Xiaomi Poco M5s vs Motorola ThinkPhone - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 6, 2022 January 29, 2023
Release Year 2022 2023

Physical

Volume 99.25 cm³ 98.06 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.6 "/g 3.5 "/g
Weight 178.8 g 188.5 g
Height 160.5 mm 158.8 mm
Width 74.5 mm 74.4 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Blue
  • White
  • Gray
  • Carbon Black

Display

Screen Size 6.43 " 6.6 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 83.5 % 89 %
Pixel Density 409 PPI 399 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 144 Hz
Typical Brightness 450 nits N/A
HBM Brightness 700 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1100 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 120.93 mAh/in² 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 50.38 mAh/cm³ 50.99 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Mali-G76 MC4 Adreno 730

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.1
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 3.1, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 12 13
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Motorola ThinkPhone. I’ll break down the specs, analyze the practical implications, and offer some personalized recommendations to help you choose the right phone.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here’s a detailed look at how these phones stack up, focusing on the user experience rather than just raw numbers:

FeatureXiaomi Poco M5sMotorola ThinkPhoneReal-World Implications
Design
Launch Date2022-09-062023-01-29Motorola is newer, suggesting more modern features and potentially longer software support.
Form FactorStandardStandardBoth are typical smartphones; neither is a foldable or otherwise unconventional design.
Dimensions160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm158.8 × 74.4 × 8.3 mmSimilar size. Xiaomi is slightly taller; both have identical width and thickness.
Weight178.8g188.5gXiaomi is slightly lighter, which could make a difference in long use.
Display
Size6.43"6.6"Motorola has a slightly larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking.
Resolution1080x24001080x2400Both offer sharp, detailed visuals.
PPI409399Nearly identical pixel density, leading to similar sharpness.
TechnologyAMOLEDP-OLEDBoth offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. AMOLED and P-OLED are both very good display tech.
Refresh Rate60Hz144HzMotorola's display is dramatically smoother for scrolling, gaming, and animations.
Brightness1100 nits1200 nitsMotorola is brighter, offering better outdoor visibility in sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Helio G95 (12nm)Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)Motorola has a significantly more powerful and efficient chipset, enhancing performance.
AnTuTu Score418,6271,232,700Motorola scores much higher, meaning snappier overall performance and better gaming.
GPUMali-G76 MC4Adreno 730Motorola's GPU will provide a much better gaming experience.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhBoth should offer similar all-day battery life, depending on usage.
Charging33W Fast Charging68W Fast ChargingMotorola charges much faster; convenient for quick top-ups.
FeaturesReverse Charging, Non-removableNon-removable, 15W Wireless ChargingMotorola offers the convenience of wireless charging; Xiaomi can act as a power bank.
Camera
Main Camera64MP, f/1.9, 1/2"50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55"Motorola has a larger sensor and wider aperture, potentially better low-light photos. Xiaomi's offers more megapixels.
Selfie Camera13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06"32MP, f/2.45Motorola’s selfie cam provides significantly more detail.
Wide Angle Lens8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8"NoneXiaomi has a dedicated wide-angle lens.
Portrait Mode (Depth)2MP, f/2.4, 1/5"2MP, f/2.4Both have a depth sensor, performing similarly for portrait photography.
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.4, 1/5"NoneXiaomi has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
Wide Angle + MacroNone13MP, f/2.4Motorola features a Wide Angle + Macro Camera Lens, offering increased versatility
VideoUp to 4K@30fpsUp to 8K@30fps with HDR, EISMotorola can shoot at higher resolutions with better stabilization.
Camera FeaturesQuad Camera, Night ModeTriple Camera, OIS, PDAF, RAWMotorola's is more feature-rich, offering better overall photographic capabilities.
Software
OSAndroid 12Android 13Motorola has a newer OS version out of the box.
Connectivity
WiFiWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6Motorola offers better wifi speed and stability.
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.2Motorola uses a newer version, offering improved efficiency and range.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, GalileoBoth phones offer solid location features; Motorola has SUPL.
SIMDual SIM Dual StandbyDual SIM Dual StandbyBoth support two SIM cards, offering versatility for travel or work.
Storage
Internal64/128/256 GB256 GBMotorola provides 256GB as a standard, while the Xiaomi has multiple variants.
RAM4/6/8 GB8 GBMotorola offers 8GB ram, better for heavy apps and multitasking.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage, meaning you’re stuck with the initial purchase.
Audio
QualityStereo Speakers, Hi-Res AudioDolby Atmos, Stereo SpeakersMotorola offers better spatial audio and voice capture; Xiaomi offers Hi-Res.
Security
FeaturesSide-mounted fingerprint sensorBasic fingerprint sensorXiaomi has a more advanced fingerprint sensor; Motorola provides standard biometric security.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass VictusMotorola has significantly stronger screen protection against scratches and drops.
SensorsFingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtualFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, GyroscopeXiaomi includes a Compass and an Ultrasonic proximity sensor; Motorola includes a standard proximity sensor.

2. Key Insights

  • Motorola ThinkPhone's Strengths:

    • Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset is a significant upgrade, offering much faster processing speeds and graphics performance, making it ideal for gaming and demanding tasks.
    • Better Display: The 144Hz refresh rate and higher brightness offer a noticeably smoother and more vivid viewing experience, especially outdoors.
    • Advanced Camera: The larger sensor, wider aperture, and inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) suggest better image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
    • Faster Charging: The 68W charging is a major advantage for those needing quick power boosts.
    • Modern Software: Ships with the newest Android OS (Android 13) with the promise of updates, meaning you will have a longer life cycle.
    • Build Quality: Superior Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection and additional build-quality make it a more durable phone.
  • Xiaomi Poco M5s's Strengths:

    • Lower Price Point: Likely available at a much more affordable price, making it a great option for budget-conscious buyers.
    • Dedicated Lenses: Features dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, offering more creative shooting options.
    • Reverse Charging: The ability to charge other devices is a unique feature.
    • Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The slightly more advanced fingerprint sensor makes for a slightly more responsive unlocking experience.
  • Trade-offs:

    • Performance: The Xiaomi’s older chipset lags behind significantly in performance compared to Motorola.
    • Display Quality: The Xiaomi’s 60Hz refresh rate can feel less smooth compared to higher refresh rate.
    • Software: Xiaomi has older Android OS.
    • Camera: Motorola is more versatile due to its stabilization and higher quality sensor and features.
    • Charging: Xiaomi's charging is slow compared to Motorola's.
  • Limitations:
    • Both phones lack expandable storage, which may be a consideration for some users.
    • Both lack any formal IP rating for water and dust resistance.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Xiaomi Poco M5s is Best For:

    • Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.
    • Casual Photographers: Users who enjoy using a variety of lenses for different perspectives.
    • Everyday Use: Solid performance for daily tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
  • Motorola ThinkPhone is Best For:

    • Power Users and Gamers: Those needing a device with top-tier processing and graphical power.
    • Media Enthusiasts: Individuals who appreciate smooth, high-quality displays and good speakers.
    • Photography Lovers: Users who prioritize image quality and advanced video features.
    • Professionals: Users who want a durable and long-lasting device with professional features.

4. Buying Decision Framework

To make your decision easier, consider these three questions:

  1. What is my budget? If budget is a primary concern, the Xiaomi Poco M5s offers good value for its price, even if it lacks the high-end features of the Motorola.
  2. How important is performance? If you're a gamer or do other resource-intensive tasks, the Motorola's chipset will give you a smoother, snappier experience.
  3. What is my primary use case? For everyday use, the Xiaomi is fine. But if you prioritize media consumption, gaming, and photography, the Motorola is the better choice.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Budget User If you just need a phone for everyday use, the Poco M5s is a good option due to its lower price point.
  • Scenario 2: Casual Gamer: If you like to game casually, but want decent gaming performance, the ThinkPhone is a good option.
  • Scenario 3: Tech Enthusiast or Heavy Mobile Gamer If you want the best possible performance in all categories, with the fastest speeds for games and productivity, the ThinkPhone will be the best option for you.
  • Scenario 4: Photography Enthusiast: The ThinkPhone will be better for this person with its high quality, larger camera sensor, and features.

My Choice

If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola ThinkPhone.

Here's why:

  • Performance: As a tech journalist and mobile gaming enthusiast, I appreciate the superior performance of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, allowing me to run demanding apps and games smoothly.
  • Display: The 144Hz refresh rate and brighter screen of the Motorola make for a more enjoyable and responsive user experience, which is a noticeable upgrade for day to day tasks.
  • Camera Versatility: The ThinkPhone also includes a high quality camera with a range of professional features.
  • Durability: The Gorilla Glass Victus protection means that I would be less worried about daily scratches, bumps, or drops.

Although the Xiaomi Poco M5s offers great value, the ThinkPhone aligns better with my needs and preferences, and the advantages justify the likely higher price tag. The only downside to the Motorola is its lack of expandable storage, but otherwise, it checks all my important boxes for a daily phone.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.