Xiaomi Poco M5

Overview

The Xiaomi Poco M5 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a compelling mix of features for its price point in Pakistan, retailing at PKR 43,999. This device is designed for those who are looking for a reliable daily driver without breaking the bank. With its robust specifications and a sleek design, the Poco M5 stands out as a solid choice for the price-conscious consumer.

Design & Build

The Xiaomi Poco M5 boasts a sleek design with a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, a plastic frame, and a plastic back. It measures 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm and weighs 201 grams, making it comfortable to hold and carry around. The phone supports dual Nano-SIM cards, catering to the needs of users who require multiple connections. Unfortunately, it lacks an IP rating, which means it's not designed to resist water or dust.

Display

Equipped with a 6.58-inch IPS LCD display, the Poco M5 offers a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 83.6%. The display has a resolution that ensures crisp visuals and a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming experiences. The brightness is rated at 500 nits (HBM), which should be sufficient for visibility under most conditions, and the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides a layer of protection against scratches and minor drops.

Performance

Under the hood, the Poco M5 is powered by the Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, built on a 6nm process. It features an octa-core CPU with two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz, along with a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. This setup, coupled with 4GB of RAM and storage options of 64GB or 128GB, ensures that the device can handle everyday tasks and moderate gaming with ease.

Camera

The rear camera setup of the Poco M5 includes a 50 MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and PDAF, along with a 2 MP macro auxiliary lens. The selfie camera is a 5 MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. While it may not be the best in its class, it offers decent capabilities for casual photography and video calling. The device can record videos at 1080p at 30fps, which is standard for its price range.

Battery & Charging

One of the standout features of the Poco M5 is its massive 5000 mAh Li-Po battery, which should easily last a full day on a single charge for most users. It supports 18W wired charging, which is relatively fast for a device in this price segment. Unfortunately, there's no wireless charging option available.

Verdict

If you're in the market for a budget smartphone with a good set of specifications, the Xiaomi Poco M5 is a strong contender. At PKR 43,999, it offers a balance of performance, display quality, and battery life that's hard to beat. While there are competitors in the same price range, the Poco M5's combination of features and value for money makes it an attractive option. It's an excellent choice for those who prioritize battery life and a smooth user experience without the high price tag.