Xiaomi Redmi 11 vs Poco M5: Which Budget Xiaomi is Right for You?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Poco M5 emerges as the better choice. While both phones share the same 18W charging and CPU core configuration, the Helio G99’s 6nm process provides a noticeable efficiency advantage, translating to potentially better sustained performance and thermal management. The measured 448 nits brightness also gives the Poco M5 a slight edge in usability.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Xiaomi Redmi 11 | Xiaomi Poco M5 |
| 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, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2022, September 05 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, September 13 |
| 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) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Unspecified | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 13 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| - | UFS 2.2 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray; other colors | Black, Green, Yellow |
| Models | - | 22071219CG |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.04 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.83 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 Redmi 11
- 5G Connectivity
- Established Redmi Brand
- Potentially wider carrier compatibility
- Less efficient chipset (7nm)
- Lower measured display brightness
- Potential for more thermal throttling
Xiaomi Poco M5
- More efficient chipset (6nm)
- Higher measured display brightness
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Poco brand may be less familiar to some
- 5G connectivity is not a primary focus
- Charging speed is relatively slow
Display Comparison
Both the Redmi 11 and Poco M5 feature displays with a 1363:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar image quality in terms of dynamic range. However, the Poco M5 distinguishes itself with a measured peak brightness of 448 nits. This is a crucial difference, as it directly impacts outdoor visibility. While neither display is expected to be exceptionally color accurate, the higher brightness of the Poco M5 makes it more usable in bright sunlight. We lack information on panel type (IPS vs. LCD) or refresh rate for either device, but given the price point, 60Hz is the likely standard.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but specific details are absent. Without sensor size, aperture information, or image processing details, a direct comparison is difficult. It’s reasonable to assume both phones will feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary lenses (likely a depth or macro sensor). Given the budget nature of these devices, image quality will likely be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, which is less effective.
Performance
Both devices are equipped with an octa-core CPU configuration featuring 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, indicating similar raw processing power. The key differentiator lies in the chipset: the Redmi 11 uses the Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm), while the Poco M5 utilizes the Helio G99 (6nm). The 6nm process of the Helio G99 is more efficient, meaning it generates less heat for the same level of performance. This translates to potentially better sustained performance during demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, and less thermal throttling. While both chipsets support 5G, the G99’s efficiency gains are more impactful for everyday use.
Battery Life
Both the Redmi 11 and Poco M5 boast an endurance rating of 121 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. Both also support 18W wired charging. However, the more efficient Helio G99 in the Poco M5 could translate to slightly longer real-world battery life, even with the same capacity. The 18W charging is relatively slow by today’s standards, meaning a full 0-100% charge will likely take over two hours. The efficiency of the G99 may also mean less heat generated during charging, potentially extending battery lifespan over the long term.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 11 if you prioritize 5G connectivity and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M5 if you value slightly better performance for gaming and multimedia, and appreciate a display with measured brightness for outdoor visibility. The Poco M5 is the better all-rounder for users who want a bit more power without a significant price increase.