Alright, let's dive deep into the details of the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Motorola Moto G72. These two phones, released just weeks apart, are vying for your attention in the mid-range market. They share some similarities but also have some key differences that can make one a clear choice for a particular user over the other. Let's break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
First, let's organize the data into a detailed comparison table:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 160.5 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm | M5s is slightly thicker; negligible size difference, both fairly easy to handle. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 166g | Moto G72 is noticeably lighter, might feel more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | Moto G72 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp visuals on both; images and text appear crisp. |
| PPI | 409 | 402 | Very similar pixel density, both are sharp |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks, slightly richer in AMOLED |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G72 has smoother scrolling and animations, a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | M5s is dramatically brighter, significantly better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G95 | MediaTek Helio G99 | G99 (6 nm) is more power efficient than G95 (12nm) leading to slightly improved performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,627 | 415,300 | Nearly identical performance levels for everyday tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 | M5s has a more powerful GPU, possibly slightly better for intensive gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should easily last a full day with moderate use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both offer relatively quick charging, good for users who need to top up quickly. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Non-removable | M5s can be used as a power bank to charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9 | 108MP, f/1.7 | Moto G72 has a higher resolution sensor, potentially more detail and better low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, Unknown | Moto G72 has slightly more detailed selfies, a minor difference |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/1.9 | Moto G72 might capture brighter, wider shots with it’s wider f/1.9 aperture |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M5s has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots, adding versatility. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer basic macro capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | M5s can record higher quality videos, but no 4K video stabilization; Moto G72 is limited to 1080p, slightly lower detail |
| Features | 4K, Quad Camera, etc | Triple Camera, etc | M5s offers a more complete video toolkit, while the G72 has advanced autofocus features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both phones have similar versions of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Dual-Band, Wi-Fi MiMO | Dual-Band | Both have robust WiFi support; M5s has Wi-Fi MiMO for potentially faster connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, EDR, HID | 5.0 LE | Both offer good Bluetooth performance; M5s has more advanced audio profile support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS... | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS... | Both have similar accuracy for navigation; Moto G72 additionally supports: SUPL |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Standard dual SIM functionality on both phones. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Moto G72 lacks a 64 GB variant. Both have ample storage options for most users. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Moto G72 lacks a 4 GB variant; Both offer capable multi-tasking and gaming performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | No option to expand storage on either phone. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Both offer good audio, M5s for higher-quality music, G72 for immersive surround sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | M5s has the convenience and speed of a side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | M5s has Gorilla Glass 3 for basic scratch protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Ultrasonic Proximity | Magnetometer, Proximity | Both offer full suite; M5s has ultrasonic for faster proximity; G72 has more sensor options |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5s Strengths:
- Display Brightness: The M5s shines (literally) with its 1100 nits brightness, making it far superior for outdoor use.
- Video Recording: The 4K video recording capability is a significant plus for content creators.
- Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio means the M5s will appeal to audiophiles.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to charge other devices can be handy in a pinch.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and faster unlocking compared to a basic sensor.
- Versatile Camera Features: The M5s provides an additional portrait sensor.
- Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 is an added layer of protection.
- GPU: Has a more powerful GPU offering potentially better gaming experience
Motorola Moto G72 Strengths:
- Display Smoothness: The 120Hz refresh rate offers a noticeably smoother experience for scrolling and gaming.
- Main Camera Resolution: 108MP captures more detail and better low-light photos
- Wider Aperture: The f/1.7 aperture of the main camera and f/1.9 on the wide angle will perform better in low-light than the Poco M5s.
- Advanced Autofocus: Features like PDAF and Laser Autofocus can improve the speed and accuracy of photos and videos.
- Lighter Weight: The Moto G72 is significantly lighter, making it comfortable for long use.
- Dolby Atmos: Better surround sound audio experience, especially with headphones.
- More Modern Chipset: The 6nm chipset will offer a slightly better performance and better battery life
- Sensor Options: G72 offers more sensor options, especially magnetometers.
Trade-offs:
- Poco M5s:
- 60Hz display might feel less smooth for some users.
- Heavier build may not be as comfortable for all users.
- No expandable storage may be limiting for media collectors.
- Moto G72:
- Outdoor visibility might be an issue in bright sunlight.
- Video resolution is limited to 1080p.
- No portrait (depth) camera sensor,
- Basic fingerprint sensor
- Unknown screen protection might leave you worrying about scratches.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5s is best for:
- Outdoor Users: The bright display is excellent for viewing in direct sunlight.
- Content Creators: 4K video and robust audio capabilities make it suitable for content creation.
- Tech Enthusiasts: The inclusion of features like reverse charging and Hi-Res audio is appealing to tech enthusiasts
- General User: Good all round phone that ticks most boxes
Motorola Moto G72 is best for:
- Media Consumers: The larger, 120Hz display and Dolby Atmos are perfect for immersive media consumption.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The high-resolution camera and advanced autofocus will appeal to mobile photographers.
- Everyday Users: The smooth display and lighter design make it a great device for daily use.
- Gamers: The faster refresh rate and chipset make it suitable for gaming.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you make a decision, consider these questions:
- How important is outdoor visibility? If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the Poco M5s is a clear winner with its dramatically brighter screen.
- Do you need smooth animations and a great video experience? If so, the Moto G72's 120Hz refresh rate and the M5s 4K recording capabilities might be more important.
- How do you value audio quality? For immersive sound, the Dolby Atmos on the G72 is a good choice, for crisp, detailed audio, the Hi-Res on the M5s is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Bright Sunlight User: If you need clear outdoor visibility, the Xiaomi Poco M5s is the better choice.
- Casual Gamer: If you are a casual gamer and enjoy smooth visuals, the Motorola Moto G72 may be preferred with its 120Hz display.
- Content Creator: If you enjoy creating videos and value video quality and recording capabilities, the Xiaomi Poco M5s is the more versatile option due to its 4K video capability.
- Media Enjoyer: If watching videos and immersive audio are your primary use cases, the Motorola Moto G72 with its smoother display and Dolby Atmos audio would be the better fit.
- On-the-go: If you like the phone to be lighter and more comfortable, the Motorola Moto G72 is the better choice.
My Choice
After a deep dive into both devices, I'd personally lean towards the Motorola Moto G72 for my daily driver. The 120Hz refresh rate and the lighter form factor is what I value most for my day-to-day use. The brighter display on the Poco M5s is a definite plus, but I rarely find myself in situations where that level of brightness is crucial. I also value the better camera sensors and the inclusion of Dolby Atmos, as it provides a richer media experience. Although I would be giving up 4k recording, I am a casual user and I don't record much video content on my phone. In my opinion, Motorola is a bit more polished and a better everyday choice for the average user.
While the M5s is a great phone with strong features, the G72’s more balanced package is what speaks to my priorities.
