Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro

Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro Review: A Solid Mid-Ranger That Gets the Essentials Right

I've spent the better part of the last few weeks putting the Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro through its paces, and it's been an interesting ride. This phone has become my daily companion for everything from checking emails to navigating city streets and even squeezing in some gaming during downtime. At its current price point, it's squarely aimed at the competitive mid-range market, and after a good amount of hands-on time, I have some definite thoughts on whether it hits the mark.

Market Context: Finding Its Footing

The mid-range smartphone arena is a crowded battleground, and the Poco X5 Pro is Xiaomi's latest contender. From my perspective, Poco has carved out a niche for itself by offering impressive specs for the price, often undercutting the competition. This strategy continues with the X5 Pro. It feels like they're betting on delivering a strong core experience without necessarily pushing the boundaries of innovation in every single area. The price point positions it against some formidable rivals, and ultimately, its success will hinge on whether that core experience is compelling enough. Personally, I think the pricing is fairly aggressive, and it puts pressure on other brands to justify their higher price tags.

Design & Hardware: Practical and Comfortable

My first impressions of the Poco X5 Pro's design were positive. It’s not going to win any awards for groundbreaking aesthetics, but it feels well-built and comfortable in hand. The matte finish on the back of my black review unit is a welcome change from glossy fingerprint magnets. It offers a good grip, which is essential for day-to-day use. While the frame and back are plastic, it doesn't feel cheap. In fact, it contributes to the phone's surprisingly light weight, which I appreciate. Durability-wise, the inclusion of an IP53 rating for dust and splash resistance offers a bit of peace of mind, though I wouldn’t recommend testing its limits. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is conveniently placed and unlocks the phone quickly and reliably – something I've come to value highly.

Display: A Visual Treat for the Price

The display is undoubtedly one of the standout features of the Poco X5 Pro. It boasts a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and honestly, it looks fantastic. Scrolling through feeds and navigating the interface feels incredibly fluid. I spent a good chunk of time watching videos and the colours are vibrant and punchy, thanks to the inclusion of HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Binging a series on this screen was a genuinely enjoyable experience, adding a layer of immersion that's not always a given in this price range. The sharpness is excellent for reading, though I did notice that the peak brightness, while advertised at 900 nits (HBM), could struggle a bit under direct, harsh sunlight. For most indoor and typical outdoor scenarios, however, it's more than adequate. Gaming also looks great on this display, with smooth visuals that enhance the overall experience.

Performance: Smooth Operator for Everyday Tasks and More

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 778G chipset is doing a solid job. In my testing, the Poco X5 Pro handled everything I threw at it without significant hiccups. Navigating between apps, browsing the web, and social media scrolling were all smooth and responsive. I even put it through some gaming sessions, playing graphically intensive titles, and while it's not a flagship-level gaming beast, it held its own admirably. The Adreno 642L GPU delivers respectable performance, ensuring a playable experience with good visuals. My review unit has 8GB of RAM, which contributes to the smooth multitasking. The 256GB of storage is also generous for the price, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos. I didn't notice any significant overheating during extended use, which is a definite plus. Overall, the performance feels well-balanced for a mid-range device.

Camera System: Moments of Brilliance, Some Limitations

The camera system on the Poco X5 Pro is a bit of a mixed bag, but with moments of real strength. The 108MP main sensor is capable of capturing some impressive shots, particularly in good lighting conditions. I was genuinely pleased with the level of detail and the colour reproduction in many of the photos I took. That sunset shot I captured on a recent hike is a prime example – the colours were rendered beautifully. However, the other sensors – the 8MP ultrawide and 2MP macro – don't quite live up to the main camera's capabilities. They're adequate for social media snaps, but they lack the same level of detail and dynamic range. The 16MP front-facing camera is decent for selfies and video calls, but it's not a major step up from what you'd find in other mid-range phones. Video recording is generally reliable, and the electronic image stabilization (EIS) helps to keep footage relatively steady. There are plenty of shooting modes to experiment with, which is great if you enjoy tweaking settings, but for most quick shots, the auto mode gets the job done reasonably well. Compared to some competitors, the camera system feels like it prioritizes the main sensor, which can lead to inconsistent results across different lenses.

Battery & Charging: All-Day Power and Speedy Top-Ups

Battery life is another strong suit of the Poco X5 Pro. The 5000mAh battery easily got me through a full day of moderate to heavy use, including social media, web browsing, music streaming, and some photography. Even on days with more demanding tasks, I rarely felt the need to conserve power. When it's time to recharge, the 67W fast charging is a lifesaver. In my testing, it significantly reduced downtime, getting the phone back to a usable charge in a relatively short period. The omission of wireless charging might be a deal-breaker for some, but for me, the speed of the wired charging more than compensates. The power management seems efficient, contributing to the overall solid battery endurance.

Software: Functional, But Showing Its Age

The Poco X5 Pro launched with Android 12, overlaid with Xiaomi's MIUI 14. While the user experience is generally smooth and functional, being a generation behind the latest Android version is noticeable. The interface is familiar to anyone who has used a Xiaomi phone before, with a plethora of customization options and features. I appreciate the inclusion of NFC for contactless payments, a feature that's become indispensable for me. While an update to Android 13 is expected, the timing and long-term update policy remain a consideration. My daily usage has been largely positive, with no major software issues encountered.

Value Analysis: A Compelling Proposition

When it comes to value, the Poco X5 Pro makes a strong case for itself. You're getting a lot of phone for the money: a vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, capable performance, a solid main camera, and fast charging. For users who prioritize these features, the X5 Pro is a compelling option. I think this phone is ideally suited for students, young professionals, and anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich daily driver without breaking the bank. However, if camera versatility and having the absolute latest software are top priorities, you might want to explore alternatives. In the competitive landscape, the Poco X5 Pro undercuts some of its rivals while still delivering a very usable and enjoyable experience.

Conclusion: A Recommended Mid-Range Contender

Overall, my time with the Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro has been largely positive. It's a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that excels in key areas like display quality, performance, and battery life. While the camera system has its limitations, the main sensor delivers good results. The software experience is functional, though the slightly older Android version is worth noting. Ultimately, I'd happily recommend the Poco X5 Pro to anyone seeking a capable and affordable smartphone that gets the essentials right. It offers excellent value for money and is a strong contender in the bustling mid-range market.