More and more budget 5G phones are entering the market. Today, here we have two of your latest options in the country.
First, we have the just-released Samsung Galaxy A22 5G. This one is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, the same processor found on many entry-level to midrange 5G phones in the industry.
We’ll be comparing that to the POCO M3 Pro 5G, one of those many devices that uses the same processor.
If you’re in the market for a budget device with the next-gen connectivity feature, you should keep an eye on these two.
But the question is, what other features do these devices have and which between them offers the right specs and value for your needs? We find out in our Samsung Galaxy A22 5G versus POCO M3 Pro 5G specifications and features comparison.
Samsung Galaxy A22 5G | POCO M3 Pro 5G | |
Operating System | Android 11 One UI 3.1 | Android 11 MIUI 12 |
SIM | Dual SIM Dual standby | Dual SIM Dual standby |
Display | 6.6-inch FHD+ TFT 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution 399ppi 90Hz refresh rate | 6.5-inch FHD+ IPS 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution 404ppi DynamicSwitch refresh rate (30Hz/50Hz/60Hz/90Hz) 1500:1 contrast ratio 1100-nits 360-degree ambient light sensor |
Processor | 2.2GHz MediaTek Dimensity 700 octa-core | 2.2GHz MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G octa-core |
RAM | 6GB | 4GB/6GB |
GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
Storage | 128GB UFS 2.1 expandable via microSD | 64GB/128GB UFS 2.2 expandable via microSD |
Front Camera | 8-megapixel | 8-megapixel |
Rear Camera | 48-megapixel (f/1.8, PDAF) 5-megapixel (ultra-wide) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) LED flash | 48-megapixel (f/1.8, PDAF) 2-megapixel (macro) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) LED flash |
Audio | Headphone jack Single loudspeaker | Headphone jack Single loudspeaker Hi-Res audio |
Security | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock |
Connectivity | HSPA+, 4G LTE, 5G WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS USB Type-C | HSPA+, 4G LTE, 5G WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.1 GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BDS NFC IR Blaster USB Type-C |
Dimensions | 167.2 x 76.4 x 9mm | 161.81 x 75.34 x 8.92mm |
Weight | 203g | 190g |
Body | Front: Glass Back: Plastic Frame: Plastic | Front: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 Back: Plastic Frame: Plastic |
Colors | Violet Mint White Gray | Power Black Cool Blue POCO Yellow |
Battery | 5,000mAh non-removable 15W fast charging | 5,000mAh non-removable 18W fast charging |
Price | Php13,990 | 4GB/64GB: Php8,990 6GB/128GB: Php11,990 |
Design and Build Quality
As always, design preferences are subjective. But by looking at the two, it’s quite obvious that Xiaomi put in extra thought when designing the POCO M3 Pro 5G.
It has edgier colors, with a large POCO icon on the back and a black accent highlighting the camera glass.
On the other hand, Samsung went with a cleaner but familiar look with a 2×2 camera layout with the LED flash posing as a fourth camera.
POCO also incorporated a cleaner punch-hole for the selfie camera, while the latter has a traditional waterdrop notch.
The build is almost the same on paper. But, sadly, neither has an official IP rating for water and dust protection. We also wish Samsung said what type of screen glass they used on the Galaxy A22.
Display and Audio
Here’s a clear win for the POCO M3 Pro 5G. As you can see, despite having similar sizes, resolution, and refresh rates, the POCO device has a rear-facing ambient light sensor for 360-degree coverage.
Plus, dynamic refresh rate that automatically switches to 30Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz, and 90Hz depending on the task on hand for better battery and performance optimization.
Neither have stereo speakers, too. But, the M3 Pro 5G gets a one-up by having Hi-Res audio certification.
Hardware and Performance
As stated earlier, the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G and the POCO M3 Pro 5G share the same processor. Therefore, besides 5G, it should also bring smooth performance on both devices.
However, the M3 Pro 5G gets a sneak win by having a faster UFS 2.2 storage, while the latter settles for UFS 2.1. The POCO device also has a 4GB/64GB option if you want a cheaper option.
Cameras
The two are also similar in the camera department. As you can see, they both share 8-megapixel selfie cameras and triple shooters on the back led by a 48-megapixel main shooter.
But, finally, Samsung managed to pull a sneak win by having a sharper 5-megapixel macro camera versus the 2-megapixel of the competition.
Related
- Realme 8 5G vs POCO M3 Pro 5G: Specs Comparison
- OPPO A54 vs POCO M3 Pro 5G: Specs Comparison
- Xiaomi and POCO price list in the Philippines
- Realme products prices in the Philippines
Battery
Both devices have 5,000mAh batteries—quite a standard capacity for devices in this price range.
Still, the M3 Pro 5G managed to win this round by having an 18W fast charger, while the Galaxy A22 5G only has 15W charging. For some reason, Samsung smartphones’ charging capacity is always behind the competition.
Conclusion
Well, I guess the winner here is clear. As you can see, the POCO M3 Pro 5G has a better design, display, faster storage, higher charging rate, and even extras like NFC and an IR blaster.
The best part is, it’s actually cheaper. The Galaxy A22 5G is available in a single model that retails for Php13,990. On the other hand, even the M3 Pro 5G’s top-tier model is cheaper at Php11,990. In addition, a more affordable 4GB/64GB option is also available for Php8,990.