POCO has been known for offering impressive specs at wallet-friendly prices, and the M5S is no exception. Let’s dive deep into this affordable device and see if it’s worth your hard-earned cash.
Design and Build (7/10)
The POCO M5S doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel when it comes to design. It’s a simple, no-frills smartphone. With a weight of 178.8 grams (6.31 oz), it’s neither too heavy nor too light, striking a decent balance. The plastic back might not feel as premium as glass or metal, but it keeps the weight down and makes the phone more durable.
One notable feature is the presence of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is both convenient and fast. Additionally, the phone offers AI face unlock for those who prefer that method of security. The IP53 rating provides some protection against dust and light splashes, a nice touch for a budget phone.
Display (8/10)
The POCO M5S sports a 6.43-inch AMOLED display, which is impressive for a budget device. The AMOLED technology means you’ll get vibrant colors, deep blacks, and decent outdoor visibility. The Full HD+ resolution ensures sharpness in text and images. Watching videos and playing games on this screen is a satisfying experience, given the price range.
The only drawback is that the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz, which might disappoint those looking for a smoother experience in fast-paced games. However, considering the price point, this is a forgivable compromise.
Performance (7/10)
Under the hood, the POCO M5S is powered by the MediaTek Helio G95 SoC. It’s not the most powerful chip on the market, but it’s capable of handling everyday tasks with ease. App launches are generally smooth, and multitasking isn’t a problem, thanks to 4GB or 6GB of RAM, depending on the variant you choose.
While it can handle most games, don’t expect flagship-level gaming performance. You may need to dial down the graphics settings in some demanding titles. For casual gamers, though, this won’t be a significant issue.
Camera (7/10)
The camera setup on the POCO M5S consists of a quad-camera system on the back. It includes a 64-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and another 2-megapixel depth sensor. This configuration provides versatility, but the results are decent at best.
In good lighting conditions, you can capture some impressive shots with the primary camera. However, in low light, the performance starts to suffer, with noticeable noise and loss of detail. The ultra-wide-angle lens is handy for capturing more of the scene, but it lacks the sharpness of the primary camera.
The 13-megapixel front camera does a decent job for selfies, but it won’t blow you away. Overall, the camera system is serviceable for everyday photography but won’t replace a dedicated camera for more demanding needs.
SAMPLE SHOTS USING POCO M5S:
Battery (9/10)
One area where the POCO M5S shines is its battery life. With a hefty 5000mAh battery, you can expect this phone to easily last you through a full day of use, even with moderate to heavy usage. For lighter usage, you might even stretch it to two days. This is a huge plus for those who rely heavily on their smartphones throughout the day.
The icing on the cake is the 33W fast charging support. While it’s not the fastest charging speed available, it’s more than adequate to quickly top up your device when needed. It’s a nice convenience, especially for those moments when you’re in a hurry.
Software (8/10)
The POCO M5S runs on Android 13 with MIUI on top. While some users prefer a cleaner, stock Android experience, MIUI offers its own set of features and customizations. It’s a matter of personal preference, but it’s worth noting that MIUI does come with a bit of bloatware that you may want to remove.
POCO has promised software updates for this device, which is reassuring for long-term use. However, keep in mind that the frequency and timeliness of these updates can vary.
Audio (8/10)
One pleasant surprise with the POCO M5S is its audio capabilities. It comes with dual speakers that provide a surprisingly rich and clear sound for a budget device. This is a welcome feature for media consumption, gaming, or even speakerphone calls.
The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is another plus, allowing you to use your wired headphones without the need for adapters. Moreover, it comes with Hi-Res Audio certification, which enhances the audio quality when using high-quality headphones.
Storage & RAM (8/10)
The POCO M5S offers multiple configurations when it comes to storage and RAM. You can choose between 4GB of RAM with 64GB of internal storage, 4GB of RAM with 128GB of storage, or 6GB of RAM with 128GB of storage. The latter option, with 6GB of RAM, is the sweet spot for smoother multitasking and better overall performance.
What’s even better is the support for expandable storage up to 1TB via a microSD card. This means you won’t run out of space for your apps, games, and media anytime soon.
Extras (7/10)
The POCO M5S comes with a few extras that are worth mentioning. It has FM radio functionality, which can be handy for those who like to tune in to their favorite stations. It’s a feature that’s becoming less common in modern smartphones, so it’s nice to see it included here.
Additionally, the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a feature many users still appreciate, as it allows them to use their existing wired headphones without the need for dongles or adapters.
CONCLUSIONS
“The POCO M5S offers a well-rounded package for its price point. It may not have all the bells and whistles of flagship smartphones, but it doesn’t pretend to be one either. It’s a budget-friendly device that focuses on the essentials and delivers them reasonably well.
With its AMOLED display, impressive battery life, expandable storage, and decent audio quality, the POCO M5S checks a lot of boxes for users on a budget. However, the camera system falls short of delivering outstanding results, and the gaming performance is adequate but not exceptional.
If you’re looking for a reliable, no-frills smartphone that won’t break the bank, the POCO M5S is worth considering. It offers a solid balance of features and performance without sacrificing essential aspects like battery life and display quality. For the price-conscious consumer, it’s a budget beast that gets the job done”– Rachelle – Founder of Techg3.com
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