Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Xiaomi Poco M6 4G. As a tech journalist, I’m all about translating specs into real-world experiences, so let's see how these two stack up.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, along with what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Xiaomi Poco M6 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-06 | 2024-06-13 | The M6 4G is significantly newer, meaning it may benefit from updated software and more modern features. |
| Size | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm | The M6 4G is larger, potentially offering a more immersive experience but less portability, the M5s is smaller and more compact. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 205g | The M5s is significantly lighter making it easier for extended use and carrying around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.79" | M6 4G's larger display is great for media consumption and gaming but can make it less portable. The M5s is more comfortable for single handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both phones offer sharp visuals with FHD+ resolution, so the difference is not significant. |
| PPI | 409 | 396 | Both offer similar pixel density, with no significant difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | M5s has superior display technology (AMOLED) offering deeper blacks, better contrast, superior power efficiency for dark themes, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | M6 4G's 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the perceived fluidity of the device. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | M5s is significantly brighter, making it easier to view the screen under direct sunlight, this is a huge difference in use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 | Mediatek Helio G91 Ultra | The Helio G95 in the M5s is more powerful, allowing for more demanding tasks and gaming. The G91 Ultra in the M6 4G is designed to be more efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,627 | 269,266 | M5s is noticeably more performant based on benchmark scores; It will handle games and intensive tasks noticeably better, a big difference in performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G52 MC2 | M5s has superior graphics performance, making it better for graphically intensive applications and gaming, the M6 4G is less performant. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5030mAh | Both phones have very similar battery capacity, providing similar battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both support 33W fast charging, providing fast battery top-ups. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Both phones can reverse charge to other devices and neither have a removable battery. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9, 1/2" | 108MP, f/1.75, 1/1.67" | M6 4G has a higher resolution and larger sensor, theoretically offering better detail and low light performance; M6 4G has wider aperture allowing more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | 13MP, f/2.45, | M5s has a slightly wider aperture; Both are similar but M5s will capture slightly better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | M5s has a dedicated wide-angle lens, providing more flexibility in photography. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP | None | M5s has a dedicated portrait lens which will improve depth effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both phones offer the same macro camera lens, providing similar capabilities. |
| Video Resolution | Up to 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | M5s can record in 4K for higher quality video; M5s is a better option for people who are video enthusiasts. |
| Slow-motion | Up to 960fps | Up to 120fps | M5s offers dramatically better slow motion recording |
| Features | Quad, Night Mode | Dual, Manual, Continuous | M5s offers more camera lenses and has a night mode, while M6 4G offers manual focus and continuous shooting. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | M6 4G has a newer operating system with more features and up-to-date software. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11ac | Both support similar Wi-Fi standards, but M5s has the additional Wi-Fi MiMO functionality. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.4 LE | M6 4G has a newer Bluetooth version for better connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer similar GPS capabilities for accurate navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support dual SIM, a standard feature. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer good storage options; The M6 4G only has the 128 GB and 256 GB storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 6/8GB | Both have adequate RAM for multitasking, the M6 4G has better minimum RAM offering more fluidity in general use. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so you are limited to the built in storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic | M5s has superior audio with higher quality and dual speaker output for better audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for convenient security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | M5s has better screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, the M6 4G has no stated protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | M5s has an extra Gyroscope sensor, which is useful for gaming and VR. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5s Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display offers much better visuals with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better power efficiency for dark mode. It also has a superior maximum brightness.
- Better Performance: The Helio G95 chipset provides significantly better performance, making it smoother for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Superior Camera System: With a dedicated wide-angle lens, depth sensor, and superior video capabilities (4k recording and up to 960fps slow motion), it offers more versatility for photography enthusiasts.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio support enhance the audio experience.
- Better Build Quality: With the added Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection it is more resilient to damage.
- Gyroscope Sensor: The added Gyroscope sensor makes this a better choice for gamers and VR experiences.
Xiaomi Poco M6 4G Strengths:
- Newer Software: The M6 4G ships with Android 14, offering a more up-to-date user experience and access to the latest features.
- Larger Display: The larger 6.79" screen is beneficial for media consumption, gaming, and overall immersion.
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 90Hz refresh rate makes everyday interactions smoother.
- Newer Bluetooth: With the 5.4 standard the M6 has the latest Bluetooth connectivity for better performance.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: The 108MP main sensor with a larger sensor and aperture should, on paper, offer better photos in low light and improved details.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M5s is older but superior in performance, display, audio, camera, build quality and sensors.
- The Poco M6 4G offers a more modern experience with a larger screen, slightly smoother display, and newer operating system, but lower performance, worse display and worse audio.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5s is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Users who prioritize performance, gaming, and smooth multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system with wide-angle, macro, and depth lenses, and enhanced video recording capabilities.
- Media Consumers: Users who value an immersive visual experience with vibrant colors and high contrast on an AMOLED display, and good audio with dual speakers.
Xiaomi Poco M6 4G is Ideal For:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize a large display for content consumption and reading, and value a more modern operating system.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: People looking for a good phone with a modern Android experience without needing top-tier performance or camera capabilities.
- People who Value a Smoother Display: If you want a 90hz refresh rate this is the phone for you.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
Do you prioritize performance and camera versatility, or a newer OS and a larger, smoother display?
- If performance and versatility, the M5s is the better choice.
- If newer OS and larger screen, the M6 4G might suit you better.
How important is display quality and audio performance to you?
- If you need vibrant colors, deep blacks, and stereo sound, the M5s is your go-to.
- If these are not very important, the M6 4G might be acceptable.
What is your budget and is the phone likely to be exposed to impacts?
- If you are on a budget and prioritize modern software, the M6 4G might be a good fit.
- If you require durability and screen protection, the M5s has the added screen protection of Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the mobile gamer: The Xiaomi Poco M5s is the better choice with its more powerful processor, superior graphics, and more responsive display.
- For the media enthusiast: The Xiaomi Poco M5s wins with its vibrant AMOLED display, high brightness, and stereo speakers.
- For the casual user wanting a reliable device: The Xiaomi Poco M6 4G may be sufficient, offering an adequate experience at a potentially lower cost.
- For the photography enthusiast: The Xiaomi Poco M5s provides a more versatile camera system with better video capabilities.
My Choice
If I had to pick between these two devices, I would personally choose the Xiaomi Poco M5s. While the Poco M6 4G has the advantage of being newer and having a slightly smoother display and larger screen, the Poco M5s has better performance, a much better AMOLED display, a more versatile camera system, far better audio, and superior build quality which outweighs the advantages of the newer phone. As someone who uses my phone for gaming, photography, and media consumption, the performance, camera versatility and display on the M5s is what I value most. While the M6 4G has a better main camera sensor, that doesn't come close to outweighing the numerous advantages of the M5s.
