Xiaomi Poco M5s vs Xiaomi Poco X5 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 6, 2022 February 7, 2023
Release Year 2022 2023

Physical

Volume 99.25 cm³ 101.13 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.6 "/g 3.53 "/g
Weight 178.8 g 189 g
Height 160.5 mm 165.9 mm
Width 74.5 mm 76.2 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Blue
  • White
  • Gray
  • Jaguar Black
  • Wildcat Blue
  • Supernova Green

Display

Screen Size 6.43 " 6.67 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 83.5 % 85 %
Pixel Density 409 PPI 395 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 450 nits N/A
HBM Brightness 700 nits 700 nits
Peak Brightness 1100 nits 1200 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 120.93 mAh/in² 112.39 mAh/in²
Battery Density 50.38 mAh/cm³ 49.44 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
GPU Mali-G76 MC4 Adreno 619

Connectivity

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

Software

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

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Xiaomi Poco X5. As a tech journalist, I always focus on translating specs into real-world benefits for the everyday user, so let’s get started!

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here’s a detailed comparison table that looks beyond the spec sheet and into how these devices actually perform:

FeatureXiaomi Poco M5sXiaomi Poco X5Real-World Implications
Design
Dimensions160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mmThe X5 is a bit taller and wider, potentially making it slightly less pocketable and feel larger in hand. The M5s, despite being slightly thicker, may feel more compact.
Weight178.8g189gThe M5s is noticeably lighter, making it comfortable for long usage periods; the X5 may feel slightly heavy over time.
BuildStandardStandardBoth are standard phones - not foldable or rugged.
Display
Size6.43"6.67"The X5 offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience thanks to the larger screen; the M5s is more compact and easier to use one handed.
Resolution1080x24001080x2400Both screens are crisp and offer sharp images; no significant difference in image clarity.
PPI409395Both provide sharp text and images. The M5s has a slightly sharper display due to its higher pixel density, but it will be very hard to perceive the difference.
TechnologyAMOLEDAMOLEDVibrant colors and deep blacks, with good contrast, making media consumption enjoyable on both devices.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzThe X5’s 120Hz refresh rate will make scrolling and animations significantly smoother than the M5s.
Brightness1100 nits1200 nitsThe X5 is slightly better under bright sunlight, making it more readable outdoors.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Helio G95 (12 nm)Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)The X5's newer Snapdragon chip is more power efficient and offers slightly better performance in most tasks.
AnTuTu Score418,627422,900Both scores are close and will deliver similar performance on daily tasks.
GPUMali-G76 MC4Adreno 619The Adreno 619 in the X5 might offer slightly more stability in graphically intensive tasks compared to the Mali G76 in M5s.
Camera
Main Camera64MP, f/1.948MP, f/1.8While the M5s boasts a higher resolution, the X5’s wider aperture may result in better low-light performance. The M5s has a slightly smaller pixel size, which could mean less light sensitivity.
Selfie Camera13MP, f/2.413MP, f/2.45Both are good enough for selfies and video calls but the M5s has a slightly better aperture.
Wide Angle8MP, f/2.28MP, f/2.2Comparable performance for landscape or group shots.
Portrait mode (depth)2MP, f/2.4N/AThe M5s has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots, which can provide a more accurate bokeh effect.
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.42MP, f/2.4Both offer a dedicated macro camera, good for close-up shots of small objects.
Video4K@30fps1080p@30fpsThe M5s can record in 4K, making it better for high-quality video, whereas X5 is limited to 1080p.
Camera Features4K Video, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilizationNight Mode 2.0, Triple camera, Digital image stabilizationThe M5s can be better for video recording and different photography thanks to the extra depth sensor.
Battery Life
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhBoth should last a full day for most users, with similar battery endurance.
Charging33W Fast Charging33W Fast ChargingBoth can quickly top up the battery, reducing downtime.
FeaturesReverse chargingNon-removableThe M5s can act as a power bank to charge other devices via reverse charging, which is a convenient extra.
Other
OSAndroid 12Android 12Both come with Android 12.
Wi-Fi802.11ac802.11acBoth devices support Wi-Fi 5, so no difference here.
Bluetooth5.05.1Bluetooth 5.1 on the X5 offers more efficient and stable connectivity compared to 5.0 of M5s.
SIMDual Nano SIMDual Nano SIMBoth devices support two SIMs.
Storage64/128/256 GB128/256 GBThe M5s provides a lower-end variant of 64 GB of storage compared to X5 starting at 128 GB.
RAM4/6/8 GB6/8 GBThe X5 starts with higher RAM of 6GB while the M5s has a lower-end 4GB option.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone allows you to expand your storage.
AudioHi-Res Audio, Stereo SpeakersBasic audio featuresThe M5s delivers a richer sound, good for entertainment such as media consumption.
Securityside-mounted fingerprint sensorside-mounted fingerprint sensorBoth have the same fingerprint security type.
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass 3UnknownThe M5s provides better screen protection with Gorilla Glass 3.
SensorsUltrasonic proximity virtual; Light sensorProximityThe M5s is a more feature rich device with all the sensors available.

2. Key Insights

Xiaomi Poco M5s:

  • Strengths:
    • Superior Camera: The 64MP main sensor provides higher resolution images and the 4k video recording is a great addition for vloggers and creators.
    • Audio Excellence: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio make for a better multimedia experience.
    • Battery Extras: Reverse charging allows you to top up other devices, a very convenient feature.
  • Competitive Advantages:
    • The camera resolution is a standout feature for content creation and photography.
    • The better audio quality will please users who want to enjoy videos, games and music.

Xiaomi Poco X5:

  • Strengths:
    • Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate offers a much more fluid experience, which is especially noticeable when scrolling.
    • Modern Chipset: The Snapdragon 695 is a better choice, it’s more power efficient and has a slight performance edge, especially in the long run.
    • Slightly Better Brightness: The screen is better equipped for outdoor use, meaning it will be more readable under direct sunlight.
  • Competitive Advantages:
    • The smooth display is a real advantage for users who value visual smoothness and fluidity.
    • More recent and powerful CPU/GPU for better overall performance.

Trade-offs:

  • The M5s excels in camera and audio, but misses the smoother refresh rate.
  • The X5 focuses on a smoother display and performance but misses some camera features.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Xiaomi Poco M5s:
    • Best For: Content creators, multimedia consumers, and those who want a more complete camera setup.
    • Use Cases: High-quality video recording, music and media consumption, occasional reverse charging for other devices, and those who prefer a more compact phone.
  • Xiaomi Poco X5:
    • Best For: Gamers, heavy users, and those who prioritize visual smoothness and modern features.
    • Use Cases: Gaming, social media scrolling, browsing, and those who prefer a bigger screen and modern chipset.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:

  1. Do you watch a lot of videos, play games or scroll social media often? If yes, the X5’s 120Hz display will be more appealing.
  2. Do you care more about camera quality and features, or a smooth visual experience? The M5s provides better image quality, while the X5 excels with the display.
  3. Do you prefer better audio output, or do you use headphones all the time? The M5s has better audio quality with speakers and Hi-Res audio.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • For the Media Enthusiast: If you prioritize high-quality video recording, superior audio and camera capabilities, the M5s is the way to go. The compact design is also an advantage.
  • For the Performance Seeker: If your focus is on a smoother visual experience with better overall performance, the X5’s 120Hz display and modern chipset make it the more compelling choice.
  • For the Budget-Conscious: Both devices are great value. Compare the RAM/storage options and prices, and choose the one that fits your needs.

Final Verdict

If I had to choose between these two, I would go with the Xiaomi Poco X5.

While the M5s has better camera features, it lacks the modern refresh rate that the X5 brings to the table. I often scroll through social media and websites and that fluid visual experience provided by a 120 Hz display makes a huge difference in the user experience. The more efficient chip on the X5 is also better for the long term, especially if I plan to use the device for the next couple of years. Although the M5s is a great contender with good strengths such as the camera, better audio and reverse charging, the X5 suits my needs better.

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.