Xiaomi Poco M2 Reloaded vs Poco M5: A Detailed Comparison

The Xiaomi Poco series is renowned for delivering impressive features at incredibly affordable prices. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Poco M2 Reloaded and the newer Poco M5. Which one offers the best bang for your buck?

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Poco M5 emerges as the clear winner. While both offer excellent value, the M5's more efficient chipset (Helio G99 vs G80), improved display brightness, and generally enhanced performance make it a more compelling choice for most users, despite similar charging speeds.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Poco M2 Reloaded	Xiaomi Poco M5

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 8, 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	2021, April 21	2022, September 05
Status	Available. Released 2021, April 21	Available. Released 2022, September 13

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	163.3 x 77 x 9.1 mm (6.43 x 3.03 x 0.36 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	198 g (6.98 oz)	201 g (7.09 oz)
	Water-repellent coating	-

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 3	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution	1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)	1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size	6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio)	6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm)	Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)
GPU	Mali-G52 MC2	Mali-G57 MC2
OS	Android 10, MIUI 12	Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	UFS 2.2

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad	13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	-
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm	-
Triple	-	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/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm	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	Yes
NFC	No	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	Wireless FM radio (no wired headphones required)	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 Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired	18W wired
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Pitch Black (Greyish Black), Slate Blue (Mostly Blue)	Black, Green, Yellow
Models	MZB0957IN	22071219CG
Price	About 100 EUR	About 100 EUR
SAR	0.85 W/kg (head) 0.42 W/kg (body)	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)

Xiaomi Poco M2 Reloaded

Very affordable
Decent battery life
Reliable brand

Older chipset
Lower display brightness
Less powerful performance

Xiaomi Poco M5

More powerful chipset (Helio G99)
Brighter display
Improved performance
Modern design

Slightly more expensive than M2 Reloaded
Charging speed remains at 18W

Display Comparison

The Poco M5 boasts a noticeable advantage in display quality. While both offer a high contrast ratio of 1363:1, the M5's measured 448 nits of peak brightness is significantly higher than the M2 Reloaded, resulting in better visibility in outdoor conditions. The M2 Reloaded's display is adequate but lacks the vibrancy and clarity of the M5.

Camera Comparison

While both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities (specific details are limited), the M5's newer chipset and likely improved image processing algorithms suggest a better camera experience. Expect slightly better image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance from the M5. More detailed camera specs would be needed for a definitive comparison.

Performance

The Poco M5's Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, fabricated on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a substantial performance boost over the M2 Reloaded's 12nm Helio G80. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved gaming performance on the M5. The Cortex-A76 cores in the M5's CPU also contribute to a more responsive experience.

Battery Life

Both devices share an impressive endurance rating of 121h, indicating excellent battery life. While the capacity might be similar (likely around 5000mAh), the M5's more efficient chipset contributes to comparable longevity despite potentially higher usage.

Buying Guide

The Poco M2 Reloaded is a good option for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and don't need the latest performance. The Poco M5 is ideal for those seeking a smoother experience, better camera capabilities, and a slightly more modern design, without breaking the bank.