Xiaomi Poco M5s vs Redmi Note 10S: A Detailed Comparison

Xiaomi offers a plethora of mid-range smartphones, making it tough to choose. The Poco M5s and Redmi Note 10S are both compelling options, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Poco M5s edges out the Redmi Note 10S thanks to its significantly brighter display and slightly faster charging. While both share the same chipset, the M5s's display advantage makes it a better all-around choice for most users, especially those who value outdoor visibility.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Poco M5s	Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S

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	2021, March 04
Status	Available. Released 2022, September 06	Available. Released 2021, April 28

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back	-
Dimensions	160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.33 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	178.8 g (6.31 oz)	178.8 g (6.31 oz)
	IP53, dust and 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 (~409 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size	6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio)	6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1100 nits (peak)	AMOLED, 450 nits (typ), 1100 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm)	Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm)
GPU	Mali-G76 MC4	Mali-G76 MC4
OS	Android 12, MIUI 13	Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 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	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
Single	-	13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm	13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers
	-	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, 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	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, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass
	Virtual proximity sensing	Virtual proximity sensing

Battery
Charging	33W wired, 64% in 30 min	33W wired
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Gray, Blue, White	Deep Sea Blue (Ocean Blue), Shadow Black (Onyx Gray), (Frost White) Pebble White
Models	2207117BPG	M2101K7BG, M2101K7BI, M2101K7BNY, M2101K7BL
Price	About 120 EUR	€ 101.48 / £ 135.82 / ₹ 13,999
SAR	1.00 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body)	1.07 W/kg (head) 0.81 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	0.60 W/kg (head) 0.87 W/kg (body)	0.60 W/kg (head) 0.90 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 M5s

Brighter Display (756 nits)
Faster Charging (64% in 30 min)
Sleek Design
Good Value

Camera slightly behind Redmi Note 10S
No expandable storage (depending on variant)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S

Potentially better camera in low light
Reliable performance
Established track record

Less bright display
Slower charging compared to M5s
Design slightly dated

Display Comparison

The Poco M5s boasts a measured peak brightness of 756 nits, significantly higher than the Redmi Note 10S. This makes the M5s noticeably better for outdoor use and content consumption in bright sunlight. Both phones feature AMOLED displays with vibrant colors and deep blacks, offering a premium viewing experience. The Redmi Note 10S has a contrast ratio of Infinite (nominal), which is typical for AMOLED panels.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature a quad-camera setup. The Redmi Note 10S is generally considered to have a slightly better camera system, particularly in low-light conditions, due to its potentially better image processing algorithms. However, the Poco M5s's camera is still capable of producing good quality photos and videos. Both offer a main sensor, ultrawide, macro, and depth sensor.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Mediatek Helio G95 chipset, meaning performance will be largely similar in everyday tasks and gaming. You can expect smooth multitasking and decent gaming performance at medium settings. However, software optimization can play a role, so real-world performance might vary slightly.

Battery Life

The Poco M5s has an endurance rating of 132h, suggesting excellent battery life. The Redmi Note 10S, while still offering good battery life, doesn't quite match the M5s's endurance. Both support 33W wired charging, but the Poco M5s charges to 64% in 30 minutes, indicating slightly faster charging speeds.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Poco M5s is ideal for users who prioritize a vibrant display, fast charging, and a slightly more modern design. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is a good pick for those seeking a reliable all-rounder with a proven track record and potentially a slightly better camera experience in certain scenarios (though this is marginal).