Xiaomi's Poco series consistently delivers impressive value for money. The Poco M4 5G and Poco M5s are two popular contenders in the budget smartphone arena, each offering a unique set of features. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Poco M5s edges out the M4 5G thanks to its brighter display, faster charging, and slightly more powerful chipset. While the M4 5G offers 5G connectivity, the M5s provides a more refined overall experience for most users.
| 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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 15 | 2022, September 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 07 | Available. Released 2022, September 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), 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) | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 178.8 g (6.31 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1100 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| 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 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, 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 |
| 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, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 64% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Black, Cool Blue, Poco Yellow | Gray, Blue, White |
| Models | 22041219PG | 2207117BPG |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | 1.00 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.87 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 121h
|
Endurance rating 132h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1630:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.8 LUFS (Average)
|
-25.4 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 336380 (v9)
GeekBench: 1730 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 360681 (v9)
GeekBench: 1831 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Longer Endurance Rating (potentially)
- Generally more affordable
- Slower Charging
- Less Bright Display
- Potentially weaker camera
Xiaomi Poco M5s
- Brighter Display
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Slightly more powerful chipset
- Likely better camera
- No 5G
- Slightly higher price (potentially)
Display Comparison
The Poco M5s boasts a significant advantage with its measured peak brightness of 756 nits, making it much easier to view outdoors. The M4 5G's contrast ratio of 1630:1 is good, but doesn't match the M5s's 'infinite' contrast (likely a marketing term, but indicative of excellent contrast). The M5s also likely has better color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specs are missing. Based on general reviews, the Poco M5s likely has a more versatile camera system, potentially with better image processing and low-light performance. The M4 5G's camera is adequate, but not exceptional.
Performance
The Poco M4 5G's Dimensity 700 is a capable chipset, but the Poco M5s's Helio G95 generally offers slightly better performance in everyday tasks and gaming. The G95's GPU is typically stronger. Both phones have similar CPU configurations, but the G95's architecture and optimizations give it a slight edge.
Battery Life
The Poco M4 5G has a slightly higher endurance rating (121h) compared to the Poco M5s (132h). However, endurance ratings are not always a reliable indicator of real-world battery life. The Poco M5s's 33W charging is significantly faster than the M4 5G's 18W, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Poco M4 5G is ideal for users prioritizing 5G connectivity and a longer battery life (though endurance ratings can be misleading). The Poco M5s is a better choice for those who value a vibrant display, faster charging, and a slightly more powerful processor for smoother performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Poco M4 5G worth it if I need 5G?
Yes, if 5G connectivity is a must-have, the Poco M4 5G is a good option. However, consider if the trade-offs in display and charging speed are acceptable.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Poco M5s generally offers a smoother gaming experience due to its slightly more powerful chipset and GPU.