TecnoZet · 21/04/2023
Hands-on review · performance, software glitch and value
Poco M5 is worth buying only if the price is right, given a bothersome wake-by-motion glitch.
Likes- Strong performance for its price
- Recommended by the creator if priced right
- Better value than some Samsung or Motorola options locally
Dislikes- Wake-by-motion feature switches on unintentionally
- Behind rivals on screen, cameras and charging
- Higher-storage version too expensive for what it offers
- Redmi Note 11 or 12 offer a better overall experience
TecnoPhonePro · 06/09/2022
Hands-on review · camera, video and battery tests
Poco M5 is not the best phone around, but a decent buy for its price with clear room to improve.
Likes- Daylight photos are balanced, with good HDR
- Very good battery life
- Screen is good for gaming
- Performance is fine for games
Dislikes- Video stabilisation is poor, even with digital stabilisation
- Front camera is weak
- Video is limited to 1080p at 30 fps
- No ultra-wide camera
TuTecnoMundo · 28/09/2022
Hands-on review · stress tests, battery, gaming
Poco M5 is highly recommended for 2022: strong value for money, but the camera is weak.
Likes- Excellent battery life
- Good performance under heavy stress tests
- Handles 100 apps and big transfers well
- Strong value for money
Dislikes- Camera is the weakest aspect
- Performance drops after heavy stress testing
- Lag and stutters in PlayStation 2 games
Tecno Cat · 29/09/2022
Unboxing · first impressions and setup
Poco M5 is a very interesting bet for its price range, with a pleasant design and good value on paper.
Likes- Attractive design with a pleasant finish
- Large battery and fast 18 W charging
- Good price for what is on offer
- Infrared, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC and headphone jack
Dislikes- Performance expected to be modest for demanding games
Cmonavis 🇫🇷 · 30/10/2022
Hands-on review · several days of use
Poco M5 is a very good phone at this price and among the best options in its class right now.
Likes- Good value, with a charger and case included in the box
- Smooth performance for everyday use
- Fingerprint reader works very well
- More memory than its closest budget rival
Dislikes- Mono speaker, no stereo sound
- No water resistance certification
- Slow charging with the supplied charger
- No always-on display and no notification light
GLG reviews · 20/09/2022
Hands-on review · performance, GPS, connectivity and unboxing
Poco M5 is excellent for its low price, with a pleasant screen and good performance, though no 5G.
Likes- Screen is pleasant to use
- Processor handles everyday use well
- Photos look very good
- GPS fix and connectivity work well
Dislikes- No 5G support
- Not suited to demanding gaming
- FM radio needs wired headphones to receive
Avis Express - Testeur High-Tech · 08/09/2022
Hands-on review · performance, camera, battery and Wi-Fi tests
Poco M5 is generally good for the price, with clear trade-offs in camera and charging.
Likes- Solid performance for an entry-level phone
- Good screen with strong brightness
- Wi-Fi speeds are as expected on a home fibre connection
- Good battery life, lasting a day
Dislikes- Weak night photos and no stabilisation
- Slow charging compared with current phones
- Camera results are decent but not outstanding
- 5G is not a highlight
Daniele Pintus · 25/11/2022
Hands-on review · performance, battery, display and camera tests
Poco M5 is full of questionable compromises, only appealing when on offer, so buy it with care.
Likes- Performance is very good for everyday use
- Main camera takes good photos, especially in daylight
- 90 Hz display, usable in strong sunlight
- Good GPS and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
Dislikes- Video is not stabilised, even in Full HD
- Only one camera is useful; the extra lenses are pointless
- Thick bezels and a plain plastic design
- Many odd design choices that make it hard to recommend at full price
GizChina Italia · 12/09/2022
Hands-on review · battery, camera and build tests
Poco M5 is fine for undemanding buyers, with a weak camera, unfinished software and slow charging.
Likes- Battery lasts a full day with spare charge
- Solid build with textured back
- Daytime photos are acceptable in good light
Dislikes- Weak low-light camera and no ultra-wide lens
- Software falls short of expectations, though updates are promised
- Slow to recharge fully
- Electronic stabilisation falls short when walking
HDblog · 05/09/2022
Hands-on review · battery, camera and connectivity tests
Poco M5 is good value for the money, but not suited to everyone given its weak camera and performance.
Likes- Long battery life, lasting two days
- Fast and precise fingerprint reader
- Solid build for its price
- Dual SIM with microSD slot
Dislikes- Photo and video quality clearly weak
- Slow to switch to apps not already open
- 5 GHz Wi-Fi and 4G+ aggregation did not work
andreagaleazzi · 07/11/2022
Hands-on review · speed, display and camera tests
Poco M5 is not recommended: long battery life aside, it disappoints on speed, display and cameras.
Likes- Battery lasts a long time
- Headphone jack, infrared and dual SIM with memory slot
- Good call volume and earpiece
- Fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate
Dislikes- Slow app switching, with apps closing in the background
- Screen gets too dim with automatic brightness
- Cameras weak; the extra lenses are of little use
- Video not stabilised and no zoom