The Xiaomi Poco series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Poco M5 and Poco M4 Pro are two strong contenders, 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 M4 Pro edges out the M5 thanks to its significantly brighter display, faster charging, and slightly better overall performance. While the M5 offers a more efficient chipset, the M4 Pro's improvements in display and charging make it the more compelling choice 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 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 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 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 05 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 13 | Available. Released 2022, March 16 |
| 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) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 179.5 g (6.31 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 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 MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS | Android 11, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 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/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| 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, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| 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, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Yellow | Power Black, Cool Blue, Poco Yellow |
| Models | 22071219CG | MZB0B5VIN, 2201117PI, 2201117PG |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 100.18 |
| SAR | 1.04 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.85 W/kg (head) 0.85 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.59 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 121h
|
Endurance rating 126h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1363:1 |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-27.6 LUFS (Good)
|
-25.2 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 386311 (v9)
GeekBench: 1896 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 318444 (v9)
GeekBench: 1836 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Poco M5
- Slightly more efficient chipset
- Good battery life
- Competitive price
- Lower display brightness
- Slower charging
- Older design
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro
- Brighter display
- Faster charging (33W)
- More modern design
- Slightly better performance
- Less efficient chipset
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life (negligible)
Display Comparison
The Poco M4 Pro boasts a substantial advantage in display brightness, measuring 737 nits compared to the M5's 448 nits. This makes the M4 Pro significantly easier to view outdoors. While both offer excellent contrast ratios (1363:1 for M5, 'Infinite' nominal for M4 Pro), the M4 Pro's brightness is a key differentiator. The M4 Pro also has a slightly more modern design.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature similar camera setups, but image processing and software optimization can vary. The M4 Pro's camera tends to produce slightly more vibrant and detailed images, particularly in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance is comparable. Video recording capabilities are similar on both devices.
Performance
The Poco M5 utilizes the Mediatek Helio G99, a 6nm chip, offering a slight edge in efficiency. The Poco M4 Pro uses the Helio G96 (12nm). While both feature octa-core CPUs with Cortex-A76 cores, the G99 generally provides a bit more raw power for gaming and demanding apps. However, the difference isn't massive in real-world usage.
Battery Life
Both phones offer excellent battery life, with endurance ratings of 121h and 126h respectively. The M4 Pro has a slight edge in battery life, likely due to software optimization. The M4 Pro's 33W charging is a significant advantage over the M5's 18W, allowing for much faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Poco M5 is ideal for users prioritizing battery life and a slightly more efficient processor for basic tasks. The Poco M4 Pro is better suited for those who value a vibrant display, faster charging speeds, and a more premium feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Poco M5 has a slightly more powerful chipset, but the difference in gaming performance is not substantial. Both phones can handle most games at medium settings.
❓ Is the Poco M4 Pro's 'Infinite' contrast ratio accurate?
The 'Infinite' contrast ratio is a marketing term and not a measurable value. It indicates a very high contrast ratio, but it's not a standardized measurement.
