The POCO M5 is designed to cater to the needs of budget-conscious users who want a smartphone that can handle both everyday tasks and light gaming with ease. Launched as part of POCO’s strategy to provide affordable yet powerful devices, the POCO M5 offers a compelling combination of performance, design, and features at an accessible price point. With a large screen, smooth performance, and a solid camera system, this device has a lot to offer for users on a budget.
Let’s dive into the details to see if the POCO M5 is the right choice for you.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.58-inch, FHD+ IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G99 |
| RAM & Storage | 4GB/6GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage |
| Cameras | 50MP Main Camera, 2MP Depth Sensor, 2MP Macro |
| Front Camera | 5MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 18W Wired Charging |
| OS | MIUI 13 for POCO (based on Android 12) |
| Price | Starting at NPR 16,999 |
Design & Build Quality
The POCO M5 features a sleek, modern design with a premium feel, even though it’s a budget device:
- The plastic back and plastic frame keep the weight light but sturdy.
- Available in Power Black, Cool Blue, and Yellow, the color options are bright and vibrant, allowing users to pick a style that suits them.
- The camera module is distinct, with a large rectangular design, giving the phone a modern look.
- At 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.9mm and 201g, the POCO M5 feels solid in hand, but it’s slightly on the heavier side due to its large battery.
The phone’s overall build quality feels robust and well-made, though it lacks an IP rating for water and dust resistance.
Display
The 6.58-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display is one of the standout features of the POCO M5:
- FHD+ resolution (2408 x 1080 pixels) ensures crisp and clear visuals, making it great for streaming videos, browsing the web, and casual gaming.
- The 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and better responsiveness compared to typical 60Hz displays in budget phones.
- Brightness levels peak at around 500 nits, making the screen viewable even in direct sunlight.
While the display may not be as vibrant as an AMOLED panel, it offers a good experience for everyday use, making it one of the better displays in the budget segment.
Performance
The POCO M5 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, a solid mid-range processor designed for smooth performance, especially for gaming and multitasking in this price range:
- MediaTek Helio G99 provides excellent performance for daily tasks and light gaming. It’s paired with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and up to 128GB of storage, making it capable of handling most apps, browsing, and multitasking without any lag.
- Mali-G57 GPU ensures decent performance for casual gaming, including titles like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Asphalt 9 at medium settings.
Benchmarks:
- AnTuTu Score: ~300,000
- Geekbench 6: Single-core: 350 | Multi-core: 1250
The Helio G99 ensures that the POCO M5 stands out in the budget segment, offering strong performance for users who want a phone that can handle both everyday tasks and gaming.
Camera
The POCO M5 offers a 50MP primary camera along with a 2MP depth sensor and a 2MP macro lens, providing a versatile setup for photography:
- 50MP main sensor: Captures detailed photos with accurate colors in good lighting. Low-light performance isn’t the best, but for the price, the photos are decent.
- 2MP macro sensor: Offers basic macro shots, but the quality is not as sharp as higher-end devices.
- 2MP depth sensor: Helps with portrait mode, creating a bokeh effect for photos with blurred backgrounds.
- 5MP front camera: Takes decent selfies, though they lack detail in low-light conditions.
Video Recording:
- The POCO M5 can record 1080p video at 30fps, which is standard for budget phones. The video quality is acceptable but lacks the stability and sharpness seen in more expensive models.
Overall, the POCO M5 camera system is decent for the price, but it’s not the strongest point of the device. It works well for casual photography, social media posts, and basic video recording.
Battery Life
With a 5000mAh battery, the POCO M5 provides impressive endurance:
- You can expect a full day of use with moderate tasks like social media, browsing, and light gaming.
- 18W wired charging ensures reasonable charging speeds, although it’s not as fast as higher-end devices with 30W or faster charging.
- Screen-on time can easily reach 8-10 hours, depending on usage.
The large battery combined with efficient power management from the Helio G99 chipset ensures that the POCO M5 can handle long days of use without a problem.
Software
Running on MIUI 13 for POCO, based on Android 12, the POCO M5 offers a polished software experience:
- The MIUI interface is feature-rich, with customization options like App Drawer, Dark Mode, and Floating Windows for multitasking.
- POCO Launcher offers a clean and minimal design, making it easy to navigate.
- The phone will receive 2 years of software updates and 3 years of security patches, ensuring it stays up to date for a reasonable period.
MIUI can be a bit heavy with pre-installed apps, but it provides a lot of features for users who enjoy customizing their device.
Connectivity & Extras
- Dual SIM support with 4G LTE for reliable calls and internet speeds.
- USB Type-C for charging and data transfer.
- 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio, which is always a plus for music lovers.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor for fast and secure unlocking.
- IR Blaster for controlling appliances like TVs and AC units.
The POCO M5 doesn’t support 5G, but that’s expected in this price segment. However, the solid 4G connectivity and extras like the IR Blaster add value to the device.
Pricing & Competition
Starting at NPR 16,999, the POCO M5 is priced competitively in the budget category:
- Realme Narzo 50: Offers similar performance but lacks the large 90Hz display.
- Samsung Galaxy A13: A solid competitor, though it has a less powerful chipset and lower refresh rate.
The POCO M5 excels in performance and display quality, making it a strong contender for users who want a budget phone that can handle gaming and multitasking with ease.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- MediaTek Helio G99 for strong performance, including casual gaming.
- 90Hz refresh rate and FHD+ display provide smooth and clear visuals.
- 5000mAh battery for all-day usage.
- 50MP main camera delivers decent photos.
- USB Type-C and 3.5mm headphone jack for modern connectivity options.
Cons:
- Lack of 5G connectivity.
- Camera performance struggles in low light.
- No fast charging compared to some competitors.
- Heavy design may be a bit bulky for some users.
Conclusion
The POCO M5 offers exceptional value in the budget segment, especially for users looking for gaming performance and smooth visuals on a budget. With the Helio G99, 90Hz FHD+ display, and 5000mAh battery, it punches well above its price point in terms of performance and screen quality. While its camera system is decent for casual use, it’s not the strongest aspect of the device.
For users who want a smartphone that can handle gaming, social media, and multitasking with ease, the POCO M5 is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for those on a budget who need a well-rounded smartphone that doesn’t compromise on performance.