Xiaomi Poco M4 5G vs Poco M5: The Ultimate Budget Showdown

Xiaomi's Poco series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Poco M4 5G and Poco M5 are two strong contenders, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down their key differences to help you make the right choice.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Poco M5 edges out the M4 5G thanks to its slightly better gaming performance and potentially more vibrant display. While the M4 5G offers 5G connectivity, the M5's overall package provides a more compelling experience for most users, especially considering price.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Poco M4 5G (India)	Xiaomi Poco M5 (India)

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41	1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA	-
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2022, April 29	2022, September 05
Status	Available. Released 2022, May 05	Available. Released 2022, September 08

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 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	200 g (7.05 oz)	201 g (7.09 oz)
	Splash resistant	Splash resistant

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 3	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size	6.58 inches, 104.0 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio)	6.58 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 90Hz	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)	Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	Mali-G57 MC2
OS	Android 12, MIUI 13	Android 12, MIUI 13

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

Main Camera
Dual	50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens	-
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm	-
Triple	-	50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	8 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes
	24-bit/192kHz audio	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE	5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	Yes	Yes
NFC	Yes (market/region dependent)	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	FM radio	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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer

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

Misc
Colors	Gray, Silver, Blue	Poco Yellow, Icy Blue, Power Black
Models	MZB0BRZIN, 22041219PI	22071219CI
Price	About 190 EUR	About 160 EUR
SAR	0.85 W/kg (head) 0.85 W/kg (body)	0.85 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body)

Tests
Loudspeaker	-28.8 LUFS (Average)	-

Xiaomi Poco M4 5G (India)

5G Connectivity
Slightly Larger Screen
Decent Performance for Everyday Tasks

Lower Brightness Display
Less Powerful GPU
Slower Charging (compared to some competitors)

Xiaomi Poco M5 (India)

Better Gaming Performance
Potentially More Vibrant Display
Strong Value for Money

No 5G Connectivity
May lack some advanced features

Display Comparison

The Poco M4 5G boasts a 1630:1 contrast ratio, but its 410 nits brightness is a bit underwhelming. The Poco M5 likely has a slightly more vibrant display, though specific brightness figures are unavailable. Both feature similar resolutions and refresh rates (likely 90Hz or 60Hz), so the Poco M5's color accuracy and viewing angles likely give it a slight edge.

Camera Comparison

Camera specs are similar on paper, with both likely featuring a 50MP main sensor. However, image processing and software optimization can significantly impact results. The Poco M5 may have slightly better image processing, leading to more pleasing photos in various conditions. Low-light performance is likely comparable.

Performance

The Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the M4 5G is designed for 5G connectivity and offers decent performance. However, the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Poco M5 is generally considered a stronger performer for gaming and demanding tasks, thanks to its focus on GPU power. Both share the same CPU core configuration, but the G99's GPU advantage is noticeable.

Battery Life

Both phones feature a 5000mAh battery and 18W wired charging. Battery life should be similar, offering a full day of moderate use. Charging speeds are standard for this price range.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G (India)? Users prioritizing 5G connectivity and a slightly larger screen. Who should buy the Xiaomi Poco M5 (India)? Those seeking a better balance of performance, display quality, and value, particularly for gaming and everyday use.