The sub-$250 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Poco M5 (India) and Realme 9 Pro+ represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. While both utilize Mediatek chipsets, they diverge significantly in processing power and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a smoother overall experience, the Realme 9 Pro+ is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 920 chipset and 60W charging significantly outperform the Poco M5's Helio G99 and 18W charging, justifying the price difference for those who value convenience and responsiveness.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 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, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE-A, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 05 | 2022, February 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 08 | Available. Released 2022, February 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 60W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 44 min (advertised) |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Poco Yellow, Icy Blue, Power Black | Midnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue, Free Fire Limited Edition |
| Models | 22071219CI | RMX3392, RMX3393 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | € 289.90 / $ 390.00 / ₹ 25,999 |
| SAR | 0.85 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body) | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 117h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.3 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 495096 (v8), 416031 (v9)
GeekBench: 2335 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 27fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Poco M5 (India)
- Highly affordable price point
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Potentially wider viewing angles (IPS panel)
- Slow 18W charging
- Less powerful Helio G99 chipset
- Limited camera capabilities
Realme 9 Pro+
- Fast 60W charging with PD3.0
- Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 920 chipset
- Superior overall performance
- Higher price compared to Poco M5
- VA panel may have narrower viewing angles
- Camera details are limited
Display Comparison
The Realme 9 Pro+ boasts an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting a VA-type panel optimized for deep blacks, though specific brightness nits are not provided. The Poco M5’s display specifications are absent, implying a standard IPS LCD. While the Realme’s panel likely offers superior contrast, the Poco M5 may benefit from wider viewing angles typical of IPS technology. Without detailed color accuracy data for either, it’s difficult to assess which provides a more color-accurate experience, but the Realme’s panel technology suggests a more visually immersive experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera details beyond 'Photo/Video' are limited for both devices. However, the Realme 9 Pro+’s likely inclusion of a more sophisticated image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 920 chipset suggests superior image processing capabilities. The absence of sensor size information makes a direct comparison difficult, but Realme typically prioritizes camera performance in its 'Pro+' series. The Poco M5, positioned as a budget device, likely features a more basic camera system. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both brands suggests these are largely marketing features with limited practical utility.
Performance
The Realme 9 Pro+’s Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6nm) represents a substantial upgrade over the Poco M5’s Helio G99 (6nm). The Dimensity 920 utilizes Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.5 GHz, offering significantly higher single-core performance compared to the Poco’s Cortex-A76 cores at 2.2 GHz. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience. While both chips are fabricated on a 6nm process, the architectural improvements in the Dimensity 920 provide a clear performance advantage. The Realme 9 Pro+ is likely to handle graphically intensive games at higher settings with less frame rate fluctuation. The Poco M5 will be adequate for casual gaming, but will struggle with demanding titles.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 Pro+’s 60W wired charging, with an advertised 100% charge in 44 minutes, is a game-changer compared to the Poco M5’s 18W charging. This drastically reduces downtime and offers significantly more convenience. While the Realme 9 Pro+ has an endurance rating of 117 hours, the Poco M5’s battery life is not specified. However, the more efficient Dimensity 920 chipset in the Realme 9 Pro+ may offset any potential capacity difference, delivering comparable real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery. The faster charging speed of the Realme 9 Pro+ is a major advantage for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco M5 (India) if you need a highly affordable device primarily for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are willing to compromise on charging speed and peak performance. Buy the Realme 9 Pro+ if you prioritize faster performance for gaming and demanding apps, and value the convenience of incredibly fast 60W charging, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 920 in the Realme 9 Pro+ overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 920 is a powerful chipset, Mediatek has made strides in thermal management. The 6nm process helps with efficiency, and Realme typically implements cooling solutions. However, sustained high loads will inevitably generate heat. Expect some throttling after extended gaming, but it should be manageable and less severe than on older, less efficient chipsets.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Poco M5 slow enough to be a major inconvenience?
Yes, 18W charging is considerably slower than the 60W charging on the Realme 9 Pro+. A full charge will take significantly longer, potentially requiring overnight charging. This is a major trade-off for the Poco M5’s lower price.
❓ Does the Realme 9 Pro+ support high refresh rate gaming (90fps or higher) in popular titles like PUBG Mobile?
The Dimensity 920 is capable of supporting high refresh rates in many games. PUBG Mobile likely supports 60fps, and potentially higher settings depending on the device’s optimization. However, achieving consistently high frame rates will depend on the game settings and the phone’s thermal management.
❓ Are the 2MP macro cameras on either phone worth considering?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras offer limited practical value. Image quality is often poor, and the fixed focus distance makes it difficult to capture truly detailed macro shots. They are primarily a marketing feature and should not be a deciding factor in your purchase.
