1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.7 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | Nearly identical in size; negligible real-world difference. |
| Weight | 188g | 178.8g | Poco M5s is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.43" | OnePlus 8T offers a slightly larger viewing area, which could be preferable for media consumption or gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; both displays are sharp enough for most users. |
| PPI | 402 | 409 | Virtually indistinguishable in terms of pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | OnePlus 8T provides significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming, leading to a more responsive feel. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1100 nits | Both displays are bright enough for outdoor visibility in most conditions. |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | OnePlus 8T's screen is more resistant to scratches and drops. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 865 offers significantly better performance in demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 744,900 | 418,627 | Quantifies the performance difference; OnePlus 8T handles intensive apps and games much more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 650 provides superior graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | OnePlus 8T allows for more apps to run in the background without slowdowns, especially with the 12GB option. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2" | 64MP, f/1.9, 1/2" | Poco M5s has higher resolution, but OnePlus 8T's wider aperture might result in better low-light performance. Sensor models differ, so image quality varies. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 8T's ultrawide lens captures more detail and a wider field of view. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 8T's macro lens produces more detailed close-up shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | OnePlus 8T offers slightly higher resolution, though sensor sizes are comparable. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Poco M5s can potentially create more accurate portrait mode effects. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 8T has black and white lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps | OnePlus 8T offers smoother video at 60fps and has EIS. |
| Features | OIS, Laser AF, RAW | Exposure compensation | OnePlus 8T features OIS for steady videos and Laser AF for faster focus; Poco M5s includes exposure compensation. |
| DxOMark Selfie | 107 (Photo: 97, Video: 124) | Not Tested | OnePlus 8T provides more detailed information regarding its selfie camera performance. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M5s provides longer battery life, especially for users with heavy usage patterns. |
| Charging | 65W | 33W | OnePlus 8T charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 2x2250 mAh battery | Reverse charging | OnePlus 8T uses a dual-cell design for faster charging; Poco M5s can charge other devices. |
Software
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, Upgradeable to 14 | Android 12 | Poco M5s has a slightly newer Android version out of the box, but the OnePlus 8T is confirmed to get updates up to Android 14. |
Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | OnePlus 8T supports faster and more efficient WiFi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | OnePlus 8T has a slightly newer Bluetooth version with potentially improved connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Fewer satellite systems | OnePlus 8T has more accurate and reliable GPS. |
Storage
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB or 256 GB | Similar storage options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion via microSD. |
Audio
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both phones offer good audio quality, but with different enhancements. |
Security
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted sensor is faster and more convenient for unlocking the phone. |
Sensors
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both offer standard set of sensors; slight variation in proximity sensor technology. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 8T Advantages:
- Significantly better performance: Snapdragon 865 chipset provides much faster processing speeds, making it ideal for gaming and demanding applications.
- 120Hz Display: Offers a smoother and more responsive user experience.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Better Ultrawide and Macro Cameras: Captures more detailed wide-angle and close-up shots.
- More comprehensive GPS: Better location accuracy and reliability
Practical Implications:
- The OnePlus 8T excels at gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- The smoother display makes everyday tasks more enjoyable.
- Faster charging means less time tethered to a wall.
Xiaomi Poco M5s Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Provides longer battery life for extended usage.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
Practical Implications:
- The Poco M5s is better suited for users who prioritize battery life and need to charge other devices on the go.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Choosing the OnePlus 8T means sacrificing battery life for performance and display smoothness.
- Choosing the Xiaomi Poco M5s means sacrificing performance for battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 8T Ideal User:
- Gamers: Demanding games run smoother with the Snapdragon 865 and 120Hz display.
- Power Users: Those who frequently multitask, edit videos, or use demanding applications will benefit from the superior performance.
- Users who prioritize display quality: 120Hz provides better experience.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Editing videos on the go.
- Multitasking between many apps.
Xiaomi Poco M5s Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Seeking a phone with good battery life and a decent camera at an affordable price.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Those who need a phone that can last all day with moderate usage.
Use Cases:
- All-day use without needing to charge.
- Basic photography and social media use.
- Using reverse charging to charge other devices like wireless earbuds.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance to you? (Gaming, demanding apps)
- How important is battery life? (Do you need all-day battery?)
- What is your budget?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming enthusiast with a moderate budget: OnePlus 8T is the better choice despite being older, as the performance difference is significant.
- Scenario 2: User primarily concerned with battery life and basic tasks: Xiaomi Poco M5s is suitable.
- Scenario 3: User who values fast charging and performance: OnePlus 8T
Which phone would I choose?
I would choose the OnePlus 8T. While the Xiaomi Poco M5s has a larger battery, the performance difference between the Snapdragon 865 and the Helio G95 is significant. As someone who frequently uses demanding applications and enjoys mobile gaming, the smoother performance and faster refresh rate of the OnePlus 8T would be a much better fit for my needs. The faster charging is also a big plus. Even though it's an older phone, the performance benefits outweigh the battery advantage of the Poco M5s.
