The Xiaomi Poco M6 and Samsung Galaxy A35 represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$300 smartphone market. The Poco M6 aims to deliver maximum performance for the price, leveraging MediaTek's Dimensity series. Conversely, the Galaxy A35 focuses on a well-rounded experience with Samsung's software and a brighter display, but at a slight price premium. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A35 emerges as the better overall choice. Its brighter 1024 nit display, coupled with the more efficient Exynos 1380 chipset and longer battery life (12:26h active use), provides a smoother and more enjoyable daily experience. While the Poco M6 offers a competitive processor, the A35’s refinements justify the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 26, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, December 22 | 2024, March 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, December 26 | Available. Released 2024, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 168 x 78 x 8.1 mm (6.61 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) | 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm (6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MP5 |
| OS | Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.96", PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Galactic Black, Orion Blue | Iceblue, Lilac, Navy, Lemon |
| Models | 23128PC33I | SM-A356E, SM-A356E/DS, SM-A356B, SM-A356B/DS, SM-A356U, SM-A356U1 |
| Price | ₹ 9,388 | $ 138.00 / C$ 419.99 / £ 205.99 / € 259.99 / ₹ 18,299 |
| SAR | - | 0.81 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.44 W/kg (head) 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Poco M6
- Potentially more raw CPU power for the price.
- Supports PD fast charging.
- Likely more affordable.
- Less efficient chipset (6nm vs 5nm).
- Expected lower display brightness.
- Potentially shorter battery life.
Samsung Galaxy A35
- Brighter 1024 nit display for outdoor visibility.
- More efficient Exynos 1380 chipset.
- Longer battery life (12:26h active use).
- Faster 25W charging.
- Higher price point.
- Samsung’s One UI can be resource intensive.
- May not offer the absolute highest CPU performance.
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A35 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1024 nits, compared to an expected lower peak brightness on the Poco M6 (spec not provided, but typical for the price range). This brightness advantage translates to superior outdoor visibility. While the Poco M6’s panel technology isn’t specified, the A35’s likely utilizes a high-quality AMOLED panel, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The A35’s larger display size (assumed, based on market positioning) also contributes to a more immersive viewing experience. Bezels are expected to be comparable, but the A35’s superior panel quality is a clear win.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for the Poco M6, a direct comparison is limited. However, Samsung typically prioritizes camera performance in its A-series devices. The Galaxy A35 is expected to feature a more sophisticated image processing pipeline and potentially a larger main sensor (spec not provided, but likely larger than the Poco M6). The A35’s image stabilization (OIS, assumed) would further enhance photo and video quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The Poco M6 likely includes standard camera features, but the A35 is expected to deliver more consistent and higher-quality results, especially for users who frequently capture photos and videos.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A35’s Exynos 1380 (5nm) chipset offers a performance edge over the Poco M6’s MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm). The Exynos 1380 features a more powerful CPU configuration – 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores versus the Poco’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores – resulting in faster application loading and smoother multitasking. The 5nm fabrication process of the Exynos 1380 also contributes to better power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling under sustained load. While both phones utilize an octa-core architecture, the A35’s core configuration and process node give it a clear advantage in demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A35 demonstrates a clear advantage in battery life, achieving 12 hours and 26 minutes of active use. While the Poco M6’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the A35’s longer runtime suggests a combination of a larger battery and the more efficient Exynos 1380 chipset. The A35 also supports 25W wired charging, faster than the Poco M6’s 18W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups. Although the Poco M6 supports PD (Power Delivery), the lower wattage limits its charging speed. The A35’s combination of battery life and faster charging provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco M6 if you prioritize raw processing power for gaming and demanding apps on a strict budget, and are comfortable with Xiaomi’s MIUI software. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A35 if you value a brighter, more visible display, longer battery life, Samsung’s One UI software experience, and a more refined overall package, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1380 in the Galaxy A35 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1380, built on a 5nm process, is generally efficient and manages heat well. While some throttling is possible during extended, graphically intensive gaming, it’s unlikely to be a significant issue for most users. The A35’s thermal design should adequately dissipate heat, preventing performance drops that would severely impact the gaming experience.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Poco M6 slow compared to the 25W on the Galaxy A35, and how long will it take to fully charge?
Yes, 18W charging is noticeably slower than 25W. While a precise 0-100% charge time for the Poco M6 isn’t available, expect it to take significantly longer than the Galaxy A35. The A35’s faster charging is a convenience factor, allowing for quicker top-ups throughout the day.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Xiaomi’s MIUI on the Poco M6 and Samsung’s One UI on the Galaxy A35?
MIUI is known for its extensive customization options but can also include pre-installed bloatware. One UI offers a cleaner, more polished experience with a focus on usability and Samsung’s ecosystem integration. One UI is generally considered more stable and receives longer software support updates than MIUI.
