The Xiaomi Poco series consistently delivers impressive value for money. The Poco M4 Pro and Poco M5 are two strong contenders in the budget smartphone arena, but which one reigns supreme? We'll break down their key features to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Poco M5 edges out the M4 Pro thanks to its more efficient chipset and faster performance. While the M4 Pro boasts faster charging and a brighter display, the M5's overall efficiency and modern processor make it the slightly better pick 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 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 28 | 2022, September 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 16 | Available. Released 2022, September 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 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 | 179.5 g (6.31 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 13 for POCO | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm | 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, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | 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, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 58 min | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Black, Cool Blue, Poco Yellow | Black, Green, Yellow |
| Models | MZB0B5VIN, 2201117PI, 2201117PG | 22071219CG |
| Price | € 100.18 | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.85 W/kg (head) 0.85 W/kg (body) | 1.04 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.59 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 126h
|
Endurance rating 121h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1363:1 |
| Loudspeaker |
-25.2 LUFS (Very good)
|
-27.6 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 318444 (v9)
GeekBench: 1836 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 386311 (v9)
GeekBench: 1896 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro
- Brighter Display (737 nits)
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Good Battery Life (126h Endurance)
- Less Efficient Chipset (Helio G96)
- Slower Performance compared to M5
- No mention of specific camera specs
Xiaomi Poco M5
- More Efficient Chipset (Helio G99)
- Better Performance
- Good Battery Life (121h Endurance)
- Lower Brightness (448 nits)
- Slower Charging (18W)
- No mention of specific camera specs
Display Comparison
The Poco M4 Pro takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 737 nits, significantly brighter than the Poco M5's 448 nits. Both offer a respectable contrast ratio, but the M4 Pro's brightness advantage makes it better for outdoor visibility. The M5's contrast ratio is 1363:1, while the M4 Pro's is 'infinite' (nominal, likely indicating very high contrast).
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar between the two, as detailed camera specs aren't provided. Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, suggesting comparable camera hardware. Real-world image quality will depend on software processing and specific lighting conditions. Expect decent results for the price range.
Performance
The Poco M5 holds a clear advantage here. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset (6nm) is more efficient and powerful than the M4 Pro's Helio G96 (12nm). This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance. Both feature octa-core CPUs, but the G99's architecture and fabrication process give it the edge.
Battery Life
Both phones offer excellent battery life, with endurance ratings of 126h and 121h respectively. The M5's more efficient chipset likely contributes to its comparable battery life despite the slightly lower rating. However, the M4 Pro's 33W charging is significantly faster than the M5's 18W charging.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro is ideal for users prioritizing a brighter display and faster charging speeds. The Poco M5 is a better choice for those seeking smoother performance and a more modern chipset, even if it means sacrificing some charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Poco M5 is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful and efficient Helio G99 chipset.
❓ Is the Poco M4 Pro's display worth the extra brightness?
If you frequently use your phone outdoors, the M4 Pro's brighter display will be beneficial. Otherwise, the M5's display is still perfectly adequate.
