Smartphone Comparison: Nokia X20 vs. Xiaomi Poco M5s
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Nokia X20 | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-05-12 | 2022-09-06 | Xiaomi Poco M5s is newer, potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 168.9 × 79.7 × 9.1 mm | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | Nokia X20 is larger and bulkier, less pocketable, Xiaomi Poco M5s is more compact, better for one-hand use. |
| Weight | 220g | 178.8g | Xiaomi Poco M5s is significantly lighter, more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.43" | Nokia X20 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, clear visuals, comparable viewing experiences. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 409 PPI | Both provide very similar pixel density, negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Xiaomi Poco M5s has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, better for dark themes and HDR content. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard smoothness, not ideal for high-refresh rate gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Xiaomi Poco M5s is significantly brighter, much better outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Xiaomi Poco M5s provides better performance for demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 323,425 | 418,627 | Xiaomi Poco M5s offers slightly faster app loading and smoother operation. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G76 MC4 | Xiaomi Poco M5s has a more powerful GPU. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4470 mAh | 5000 mAh | Xiaomi Poco M5s has a larger battery, expect longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Xiaomi Poco M5s charges significantly faster, reduces time plugged in. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Xiaomi Poco M5s can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 64MP, f/1.79 | 64MP, f/1.9 | Nokia X20 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance, but this isn't always a guarantee. Xiaomi Poco M5s has a smaller pixel size of 0.70µm compared to Nokia X20's 0.80 µm pixel size. |
| Rear (Wide) | 5MP | 8MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi Poco M5s captures wider shots with higher detail. |
| Rear (Depth) | 2MP | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar depth sensing for portrait mode effects. |
| Rear (Macro) | 2MP | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer basic macro functionality. |
| Front (Selfie) | 32MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.4 | Nokia X20 provides much higher detail in selfies; however, the Xiaomi M5s has a larger 1.12 µm pixel size compared to unknown of the Nokia X20. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps max | 4K@30fps max | Xiaomi Poco M5s records higher quality video and also includes some slow-mo capabilities. |
| Features | Autofocus, Geotagging, HDR, Panorama | 4K Video, Digital Zoom, Digital Image Stabilization, Face Detection, Night Mode, Autofocus, Geotagging, HDR | Xiaomi Poco M5s offers more video capture and processing options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 | Xiaomi Poco M5s will likely have a longer support window for Android upgrades, but the Nokia X20 is now supported up to Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | Xiaomi Poco M5s has additional Wi-Fi features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE, EDR, HID | Xiaomi Poco M5s has more Bluetooth capabilities. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Xiaomi Poco M5s has better location accuracy with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 64/128/256GB | Xiaomi Poco M5s has more storage options, and up to double the capacity. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offer good multitasking capabilities in their max variants. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | 2 microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi Poco M5s has better audio quality and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both provide basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi Poco M5s has better protection from scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both devices offer a comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Nokia X20 Advantages:
- Larger Screen: Slightly larger 6.67" display may be preferred by users who consume media.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Offers greater detail in selfies.
- Upgradable OS: The Nokia X20 is supported up to Android 14.
Xiaomi Poco M5s Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen provides better contrast, vibrant colors, and deeper blacks than the Nokia X20's IPS LCD.
- Brighter Display: Much better outdoor visibility with 1100 nits brightness.
- Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score indicates faster processing power, more fluid operation.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Longer battery life and reduced charging time.
- Higher Video Recording Quality: Ability to record 4K video.
- More Storage Options: Comes with a higher internal storage option (256GB).
- Better Audio: Includes stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio.
- Lighter and Smaller: More compact and comfortable to hold and use.
- More Advanced Features: Includes a more advanced proximity sensor and WiFi/Bluetooth features.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses Gorilla Glass 3
Trade-offs:
- The Nokia X20 has a larger size and higher weight.
- The Xiaomi Poco M5s front camera has a lower megapixel count than Nokia X20's front camera.
- The Nokia X20 has a wider front camera aperture.
- The Nokia X20 has a wider main lens aperture.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Nokia X20 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a larger screen for media consumption and content creation.
- Users who want a great front camera for selfies.
- Users who are content with good, but not high-end, performance.
- Users who prefer a device with the availability of a software upgrade to the latest available version.
Use Cases:
- Casual content consumption (browsing, videos, social media)
- Taking high-resolution selfies.
- General productivity tasks.
Xiaomi Poco M5s Ideal User:
- Users who want a vivid display with excellent contrast and brightness.
- Users who prioritize performance for gaming or demanding apps.
- Users who want longer battery life and fast charging.
- Users who capture a lot of video and want 4K capability.
- Users who want a light, compact, and pocketable device.
Use Cases:
- Gaming and high-performance tasks
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight
- Watching videos, streaming, and content consumption
- Capturing high quality photos and videos
- General everyday use
Price-to-Value:
- The Xiaomi Poco M5s generally offers better performance and features for the price. It is likely the better value option.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Display Preference: Do you prefer a large screen (Nokia X20), or a vibrant AMOLED screen with high brightness (Xiaomi Poco M5s)?
- Performance Needs: Do you require faster processing and gaming performance (Xiaomi Poco M5s), or is good enough acceptable (Nokia X20)?
- Battery and Charging: Do you need the longest possible battery life and fastest charging (Xiaomi Poco M5s) or is that not as much of a priority?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you value the best possible display quality and higher performance, even if it means sacrificing a larger screen, the Xiaomi Poco M5s is the better choice.
- If your main priority is a large screen and a good front camera, and performance and display technology are not as critical, the Nokia X20 is suitable.
- For the user needing the best overall value, the Xiaomi Poco M5s is the clear winner.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco M5s. While the Nokia X20 has its merits, such as a larger screen and higher resolution front camera, the Xiaomi Poco M5s provides a better overall experience in several key areas. The AMOLED display on the Poco M5s is vastly superior, offering significantly better image quality with deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and excellent outdoor visibility. Additionally, the improved performance, larger battery, faster charging, and higher quality video capabilities make the Poco M5s the more versatile and future-proof option. The extra benefits such as better audio and a more compact design make it the better option for me. While the Nokia X20 is fine for basic tasks, the Poco M5s provides a more premium experience for similar if not a better price.
