Xiaomi Poco M5 vs Poco C55: A Detailed Comparison

The Xiaomi Poco series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Poco M5 and the Poco C55. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Poco M5 takes the lead thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G99 chipset, resulting in noticeably better performance for gaming and demanding tasks. While the C55 offers a more stylish design and potentially slightly better battery life, the M5's processing power makes it the overall winner for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Poco M5 (India)	Xiaomi Poco C55

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

Launch
Announced	2022, September 05	2023, February 21
Status	Available. Released 2022, September 08	Available. Released 2023, February 28

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back	Glass front (Panda Glass), eco leather back
Dimensions	164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in)	168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	201 g (7.09 oz)	192 g (6.77 oz)
	Splash resistant	Dust and splash resistant

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 3	Panda Glass
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)	720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density)
Size	6.58 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio)	6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ)	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)	Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	Mali-G52 MC2
OS	Android 12, MIUI 13	Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO

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	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Dual	-	50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 0.08 MP (depth)
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR
Single	-	50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens
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/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm	5 MP
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

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

Comms
Bluetooth	5.3, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	Yes	-
NFC	Yes	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
Radio	FM radio	FM radio, recording
USB	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG	microUSB 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

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer
	-	Virtual proximity sensing

Battery
Charging	18W wired	10W wired
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Poco Yellow, Icy Blue, Power Black	Cool Blue, Power Black, Forest Green
Models	22071219CI	22127PC95I
Price	About 160 EUR	About 110 EUR
SAR	0.85 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body)	0.87 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body)

Xiaomi Poco M5 (India)

Significantly better performance (Helio G99)
Larger battery capacity (likely 5000mAh)
Better for gaming
More modern chipset

Slower charging (18W)
Potentially less stylish design
May have slightly lower battery life than C55 under heavy use

Xiaomi Poco C55

More stylish design
Potentially slightly better battery life
More affordable price
Decent camera

Weaker performance (Helio G85)
Slower charging (10W)
Struggles with demanding games
Older chipset

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.71-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While both offer a large screen, the Poco M5 might have slightly better color accuracy due to its more modern chipset, but this is not a major differentiator. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.

Camera Comparison

The Poco C55 typically features a 50MP main camera, while the Poco M5 also has a 50MP main camera. Image quality will likely be comparable in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance might be slightly better on the C55 due to potential software optimizations, but the difference won't be drastic. Both phones likely include ultrawide and macro lenses.

Performance

This is where the Poco M5 shines. The Helio G99 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G85 in the C55. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and significantly better gaming performance on the M5. The C55 will handle everyday tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding games.

Battery Life

The Poco C55, with its less power-hungry chipset and 10W charging, *may* offer slightly better battery life under moderate usage. However, the Poco M5's larger battery capacity (likely 5000mAh) could offset this. Expect a full day of usage from both devices.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Poco M5 (India) is ideal for users who prioritize performance, especially gamers or those who frequently use demanding apps. The Poco C55 is a better choice for users who value aesthetics, a slightly longer battery life, and a more budget-friendly price point, and are less concerned with raw processing power.