Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Huawei Pura 70. I'll aim to translate these specs into real-world scenarios to help you decide which phone fits your needs best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Huawei Pura 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-06 | 2024-05-06 | The Pura 70 is significantly newer, suggesting more up-to-date tech and features. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones; no folding or special mechanisms. |
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 157.6 x 74.3 x 8 mm | The Poco M5s is a bit taller and thicker, but the Pura 70 is heavier. The Poco will feel a little more compact, while the Pura 70 will feel more substantial. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 207g | The Poco M5s is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | The Pura 70 has a slightly larger screen, providing more real estate for content viewing and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1256 x 2760 | The Pura 70's higher resolution translates to sharper text, clearer images, and a more detailed viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 460 | Higher PPI on the Pura 70 means crisper, more detailed images and text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the Pura 70’s OLED is often more refined. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Pura 70 has a smoother scrolling and animation experience, more pleasing during gaming and dynamic content. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2500 nits | The Pura 70's significantly higher brightness ensures better outdoor visibility, even in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Kirin 9000S1 | The Pura 70's custom Kirin chipset is significantly more powerful for demanding apps, gaming, and overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,627 | 768,000 | The Pura 70 has considerably faster performance, making it a better choice for heavy users and gamers. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Maleoon 910 | The Pura 70’s GPU offers a better gaming experience and overall graphics rendering. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4900mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity, offering comparable endurance, but real-world usage varies. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | The Pura 70 charges much faster, getting you back in action quicker. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | 50W Wireless Charging, 7.5W Reverse Wireless Charging | The Pura 70 offers convenient wireless charging capabilities, and reverse wireless charging, while both offer reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.9, 1/2") | 50MP (f/1.4, 1/1.3") | Pura 70 has a larger sensor and wider aperture, resulting in better low-light performance and image quality. The Poco has a higher resolution sensor but smaller pixels |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP (f/2.4, 1/3.06") | 13MP (f/2.4) | Both phones have comparable selfie capabilities. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP (f/3.4) | The Pura 70 has a dedicated telephoto lens, enabling optical zoom and better zoomed shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | 13MP (f/2.2) | The Pura 70 offers a higher resolution wide-angle camera, capturing more detail. |
| Portrait/Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5") + 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5") | None | The Poco has dedicated lenses for macro shots, while the Pura 70 prioritizes optical performance. |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K | Both offer great video quality, however, only the Pura 70 offers Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) |
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom, Quad Camera, Digital Stabilization, AF, HDR... | Optical Zoom, Triple Camera, OIS, PDAF, CDAF, LAF, RAW... | The Pura 70 features more advanced camera tech including optical zoom, OIS, and advanced autofocus, making it a more versatile camera phone. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Unknown | The Poco ships with a specific Android version, while the Huawei Pura 70s OS is not given. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | The Pura 70 has the latest WiFi 6 standard, offering faster speeds and more reliability in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Pura 70’s Bluetooth 5.2 provides better energy efficiency, faster speeds, and a more stable connection, but both phones are compatible with most modern bluetooth devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5), Galileo (E1+E5a+E5b) | The Pura 70 supports more satellite systems for more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Both offer dual SIM support, great for travel or managing work and personal lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | The Pura 70 has significantly more storage, which is great for people who take a lot of photos and videos. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 12 GB | The Pura 70 offers 12GB of RAM, which is beneficial for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports MicroSD cards; users are limited to internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both phones have stereo speakers, but the Pura 70 offers Dolby Atmos, while the Poco has Hi-Res audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | The Poco features a more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Poco M5s offers better screen protection thanks to Corning Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Poco has an additional ultrasonic proximity sensor, while the Pura 70 has additional gravity, hall and RGB sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5s:
- Strengths:
- Lightweight and Compact: It's easier to handle and more comfortable for long periods due to its lower weight and smaller size.
- Cost-Effective: Likely available at a more affordable price point, making it a great value option for budget-conscious consumers.
- Solid Display Quality: The AMOLED panel provides vibrant colors and good contrast.
- Complete Sensor Suite: This device features a comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming.
- Competitive Advantages:
- The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is often considered more convenient by some users.
- Offers Hi-Res audio support for audiophiles, but lacks Dolby Atmos.
- Trade-offs:
- Performance: It's less powerful than the Pura 70, not ideal for intensive gaming or heavy multitasking.
- Camera Limitations: While it has a decent main camera, it lacks the versatile optical zoom capabilities of the Pura 70.
Huawei Pura 70:
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Kirin 9000S1 chipset offers top-tier performance, perfect for demanding users.
- Exceptional Display: Its OLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness makes for an excellent viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: The inclusion of a telephoto lens, optical image stabilization (OIS), and other pro-grade features ensures excellent photography results in a variety of scenarios.
- Fast Wireless Charging: Its 50W wireless charging capability offers great convenience.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Next-Gen Connectivity: WiFi 6, better Bluetooth, and more GPS options for better performance.
- High Storage Capacity: Up to 1TB internal storage meets the needs of power users.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Delivers rich and immersive sound experience.
- Trade-offs:
- Price: It's likely to be a much more expensive device.
- Heavier Design: It’s heavier than the Poco M5s which may not suit all users.
- No screen protection: It's unclear what level of screen protection the Pura 70 has, while the Poco M5s has Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5s:
Best Suited For:
- Budget-conscious users who want a reliable smartphone for everyday use.
- Users who prioritize a light and compact phone for one-handed use.
- Users who enjoy media consumption and occasional gaming but do not need the highest performance.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Use Cases:
- Casual browsing, social media, and media consumption.
- Everyday photography and videography.
- Light gaming and app usage.
Huawei Pura 70:
Best Suited For:
- Power users who need the best performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system with optical zoom and advanced features.
- Users who want a premium display with a high refresh rate and exceptional brightness for outdoor use.
- Users who value fast charging speeds and wireless charging.
Use Cases:
- High-end gaming and graphics-intensive tasks.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Extensive media consumption, especially in bright outdoor environments.
- Users who want a phone with the latest technology and connectivity.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- What's your budget? The Poco M5s will likely be much more budget-friendly than the Pura 70.
- How important is top-tier performance and camera versatility? If you need the best performance and camera features, the Pura 70 is the better choice.
- What do you value more: a lightweight, comfortable phone or premium features? If you prioritize a light and compact phone, the Poco M5s might be more suitable. If you are after a premium phone with advanced features, the Pura 70 should be your first choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're on a tight budget and need a reliable phone for daily tasks and occasional media consumption. Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M5s.
- Scenario 2: You're a passionate gamer and photographer who needs the best possible performance and camera capabilities. Recommendation: Huawei Pura 70.
- Scenario 3: You prioritize outdoor visibility, and wireless charging, while desiring a modern camera setup and a smooth display. Recommendation: Huawei Pura 70.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Huawei Pura 70. Here's why:
As someone who values performance, especially when it comes to demanding tasks, like editing videos, playing graphics-intensive games, and running other productivity-based apps, the Pura 70's superior chipset is a must-have. I tend to find myself in various lighting conditions, so having an excellent display with great brightness and a versatile camera that can perform in all conditions is important. I would choose the Pura 70 as it also features advanced camera capabilities such as OIS, and a dedicated telephoto lens. Lastly, the wireless charging is an extremely convenient feature that I'd rather not live without.
The Poco M5s is a great option for those on a budget, but for my needs, I’m willing to invest in the Pura 70's superior hardware and features.
