The first impact with bit m5 it was undoubtedly positive. With its original design and its large display it seemed – and in some ways it is – the ideal companion, at least for those who don’t want to spend more than 200 euros for a smartphone. However, there is one element that convinced us less than expected. We tell you everything in this Poco M5 review.
A touch of originality
The back cover is the most distinctive aspect of this smartphone, with Poco opted for a finish that reproduces the typical effect of leather. The result is not only visually pleasing but also increases grip, allowing you to handle the device without difficulty despite its important size.
On the other hand, the block of the camera module is different, glossy, with slightly embossed sensors and the Little silver logo.
Three colors available: black – like ours -, yellow and green.
On the right side we find the volume rocker and the power key, which it integrates the fast fingerprint reader; on the left instead we have the SIM slot while on the lower part there is space for the speaker and the USB-C connector. Surprisingly we also have the jack is 3,5 mmlocated on the upper profile.
The front part is entirely occupied by the display, with the exception of the teardrop notch that houses the 5 megapixel front camera.
We conclude with the weight: 201 grams that yes, they make themselves felt but all in all, considering the size, they keep it in line with the other proposals on the market.
We forgot: inside the package you will find both a protective film and a transparent case, case that integrates a special extension that allows you to close the USB-C connector when you are not using it. It may seem like a small thing but in reality it shows great attention to the customer that we cannot help but appreciate.
There is room for everything
The display is perhaps the feature we liked most about the Poco M5. We have available a 6.58-inch panel protected by Corning Gorilla Glass.
The resolution – 2,408 x 1,080 pixels -, combined with the aspect ratio of 20: 9, make it suitable for anything: from gaming to watching videos, movies and TV series.
Also you can rely on a refresh rate of 90 Hz, which adds greater fluidity while increasing energy consumption; of course you are free to set 60 Hz to save a little bit if you need it.
The display settings also provide for the choice of the mode and color temperature, the activation of the reading mode and the programming of the dark mode.
How do you see it? The yield is really very good, even if the brightness is not very highso under the sun you may have occasional difficulties.
For watching video content we also suggest the use of headphones, wireless or with cable. This because the mono speaker does not shine for audio quality despite a rather high volume.
Little M5 review: insufficient performance
Let’s be clear, from a low-end smartphone we don’t expect the same performance as a top of the range but here Little M5 struggles to guarantee even the minimum wage.
The MediaTek Helio G99 processor and 4GB of RAM can’t seem to keep up with even the most basic tasks. We have seen it slow down in settings, with YouTube and in the opening of multitasking, making daily use difficult and often unpleasant.
We were hoping for a software update that would solve the problems but, despite the MIUI 13.0.3.0, based on Android 12, we have not seen significant improvements. And it is a real shame since on all other fronts the Poco M5 performs very well.
An example? The excellent autonomy. The 5,000 mAh battery allows you to cover even dtwo full days with moderate use, finally freeing yourself from the hated power banks.
Connectivity is also excellent. Sure, there is no 5G, but you have 4G LTE, WiFi ac, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC and support for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou.
Three cameras but one that counts
Looking at the rear of Poco M5 you will notice 3 sensors. Yet, by opening the Camera app, you will not be able to use zoom or wide angle. No, it is not a mistake. This happens because the only sensor actually usable is the main one, from 50 megapixels; the others are 2 megapixel and are used for macro and depth of field.
However, the results are interesting. In good light conditions, bring home vivid and fairly detailed images; when the light goes down, however, the noise increases and the shots become a little less usable. The macros are also insufficient while the selfies are rather discreet.
On the video front we have support for 1080p and 30 fps, with clips that, however, are not particularly detailed.
The Poco M5 review: conclusions
Poco M5 is on sale in two versions: € 189.90 for the 4/64 GB version and € 209.90 for the 4/128 GB version.
It was therefore born to accompany those who do not expect much from a smartphone without giving up an attractive and original design, with colors that can satisfy both those who want to stand out from the crowd and those who love sobriety.
All this however is tainted by insufficient performance in our opinion. We can forgive some uncertainty and maybe some difficulties with video games but the slowdowns in daily use made the experience a bit frustrating.
Too bad because with the right optimization it could become a must buy at the low end.
PRO
- Original design
- Excellent grip
- Bel display
- Jack da 3,5 mm
- Excellent autonomy
VERSUS
- Subdued performance
- Unconvincing speaker
- Too bad an ultra-wide angle is missing