Alright, let's dive deep into this head-to-head between the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Samsung Galaxy M35. These are two contenders in the mid-range smartphone arena, and while they share some common ground, their differences could sway your decision significantly. I'm going to break this down like I'm explaining it to a friend over coffee, keeping the tech talk grounded and practical.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s the detailed side-by-side comparison, focusing on what each spec means for you in the real world:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1 mm | M35 is slightly larger, taller, and thicker, which might affect one-handed use. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 222g | M5s is notably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | M35 offers slightly more screen real estate, good for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp visuals, but a negligibly small difference, barely visible in practice |
| PPI | 409 | 390 | Similar pixel density, both screens will look crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; same baseline quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | M35 screen will feel significantly smoother in everyday use (scrolling, animations). |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | M5s has much better outdoor visibility; M35 brightness data is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | M35 uses a newer, more efficient chip, which translates to snappier performance and better energy use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,627 | 578,500 | M35 will load apps quicker, multitask more smoothly, and handle demanding games better. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G68 MP5 | M35's GPU is newer; overall better graphics performance for games and graphic intensive apps |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | M35 offers potentially longer battery life, depending on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | M5s charges faster, getting you back up and running quicker. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | M5s can charge other devices, adding a bit of extra utility. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.8 | M5s has higher resolution but M35 has a wider aperture and bigger pixels which can perform better in low light |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 13MP, f/2.2 | M35 has wider aperture which can capture brighter and detailed selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Comparable wide-angle performance |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M5s has a dedicated depth sensor, potentially better portrait mode quality |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro capabilities |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, no stabilization | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | M35 offers better stability and quality for videos with EIS |
| Features | Quad Camera | Triple Camera, OIS, All Pixel PDAF | M35 offers better stabilization for videos and pictures with OIS and All Pixel PDAF |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | M35 has a newer operating system out of the box with software enhancements and modern features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | M35 will provide faster Wi-Fi speeds, and improved performance especially in busy areas |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | M35 has better and more modern bluetooth features and connectivity |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | M35 offers better GPS accuracy and connectivity |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar maximum storage, with M35 not offering a 64 GB variant |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both come in 6 or 8 GB RAM variants. M35 does not offer a 4GB RAM Variant |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose your storage configuration wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | M35 offers slightly better audio with Dolby Atmos |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint | side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint security for both phones. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus | M35 has a more resistant display, less prone to scratches and breakage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass | Hall, Geomagnetic | Both phones feature basic sensors, with some additional sensors on each |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5s Strengths:
- Lighter and More Comfortable: The M5s is significantly lighter, making it easier to hold for long periods.
- Faster Charging: It charges a bit faster, which can be very convenient when you're in a hurry.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to charge other devices is a nice added bonus.
- Better display brightness: The higher brightness allows users to see the display better under bright sunlight
Samsung Galaxy M35 Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a much more fluid user experience.
- Better Performance: The newer Exynos chip delivers a noticeable performance jump, great for demanding users.
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery should offer excellent battery life, especially for those who are always on the go.
- Superior screen protection: The Gorilla Glass Victus is more durable
- Newer OS: Android 14 out of the box ensures that you will get the latest android features and software support.
- Better connectivity: Better bluetooth, wifi and GPS features provide better connectivity
- Better Camera Features: Better Video stabilization (EIS, OIS, All pixel PDAF, Pro video mode).
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Poco M5s is a bit outdated. It's an older phone that was released in 2022, so there is no OS update guaranteed.
- The Samsung Galaxy M35 is heavier and a bit more bulky.
- Missing Brightness Data: We don't know how bright the Galaxy M35 screen can get, which is a big question mark for outdoor visibility.
- No Expandable Storage: Neither phone has it.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
For the Casual User (Budget-conscious, media consumption):
- Xiaomi Poco M5s: If you value a lighter phone, faster charging, and plan to use your phone indoors mostly, the M5s could be a solid choice, especially if it is significantly cheaper.
- Samsung Galaxy M35: If you value a smoother display and better battery life for regular usage, the M35 will be worth the extra cost, considering the better performance, the latest android OS, and modern features.
For the Power User (Gamers, heavy multitaskers):
- Samsung Galaxy M35: The M35 is the clear winner. The improved processor, smoother display, and larger battery make it the better option for demanding users, despite it's heavier design.
For the Photography Enthusiast:
- Samsung Galaxy M35: The Galaxy M35 has a better video stabilization and image capturing technology with OIS and All Pixel PDAF, though both phones have similar camera quality.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is the smoothness of the display to you? If you are sensitive to 60Hz displays and will use your phone for lots of scrolling, the M35's 120Hz screen will be a considerable upgrade.
- Do you need the absolute best battery life? If so, the M35's larger battery could be worth the extra cost and extra weight.
- Are you mainly indoors or outdoors? If you're frequently outside in bright sunlight, the M5s has a clear edge with its superior screen brightness.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Shopper): If you are price-sensitive and just need a reliable smartphone for everyday use and some multimedia consumption, the Poco M5s might fit your needs. It provides good value but keep in mind you will have to sacrifice a smoother display, better battery life and more advanced camera features.
- Scenario 2 (On-the-Go User): If you need the best possible battery life and smooth performance to handle your busy days, the Galaxy M35 will be the better option. The device offers the most recent OS and a smooth experience for gaming and content viewing.
- Scenario 3 (Media Lover): If you consume a lot of video content and play mobile games, the M35 would be my pick. The better performance, larger screen and better battery life will provide a better experience.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy M35. Here’s why:
While the Poco M5s has some compelling advantages like being lighter and having faster charging speeds, the M35’s strengths align more closely with what I value in a modern smartphone. The 120Hz display is a game-changer for everyday usability, making everything feel more responsive. The newer Exynos chip offers a significant performance boost, ensuring a smoother and more fluid experience, which is something I definitely notice during use. The larger 6000mAh battery should provide more than enough juice to get me through a full day of heavy use without worry. And with its modern software and updated connectivity features, it just feels like a more complete and future-proof package.
While it is heavier and a bit bulkier, the overall benefit that you get with the performance, battery, display and camera make it worth it for me. I can live with the heavier design knowing that I won't run out of battery and have a much smoother experience overall.
Ultimately, both are good phones, but the Galaxy M35’s combination of display quality, performance, camera features, and battery life, give it the edge for me.
