POCO M5 is the successor to the incredibly popular POCO M3. The novelty has a similar design of the main camera module, as well as a well-known artificial leather back cover. However, the chipset that the novelty uses is much more interesting. We are talking about MediaTek Helio G99 – an extremely interesting solution in this price segment, which has good performance. The only important thing to understand is that, unlike some competitors, the device does not support 5G. It is difficult to say that this is true in many countries of the world, but how things will be in just a couple of years is a big question.
Specifications
- Display: 6.58 inches, IPS, 1080p, 90Hz.
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G99.
- RAM: up to 6 GB.
- Internal memory: up to 128 GB.
- Primary cameras: 50 MP wide-angle, 2 MP macro, 2 MP depth sensor.
- Front camera: 8 MP.
- Battery: 5000 mAh.
- Dimensions: 76.09×163.99×8.9 mm.
- Weight: 204 g.
Design
The novelty is easy to distinguish from other budget gadgets. Its back is trimmed with artificial leather – specifically in this case, yellow. There is also a classic black version, as well as a blue one. A black plastic insert is inscribed in the colored overlay, on which a block of three rear cameras was placed, as well as the manufacturer’s logo.
There is a 3.5mm headphone jack on the top of the device. On the right are the power button and volume keys. At the bottom there was a place for a USB-C port, holes for a microphone and a grille for the main speaker. On the left side, there is only a SIM card tray. Flat edges give the smartphone the ability to stand without leaning on anything.
The device does not have official IP protection. However, there is a rubber seal on the SIM card tray, which clearly prevents moisture from penetrating. The gadget weighs 204 grams – despite the massive camera module, the device does not feel heavy. The device fits comfortably in your pocket and is suitable for one-handed use.
Screen
Almost the entire front panel is occupied by a 6.58-inch 1080p LCD screen with a refresh rate of 90Hz. It is very responsive and bright enough to see information even under the sun. Viewing angles are acceptable, blacks aren’t that deep, and all shades aren’t very bright overall. HDR compatibility is not provided.
Apparently, MIUI traditionally did not have time to adapt to the gadget before the start of sales. Because of this, the shell now and then “stutters” while scrolling through web pages, social networks, instant messengers and other software with lists. Some may be confused by the rather large teardrop-shaped cutout for the front camera, as well as the “chin”.
The main speaker is not very loud and not particularly deep. It is easily blocked by the palm of your hand while viewing content in landscape orientation. The conversational speaker is loud and clear enough to make and receive regular voice calls.
Performance
The device does not support 5G. However, to compensate for this, the manufacturer installed a fairly powerful MediaTek Helio G99 chipset into it. It is complemented by 128 GB of UFS 2.2 storage, as well as 6 GB of LPDDR4X RAM. At the start of sales, the gadget uses the Android 12 operating system, as well as Poco Launcher based on MIUI 13.
The POCO M5 scores 551 and 1879 points in the single-core and multi-core GeekBench test, respectively. On AnTuTu, the M5’s overall score was 366,800, which is slightly better than the similarly priced POCO M4 Pro 5G. When it comes to gaming, POCO M5 is ready for medium graphics and high frequency in Call of Duty: Mobile. Casual games like Subway Surfers and Hill Climb Racing run smoothly.
More often than not, the POCO M5 performs very well. During the test, there were crashes in WhatsApp and other messengers, but this did not happen so often. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, LinkedIn and Spotify are installed on the gadget out of the box. Advertising notifications sometimes “please” GetApps, Themes and Zili.
The smartphone usually does not overheat even in complex tasks. This does not happen when using navigation services with music in the background and constantly scrolling through social networks and instant messengers. Yes, with such intensive use, you immediately feel that the device is far from being a flagship, but there is almost no heating.
autonomy
One of the main advantages of POCO M5 turned out to be its battery life. It is quite difficult to discharge a smartphone to zero in one day. From 7 am to late evening, even with active use, the gadget usually shows almost half the charge. The standby mode is very good – the device rarely loses more than 2% overnight.
With battery life, the gadget is more than good, but charging is completely different: it comes with a 22.5 W power supply, but does not take more than 18 watts. It zero and up to 100% the device charges in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. However, no one bothers to use the device while charging.
cameras
In the POCO M5 camera set, the main module is 50 megapixels, a symmetrical macro 2 megapixels, and a small depth sensor for the same 2 megapixels. Of course, it would make more sense when used as an additional ultra-wide-angle module or telephoto. However, it’s good at least that the gadget has an 8 megapixel front camera.
The main camera takes decent quality pictures in daylight. The colors are a little overwhelmed in cold shades, but the detailing is on the level. HDR is disabled in the standard, so you have to turn it on manually – however, the pictures will not be much better with it. AI when working with colors, as in other MIUI gadgets, does not work here. In difficult conditions, the quality of images drops significantly: noise and the “watercolor” effect appear.
The shots taken indoors were surprising – at least considering the price category of the device. Usually the photos are quite accurate in color reproduction, and also not particularly noisy.
The device does a good job with selfies. The camera doesn’t handle skin very well, which is a good thing. Its tone looks realistic, the overall shades are pleasant enough even indoors. Night mode also works well: it increases the exposure, reduces noise, and sharpens.
The maximum for video is 1080p and 30 frames per second. There is electronic stabilization, but it leads to obvious deformation. In daylight, the quality is on par, but it drops sharply after sunset.
Review
As for a state employee, the gadget has a good interface, a few pre-installed applications with ads, decent battery life and even a recognizable design. Cameras and charging speed are a little frustrating. But the lack of 5G does not raise questions, because new generation networks are not spreading so fast. Alternatives to the novelty can be Redmi Note 11 SE, Moto G42, and Realme 9i 5G.
pros
- Availability.
- Performance.
- Autonomy.
- Unique design.
- Good frontal.
Minuses
- Long charge.
- Mediocre cameras.
This is a translation of the MySmartPrice review.
Source: Trash Box
I am Joyce Corbett and I have been working in the news industry for over 10 years. My current role is as an author at World Stock Market, where I focus primarily on the tech section. My specialty is creating engaging content that helps to explain and demystify complex financial topics.
