The Xiaomi Poco series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Two popular contenders are the Poco M5 (India) and the Poco M5s. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Poco M5s edges out the M5 thanks to its faster charging, brighter display, and slightly more powerful chipset. However, the M5 offers a more modern 6nm process, potentially leading to better efficiency. Ultimately, the M5s provides a more well-rounded experience for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 05 | 2022, September 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 08 | Available. Released 2022, September 06 |
| 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) | 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 | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 178.8 g (6.31 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | 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 Helio G99 (6 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 |
|---|
| 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 |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | 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 | Poco Yellow, Icy Blue, Power Black | Gray, Blue, White |
| Models | 22071219CI | 2207117BPG |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | 0.85 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body) | 1.00 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.87 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 132h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.4 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 360681 (v9)
GeekBench: 1831 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Poco M5 (India)
- Modern 6nm chipset
- Potentially better efficiency
- Good value for money
- Slower charging (18W)
- Likely less bright display
- Potentially slightly weaker camera
Xiaomi Poco M5s
- Faster charging (33W)
- Brighter display (756 nits)
- Slightly more powerful chipset (Helio G95)
- Excellent battery life (132h endurance rating)
- Older 12nm chipset
- Potentially less efficient than M5
- Infinite contrast ratio is nominal
Display Comparison
The Poco M5s boasts a significantly brighter display, measured at 756 nits, compared to the M5's likely lower brightness (typical budget phone levels). The 'infinite' contrast ratio on the M5s suggests excellent blacks and vibrant colors, though this is a nominal value. Both phones likely feature AMOLED displays, offering rich colors and deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but the M5s likely holds a slight advantage. While specific camera specs are not detailed, the M5s's chipset often comes with slightly improved image processing capabilities. Both should offer decent photo and video quality in good lighting conditions.
Performance
The Poco M5 utilizes the newer Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm), which offers improved efficiency and potentially better sustained performance. The Poco M5s uses the Helio G95 (12nm). While the G99 has a slightly different core configuration, both offer adequate performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The G99's 6nm process should translate to better thermal management.
Battery Life
The Poco M5s boasts an impressive endurance rating of 132h, suggesting excellent battery life. While the M5's battery capacity is likely similar, the G99's efficiency could also contribute to good battery performance. The M5s's 33W charging is a significant advantage over the M5's 18W wired charging.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Poco M5 (India) is ideal for users prioritizing a modern chipset and efficient performance on a tight budget. The Poco M5s is a better choice for those who value faster charging, a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and a slightly more powerful camera system.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Poco M5 (India) with its newer 6nm chipset might offer slightly better sustained performance during extended gaming sessions due to improved thermal management.
❓ Is the Poco M5s worth the extra cost?
If faster charging and a brighter display are important to you, then the Poco M5s is likely worth the extra cost. Otherwise, the Poco M5 (India) offers excellent value for money.
