Okay, let's break down the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Motorola Moto G (2023) and see which one comes out on top for different types of users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 164 x 75 x 8.4 mm | Poco M5s is slightly smaller and lighter. Moto G is a bit taller and heavier. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 189g | Poco M5s might be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Poco M5s has better screen protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.5" | Very similar screen size, negligible difference |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Poco M5s display is noticeably sharper. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 270 PPI | Poco M5s offers much clearer text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Poco M5s boasts superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G (2023) has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Poco M5s is far better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Different chips: G95 (Poco) emphasizes graphics/gaming and 480+ (Moto) has 5G connectivity |
| Antutu Score | 418,627 | 380,000 | Poco M5s demonstrates slightly better benchmark performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 619 | Different GPUs, Poco M5s focuses more on graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 64MP, f/1.9 | 48MP, f/1.7 | Poco M5s offers higher resolution; Moto G has a slightly wider aperture for better low light. |
| Front Selfie | 13MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Poco M5s has more megapixels; Moto G has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Poco M5s has a wide-angle lens for more versatile photography. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Poco M5s has a depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have macro lenses. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Poco M5s allows for higher-quality video recording. |
| Slow-motion | Yes, 960fps | No, 30fps | Poco M5s has slow-motion capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life on paper. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Poco M5s charges much faster. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Poco M5s can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Moto G (2023) ships with the newer Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, MIMO | 802.11ac | Both offer Wi-Fi 5 (ac). Poco M5s supports MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | Moto G (2023) has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Moto G (2023) allows for digital SIM switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64, 128 or 256GB | 128GB | Poco M5s has more storage options. |
| RAM | 4, 6 or 8GB | 4GB | Poco M5s can have more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both do not offer memory expansion via MicroSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers, 2 Mics | Poco M5s has better audio quality; Moto G has 2 mics for better audio input |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both have side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic Proximity | Proximity, Hall | Poco M5s has a virtual ultrasonic proximity sensor, Moto G has a physical proximity sensor, hall sensor |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
Xiaomi Poco M5s Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with a much higher resolution and brightness is a clear win for media consumption and outdoor usability.
- Better Camera Setup: The inclusion of a wide-angle and dedicated depth sensor, along with the ability to record 4K video, makes it more versatile for photography and videography.
- Faster Charging: The 33W charging is significantly quicker compared to the 15W on the Moto G.
- Better Performance: The slightly better AnTuTu score and GPU means better performance in demanding tasks and gaming, compared to the Moto G.
- More Memory and Storage Options: Offers configurations up to 8GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage.
Motorola Moto G (2023) Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid visual experience, especially for everyday scrolling.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, which could mean more up-to-date features and better support.
- 5G Connectivity: The Snapdragon chip grants the Moto G 5G connectivity.
- eSIM support: Motorola offers a Nano SIM plus eSIM, a newer technology that allows to use your device with a digital carrier.
- Better Bluetooth Version: A newer Bluetooth version is better for power efficiency and connection stability.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Poco M5s: Lacks a high refresh rate display and the newest Android OS.
- Moto G (2023): Lower display resolution, lower screen brightness, slower charging speed and less capable cameras.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5s is Best For:
- Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos, stream content, or enjoy photography will appreciate the AMOLED display, better cameras and powerful GPU
- Gamers: It's a phone with a stronger CPU and GPU for improved performance, while still keeping a good battery life.
- Power Users: People who need fast charging, good overall performance, better storage and more RAM.
Motorola Moto G (2023) is Best For:
- Everyday Users: People looking for a reliable phone for calls, texts, social media, and casual browsing.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who prefer an affordable option with a newer Android version and 5G.
- Casual Mobile Gamers: The Moto G (2023) 120Hz refresh rate will make any kind of scrolling, reading and game-play feel very responsive.
- International Travelers: The eSIM allows the user to easily switch to different mobile carriers on the go.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself:
How much do I prioritize display quality?
- If you value a vibrant, sharp, and bright display, the Poco M5s is the clear choice.
- If you are looking for a smooth scrolling experience, the Moto G might be the best.
Is having 5G important to me?
- If you are looking for 5G connectivity for faster mobile data, choose the Moto G.
- If you live in an area with no 5G coverage, that might not be a decisive factor in choosing.
How important is fast charging and better camera performance?
- If you want your phone to charge quickly and have more camera versatility, the Poco M5s is the better option.
- If you do not care for fast charging and more cameras, the Moto G might be suitable for you.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Poco M5s. While the 120Hz refresh rate on the Moto G is appealing, the better display quality with the AMOLED technology, the higher brightness for outdoor use, superior camera setup (including 4K video), faster charging, and higher performance make it a more compelling choice for my usage habits. As someone who uses my phone for content consumption, photography, and gaming, the Poco M5s ticks more boxes for me. The superior camera array alone, especially the wide-angle lens, wins me over. The overall experience would be more fulfilling for me, even with the slightly older OS.
