Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco M5s: A Practical Comparison
Both phones cater to budget-conscious users, but they take different approaches: Motorola leans into productivity with a stylus and larger screen, while Xiaomi delivers superior performance and display tech. Here’s how they stack up in real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | The Poco M5s is more compact and slimmer, making it easier to handle one-handed. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 178.8g | The Poco M5s is 38.7g lighter, reducing fatigue during long usage. |
| Screen Protection | Not specified | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Poco M5s has better scratch resistance. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | The side-mounted sensor on the Poco M5s is more convenient for unlocking. |
Takeaway:
- If portability is a priority, the Poco M5s wins.
- The Moto G Stylus is bulkier but includes a stylus, which may appeal to note-takers.
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.43" | The Moto G Stylus offers more screen real estate for media and productivity. |
| Panel Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Poco M5s has deeper blacks, better contrast, and better battery efficiency with dark mode. |
| Brightness | Not specified | 1100 nits (peak) | The Poco M5s is far superior outdoors, making it easier to see in sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Neither has a high refresh rate, so scrolling smoothness is similar. |
Takeaway:
- The Poco M5s wins in display quality (AMOLED + brightness).
- The Moto G Stylus is better for those who prefer a larger screen.
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Helio G95 (12nm) | The Helio G95 is faster for gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 171,000 | 418,627 | The Poco M5s is over twice as fast in benchmarks. |
| RAM Options | 4GB | 4GB / 6GB / 8GB | The Poco M5s offers more RAM options, better for heavy apps. |
| Storage Options | 128GB | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB | The Poco M5s gives more storage choices, though neither has expandable storage. |
Takeaway:
- The Poco M5s is significantly more powerful, making it better for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing.
- The Moto G Stylus only wins in 5G support, which may matter for some users.
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera (MP) | 48MP (f/1.7) | 64MP (f/1.9, OV64B sensor) | The Poco M5s has a higher-res sensor, but the Moto G Stylus has a wider aperture (better low light). |
| Ultrawide Camera | 16MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | The Moto G Stylus offers a sharper ultrawide shot. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.0) | 13MP (f/2.4) | The Moto G Stylus has a higher-res front camera. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | The Poco M5s supports 4K and slow-motion better. |
| Extra Features | Laser AF, Depth Sensor | Night Mode, 4K Video | The Moto G Stylus has better autofocus, while the Poco M5s has better night shots and video. |
Takeaway:
- The Moto G Stylus has a better ultrawide and selfie camera.
- The Poco M5s shoots better video and has a higher-res main sensor.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The Poco M5s has 25% more battery, meaning longer usage. |
| Charging Speed | 10W | 33W | The Poco M5s charges over 3x faster. |
| Battery Tech | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer is more efficient and lasts longer. |
| Reverse Charging | No | Yes | The Poco M5s can charge other devices. |
Takeaway:
- The Poco M5s wins in battery life and charging speed.
2. Key Insights: Strengths & Weaknesses
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
✅ Pros:
- Bigger screen (6.8") for media and productivity.
- Built-in stylus for note-taking and drawing.
- Better ultrawide and selfie cameras.
- 5G support (future-proofing).
❌ Cons:
- Slower performance (weak Snapdragon 480).
- Smaller battery (4000mAh) with slow charging (10W).
- LCD display vs. AMOLED on Poco M5s.
Xiaomi Poco M5s
✅ Pros:
- Much faster performance (Helio G95, 418K AnTuTu).
- AMOLED display with 1100-nit brightness.
- Bigger battery (5000mAh) with 33W fast charging.
- 4K video recording & better low-light photography.
❌ Cons:
- No stylus support.
- Smaller screen (6.43").
- No 5G support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Get the Moto G Stylus 5G?
✔ Stylus users (note-taking, sketching).
✔ Those who prioritize a big screen for media.
✔ People who need 5G (though performance is weak).
Who Should Get the Poco M5s?
✔ Gamers & power users (much faster chipset).
✔ Those who want AMOLED and bright display.
✔ Users needing long battery life and fast charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus or a bigger screen? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Do I want better performance and battery life? → Poco M5s
- Do I care about 5G? → Only the Moto G Stylus has it, but performance is weaker.
Scenario-Based Picks:
- Best for gaming & speed? → Poco M5s.
- Best for media & productivity? → Moto G Stylus 5G.
- Best overall value? → Poco M5s (unless stylus is a must).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Xiaomi Poco M5s.
Why?
- Performance is king: The Helio G95 is far superior to the Snapdragon 480.
- Battery life & charging are massively better (5000mAh + 33W vs. 4000mAh + 10W).
- AMOLED display with higher brightness makes a noticeable difference in daily use.
The only reason to pick the Moto G Stylus 5G is if you absolutely need a stylus or 5G. Otherwise, the Poco M5s is the better all-rounder.
