaxy A14, while also utilizing software, benefits from Samsung’s more refined image processing algorithms. Without knowing sensor sizes or aperture values, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on some Galaxy A14 variants would be a significant advantage, resulting in sharper images and smoother videos, particularly in low-light conditions. The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are largely marketing filler and offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
This is where the biggest differences lie. The Poco C71’s Unisoc T7250, built on a 12nm process, features a dual-core Cortex-A75 cluster for performance and a hexa-core Cortex-A55 cluster for efficiency. The Galaxy A14 presents a split: the Helio G80 (also 12nm) has a similar Cortex-A75/A55 configuration but with slightly higher clock speeds (2.0 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). Crucially, the A14 also comes with an Exynos 850 version, fabricated on a more efficient 8nm process. This 8nm node translates to better thermal management and sustained performance, meaning the Exynos version will likely exhibit less throttling under load. The Exynos 850’s Cortex-A55 cores running at 2.0 GHz also provide a performance edge over the Poco C71’s 1.6 GHz A55 cores. For gaming, the A14 (especially the Exynos variant) will offer a smoother experience.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 15W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. Battery capacity is not specified, but both are likely in the 5000mAh range, typical for this segment. The Exynos 850’s superior power efficiency in the Galaxy A14 could translate to slightly longer battery life, offsetting any potential capacity differences. Real-world usage will depend heavily on individual usage patterns, but the A14’s more efficient chipset gives it a slight edge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco C71 if you need a phone primarily for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media, and your budget is extremely tight. It’s a functional device for those with minimal smartphone demands. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you prefer a more versatile device capable of handling moderate multitasking, occasional gaming, and benefit from Samsung’s established brand reputation and software support. The Exynos 850 version is preferable for sustained performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in the Galaxy A14 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is significantly more thermally efficient than the Unisoc T7250. While it will get warm during extended gaming, it’s less prone to significant throttling, maintaining a more consistent frame rate over longer periods compared to the Poco C71.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget phones typically produce low-resolution, soft images with limited detail. They are often included for marketing purposes but offer minimal practical benefit compared to using the main camera in standard photo mode.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 handle games like PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Galaxy A14 (especially the Exynos 850 version) can likely run PUBG Mobile at 60fps with medium graphics settings. However, performance may dip during intense firefights. The Poco C71 will struggle to maintain a stable 60fps, requiring lower graphics settings and potentially experiencing more frequent frame drops.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates?
Samsung generally provides longer software support for its devices than Xiaomi, even in the budget segment. The Galaxy A14 is therefore more likely to receive regular security updates and potentially even one or two major Android version updates.
