The Xiaomi Poco series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Poco M5 and the Poco M3. Which one offers the best bang for your buck?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Poco M3 edges out the Poco M5 thanks to its superior battery life and more efficient Snapdragon chipset. While the M5 boasts a slightly newer processor, the M3's longevity and overall performance make it the better choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly device.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 05 | 2020, November 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 13 | Available. Released 2020, November 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 198 g (6.98 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.1 - 64GB
UFS 2.2 - 128GB |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Yellow | Cool Blue, Poco Yellow, Power Black |
| Models | 22071219CG | M2010J19CG, M2010J19CI |
| Price | About 100 EUR | $ 130.00 / ₹ 11,590 |
| SAR | 1.04 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.81 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 121h
| Endurance rating 154h |
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1363:1 |
Contrast ratio: 1567:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-27.6 LUFS (Good)
|
-26.5 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 386311 (v9)
GeekBench: 1896 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 177904 (v8)
GeekBench: 1398 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Poco M5
- Newer Chipset (Helio G99)
- Good Value
- Decent Display Contrast
- Shorter Battery Life
- Potentially Less Efficient Performance
- Image Processing May Not Be As Good
Xiaomi Poco M3
- Excellent Battery Life
- Efficient Snapdragon 662
- Good Value
- Reverse Wired Charging
- Older Chipset
- Slightly Lower Max Brightness
- Design May Be Less Modern
Display Comparison
Both phones feature LCD displays with excellent contrast ratios (1363:1 for the M5 and 1567:1 for the M3). The M3 has a slightly higher contrast ratio, contributing to deeper blacks. Brightness is comparable, with the M5 measuring 448 nits and the M3 at 439 nits. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both, offering a sharp viewing experience. Neither phone has a high refresh rate.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are similar on paper, both featuring a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor. However, image processing differs significantly between the two devices. The Poco M3's Snapdragon chipset often benefits from better image processing algorithms. Expect decent photo quality from both, but the M3 might offer slightly more consistent results.
Performance
The Poco M5 utilizes the Mediatek Helio G99, a newer chipset built on a 6nm process. The Poco M3 features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm). While the G99 has a theoretical edge, the Snapdragon 662 is known for its efficiency and smooth performance in everyday tasks. Real-world performance will be close, but the M3's efficiency might translate to less thermal throttling during extended use.
Battery Life
This is where the Poco M3 truly shines. It boasts an impressive endurance rating of 154 hours, significantly higher than the Poco M5's 121 hours. This translates to noticeably longer battery life for the M3, making it a clear winner in this category.
Buying Guide
The Poco M5 is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly newer chipset and potentially better gaming performance (though the difference is marginal). The Poco M3 is a great pick for those who value long battery life and a smoother, more efficient experience, especially if you're a heavy user.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Poco M5's newer chipset *might* offer a slight edge in some games, but the Snapdragon 662 in the M3 is still capable and often more efficient, preventing overheating.
❓ Does the Poco M3 support reverse charging?
Yes, the Poco M3 supports 2.5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge other devices using the phone's battery.
