The sub-$300 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme Q5 and Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G are two strong contenders. Both devices leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, promising similar performance, but diverge in areas like charging speed and battery optimization. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to help you choose the right phone for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G edges out the Realme Q5. While both share the same Snapdragon 695, the Poco X4 Pro’s slightly faster charging (67W vs 65W) and comparable battery endurance, combined with a potentially more refined software experience, make it the better all-rounder.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 20 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 28 | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 11, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF - Global version
64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF - India version
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 65W wired, 100% in 48 min | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 70% in 22 min, 100% in 41 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Yellow | Laser Black, Laser Blue, Poco Yellow |
| Models | RMX3478 | 2201116PG |
| Price | About 200 EUR | € 160.40 / $ 419.99 / £ 255.00 / ₹ 12,940 |
| SAR | - | 1.06 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 119h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.8 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 335353 (v8), 384646 (v9)
GeekBench: 2063 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme Q5
- Potentially lower price point
- 65W fast charging is still very respectable
- Compact and lightweight design (likely)
- Slightly slower charging than Poco X4 Pro
- Battery endurance potentially lower than Poco X4 Pro
- Less established global brand recognition
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G
- Faster 67W charging with PD3.0/QC3 support
- Excellent 119-hour endurance rating
- Potentially better thermal management
- May be slightly more expensive
- Larger size and weight (likely)
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
Display Comparison
Both the Realme Q5 and Poco X4 Pro 5G feature displays with an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting they utilize AMOLED panels. However, specific details like peak brightness, color gamut coverage, and refresh rates are missing. Given the price bracket, we can assume both are 6.6-inch FHD+ displays, but the Poco X4 Pro’s potential for a higher peak brightness, based on Xiaomi’s display history, could offer better outdoor visibility. The lack of LTPO technology on either device suggests standard refresh rate operation, likely 60Hz or 90Hz.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific sensor details. The absence of information regarding sensor size and aperture makes a direct comparison difficult. It’s likely both devices feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor, ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. Given the market segment, we can expect the primary sensor to be in the 48MP-64MP range. The Poco X4 Pro, benefiting from Xiaomi’s image processing algorithms, may offer slightly more refined image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the Poco X4 Pro would be a significant advantage, but is unconfirmed.
Performance
At the heart of both devices lies the Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold and 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver cores. This means CPU performance will be virtually identical. The real-world performance difference will likely come down to RAM management and thermal throttling. While RAM specifications aren't provided, the Poco X4 Pro’s larger thermal surface area, due to its slightly larger size, *may* allow for sustained performance during extended gaming sessions, minimizing throttling. However, without detailed thermal testing, this remains speculative.
Battery Life
The Poco X4 Pro 5G boasts an endurance rating of 119 hours, indicating excellent battery life. While the Realme Q5’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the Poco X4 Pro’s 119h rating suggests a larger battery or more efficient power management. Charging speeds are close, with the Realme Q5 offering 65W wired charging (100% in 48 minutes) and the Poco X4 Pro providing 67W wired charging (70% in 22 minutes, 100% in 41 minutes). The Poco X4 Pro’s faster partial charge time is a significant advantage for users who need a quick power boost.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Q5 if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are comfortable with a slightly slower charging experience. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G if you value faster charging, a potentially longer-lasting battery, and a more established brand reputation within the global market. Both are excellent choices for users seeking affordable 5G connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 695 in either phone struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 695 is a capable chipset for mid-range gaming, but demanding titles like PUBG or Genshin Impact will require reduced graphics settings. Both phones will likely experience some level of throttling during extended gaming sessions, but the Poco X4 Pro’s potentially better thermal management might mitigate this slightly.
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Poco X4 Pro significantly faster in real-world use than the 65W on the Realme Q5?
Yes, the Poco X4 Pro’s 67W charging, particularly its ability to reach 70% in just 22 minutes, offers a noticeable advantage for quick top-ups. While both phones reach 100% in around 40-48 minutes, the faster initial charge rate on the Poco X4 Pro is more practical for everyday use.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Realme UI and Xiaomi's MIUI?
Realme UI is generally considered to be closer to stock Android, offering a cleaner and more streamlined experience. MIUI, on the other hand, is heavily customized with numerous features and pre-installed apps. Some users appreciate MIUI’s extensive customization options, while others find it bloated and intrusive.
