The Samsung Galaxy M13 and Xiaomi Poco M5 represent compelling options in the ultra-competitive budget smartphone space. Both aim to deliver essential features at a low price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The M13 relies on Samsung’s established brand and a familiar Exynos chipset, while the Poco M5 leverages MediaTek’s Helio G99 for a performance-focused experience. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco M5 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy M13’s Exynos 850. While both offer similar battery endurance, the Poco M5’s faster 18W charging provides a slight edge.
| 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 | 2022, May 27 | 2022, September 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 01 | Available. Released 2022, September 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deep Green, Orange Copper, Light Blue | Black, Green, Yellow |
| Models | SM-M135F, SM-M135F/DSN | 22071219CG |
| Price | £ 139.99 / € 135.81 | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.04 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body) | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 121h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1363:1 |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.6 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 386311 (v9)
GeekBench: 1896 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy M13
- Established Samsung brand reputation
- Potentially cleaner software experience
- Comparable battery endurance
- Less powerful Exynos 850 chipset
- Slower 15W charging
- Likely less efficient processor
Xiaomi Poco M5
- More powerful MediaTek Helio G99 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- More efficient 6nm process
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
- Display brightness may be insufficient in direct sunlight
- Camera quality may be inconsistent
Display Comparison
The Poco M5 features a display with a measured peak brightness of 448 nits and a 1363:1 contrast ratio. While the Galaxy M13’s display specifications aren’t provided, it’s reasonable to assume similar characteristics given its price bracket. The contrast ratio suggests both utilize IPS LCD panels. The Poco M5’s measured brightness is adequate for indoor use, but may struggle in direct sunlight. Neither phone is expected to offer high-end display features like high refresh rates or OLED technology.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but specific details are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, it’s likely both rely on primary sensors in the 13-50MP range. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Image processing will likely be the differentiating factor, with Samsung potentially offering more natural color reproduction and Xiaomi leaning towards more vibrant, saturated images.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco M5’s MediaTek Helio G99, fabricated on a 6nm process, offers a significant architectural advantage over the Samsung Galaxy M13’s Exynos 850 (8nm). The G99’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – provides a more potent combination for demanding applications compared to the M13’s 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. This translates to smoother multitasking and better gaming performance on the Poco M5. The 6nm process also contributes to improved thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during extended use.
Battery Life
Both the Samsung Galaxy M13 and Xiaomi Poco M5 boast an endurance rating of 121 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage scenarios. However, the Poco M5 supports 18W wired charging, while the Galaxy M13 is limited to 15W. This means the Poco M5 will recharge faster, reducing downtime. While the mAh capacity isn’t specified for either device, the efficient Helio G99 chipset in the Poco M5 may contribute to slightly better real-world battery performance despite the similar endurance rating.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M13 if you prioritize brand recognition and a generally streamlined software experience, and are less concerned with demanding tasks. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M5 if you prioritize performance for gaming and multitasking, and appreciate a faster charging solution, even if it means navigating Xiaomi’s MIUI software.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy M13 struggle with demanding games like PUBG?
Yes, the Exynos 850 is a relatively modest chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile, you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Poco M5’s Helio G99 offers a significantly better gaming experience, allowing for higher settings and more consistent performance.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras produce images with low detail and limited dynamic range. They are often included as a marketing feature but rarely deliver satisfying results. You’re better off using the main camera and cropping in for close-up shots.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Poco M5 with the 18W charger?
While a precise time isn't available, the Poco M5 should fully charge from 0-100% in approximately 2-2.5 hours with the included 18W charger. This is faster than the Galaxy M13's 15W charging, which will likely take closer to 3 hours.
❓ What is the software experience like on the Poco M5 compared to the Galaxy M13?
The Galaxy M13 runs Samsung’s One UI, known for its relatively clean interface and user-friendly features. The Poco M5 runs Xiaomi’s MIUI, which is more heavily customized and includes a wider range of features, but can also come with pre-installed bloatware. Preference here is subjective.
