Xiaomi consistently delivers excellent value smartphones, and the Poco M5s and Redmi Note 11S are prime examples. Both offer compelling features at competitive prices, but which one reigns supreme? This in-depth comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 11S edges out the Poco M5s thanks to its faster charging and slightly improved chipset. While both offer great value, the Note 11S's more modern processor and quicker charging make it the preferable option 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 |
| 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, January 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 06 | Available. Released 2022, February 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.33 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 | 178.8 g (6.31 oz) | 179 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 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1100 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 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 MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB 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 | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 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, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | 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 | 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, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 64% in 30 min | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, White | Graphite Gray, Pearl White, Twilight Blue |
| Models | 2207117BPG | 2201117SG, 2201117SI, 2201117SY, 2201117SL |
| Price | About 120 EUR | € 136.99 |
| SAR | 1.00 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.87 W/kg (body) | 0.59 W/kg (head) 0.88 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 132h
|
Endurance rating 133h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-25.4 LUFS (Very good)
|
-25.4 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 360681 (v9)
GeekBench: 1831 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 251201 (v8), 308741 (v9)
GeekBench: 1873 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Poco M5s
- Slightly brighter display
- Excellent value for money
- Vibrant AMOLED screen
- Good all-around performance
- Slower charging speed
- Slightly older chipset
- Plastic build
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S
- Faster charging (PD3.0, QC3)
- Slightly more powerful chipset
- Modern design
- Good camera performance
- Slightly lower peak brightness
- Can be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both phones feature vibrant AMOLED displays with excellent contrast. The Poco M5s boasts a slightly higher peak brightness of 756 nits compared to the Redmi Note 11S's 744 nits, though the difference is minimal and likely imperceptible in most real-world scenarios. Both offer a smooth 90Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and animations.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is comparable. Both phones feature a quad-camera setup, typically including a main sensor, ultrawide, macro, and depth sensor. Image quality is generally good in well-lit conditions, but low-light performance can be a bit noisy. The Redmi Note 11S might offer slightly better image processing due to its newer chipset.
Performance
The Redmi Note 11S holds a slight advantage here. While both utilize a 12nm process, the Helio G96 in the Note 11S offers a bit more processing power than the Helio G95 in the Poco M5s. This translates to slightly smoother performance in demanding apps and games, though both are capable of handling everyday tasks with ease. Both phones have 6GB or 8GB RAM options.
Battery Life
Battery life is excellent on both devices, with endurance ratings of 132h and 133h respectively. The Redmi Note 11S, however, significantly outperforms the Poco M5s in charging speed, offering 33W wired charging with PD3.0 and QC3 support, allowing for a full charge in approximately 58 minutes. The Poco M5s charges at 33W, but takes longer to reach 100%.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Poco M5s is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize a vibrant display and decent performance for everyday tasks. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is a better choice for those who want faster charging, a slightly more powerful processor for smoother multitasking, and a more modern overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Redmi Note 11S generally offers slightly better gaming performance due to its more modern Helio G96 chipset.
❓ Is the display on either phone worth it?
Yes, both phones have excellent AMOLED displays with vibrant colors and deep blacks, making them great for media consumption.