Okay, let's break down the Xiaomi Poco M5s and HTC U23 Pro. I'm aiming for a practical, user-focused comparison, keeping in mind what really matters in daily use.
Smartphone Showdown: Xiaomi Poco M5s vs. HTC U23 Pro
Here's a deep dive into what these two phones offer, going beyond the spec sheets to explore how they fit into real life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5s | HTC U23 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm, 178.8g | 166.6 × 77.1 × 8.9 mm, 205g | The Poco M5s is smaller and noticeably lighter, which translates to better comfort for one-handed use. The U23 Pro is larger, potentially less comfortable for long periods. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus | U23 Pro has significantly better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | U23 Pro has a slightly larger display, potentially more immersive for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharp and crisp viewing experience at FHD+ |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 393 PPI | Very similar sharpness, barely noticeable difference |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar rich colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The U23 Pro offers much smoother scrolling and animations, making the experience feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | The Poco M5s offers excellent outdoor visibility, the U23 Pro has no listed brightness information which is an issue. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The U23 Pro's processor is much faster and more power-efficient, providing significantly smoother performance for demanding tasks and games. |
| Antutu Score | 418,627 | 699,600 | The U23 Pro is almost 70% faster than Poco M5s in benchmarks, indicating superior app loading times, multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 644 | The U23 Pro’s GPU offers a more substantial boost for gaming performance and graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9, 1/2", 0.70µm | 108MP, f/1.7 | The U23 Pro has a higher resolution main camera and wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 32MP, f/2.45 | The U23 Pro has a higher resolution front-facing camera for more detailed selfies and video calls. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | 8MP, f/2.4 | Poco M5s' ultrawide has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | 5MP, f/2.2 | U23 Pro's depth sensor has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have comparable macro cameras. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Both record video at 4K, the U23 Pro has EIS for better video stabilization. |
| Features | Night Mode | OIS, PDAF, Panorama | The U23 Pro has OIS, PDAF, and Panorama mode. The Poco M5s offers a night mode which is not mentioned on U23 Pro. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4600mAh | The Poco M5s has a slightly larger battery, possibly offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 30W fast charging, 15W wireless, 5W reverse | The Poco M5s charges faster but the U23 Pro adds wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities. |
| Software & Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | The U23 Pro has a newer OS, likely offering better features and security. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (ac), MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 (ax) | HTC U23 Pro has support for faster Wi-Fi 6 speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | HTC U23 Pro has a newer version of bluetooth offering better range and power consumption |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | The U23 Pro has more RAM, which means better multitasking and faster switching between applications, and is better for gaming. |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB/256GB | 256GB | Both offer same maximum internal storage of 256GB but the Poco M5s also offers 64GB and 128GB variants. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic | The Poco M5s has a clear audio advantage with Hi-Res audio and dual speakers. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack expandable storage. |
| Fingerprint Scanner | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer a standard biometric security option |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity, Gravity | Xiaomi Poco M5s has Ultrasonic proximity virtual; HTC U23 Pro has Proximity, Gravity sensors |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5s
- Strengths: A more compact form, slightly larger battery, brighter display, better audio quality, and a more affordable price point.
- Competitive Advantages: Its brighter display is important in outdoor scenarios, and the inclusion of Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers means better media consumption. It is also considerably lighter.
- Trade-offs: The older chipset, slower refresh rate, weaker camera performance, and lack of advanced features like wireless charging means it falls behind in performance.
HTC U23 Pro
- Strengths: Superior performance due to the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chip, a smoother 120Hz display, significantly better main camera and a better front facing camera, and wireless charging capabilities, as well as a more future-proof OS.
- Competitive Advantages: A more responsive and future-proof experience due to the modern processor, better photo quality in most situations, as well as advanced charging.
- Trade-offs: The larger size, slightly heavier build, and likely higher price point might be drawbacks for some users. The lack of brightness information is also a red flag.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5s is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a reliable everyday smartphone that handles basic tasks well, media consumption and does so without breaking the bank.
- Those who prioritize portability: Those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone and value pocketability.
- Users focused on media consumption: Those who watch a lot of videos and appreciate high-quality audio from dual speakers.
HTC U23 Pro is best for:
- Power users: Those who frequently multitask, play demanding games, or require advanced processing power.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who desire better camera quality with features like OIS and a higher resolution sensor, as well as the inclusion of a high quality selfie camera.
- Users seeking a premium experience: Those who value a smoother display, better performance, and wireless charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself:
- Do I need top-tier performance or is good enough sufficient?
- If you prioritize raw power and smooth performance, the U23 Pro is a better fit. If you want something that can handle most tasks the M5s is fine.
- How important is a compact design vs. a larger display?
- If you value portability, the M5s is a clear winner. If you are fine with a larger device and value more screen real-estate then the U23 Pro is for you.
- What is my budget, and how important are premium features like wireless charging and OIS?
- If you are budget conscious and don't need the latest and greatest, the M5s is a great value option. If you want high end features then the U23 Pro is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Everyday User: The Xiaomi Poco M5s offers a great balance of affordability, features and practicality.
- Mobile Gamer/Power User: The HTC U23 Pro is the clear winner due to its more powerful chip, smoother display, and extra RAM.
- Photography Lover: The HTC U23 Pro is a better option due to its high resolution main and front facing cameras, as well as features like OIS and PDAF.
- Budget Shopper: The Xiaomi Poco M5s provides excellent value for the price with a vibrant display and capable performance for everyday tasks.
My Choice
If I had to pick, I'd choose the HTC U23 Pro. While the Poco M5s is a solid budget phone, the U23 Pro offers significant performance and camera advantages. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chip, the 120Hz display, and the 108MP camera would make it a more enjoyable and capable phone for my daily use. I also value the additional features like wireless charging and OIS, that aren't offered on the Poco.
While it is missing screen brightness information, which makes me very cautious of it, I would still take the risk for a significant performance uplift.
