1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 76.4 x 9.3 mm | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | Mi 10T 5G is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. Poco M5s is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 216g | 178.8g | Mi 10T 5G is significantly heavier, potentially causing fatigue during extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Mi 10T 5G offers better protection against scratches and accidental drops. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.43" | Mi 10T 5G provides a slightly larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Poco M5s has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, enhancing the viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 60Hz | Mi 10T 5G offers significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Poco M5s provides much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness. |
| PPI | 395 | 409 | Negligibly different sharpness. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mi 10T 5G offers significantly faster processing speeds, better for demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 742,400 | 418,627 | Mi 10T 5G provides a noticeably smoother and more responsive user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mi 10T 5G has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 64MP | Similar potential for detailed photos in good lighting. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/2" | Mi 10T 5G can capture more light, potentially resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.89 | f/1.9 | Mi 10T 5G can capture slightly more light. |
| Ultrawide Camera Resolution | 13MP | 8MP | Mi 10T 5G captures more detailed ultrawide photos. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 13MP | Mi 10T 5G captures more detailed selfies. |
| Macro Camera Resolution | 5MP | 2MP | Mi 10T 5G captures more detailed macro shots. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | No | Yes | Poco M5s has a dedicated depth sensor for potentially better portrait mode photos with more accurate background blur. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Mi 10T 5G can record higher resolution videos. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Triple camera, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser AF, Panorama, AF assist Beam, RAW | Quadruple camera, Exposure compensation | Mi 10T 5G has more advanced features. Poco M5s has exposure compensation. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life under typical usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Similar charging speeds. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Poco M5s can be used to charge other devices. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 10, Upgradeable to 11 | Android 12 | Poco M5s has a newer operating system with the potential for longer software support. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Mi 10T 5G supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity with compatible routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Mi 10T 5G has slightly better Bluetooth features. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Poco M5s supports higher quality audio output. |
| Storage | 128 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB, or 256 GB | Poco M5s offers more storage variants. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G Advantages:
- Significantly more powerful processor (Snapdragon 865): Faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance.
- Higher refresh rate display (144Hz): Smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience.
- Better screen protection (Gorilla Glass 5): More resistant to scratches and cracks.
- 8K Video Recording: Allows recording of higher resolution videos
- More advanced WiFi: Better speeds and connectivity
- More advanced GPS: Better location accuracy
Xiaomi Poco M5s Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: More comfortable for one-handed use and carrying around.
- Superior display technology (AMOLED): Deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors.
- Higher Display Brightness: Better outdoor visibility.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio quality.
- Newer OS: Will get updates for longer.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 10T 5G: Sacrifices display vibrancy and portability for performance and a higher refresh rate.
- Poco M5s: Sacrifices processing power and screen refresh rate for better display quality, and portability.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, and those who prioritize performance and responsiveness above all else.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming (e.g., Genshin Impact, Call of Duty: Mobile).
- Video editing and other resource-intensive tasks.
- Users who value smooth scrolling and animations.
- Users who need advanced WiFi connectivity.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for performance if found at a competitive price.
Xiaomi Poco M5s:
- Ideal User: Everyday users who value a vibrant display, portability, and long battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Media consumption (watching videos, browsing photos).
- Casual gaming.
- Users who prioritize a comfortable, pocketable phone.
- Users who prefer a newer OS.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for its features, especially if display quality and battery life are priorities.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help buyers decide:
How important is performance for gaming and demanding apps?
- If very important, choose the Mi 10T 5G.
- If moderately important, the Poco M5s might be sufficient.
Do you prioritize display quality (vibrant colors, deep blacks) or a high refresh rate (smoothness)?
- If display quality is more important, choose the Poco M5s (AMOLED).
- If smoothness is more important, choose the Mi 10T 5G (144Hz).
What's more important, the price, portability, or performance?
- The Poco M5s will likely be cheaper and is more portable
- The Mi 10T 5G will be more expensive but offers more performance
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Gamer: If on a tight budget but want good gaming performance, the Mi 10T 5G (if found at a good price) provides superior performance.
- Casual User & Media Lover: The Poco M5s is the better choice due to its vibrant AMOLED display and lighter weight.
- Power User who uses WiFi a lot: The Mi 10T 5G is the clear winner due to its better processor, WiFi, and Bluetooth capabilities.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G.
Here's why:
- Future-Proofing: While the Poco M5s has a newer OS out of the box, the superior Snapdragon 865 chipset in the Mi 10T 5G will likely ensure better long-term performance and software compatibility.
- Versatility: The Mi 10T 5G is a more versatile device overall. The higher refresh rate display is excellent for general use.
- Gaming: For gaming, the Mi 10T 5G is without a doubt the better option.
- Photography: The Mi 10T has overall better camera specs
While I appreciate the AMOLED display of the Poco M5s, the overall package offered by the Mi 10T 5G, especially considering its processing power and features is worth the trade-off, provided that the price is right. If the price difference is significant and my needs are more basic, the Poco M5s becomes a more compelling option due to its display and portability.
