Poco X5 Pro review: Versatile, inexpensive 5G phone

Poco X5 Pro is the latest sub-Rs 25,000 phone. It targets 2023 5G phone buyers. Poco’s first 108-megapixel phone promises more incredible photos. The Poco X5 Pro used the Snapdragon 778G, which the firm claimed was more potent than the Dimensity 1080 SoC. Poco improved the package with significant features. These include Dolby Vision, dual speakers, and an IP53 certification. A large battery and 67W quick charger are behind the hood. Is the Poco X5 Pro a good mid-range 5G phone? Read our comprehensive review for answers. Poco X5 Pro costs 22,999 in India. Poco’s pricing is competitive. Other OEMs charge significantly more for these features. Is the 5G Poco phone worth buying? Discover.
Must Read: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2023 is the official name of the event on Wednesday where the Galaxy S23 series will be unveiled.
Poco X5 Pro Design
The Poco X5 Pro appears like something other than a high-end phone, but it might attract buyers. Poco phones remain yellow. The phone’s colour stands out, although some prefer muted colours. A blue model is notable. Also, consider black. The new Poco phone looks boxy and flat. It looks like an iPhone but has significant differences. Switchers from curved phones may find the Poco phone uncomfortable. A rear panel case makes it tougher to operate one-handed. This adds weight. We’ve seen slimmer phones.
Polycarbonate and plastic frames make the Poco X5 Pro seem cheap. The Poco X4 Pro’s two-tone rear is retained. A new gradient or two-tone finish would have been lovely. The matte, waxy back resists fingerprints. The 5G phone has no left-side buttons. The power button is coloured. Plastic buttons work well. The power button’s clicky sensation was poor. When flat, the phone wobbles due to the camera island’s protrusion. The phone’s top headphone port is unusual. The audio jack should please wired headphones users. Poko M4 Pro was Company’s first 5G phone.
The buttons are appropriate. However, the fingerprint sensor requires a lot of force to wake up the screen, making it impossible to open the phone quickly. Poco should have integrated the fingerprint sensor into the screen or improved the side sensor. The Poco X5 Pro’s IP53 certification protects it against dust and water. The new 5G phone’s front has been improved. The bezels are nearly undetectable compared to other phones. This lets you view more programmes on one screen.
Display
Screen specifications haven’t suffered significantly for the firm. Poco’s 10-bit panel displays 1 billion colours. The colours pop and make it more enjoyable—Dolby Vision-compatible 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED panel. The screen can reach 900nits, bright enough for direct sunlight. The 120Hz, Gorilla Glass 5-protected screen makes scrolling and playing games easier. Based on content, this can swing between 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz. According to the firm, the default refresh rate in AoD mode is 30Hz. We couldn’t test this. However, battery optimization is good.
Performance
In this price range, Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G processors are widespread. The same processor powers some 2022 mid-range phones. It was speedy and multitasking. MIUI might make phone use easier. I have to go back to the central part to utilize applications since the device opens a new set of windows when I access the drawer. It’s aggravating. MIUI users should have no issue using the phone. The Poco X5 Pro works great and plays games like other phones. Genshin Impact was fun on this phone with low graphics. A mid-range 5G phone won’t have detailed graphics. Asphalt 9 functioned at medium settings. Stereo speakers provide balanced sound. Nicely, they can grow loud without screeching. The bass is good, and the voices are clear. The recently released Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has superior sound quality.
MIUI 14, which optimizes battery life more than MIUI 13, comes with the Poco X5 Pro. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ died soon, but this didn’t. I only lost a little juice despite downloading multiple applications, taking photographs, and making calls. I also received spam from apps I never opened. Even with intensive use, the Poco phone’s 5,000mAh battery lasts less than a day running MIUI 14. The phone supports 67W rapid charging. Thus, I could charge up to 50% battery in 15 minutes, which is excellent for emergency scenarios.
Camera
The company’s first 108-megapixel phone takes good daytime photographs. The camera app’s secret 108MP option produces detailed photos. Lighting may enhance colours and contrasts. Depending on light and circumstance, the dynamic range is limited—correct sharpness. The equipment needs help to distinguish grass and other greenery. If you look attentively, daytime photographs show noise. The equipment can’t capture natural colours or fine details in low light.
Poco X5 Pro review
Wide-angle shots lose details and clarity, chop off highlights, and darken shadows. The dynamic range is low. Some areas have noise. However, social media shots are good. Use the primary photo mode for better images. You may capture gorgeous photographs with realistic skin colour, exquisite details, and outstanding edge recognition with adequate light. Selfies too. Night and low-light photos are above average. The gadget takes detailed images that don’t oversaturate.
Poco X5 Pro: Should You Buy it?
Poco X5 Pro costs 22,999 in India. This 5G phone is a decent deal based on its specifications and pricing. Competitors are selling identical phones for Rs 30,000. However, the segment’s camera could be better. Its performance and battery compatibility are its strengths. The Poco X5 Pro has dual speakers, IP53, and a headphone port. Switchers from curved phones may dislike the boxy look. If you don’t mind MIUI’s quirks, this Poco phone is worth it.