Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Motorola Moto G04s. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and help you figure out which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with an emphasis on what the specs actually mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm | G04s is slightly taller, M5s is slightly thicker. Both feel similarly sized in hand. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 178.8g | Both feel the same weight in your pocket or hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.56" | G04s has a slightly larger display for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | M5s offers significantly sharper text and images, ideal for reading and detailed graphics. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 269 PPI | M5s has a much more detailed display with higher clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | M5s has superior contrast, vibrant colors, and better black levels, resulting in a much more immersive viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | G04s has slightly smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in social media apps. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | M5s will be much more visible in bright sunlight. The Moto G04s' brightness is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 | Unisoc T606 | M5s offers much faster processing, making it smoother for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,627 | 220,000 | M5s has better app loading times, smoother multitasking, and the ability to play games more efficiently. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MP1 | M5s has better graphics performance, enhancing gaming quality and handling more complex visuals with ease. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both will give you a full day of use; both have similar battery endurance, meaning roughly similar usage times. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 15W fast charging | M5s charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | M5s can charge other devices, offering convenience in emergencies. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | M5s captures more detailed images thanks to the higher resolution and larger sensor size. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | 5MP, f/2.2 | M5s has higher resolution for clearer selfies and video calls. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | None | M5s can capture wider scenes. |
| Depth/Macro Lenses | 2MP each | None | M5s has lenses for creative shooting. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 1080p@30fps | M5s can record sharper videos and slow motion with its 1080p@120fps capabilites. |
| Image stabilization | No | Yes | Motorola has image stabilization but the M5s has better recording capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | G04s has a newer Android version, meaning potentially more security updates and new features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, MIMO | 802.11ac | Both offer good Wi-Fi, with MIMO adding a bit of stability to the M5s. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE, A2DP, EDR, HID | 5.0, LE, A2DP | M5s has additional Bluetooth capabilities. |
| GPS | Full Suite | Full Suite + SUPL | Both offer great GPS capabilities, the G04s has added location service. |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 64/128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both have good storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4 GB | M5s has more RAM, better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither allow for expandable storage. |
| Audio Features | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | M5s has better audio for listening to music through speakers and headphones; Moto G04s has optimized audio through headphones. |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both provide fast and reliable biometric security. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Both offer good protection against screen scratches and breakage. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | M5s has a compass and Ultrasonic Proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5s Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel with higher resolution and brightness makes a massive difference for media consumption and daily use.
- Stronger Performance: The Helio G95 chipset crushes the Unisoc T606 in benchmarks, resulting in a smoother and more responsive overall experience.
- Better Cameras: The 64MP main sensor, along with extra lenses, allows more shooting options and overall better picture quality. The 13 MP selfie camera is also a huge advantage over the 5 MP of the Moto G04s.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is significantly quicker than the 15W on the Motorola, a time saver.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo Speakers and Hi-Res Audio mean that music and videos will sound fuller, more immersive and higher quality.
- More RAM Options: Allows for better multi-tasking and app switching.
- Additional features: It includes an array of other options including: reverse charging, an ultrasonic proximity sensor, Wi-Fi MIMO, and extra Bluetooth Features.
Motorola Moto G04s Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate provides slightly smoother animations than the 60Hz display of the M5s.
- Newer Android Version: The device comes with the newest Android 14 which means it gets newer software features and security updates.
- Image Stabilization for recording videos and taking pictures.
- Dolby Atmos for better audio when using headphones.
Trade-offs:
- Poco M5s: Missing Android 14, slightly thicker device, no image stabilization, no expandable storage.
- Moto G04s: Significantly less powerful processor, a lower-resolution display and not as high-quality screen, inferior camera system, slower charging, less RAM, and lacks some of the additional connectivity features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5s is Best For:
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos and movies on their phone. The AMOLED display really makes a difference here, especially if you like watching movies or content with dark scenes.
- Gamers: The better processor and graphics chip allow for smoother, more enjoyable gaming on the go.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The higher resolution main camera and the ability to take wider pictures provides more creative freedom.
- Power Users: People who need smooth multitasking and appreciate the faster charging speeds and reverse charging.
- Users who want better audio experience: The inclusion of stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio makes a difference for listening to music and videos without headphones.
Motorola Moto G04s is Best For:
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like browsing, calls, social media and who might be on a budget.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: If you are looking for a lower price device and can do without the high quality experience offered by the M5s, then this is for you.
- Android Purists: Those who prioritize the latest software update and want a near stock Android experience.
- Users who prioritize smoothness over clarity: Some may appreciate the slightly smoother scrolling offered by the 90Hz display.
- Users who often take photos or record videos: If that is the case, image stabilization will be very helpful.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide between these two phones:
How important is display quality to you? If you watch a lot of videos or spend a lot of time reading on your phone, the M5s's vibrant AMOLED screen will be much better than the lower resolution screen of the G04s.
Do you need a lot of processing power? If you play games or regularly use demanding apps, the M5s is the clear choice due to its better chipset.
What is your price range and do you need the newest software? If you are budget conscious the G04s will work, but if you want better overall performance and features, the M5s is worth the extra investment.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For a Student on a Budget: If your priority is affordability, the Motorola Moto G04s will work for daily usage.
- For a Mobile Gamer: The Xiaomi Poco M5s is the clear winner because of its significantly better performance and display.
- For a Social Media Savant: The Xiaomi Poco M5s's display, camera and processor make it the better choice, but some might prefer the 90Hz refresh rate and newer software of the G04s.
- For a Business Professional: The M5s offers all-around better performance and features and is the optimal choice.
My Pick: Xiaomi Poco M5s
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Xiaomi Poco M5s without any hesitation. The AMOLED display alone is a game-changer, making the viewing experience significantly better, and it is something you'll be interacting with every minute you have the phone in your hand. Combined with the much more powerful processor, better camera system, faster charging, and Hi-Res Stereo Speakers, it’s the better device for my day-to-day usage. While the Motorola G04s has its advantages in terms of having a newer Android OS and image stabilization for videos, those aren't enough to make up for the huge performance and display advantages offered by the M5s. The difference in screen and processor is massive, and the Poco M5s is just the more powerful, capable phone.
