Xiaomi Poco M5 vs Redmi 10C: A Head-to-Head Comparison

The Xiaomi Poco M5 and Redmi 10C are both contenders in the fiercely competitive budget smartphone market. Offering compelling features at affordable prices, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Poco M5 edges out the Redmi 10C thanks to its significantly better battery life and slightly more powerful chipset. While both offer great value, the Poco M5's endurance and performance give it a slight advantage for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Poco M5	Xiaomi Redmi 10C

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	2022, March 21
Status	Available. Released 2022, September 13	Available. Released 2022, March 23

Body
Build	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)	169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	201 g (7.09 oz)	190 g (6.70 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 3	Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution	1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)	720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density)
Size	6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)	6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM)	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
Chipset	Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)	Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	Adreno 610
OS	Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS	Android 11, MIUI 13

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM	64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
	UFS 2.2	UFS 2.2

Main Camera
Dual	-	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	-	5 MP, f/2.2
Triple	50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	-
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm	5 MP, f/2.2
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.3, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	Yes	-
NFC	Yes	Yes (market/region dependent)
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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity

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

Misc
Colors	Black, Green, Yellow	Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green
Models	22071219CG	220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL
Price	About 100 EUR	£ 99.00 / € 109.86
SAR	1.04 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body)	0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	0.52 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body)	0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body)

Tests
Battery life	Endurance rating 121h	-
Camera	Photo / Video	-
Display	Contrast ratio: 1363:1	-
Loudspeaker	-27.6 LUFS (Good)	-
Performance	AnTuTu: 386311 (v9) GeekBench: 1896 (v5.1) GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	-

Xiaomi Poco M5

Excellent battery life
More powerful chipset (Helio G99)
High contrast ratio display
Generally better performance for gaming

Design may be less premium
Camera details are limited

Xiaomi Redmi 10C

Affordable price
Reliable daily driver
Decent camera for the price

Less powerful chipset (Snapdragon 680)
Shorter battery life
Display not as vibrant as Poco M5

Display Comparison

Both phones feature large displays, but the Poco M5 boasts a superior contrast ratio of 1363:1 compared to the Redmi 10C. While both displays are adequate for everyday use, the Poco M5's display offers slightly better image quality. The Poco M5 also has a measured brightness of 448 nits, which is generally brighter than the Redmi 10C's display, improving visibility in sunlight.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is a mixed bag. Both phones offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions. However, detailed camera specifications are missing for both devices. Based on general knowledge, the Poco M5 likely has a slight edge in video recording capabilities due to the more powerful chipset. Low-light performance is likely comparable.

Performance

The Poco M5's Mediatek Helio G99 chipset generally outperforms the Redmi 10C's Snapdragon 680. The G99's Cortex-A76 cores provide a noticeable boost in performance for demanding tasks and gaming. While the Snapdragon 680 is efficient, it doesn't match the raw power of the G99.

Battery Life

The Poco M5 shines in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 121 hours. This significantly surpasses the Redmi 10C's battery performance. If long battery life is a priority, the Poco M5 is the clear winner.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Poco M5 is ideal for users prioritizing long battery life and a smoother gaming experience. The Redmi 10C is a good choice for those seeking a reliable daily driver with a focus on affordability and a decent camera, especially if gaming isn't a primary concern.