The Samsung Galaxy F14 4G and Xiaomi Poco M5s represent compelling options in the crowded sub-$200 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they take different approaches to achieving this. The F14 prioritizes efficiency with a newer Snapdragon chipset, while the Poco M5s leans on a more powerful, albeit older, Helio G95. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing long-term efficiency and a smoother everyday experience, the Samsung Galaxy F14 4G emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680, built on a 6nm process, offers superior power management and sustained performance compared to the Poco M5s’s 12nm Helio G95, despite the latter’s higher clock speeds.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 02 | 2022, September 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September 05 | Available. Released 2022, September 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 178.8 g (6.31 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1100 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 33W wired, 64% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moonlight Silver, Peppermint Green | Gray, Blue, White |
| Models | SM-E145F, SM-E145F/DS | 2207117BPG |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | 0.56 W/kg (head) | 1.00 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.87 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 132h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.4 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 360681 (v9)
GeekBench: 1831 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy F14 4G
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Likely better sustained performance
- Potentially smoother everyday experience
- Slower charging speed (25W)
- Display likely less bright than Poco M5s
Xiaomi Poco M5s
- Brighter display (756 nits)
- Faster charging (33W, 64% in 30 min)
- Potentially higher peak gaming performance
- Less efficient Helio G95 chipset
- Potential for thermal throttling
- May exhibit shorter battery life under heavy load
Display Comparison
The Poco M5s boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 756 nits, compared to the Galaxy F14 4G (brightness data unavailable, but typically lower in this segment). This makes the Poco M5s more usable outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays likely feature an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, the higher peak brightness of the Poco M5s is a clear advantage. However, without knowing the PWM dimming frequency of the F14, it’s difficult to assess potential eye strain for sensitive users.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specs are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both will rely on primary sensors around the 50MP mark. Image processing will likely be the differentiating factor, with Samsung typically favoring more saturated colors and Xiaomi leaning towards a more natural look. The presence of a dedicated Night Mode on both devices will be crucial for low-light photography. The usefulness of any included 2MP macro lenses on either device is questionable.
Performance
The chipset is where the core difference lies. The Samsung Galaxy F14 4G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, fabricated on a 6nm process. This translates to better thermal efficiency and sustained performance under load. The Xiaomi Poco M5s, however, features the MediaTek Helio G95, built on a less efficient 12nm process. While the Helio G95’s octa-core configuration (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) boasts higher peak clock speeds than the Snapdragon 680’s (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver), the architectural advantages and process node of the Snapdragon 680 will likely result in a more consistent user experience, especially during prolonged tasks. The Snapdragon's Kryo cores are also designed for better sustained performance.
Battery Life
Both the Samsung Galaxy F14 4G and Xiaomi Poco M5s achieve an endurance rating of 132 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life. However, the Poco M5s offers faster charging at 33W wired, achieving 64% charge in 30 minutes, while the Galaxy F14 4G is limited to 25W. This faster charging speed is a significant convenience factor for Poco M5s users. The Snapdragon 680’s efficiency in the F14 may offset the slower charging, providing comparable real-world usage despite a potentially smaller battery capacity (data unavailable).
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy F14 4G if you need a phone that consistently delivers a smooth experience throughout the day, with a focus on efficient power usage and reliable performance for everyday tasks. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M5s if you prioritize occasional gaming bursts and faster charging, and are willing to accept potentially more noticeable thermal throttling and slightly lower overall efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G95 in the Poco M5s overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The MediaTek Helio G95 is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 680, especially under sustained load. While the Poco M5s has thermal management features, users may experience noticeable throttling during prolonged gaming, leading to reduced frame rates and performance.
❓ How does the 6nm process of the Snapdragon 680 benefit the Galaxy F14 4G's battery life?
The 6nm fabrication process used for the Snapdragon 680 is significantly more efficient than the 12nm process of the Helio G95. This means the Snapdragon 680 consumes less power for the same level of performance, resulting in improved battery life and reduced heat generation.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Poco M5s a significant advantage over the 25W charging on the Galaxy F14 4G?
Yes, the 33W charging on the Poco M5s is a noticeable advantage. Reaching 64% charge in 30 minutes provides a quicker top-up, which is convenient for users who frequently need to recharge their phones. While the F14's 25W charging is still adequate, it will take longer to fully charge the device.
