Xiaomi Redmi 15C vs Poco M5: Which Budget King Reigns Supreme?

Xiaomi consistently delivers compelling value in the budget smartphone space. The Redmi 15C and Poco M5 represent two distinct approaches to achieving this: the Redmi 15C prioritizes exceptional battery life and a modern chipset, while the Poco M5 focuses on a brighter display and a slightly more powerful processor. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device best suits your needs.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing longevity, the Xiaomi Redmi 15C is the clear winner. Its astounding 62:06h endurance rating significantly outpaces the Poco M5’s 121h, making it ideal for heavy users. However, the Poco M5’s brighter display and marginally faster CPU offer a better experience for media consumption and light gaming.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Redmi 15C	Xiaomi Poco M5

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 800 / 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, 42, 48, 66, 71	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA	-
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2025, September 18	2022, September 05
Status	Available. Released 2025, September 18	Available. Released 2022, September 13

Body
Build	-	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	173.2 x 81.1 x 8.2 mm (6.82 x 3.19 x 0.32 in)	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	211 g (7.44 oz)	201 g (7.09 oz)

Display
Protection	Mohs level 6	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~254 ppi density)	1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size	6.9 inches, 114.9 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)	6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 120Hz, 810 nits (HBM)	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)	Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	Mali-G57 MC2
OS	Android 15, HyperOS 2	Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
	-	UFS 2.2

Main Camera
Dual	50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens	-
Features	LED flash, HDR	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	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm	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	5.4, A2DP, LE	5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	-	Yes
NFC	Yes (market/region dependent)	Yes
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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	33W wired, PD, 50% in 28 min 10W reverse wired	18W wired
Type	6000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Midnight Black, Mint Green, Dusk Purple	Black, Green, Yellow
Models	2508CRN2BC, 2508CRN2BG, 25062RN2DE	22071219CG
Price	€ 131.09	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)

EU LABEL
Battery	62:06h endurance, 1000 cycles	-
Energy	Class B	-
Free fall	Class A (270 falls)	-
Repairability	Class C	-

Xiaomi Redmi 15C

Exceptional battery life (62:06h endurance)
Faster charging (33W with PD)
Reverse wired charging (10W)

Display brightness data unavailable
Camera specifications unknown

Xiaomi Poco M5

Brighter display (448 nits)
Slightly faster CPU clock speed
Gaming-optimized chipset (Helio G99)

Significantly shorter battery life (121h)
Slower charging (18W)

Display Comparison

The Poco M5 boasts a measurable 448 nits of peak brightness and a 1363:1 contrast ratio, offering a more visually engaging experience than the Redmi 15C (brightness data unavailable). While the Redmi 15C’s panel specifics are missing, the Poco M5’s higher brightness is immediately noticeable in outdoor conditions. Both share the same contrast ratio, suggesting similar panel technology in terms of black levels, but the Poco M5’s brightness gives it a clear advantage for visibility.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack detailed camera specifications. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a direct comparison is impossible. It’s reasonable to assume both utilize budget-oriented camera systems, and the quality will likely be similar in good lighting conditions. The absence of information suggests neither phone is a standout performer in photography.

Performance

Both devices utilize Mediatek’s 6nm process, but differ in their chipsets. The Poco M5’s Helio G99 features a slightly higher clocked CPU (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76) compared to the Redmi 15C’s Dimensity 6300 (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76). While the Redmi 15C has a higher clock speed, the G99 is optimized for gaming, potentially offering a smoother experience in less demanding titles. The Dimensity 6300, however, is a more modern architecture, potentially offering better efficiency and future-proofing. Both share the same Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, meaning multi-tasking performance will be similar.

Battery Life

The Redmi 15C’s 62:06h endurance rating is a monumental achievement, dwarfing the Poco M5’s 121h. This translates to significantly longer usage between charges. The Redmi 15C also supports 33W wired charging with PD, achieving 50% charge in just 28 minutes, while the Poco M5 is limited to 18W. The Redmi 15C also offers 10W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Poco M5, allowing it to top up accessories.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 15C if you need a phone that can reliably last through two full days of moderate use, or if you frequently find yourself away from a charger. It’s the perfect companion for travelers, commuters, or anyone who dislikes battery anxiety. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M5 if you prioritize a more visually vibrant display for watching videos or browsing photos, and if you occasionally engage in light gaming where the slightly faster CPU can provide a smoother experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How does the Dimensity 6300 in the Redmi 15C handle multitasking compared to the Helio G99 in the Poco M5?

While the Helio G99 has a slightly higher CPU clock speed, both chipsets feature the same Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. This means multitasking performance – running multiple apps simultaneously – will be largely comparable. The Dimensity 6300’s newer architecture may offer slightly better efficiency during prolonged multitasking sessions.

❓ Is the 18W charging on the Poco M5 noticeably slower than the 33W charging on the Redmi 15C in real-world use?

Yes, the difference is significant. The Redmi 15C can reach 50% charge in just 28 minutes with its 33W charging, while the Poco M5 will take considerably longer with its 18W charger. This makes the Redmi 15C much more convenient for quick top-ups.

❓ Given the lack of detailed camera specs, should I expect similar photo quality from both phones?

Generally, yes. Without knowing sensor sizes, apertures, or image processing algorithms, it's safe to assume both phones deliver comparable image quality in good lighting conditions. However, low-light performance is likely to be similar, and potentially underwhelming on both devices.

❓ Does the Redmi 15C's reverse wired charging output enough power to meaningfully charge other devices?

At 10W, the Redmi 15C's reverse wired charging is best suited for topping up small accessories like earbuds or smartwatches. It won't rapidly charge a smartphone, but it's a useful feature for emergencies or when you only have one charger available.