The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Oppo K9s and Xiaomi Poco X5 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at attractive price points, but which one truly delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Poco X5 edges out the K9s thanks to its faster charging, brighter display, and slightly more efficient chipset. While the K9s boasts a more powerful CPU, the Poco X5's overall package provides a more polished and user-friendly experience for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 20 | 2023, February 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2023, February 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.2 | Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired
5W reverse wired | 33W wired, 100% in 60 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Aurora | Jaguar Black, Wildcat Blue, Supernova Green |
| Models | PERM10 | 22111317PG, 22111317PI |
| Price | - | About 230 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.84 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 106h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.3 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 400895 (v9)
GeekBench: 2088 (v5.1) |
Oppo K9s
- More powerful CPU (Snapdragon 778G)
- 5W reverse wired charging
- Sleek design
- Slower charging (30W)
- Lower display brightness
- Potentially less optimized software
Xiaomi Poco X5
- Faster charging (33W)
- Brighter display (728 nits)
- Excellent battery life (106h endurance)
- Competitive price
- Slightly less powerful CPU
- Design may be less premium
Display Comparison
The Poco X5 takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 728 nits, offering significantly better visibility in sunlight compared to the K9s. While the K9s display is adequate, the Poco X5's contrast ratio (infinite nominal) contributes to a more immersive viewing experience. Both utilize AMOLED panels, ensuring vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is a close call. Both phones offer decent camera systems for their price range. The Poco X5 likely has better image processing and potentially a slightly better main sensor. Low-light performance is likely comparable. Detailed camera samples and comparisons would be needed for a definitive verdict.
Performance
The Oppo K9s holds a slight advantage in raw CPU power thanks to the Snapdragon 778G, which features a more powerful Cortex-A78 core. However, the Poco X5's Snapdragon 695 5G is still capable and efficient, and real-world performance differences may be minimal for everyday tasks. Gaming performance is likely to be better on the K9s.
Battery Life
The Poco X5 shines in the battery department, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 106 hours. Coupled with 33W fast charging (reaching 100% in 60 minutes), it offers exceptional longevity and quick top-ups. The K9s' 30W charging is slower, and its battery life, while respectable, doesn't match the Poco X5's endurance.
Buying Guide
The Oppo K9s is ideal for users prioritizing raw processing power for gaming or demanding apps. The Xiaomi Poco X5 is a better choice for those seeking a well-rounded experience with fast charging, a vibrant display, and excellent battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Oppo K9s likely offers a slightly better gaming experience due to its more powerful Snapdragon 778G chipset.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge each phone?
The Xiaomi Poco X5 charges to 100% in approximately 60 minutes with its 33W charger, while the Oppo K9s takes longer with its 30W charging.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Xiaomi generally provides good software support and updates for their Poco devices, but Oppo's ColorOS is also improving. It's a close call and depends on individual preferences.