The Xiaomi Black Shark series has consistently delivered powerful gaming phones, and the Black Shark 5 and 5 RS are no exception. But with subtle differences, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect, helping you decide which Black Shark deserves your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Black Shark 5 RS edges out the Black Shark 5 thanks to its Snapdragon 888/888+ chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost for demanding games. Both offer blazing-fast 120W charging and excellent gaming features, but the RS is the superior choice for serious mobile gamers.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 30 | 2022, March 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 04 | Available. Released 2022, April 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 76.3 x 10 mm (6.45 x 3.00 x 0.39 in) | 163.7 x 76.2 x 9.9 mm (6.44 x 3.00 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 218 g (7.69 oz) | 220 g (7.76 oz) |
| | Physical pop-up gaming triggers | Physical pop-up gaming triggers |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 144Hz, 1300 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 144Hz, 1300 nits (peak) |
| | Always-on display | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (1x2.84/3.0 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888/888+ 5G (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 660 |
| OS | Android 12, Joy UI 13 | Android 12, Joy UI 12.8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1/SSD
256GB 8GB RAM - Snapdragon 888
256GB 12GB RAM - Snapdragon 888+ |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 20 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
13 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto macro) |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 1080p@960fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 1080p@960fps; HDR10+ |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 20 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 120W wired, 100% in 15 min | 120W wired, 100% in 15 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4650 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Gray | Black, Yellow |
| Models | SHARK PAR-A0 | - |
| Price | About 600 EUR | About 470 EUR |
Xiaomi Black Shark 5
- Excellent value for money
- Powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset
- Blazing-fast 120W charging
- Dedicated gaming features (shoulder triggers)
- Performance slightly behind the RS
- Potentially less efficient thermal management
Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS
- Top-tier Snapdragon 888/888+ chipset
- Superior gaming performance
- Potentially improved camera processing
- Enhanced thermal management
- Higher price point
- Slightly higher power consumption under heavy load
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth visuals. The resolution is likely FHD+ on both. While both are excellent, the RS might have slightly improved color accuracy due to its more advanced chipset's image processing capabilities, though this is often negligible.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup, potentially with a 64MP main sensor, ultrawide, and macro lens. While the hardware might be similar, the Snapdragon 888/888+ in the RS offers superior image processing, resulting in slightly better photos and videos, especially in low light. Expect improved dynamic range and noise reduction on the RS.
Performance
This is where the biggest difference lies. The Black Shark 5 utilizes the Snapdragon 870, a very capable chip, but the Black Shark 5 RS boasts the Snapdragon 888/888+, a significant upgrade. Expect smoother frame rates, faster loading times, and better overall performance in graphically intensive games on the RS. The RS also benefits from potentially better thermal management due to its likely improved cooling system.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 4500mAh battery and 120W wired charging, promising a full charge in approximately 15 minutes. Battery life should be comparable in typical usage, though the RS's more powerful chipset might consume slightly more power under heavy gaming loads.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Black Shark 5 is ideal for gamers on a tighter budget who still want a powerful and feature-rich gaming experience. The Black Shark 5 RS is for hardcore mobile gamers who demand the absolute best performance and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 888/888+ significantly better than the Snapdragon 870?
Yes, the Snapdragon 888/888+ offers a noticeable performance improvement, especially in demanding games and multitasking. It also generally provides better image processing capabilities.
❓ Are the shoulder triggers the same on both phones?
Yes, both the Black Shark 5 and 5 RS feature the signature Black Shark magnetic shoulder triggers, providing a dedicated gaming control experience.
