The Xiaomi Poco series consistently delivers impressive value for money. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Poco M5 and the Poco M4 Pro 5G. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Poco M4 Pro 5G edges out the M5 thanks to its faster 5G connectivity, brighter display, and quicker charging. While the M5 offers solid performance, the M4 Pro 5G's upgrades make it the slightly better overall 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, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 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, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 05 | 2021, November 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 13 | Available. Released 2021, November 11 |
| 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) | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 195 g (6.88 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 (~399 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) |
| 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 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| 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, 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 100% in 59 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Yellow | Poco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue |
| Models | 22071219CG | 21091116AG, MZB0BGVIN |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | 1.04 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 1.07 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 121h
|
Endurance rating 123h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1363:1 |
Contrast ratio: 1553:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-27.6 LUFS (Good)
|
-24.9 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 386311 (v9)
GeekBench: 1896 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 296721 (v8), 353663 (v9)
GeekBench: 1797 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Poco M5
- Excellent battery life
- Solid performance for the price
- Good contrast ratio display
- Competitive price
- Slower charging speed
- Lower display brightness
- No 5G connectivity
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G
- 5G connectivity
- Brighter display
- Faster charging (33W)
- Slightly better performance
- Potentially slightly higher price
- Camera performance not class-leading
Display Comparison
Both phones boast impressive contrast ratios (1363:1 for M5, 1553:1 for M4 Pro 5G), but the M4 Pro 5G takes the lead with a noticeably brighter display at 510 nits compared to the M5's 448 nits. This makes the M4 Pro 5G easier to view in direct sunlight. Both utilize AMOLED panels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is generally similar between the two, with both offering decent image quality in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is adequate but not exceptional. Both phones likely feature a primary 50MP sensor, but the M4 Pro 5G may have slightly improved image processing due to its newer chipset. Video recording capabilities are comparable, offering 1080p recording at various frame rates.
Performance
The Poco M5 utilizes the Mediatek Helio G99, while the M4 Pro 5G features the Dimensity 810. While both are octa-core processors built on a 6nm process, the Dimensity 810 generally offers slightly better overall performance and efficiency. Gaming performance is comparable on both devices, though the M4 Pro 5G might handle more demanding titles with slightly better stability.
Battery Life
Both phones offer excellent battery life, with endurance ratings of 121h and 123h respectively. However, the M4 Pro 5G significantly wins in the charging department with 33W wired charging, reaching 100% in approximately 59 minutes, compared to the M5's slower 18W charging.
Buying Guide
The Poco M5 is ideal for users prioritizing raw processing power and extended battery life without needing 5G. The Poco M4 Pro 5G is perfect for those who want 5G connectivity, a brighter screen for better outdoor visibility, and faster charging speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Poco M5 good for gaming?
Yes, the Poco M5 offers decent gaming performance for its price range. It can handle most popular games, but you might need to adjust graphics settings for demanding titles.
❓ Does the Poco M4 Pro 5G support 5G?
Yes, the Poco M4 Pro 5G is a 5G-enabled smartphone, offering faster download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones have excellent battery life, with very similar endurance ratings. Real-world usage will likely yield comparable results.
❓ Which phone is easier to hold?
The Poco M4 Pro 5G is slightly wider, so the Poco M5 might be more comfortable for users with smaller hands.
