Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Blackview A96. I'll break down the specs, provide key insights, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key specs of the Xiaomi Poco M5s and Blackview A96, with an emphasis on real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Blackview A96 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 161.8 × 74.2 × 8.6 mm | Very similar sizes, slight differences in height and thickness, which may have an effect on how comfortable it feels in hand. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 193.9g | Xiaomi Poco M5s is noticeably lighter; more comfortable for prolonged use, especially one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.5" | Very similar display sizes – negligible difference in real-world usage. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, clear images for everyday tasks, browsing, and video consumption. |
| PPI | 409 | 405 | Negligible difference in pixel density; both are sharp enough for any general use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED on the Xiaomi Poco M5s offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially better battery efficiency, especially for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Blackview A96 offers smoother scrolling and animations, noticeable to users during daily interactions. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi Poco M5s provides excellent outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Blackview A96 does not provide brightness data and might not be suitable for use under direct sun. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Blackview's chipset is more efficient due to its smaller process node (6nm), potentially leading to better battery and performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,627 | 423,393 | Both have very similar performance levels for everyday use, browsing, and moderate gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Xiaomi Poco M5s has better GPU that can handle graphics processing better, especially in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.9 | 48MP f/1.6 | Xiaomi Poco M5s offers higher resolution, while Blackview A96 has a wider aperture (better low light). |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.4 | 16MP f/?.? | Blackview A96 slightly edge in resolution and sensor size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.4 | Xiaomi Poco M5s has a slightly wider aperture, potentially capturing slightly better wide-angle shots in low light |
| Depth Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Xiaomi Poco M5s offers depth sensor to improve portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Very similar macro cameras for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 1440p@30fps | Xiaomi Poco M5s records in higher resolution (4K) making it ideal for those who want to have high-quality videos. |
| Slow Motion | 960 fps | Not Available | Xiaomi Poco M5s is better for recording slow-motion videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4380mAh | Xiaomi Poco M5s will likely last longer on a single charge due to its larger battery. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Xiaomi Poco M5s charges significantly faster, reducing the time needed to recharge. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | N/A | Xiaomi Poco M5s can be used as a portable power bank to charge other devices |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | The Blackview A96 has a newer version of Android |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256 GB | 256 GB | Blackview A96 offers a large, standard storage, while the Xiaomi Poco M5s offers a slightly cheaper version with less storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Blackview A96 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers additional storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | The Xiaomi Poco M5s offers Hi-Res audio quality. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Xiaomi Poco M5s offers screen protection with Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Xiaomi Poco M5s additionally features an Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor; Blackview A96 features a Proximity sensor |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
Xiaomi Poco M5s Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel offers better visuals (especially with dark themes), vibrant colors, and better contrast.
- Better Outdoor Visibility: High brightness makes it easier to use in bright sunlight.
- Fast Charging: 33W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Higher Camera Resolution and quality: 64MP main camera, 4K video recording, and 960 fps slow-motion capabilities.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers more usage time between charges.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to charge other devices makes it a portable power bank.
- Hi-Res Audio: For audiophiles, Hi-Res audio is a plus.
Blackview A96 Strengths:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid user experience.
- More RAM: Up to 12GB RAM is excellent for heavy multitasking.
- Newer OS: Android 13 offers the latest features and updates.
- Wider Aperture: f/1.6 aperture on the main camera should perform better in low light situations.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Poco M5s: The device uses an older operating system, lacks the smooth display of the Blackview A96, and the cameras have smaller pixels and narrower apertures.
- Blackview A96: Uses an IPS LCD display which is not as good as AMOLED, no information on the screen protector, no 4K Video recording.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5s is best for:
- Users who value a high-quality display with great contrast and vibrant colors.
- Those who need a reliable camera for high-resolution photos and videos, and fast charging.
- People who require a larger battery for prolonged usage without frequent charging.
- Users who listen to audio and would benefit from Hi-Res audio.
Blackview A96 is best for:
- Users who prioritize a smooth user experience with a 120Hz refresh rate and the latest Android OS.
- Users who engage in heavy multitasking and gaming and would benefit from the additional RAM.
- Those who need a reliable camera for low-light photos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
How important is display quality to you?
- If you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better contrast, and are okay with a 60Hz refresh rate, choose the Xiaomi Poco M5s.
- If a smoother experience is paramount, even if it means sacrificing contrast and dark performance for an IPS LCD panel, choose the Blackview A96.
What's your typical usage pattern?
- If you need a phone that will last all day on a single charge and that you need to charge quickly, along with camera quality, the Xiaomi Poco M5s is your choice.
- If you perform heavy multitasking or need to game on your phone, the Blackview A96 is better due to additional RAM.
What type of photography do you focus on?
- If you value high-resolution photos, videos and need slow-motion capabilities, the Xiaomi Poco M5s is better.
- If you need to take low light photos, the Blackview A96 is your choice.
Conclusion
Both phones offer a solid set of features. The Xiaomi Poco M5s excels in display quality, battery life, and camera capabilities. The Blackview A96 is designed for smooth performance and multitasking with its 120Hz display and large RAM.
My Choice:
If I were choosing, I'd lean toward the Xiaomi Poco M5s. The combination of the vibrant AMOLED display, significantly better brightness for outdoor use, higher-resolution main camera, 4K video, better slow motion, fast charging, and the larger battery makes it a more versatile choice for my needs. While the Blackview A96's smoother display and larger RAM are compelling, the practical advantages of the Xiaomi Poco M5s, especially its superior display tech and camera capabilities, aligns more closely with what I value in a smartphone. Plus, the Hi-Res audio is something I appreciate when listening to music on the go.
