The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Umidigi Note 100 4G and Xiaomi Poco M5 represent compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The Umidigi focuses on providing a functional experience with a newer chipset, while the Poco M5 leverages a more efficient processor and a proven track record. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco M5 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, built on a 6nm process, delivers noticeably better performance and efficiency compared to the Umidigi Note 100 4G’s Unisoc T615. While charging is slightly slower, the overall user experience is smoother and more responsive.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 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 | 2025, October | 2022, September 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October | Available. Released 2022, September 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.8 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm (6.61 x 3.05 x 0.30 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~258 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T615 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rock Black, Interstellar Blue, Starry White | Black, Green, Yellow |
| Models | - | 22071219CG |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.04 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 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) |
Umidigi Note 100 4G
- Faster 20W charging
- Slightly newer chipset (Unisoc T615)
- Potentially lower price point
- Less efficient Unisoc T615 chipset
- Likely lower performance in demanding tasks
- Unspecified display brightness
Xiaomi Poco M5
- More powerful and efficient Mediatek Helio G99
- Higher display brightness (448 nits)
- Xiaomi’s software optimization
- Slower 18W charging
- Potentially higher price point
- Similar battery endurance rating despite efficiency gains
Display Comparison
Both devices offer a similar display experience, with a 1363:1 contrast ratio. However, the Poco M5 boasts a measured peak brightness of 448 nits, which will provide better visibility outdoors compared to the Umidigi Note 100 4G, whose brightness is not specified. While neither display is exceptional, the Poco M5’s higher brightness gives it a slight edge for outdoor usability. The lack of high refresh rate panels on both devices is typical for this price point.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are missing. Given the price bracket, image quality will likely be similar, relying heavily on software processing. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, Xiaomi generally has a stronger track record in camera software optimization, potentially giving the Poco M5 an advantage in image quality. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to significantly impact the overall camera experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco M5’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) significantly outperforms the Umidigi Note 100 4G’s Unisoc T615 (12nm). The G99’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.2 GHz, are more powerful than the T615’s Cortex-A75 cores at 1.8 GHz. The 6nm fabrication process of the G99 also translates to better power efficiency, meaning longer battery life during intensive tasks. This difference will be most noticeable in gaming and multitasking scenarios, where the Poco M5 will offer a smoother and more responsive experience.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 121 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Poco M5’s more efficient Helio G99 chipset will likely translate to longer real-world usage, especially during demanding tasks. The Umidigi Note 100 4G supports 20W wired charging, slightly faster than the Poco M5’s 18W charging. This means the Umidigi will likely charge slightly faster, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi Note 100 4G if you prioritize a slightly newer chipset and are comfortable with potentially less optimized software. It’s a good option for basic smartphone tasks and users who don’t heavily rely on demanding applications. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M5 if you value performance, efficiency, and a more refined software experience. It’s ideal for users who enjoy mobile gaming, multitasking, or simply want a snappier daily driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco M5’s Helio G99 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio G99 is specifically designed for gaming. While it won’t deliver flagship-level performance, it’s capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. The 6nm process also helps to minimize thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging speed between the Umidigi Note 100 4G (20W) and the Poco M5 (18W)?
The difference in charging speed is relatively minor. While the Umidigi Note 100 4G will charge slightly faster, the actual time saved will likely be around 10-15 minutes for a full charge. The more significant factor is the overall battery efficiency, where the Poco M5’s Helio G99 has an advantage.
❓ Is the Unisoc T615 in the Umidigi Note 100 4G a reliable chipset for everyday tasks?
The Unisoc T615 is capable of handling everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging without issue. However, it will struggle with more demanding applications and multitasking. It’s best suited for users who prioritize basic functionality over performance.
