Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Huawei nova 11. I'll approach this from my perspective as a tech journalist with an engineering background, focusing on how these specs translate into real-world user experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key technical specifications of both phones, along with explanations of their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Huawei nova 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 161.3 x 75 x 6.9 mm | The Nova 11 is slightly taller, wider, but noticeably thinner. The M5s is thicker but has a smaller overall volume. The difference in thickness will be noticed in hand. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 168g | The Nova 11 is lighter by 10.8g, which might be noticeable during extended use. It feels less bulky. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | The Nova 11 offers a larger screen, which is better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1084x2412 | Both offer sharp displays, with only minor differences. You will barely notice the difference. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 391 | Both are very similar in terms of sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both have vibrant color displays, but AMOLED generally offers slightly deeper blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Nova 11's 120Hz refresh rate will result in smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 950 nits | The M5s will be a bit more visible in very bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | The Nova 11’s chip is more powerful. It will handle more demanding games and applications and operate with more speed and smoothness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,627 | 587,561 | The Nova 11 has better performance in benchmarks, indicating faster app loading and smoother operation. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 642L | The Adreno 642L on the Nova 11 performs better in gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | The M5s should last longer on a single charge due to a larger battery capacity, great for users with intensive use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | The Nova 11 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Both can charge other devices and cannot have batteries replaced by users. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 64MP f/1.9 | 50MP f/1.9 | The M5s offers more resolution, which doesn't always mean better image quality. The Nova 11 may offer better dynamic range. |
| Selfie Lens | 13MP f/2.4 | 60MP f/2.4 | The Nova 11 has a much higher resolution for selfies, resulting in more detailed images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | The M5s has a dedicated wide angle. The Nova 11 combines wide angle and macro lens into one. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | The M5s has a dedicated macro lens. | |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 30fps | Up to 720p @ 960fps | The M5s can record up to 4K. The Nova 11's video recording is lower in resolution, but has better slow-motion features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | - | The M5s runs on Android 12, while the Nova 11's is missing. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The Nova 11 supports Wi-Fi 6, which offers faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | The Nova 11 has newer version with additional codec support which will result in better wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Nova 11 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy in diverse conditions. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | The Nova 11 offers more storage capacity with an option for 512 GB, which is great for large media libraries. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6/8/12 GB | The Nova 11 has a high-end option for more RAM and thus better multitasking and app management. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, which means users should opt for higher storage options if needed. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | The M5s has Hi-Res Audio support, offering a slightly better audio experience for audiophiles. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | The M5s has a side mounted fingerprint sensor that is more advanced, faster and reliable than that of the Nova 11. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The M5s offers superior screen protection with the use of Corning Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The M5s additionally features: Ultrasonic proximity virtual. The Nova 11 additionally features: Proximity, Gravity. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Poco M5s:
- Strengths: Excellent battery life, slightly brighter display, dedicated macro lens, hi-res audio, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.
- Competitive Advantages: Longer battery life and better screen protection.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Slower processing power, a slower refresh rate, and a more basic design.
- Huawei nova 11:
- Strengths: More powerful processor, faster charging, larger display with a smoother 120Hz refresh rate, higher resolution selfie camera, and Wi-Fi 6 support.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior performance and a premium-feeling design and display.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: A smaller battery capacity and a more basic fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5s:
- Best For: Users who prioritize battery life and durability, as well as those who enjoy higher quality audio playback with Hi-Res Audio. Good for those on a budget. It’s great for extended use without needing a recharge and provides a smooth audio experience.
- Use Cases: Long commutes, travel, and situations where access to charging is limited. This phone is ideal for multimedia consumption.
Huawei nova 11:
- Best For: Users who want the best performance, smooth display, and a faster charging experience. Good for those who take a lot of selfies and want a better front-facing camera.
- Use Cases: Gamers, multi-taskers, and users who frequently capture photos and videos. Ideal for users who are always on the go.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between the two phones:
- Do you prioritize battery life or performance?
- If battery life is key, go with the Poco M5s. If you need the best speed and processing power, choose the Nova 11.
- How important is display smoothness and faster charging?
- If you value a silky-smooth 120Hz display and fast charging, the Nova 11 is the way to go. If those aspects are less important, the M5s can save you some money.
- What are your main camera needs?
- If you need high resolution selfies and a dedicated wide angle lens, the Nova 11 is better. If you need a dedicated macro lens and higher recording resolution then the M5s is the right pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: Needs the most powerful experience: choose the Huawei nova 11 for its superior processing, faster charging, and smoother display.
- The Budget-Conscious User: Needs great battery and decent performance at an affordable price: The Xiaomi Poco M5s is a perfect fit, giving you great battery life with good screen protection and hi-res audio.
- The Multimedia Enthusiast: Loves watching videos and listening to music: The Huawei nova 11’s display is better for consuming content. If you need Hi-res audio, then the Xiaomi Poco M5s is a better pick.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Huawei nova 11 cater to different user needs. The Xiaomi Poco M5s is the budget-friendly workhorse, focusing on battery life and media consumption, while the Huawei nova 11 provides a premium experience with superior performance, a smoother display, and faster charging.
My Choice:
If I had to choose personally, I would lean towards the Huawei nova 11. While I value battery life, the improved chipset, faster charging, and notably smoother display of the Nova 11 are key for me. I frequently use my phone for multitasking, capturing photos, and consuming videos. The faster performance and better wireless audio capabilities of the nova 11 would enhance my day-to-day usage.
Ultimately, the "best" phone is subjective and depends on your particular use case, but, given my priorities, the Huawei Nova 11 is the winner.
