Xiaomi Poco M5 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 13, 2022 August 11, 2023
Release Year 2022 2023

Physical

Volume 111.08 cm³ 122.74 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.27 "/g 3 "/g
Weight 201 g 253 g
Height 164 mm 154.9 mm
Width 76.1 mm 129.9 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 6.1 mm
Foldable Design No Yes
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Green
  • Blue
  • Phantom Black
  • Gray
  • Cream
  • Icy Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.58 " 7.6 "
Resolution 1080 x 2408 1812 x 2176
Aspect Ratio 20:9 16:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 83.6 % 91.1 %
Pixel Density 401 PPI 373 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 500 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 115.48 mAh/in² 76.18 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.01 mAh/cm³ 35.85 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4400 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Mali-G57 MC2 Adreno 740

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 3.2, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 12 13
Maximum OS Version 14 17

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi Poco M5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. It's a fascinating match-up – a budget contender versus a top-tier foldable. These devices are worlds apart, but understanding their differences is key to choosing the right one for your needs.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up, focusing on real-world implications:

FeatureXiaomi Poco M5Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5Real-World Implications
DESIGN
Launch Date2022-09-132023-08-11The Z Fold5 is a newer device, benefiting from more recent tech.
FoldableStandardFoldableZ Fold5 offers a unique tablet-to-phone form factor.
Dimensions164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mm (unfolded)M5 is taller but less wide; Z Fold5 is much wider unfolded, more like a small tablet.
Weight201g253gM5 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended single-handed use.
DISPLAY
Size6.58"7.6"Z Fold5 has a significantly larger screen, great for media consumption and multitasking.
Resolution1080x24081812x2176Z Fold5 has a much sharper display with more pixels for clarity.
PPI401373M5 has a slightly higher pixel density, but the difference isn't huge.
TechnologyIPS LCDM5 uses LCD; the Z Fold5's technology is unspecified, but it's likely AMOLED, offering superior color and contrast.
Refresh Rate90Hz120HzZ Fold5 offers smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBoth phones are identical in peak brightness, but other screen characteristics differ.
PERFORMANCE
ChipsetMediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Z Fold5 has a much faster and more efficient processor for heavy tasks and gaming.
AnTuTu Score414,5001,538,914The Z Fold5 is vastly more powerful; better for gaming, demanding apps, and future-proofing.
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 740Z Fold5 has a high-end GPU for enhanced graphics performance.
BATTERY
Capacity5000mAh4400mAhM5 has a larger battery, potentially better battery life on a single charge.
Charging18W fast charging25W fast chargingZ Fold5 charges faster, but less power.
FeaturesNon-removableWireless charging 15W, Reverse charging, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, Non-removable, Bypass ChargingZ Fold5 has more charging flexibility with wireless charging and reverse charging, plus bypass charging.
CAMERA
Main Camera50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.00µmZ Fold5 has a larger sensor and larger pixel size, likely better in low light.
Selfie Camera5MP, f/2.210MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µmZ Fold5 has higher resolution and larger pixels.
Telephoto LensN/A10MP, f/2.4, 1.00µmZ Fold5 has optical zoom capability; M5 does not.
Wide Angle LensN/A12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µmZ Fold5 has an ultra-wide lens, M5 does not.
Portrait Mode (depth)2MP, f/2.4N/AM5 offers a basic portrait depth feature.
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.4N/AM5 offers a basic macro lens.
Video1080p@30fps8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@60/240fps, 720p@960fpsZ Fold5 records much higher quality videos with slow-motion options.
DXOMARKN/AMobile 128, Photo 127, Video 123Z Fold5 has scored well on camera benchmarks; the M5 is untested.
FeaturesDigital zoom, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, HDR, Night ModeNoise reduction, Time-Lapse, 8K Video, Optical zoom, Optical Stabilization (OIS), AutoFraming, Laser AF, NPU AI Engine, Dual front camera, RAW, HDR, Night ModeThe Z Fold5 has significantly more advanced camera features.
SOFTWARE
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to 14Android 13, upgradable to 17Z Fold5 has a newer OS out of the box with longer software support
CONNECTIVITY
WiFi802.11a/b/g/n/ac802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be (WiFi 6/7)Z Fold5 supports the latest WiFi standards for faster and more reliable connections.
Bluetooth5.3 LE5.2 LEBoth devices have Bluetooth LE, with different advanced audio profiles.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPS (L1+L5), A-GPS, GLONASS (L1), Beidou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a)Z Fold5 supports more precise satellite systems.
SIMDual SIM (Nano)Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM)Z Fold5 supports an eSIM for dual-SIM convenience.
STORAGE
Internal64/128 GB256/512/1024 GBZ Fold5 has significantly more storage options for files and apps.
RAM4/6 GB12 GBZ Fold5 has significantly more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking.
ExpandableNoNoNeither has expandable storage.
AUDIO
QualityBasic audioDolby Atmos, Stereo SpeakersZ Fold5 has an enhanced audio experience.
SECURITY
FeaturesSide-mounted fingerprint sensorSide-mounted fingerprint sensorBoth offer similar biometric security.
BUILD QUALITY
ProtectionUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2Z Fold5 has much better screen protection.
SENSORS
SensorsFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, CompassFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity, Hall, GeomagneticZ Fold5 has a more comprehensive sensor suite for advanced features.

2. Key Insights

Xiaomi Poco M5 Strengths:

  • Affordable: The most significant advantage is its budget-friendly price point.
  • Good Battery: Larger battery capacity provides longer use between charges.
  • Decent Everyday Performance: The Helio G99 is suitable for basic tasks and everyday usage.

Xiaomi Poco M5 Limitations:

  • Basic Camera System: The camera is functional but doesn't compete with higher-end models.
  • Lower Performance: Struggles with demanding games and heavy multitasking compared to the Z Fold5.
  • Build Quality and Screen: Lacks the robustness and advanced screen tech of the Samsung.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Strengths:

  • High-Performance: Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip offers top-tier performance and future-proofing.
  • Versatile Foldable Design: The unique form factor is excellent for multitasking and content consumption.
  • Superior Display: Larger, sharper, and more vibrant display with a smoother refresh rate.
  • Advanced Camera System: Offers higher-quality images, more features, and better video capabilities.
  • Premium Build: Superior materials and design with excellent screen protection and build quality.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Limitations:

  • High Price: Its cost is a significant barrier, especially compared to budget options like the M5.
  • Bulkier and Heavier: More cumbersome for pocket portability and single-handed use.
  • Battery Life: Smaller battery capacity, though it does have fast and wireless charging.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Xiaomi Poco M5: Best for budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability and battery life over top-tier performance and camera capabilities. Ideal for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and basic gaming. Perfect for someone who needs a reliable phone without breaking the bank.
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5: Best for tech enthusiasts and power users who want a premium experience with a versatile form factor. Ideal for heavy multitasking, gaming, and content creation. Perfect for professionals or users who need a tablet and smartphone combined into one device.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to help you decide:

  1. What's your budget? If cost is a major concern, the Poco M5 is the clear choice. If money is less of an issue, then the Z Fold 5 may be considered.
  2. What do you value most in a phone? If you need top-tier performance, a versatile display, and advanced camera features, go for the Z Fold5. If you need great battery life at a budget price, the M5 is suitable.
  3. How do you use your phone? For basic tasks and media consumption, the M5 is enough. For heavy multitasking, gaming, and content creation, the Z Fold5 is a better choice.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Student on a Tight Budget: Go for the Xiaomi Poco M5; it's affordable and reliable for daily use.
  • Professional Multitasker: Go for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5; it's perfect for working on the go with its large screen and multitasking capabilities.
  • Photography Enthusiast: Go for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, which offers superior camera features and picture quality.
  • Casual Gamer: Xiaomi Poco M5 for basic games, but Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 if you are a heavy gamer.
  • Tech Lover: Go for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5; it is cutting-edge and feature-rich.

Final Choice

If it were my money on the line, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. Yes, it's significantly more expensive, but the leap in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities is truly transformative. As someone who juggles various tasks, I value the large, versatile screen for productivity and media. The powerful processor and advanced camera features would fit my needs, and I like having a tablet-like experience that can still fit in my pocket. The advanced connectivity and robust build quality also give me confidence that it's a device that will last. While the Poco M5 is great for budget-conscious buyers, I'm more interested in features and performance that the Fold 5 delivers.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.