Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Google Pixel 9. As a tech journalist, I'm always fascinated by how specs translate into real-world experiences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which phone might be right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Google Pixel 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 152.8 × 72 × 8.5 mm | The Poco M5s is larger, while the Pixel 9 is more compact and slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 198g | The Poco M5s is noticeably lighter, which may make it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.3" | Poco M5s has a slightly larger display, providing a slightly more immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2424 | Both are sharp, with only marginal differences. |
| PPI | 409 | 422 | Both offer similar pixel density and screen clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use similar technologies known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Pixel 9's 120Hz display will feel significantly smoother for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | The Poco M5s is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, though Pixel 9 specs may be incomplete. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) | The Pixel 9's chip is much more advanced, offering better speed and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,627 | 1,071,616 | The Pixel 9’s performance is significantly higher, making it better for multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G715 MC7 | The Pixel 9’s GPU is more powerful, providing better graphics for demanding apps and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.9, 1/2", 0.70µm | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.3", 1.20µm | Pixel 9's larger sensor and wider aperture capture more light, generally resulting in better photos, despite lower resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 10.5MP, f/2.2 | The Poco M5s has higher resolution while Pixel 9 has a wider aperture for selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | Not Listed | Poco M5s offers dedicated wide angle, but Pixel 9 has a combined wide + macro camera. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Not Listed | The Poco M5s offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Not Listed | Poco M5s offers a dedicated macro lens for closeup photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not Listed | 48MP, f/1.7 | The Pixel 9 combines wide angle and macro into a single 48MP lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@up to 120fps | 4K@up to 60fps, 1080p@ up to 240fps | Both offer 4K, Pixel 9 has a wider range of frame rates, HDR, EIS and OIS for video recording. |
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom, Quad Camera, Digital Stabilization | Flicker sensor, Noise Reduction, Pro Video Mode, Dual Camera, Digital Stabilization, OIS, NPU AI Engine | Pixel 9 offers superior features, including OIS, AI enhancements and better stabilisation |
| DXOMark | Not Available | Mobile (154), Photo (161), Video (150) | Pixel 9 scores highly in camera benchmarks, Poco M5s camera is not rated. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | The Poco M5s has a slightly larger battery, offering a bit more usage between charges. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 27W Fast Charging | The Poco M5s charges a little faster than the Pixel 9. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Reverse & 15W Wireless Charging | Pixel 9 offers the convenience of wireless charging. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The Pixel 9 offers a more up-to-date Android experience. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Pixel 9 offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | Pixel 9 has the latest version offering higher performance, better range and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), NavIC System, GNSS | Pixel 9 has more comprehensive location support for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Pixel 9 offers eSIM for ease of use, while Poco M5s can use two physical SIMs. |
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both have the same max storage, but Xiaomi offers an extra 64 GB variant. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 12 GB | The Pixel 9 has significantly more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Noise Cancellation Microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | The Pixel 9 provides better audio quality. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Poco M5s has side mounted sensor, whilst Pixel 9 offers a standard one. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Pixel 9 offers much better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Pixel 9 includes an environmental sensor. Poco M5s offers a Compass sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5s:
- Strengths: This phone shines in areas like display brightness, battery capacity, and charging speed, making it great for media consumption and extended use, especially outdoors. It also offers a versatile camera setup with a wide range of lenses, providing flexibility for different types of shots. The lighter build makes it more comfortable for long periods of use.
- Competitive Advantage: The Poco M5s offers a very compelling package at its price point. It’s a solid, all-around device with a focus on practical features that matter to many users. It has a lower price point.
- Trade-offs: The Poco M5s's older chipset, lower refresh rate display, and lack of advanced features like wireless charging and a premium build are notable compromises.
Google Pixel 9:
- Strengths: The Pixel 9 excels in performance, software experience, and camera quality. Its Tensor G4 chip offers outstanding speed and efficiency, while the 120Hz display delivers a much smoother visual experience. The camera, backed by powerful AI, is a top contender, and its additional features offer better audio quality.
- Competitive Advantage: The Pixel 9 provides a premium user experience with Google's latest innovations, cutting-edge technology and top-tier image and video capabilities.
- Trade-offs: The Pixel 9 is slightly heavier, has a smaller battery, and does not charge as quickly as the Poco M5s. The missing brightness data could also be a concern for use outdoors.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5s is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Who need a reliable device with good battery life, a bright display, and a versatile camera setup.
- Media enthusiasts: Who enjoy watching videos and browsing content on their phones for long periods, particularly outdoors, thanks to its bright display.
- Users who prioritise comfort: Those who prefer a lighter phone that is easy to handle for extended usage.
Google Pixel 9 is best for:
- Power users: Who need top-tier performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts: Who value outstanding photo and video quality, and the best possible AI enhancements.
- Users who want a premium experience: Those who value a smooth UI, up-to-date Android experience, and premium build quality.
- Users who like to capture high quality videos: With features like OIS, EIS and 4K 60FPS with HDR, Pixel 9 would be a better choice.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is performance and a smooth user experience? If speed and fluidity are paramount, the Pixel 9 is the better option.
- How much do you value battery life and outdoor visibility? If these are your priorities, the Poco M5s may be more suitable.
- What is your budget? The Poco M5s will likely be a far cheaper phone, offering great value. The Pixel 9 is the premium option, and may not fit everyone's budget.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Everyday User: If you need a reliable phone for daily tasks, occasional photos, and basic use, the Poco M5s provides good value with its battery and display.
- Content Creator: If you frequently capture photos and videos and need quality content creation, the Google Pixel 9 is the superior option thanks to its high camera performance.
- Gamer: If gaming is your focus, the Pixel 9, with its powerful chipset, 120Hz display, and more RAM, will offer a much better experience, though it may not offer the longest battery life.
My Choice:
If I had to choose between these two phones for myself, I would choose the Google Pixel 9. Although the battery capacity and charging speeds of the Xiaomi Poco M5s are appealing and it is great value for money, the enhanced display, far superior processing power, and significantly better camera capabilities of the Pixel 9 are too compelling for my use case. As a tech journalist who relies on his phone for a range of tasks, I need smooth performance, great photos and videos, and an up-to-date OS, which the Pixel 9 delivers. While I value a good battery, the Pixel 9's advantages in other areas outweigh the slightly less impressive battery life.
