Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5 and the ZTE Blade A75 4G. We'll be looking past the spec sheet and into how these phones perform in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5 | ZTE Blade A75 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm | 164.1 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm | Similar sizes overall. The Poco M5 is a tad thicker, which might make it feel slightly bulkier, but it's a minor difference. |
| Weight | 201g | 189g | The ZTE is a bit lighter, potentially more comfortable for longer use, though both are still relatively heavy. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.58" | 6.6" | Virtually identical display size. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 | 720 x 1612 | The Poco M5 has a much sharper display with significantly higher pixel density. This results in clearer text, sharper images, and an overall better viewing experience. |
| PPI | 401 | 267 | The Poco M5's higher pixel density means visuals are noticeably clearer and less pixelated compared to the ZTE, and will be better for reading and viewing high quality media. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use IPS LCD, so color reproduction and viewing angles will be similar. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both provide a smoother scrolling experience compared to standard 60Hz screens. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical brightness. This indicates either the values are missing, or their display brightness is the same. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | The G99 in the Poco M5 is a more powerful and efficient chip. Expect much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and more enjoyable gaming than on the ZTE. |
| AnTuTu Score | 414,500 | 240,000 | This benchmark score difference is huge. The Poco M5 offers dramatically higher performance, making it much better suited for demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The Poco M5 has a better GPU, meaning it’ll handle graphics-intensive tasks like gaming and video editing much more smoothly than the ZTE. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both feature a 50MP main sensor, suggesting good quality in good light, but the Poco M5 has a bigger sensor which will allow it to capture more light, and the ZTE sensor is unspecified |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP | The ZTE has a higher resolution selfie camera, which will provide sharper self-portraits than the Poco M5. |
| Additional Lenses | 2MP Depth, 2MP Macro | None | The Poco M5 offers more shooting versatility with dedicated depth and macro lenses. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Similar video recording capabilities. |
| Camera Features | 4K, Triple, Night Mode | Dual, Continuous Shooting | The Poco M5 has additional camera features and support for 4K, While the ZTE has continous shooting, and a dual camera. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, expect all-day battery life with moderate usage, though real life performance will differ depending on the chipset efficiency. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | The ZTE charges a bit faster, meaning less time plugged into the wall. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | Android 13 | The ZTE ships with a newer OS, but both phones will provide a modern Android experience. The Poco will get the latest features, as it is upgradable to android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 + MiMO | Wi-Fi 5 | The Poco has slightly more features for wifi connectivity with MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 | The Poco M5 has a newer version of Bluetooth with lower power consumption, better connectivity, and more features. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | The ZTE offers up to 256GB of storage, while the Poco M5 has a max capacity of 128GB, which is great for those who need more space. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 4GB or 8GB | The ZTE can be configured with more RAM, which would make it slightly better at multitasking than the standard Poco. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion, so choosing enough storage for your needs at purchase is important. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Basic | DTS/DTS X | The ZTE offers slightly better audio features, with surround sound. |
| Other | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both devices have a basic, and convenient, biometric security system. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | The Poco M5 has a compass while the ZTE has a gyroscope. Both are basic sensors that will provide motion detection, but have different functionality. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Poco M5: This phone is a performance powerhouse for its class, boasting a superior processor, better graphics, and a sharper display. The additional camera features, along with the macro and depth lenses, offer more flexibility for photography enthusiasts. The Poco is a good all-rounder, and performs exceptionally well given its price point.
- ZTE Blade A75 4G: It provides a larger storage capacity, a higher resolution selfie camera, and a slightly faster charging speed. However, its performance lags significantly behind the Poco M5, which is a big disadvantage. It also has a slightly enhanced audio experience.
The key difference is the performance. The Poco M5 significantly outperforms the ZTE in terms of raw processing power and graphics capabilities. This is reflected in the AnTuTu benchmark scores, which show a massive 73% advantage for the Poco. The Poco's sharper display with higher pixel density is also a notable win, which will provide an enhanced experience viewing high resolution media or reading.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M5 has less internal storage (max 128GB) compared to the ZTE (max 256GB), and no expandable storage.
- The ZTE has a slightly faster charging speed.
- The ZTE comes with DTS/DTS X audio, which will provide a slightly enhanced audio experience.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Poco M5: Best for users who want smooth performance and crisp visuals on a budget. Ideal for gamers, those who multitask often, and users who value a quality display. This is the better choice for anyone prioritising performance above all else.
- ZTE Blade A75 4G: Suitable for budget-conscious users who prioritize storage space, a better selfie camera, and slightly enhanced audio, but are okay with a slower experience in daily use. The extra ram could also benefit people who multitask.
Specific Use Cases:
- Poco M5:
- Gaming: The superior chipset and GPU will make gaming smoother and more enjoyable.
- Daily Productivity: Faster app loading and smoother multitasking will be beneficial for daily use.
- Content Consumption: The sharper display provides a better viewing experience.
- ZTE A75 4G:
- Media Storage: The larger storage is ideal for users with a large media library.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: The higher-resolution front camera will appeal to those who take a lot of selfies.
- Budget-Conscious: It's a more affordable option, but compromises on performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How much do I value performance? If speed and smoothness are your top priorities, the Poco M5 is the clear winner. If performance isn't a large priority, the ZTE may be suitable.
- Do I need extra storage? If you require 256GB, the ZTE is the only option, but if 128GB is sufficient for your needs, the Poco is a better bet.
- How important is a high-quality display? The Poco's higher resolution display makes a huge difference. If you use your device for content consumption, and value sharpness, the Poco's higher resolution display is a big advantage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gamer/Heavy User: Choose the Xiaomi Poco M5 for its significantly better performance.
- Budget User Who Needs Storage: Choose the ZTE Blade A75 4G for the larger storage, but prepare for a lower performance experience.
- Average User: Choose the Xiaomi Poco M5 if performance is important to you, and a crisper display is valued. The only reason you would pick the ZTE over the Poco is if you require the extra 128GB of storage.
Final Thoughts
If I had to choose between the two, I would go with the Xiaomi Poco M5 without hesitation. The performance difference is simply too significant to ignore. While the ZTE has a larger storage capacity and a slightly better selfie camera, it compromises too much in performance. As a tech journalist and analyst, I always prioritise a smooth experience that doesn't get in your way, and the Poco M5 provides that. The better performance, combined with the sharper display, makes it a far superior choice for a wide range of users, especially given its price point. While storage is a concern, unless you absolutely need 256GB, the Poco is the phone I'd recommend.
