Samsung Galaxy M31 v/s POCO X2: The better mid-ranger?
Samsung has just launched the Galaxy M31 in India, offering an AMOLED screen, 64MP quad rear camera and a hefty 6,000mAh battery at a starting price of Rs. 16,000. Interestingly, at this price point, you also have the newly-launched POCO X2 which boasts of a 120Hz LCD display, a versatile 64MP quad camera, and faster 27W charging support. But which one is better?
Galaxy M31 v/s POCO X2: At a glance
The Galaxy M31 retains the design of its predecessor including a U-shaped notched screen with ultra-fine bezels on three sides and a prominent chin. On the rear, a plastic panel houses a rectangular camera bump. In comparison, the POCO X2 gets a pill-shaped punch-hole design, a premium all-glass body, and an attractive gradient design on the back. Winner: POCO X2.
All about the screen
Samsung's Galaxy M31 comes with a 6.4-inch Infinity-U AMOLED screen with full-HD+ (1080x2340 pixels) resolution and conventional 60Hz refresh rate. The POCO X2, on the other hand, has a 6.67-inch LCD screen with a full-HD+ (1080x2400 pixels) resolution and HDR10 support. The screen also supports a power-hungry 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations. Winner: POCO X2.
For the shutterbugs and selfie lovers
The quad rear camera on the M31 offers a 64MP primary sensor, 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor, 5MP depth sensor, and 5MP macro lens. On the front, it has a 32MP selfie snapper. The POCO X2 also has a similar setup with 64MP main sensor, 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, 2MP depth sensor, and 2MP macro camera. For selfies, it has a 20MP+2MP setup. Winner: Your call.
Under the hood
The Galaxy M31 is powered by an Exynos 9611 processor, coupled with 6GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB of expandable storage. In comparison, the POCO X2 is powered by a Snapdragon 730G processor, paired with 6GB/8GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB/256GB of expandable storage. It also offers a LiquidCool technology for improved thermal management. Winner: Galaxy M31 for its marginally faster processor (around 5.3% faster).
Battery to biometrics
The M31 packs a mighty 6,000mAh battery with support for 15W fast charging while the POCO X2 gets a smaller 4,500mAh battery but it supports faster 27W charging (adapter comes bundled). Further, the Samsung handset gets a rear-mounted fingerprint reader whereas the POCO offering has a more ergonomic side-mounted scanner. Winner: You decide. Bigger battery or faster charging?
Pricing: The key factor
The Samsung Galaxy M31 costs Rs. 15,999 for the 6GB/64GB variant and Rs. 16,999 for the 6GB/128GB model. The POCO X2, in comparison, costs Rs. 15,999 for the 6GB/64GB variant, Rs. 16,999 for 6GB/128GB model, and Rs. 19,999 for the top-end 8GB/256GB configuration
How things stack up?
While both phones are evenly matched, there are some obvious differences between them. The Galaxy M31 gets a bright and colorful AMOLED screen, a slightly faster chipset, and a long-lasting 6,000mAh battery, while the POCO mid-ranger attracts with a smoother 120Hz display, dual front cameras, built-in liquid-cooling, a premium all-glass body, and faster charging tech. Winner: POCO X2 for being a more modern package.
