POCO X5 Pro review: Phenomenal value, puzzling software choices

POCO is slowly however absolutely gaining momentum in western markets, and the Xiaomi sub-brand has managed to carve out a distinct segment for itself due to its budget-focused choices. The X sequence particularly has been pivotal to POCO’s development in recent times, with final 12 months’s X4 Pro delivering a robust {hardware} bundle.For 2023, POCO is not altering issues an excessive amount of on this space; the X5 Pro has plenty of similarities to its predecessor, together with the identical 120Hz AMOLED display screen, 108MP digital camera, 5000mAh battery, and 67W quick charging. There’s barely sooner {hardware}, a design that appears just a little extra fashionable, and the identical software program frustrations — the cellphone runs Android 12 out of the field.With stalwarts just like the Redmi Note 12 sequence inching as much as over $300, there’s nonetheless a sizeable userbase for units just like the POCO X5 Pro, so let’s have a look at what you are getting right here, and whether or not that is the fitting cellphone for you. POCO X5 Pro: Pricing and availability(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)POCO unveiled the X5 Pro on February 6, and the cellphone goes up on the market beginning February 7 in most markets the place the model has an official presence. That consists of Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Similar to earlier years, POCO is incentivizing the launch with quite a lot of provides in every market.The POCO X5 Pro is debuting  for €299 ($322) for the 6GB/128GB model, identical as its predecessor. That’s nice to see given the modifications to the inner {hardware}, and you will find an 8GB/256GB mannequin that is debuting at €349 ($376). If you choose up the X5 Pro at launch, you will get the 6GB/128GB mannequin for €249 and the 8GB/256GB version for €299. If you do not want the 108MP digital camera, there’s a normal model of the POCO X5 that is promoting for €249 ($268), and an 8GB/256GB model for €299 ($322). Like the X5 Pro, you will get the usual X5 for much less at launch; the 6GB/128GB model is €199, and the 8GB/256GB variant is €249. India is a key marketplace for POCO, and the X5 Pro begins off at ₹22,999 ($278) within the nation. POCO X5 Pro: Design(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Let’s kick issues off with the design, as a result of that is an space the place POCO continues to do a fantastic job. The X5 Pro makes use of the identical design fundamentals as its predecessor, so that you get flat sides and a big digital camera housing on the again that extends almost all the way in which throughout the total width of the machine. I do not like telephones with boxy sides, however the X5 Pro has barely beveled edges that makes it just a little simpler to carry and use, and the matte end additionally makes a distinction in usability.Image 1 of 7(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The most hanging a part of the design is the colour; I’m utilizing the X5 Pro in POCO Yellow, and it appears to be like marvelous. The vibrant hue makes the X5 Pro that rather more attention-grabbing, and in contrast to earlier years, POCO went with a metallic shimmer end that appears nice. The digital camera island can also be decked out in the identical glittery end, with the POCO emblem emblazoned to the facet. The contrasting colour offers the cellphone plenty of character.The digital camera island does not look as busy as final 12 months, with POCO switching to a cleaner structure that sees two rings for the sensors and a smaller one for the macro module. The island does not protrude an excessive amount of, so there is not plenty of wobble when utilizing the cellphone on a flat floor. The X5 Pro is obtainable in black and blue variants as effectively, however the yellow is the way in which to go if you need a cellphone that can flip heads.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)That two-tone end extends to the perimeters as effectively this time, with the mid-frame decked out in black. I additionally like the truth that the ability button has a yellow accent, and it provides just a little little bit of vibrancy to the general design. The X5 Pro is 24g lighter than its predecessor, and an enormous a part of the burden financial savings is right down to the again; there is not any glass again this time, with the machine switching to a polycarbonate again in addition to mid-frame.I haven’t got any points with this design course because it ends in a lighter machine that also feels nice to carry and use. Rounding out the design, you may discover a 3.5mm jack and IR blaster right here, and dual-SIM connectivity. POCO is constant to supply IP53 ingress safety, and that is nice to see.POCO X5 Pro: Screen(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)I’m not going to speak an excessive amount of in regards to the display screen because the X5 Pro is utilizing the identical 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED panel as final 12 months. However, the display screen does not get fairly as vivid as final 12 months, maxing out at 500 nits (the X4 Pro hit 700 nits). There’s no HDR right here both, however due to Widevine L1, it is possible for you to to stream Full HD content material in Netflix and different streaming companies.Like all POCO telephones, the display screen is about to 60Hz out of the field, and you may want to enter the cellphone’s settings to alter it to 120Hz. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ launched dynamic refresh within the mid-range tier, however the X5 Pro is restricted to 60Hz or 120Hz. That mentioned, I did not see any points with the display screen as such, and it had good colour accuracy. The solely downside is that it does not get fairly as vivid as its predecessor, however it’s serviceable even beneath harsh daylight.What makes the X5 Pro acquire a slender edge is stereo sound; Xiaomi has carried out an impressive job making certain its units have an identical stereo channels, and the X5 Pro is not any totally different. You get splendidly detailed sound right here, and that makes a distinction when streaming movies or enjoying video games on the machine. And the truth that you get a 3.5mm jack with an honest built-in DAC is an added bonus.POCO X5 Pro: Performance and battery(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)POCO understands its goal userbase very well; the X sequence is predominantly aimed toward a youthful viewers that likes to play video games and take photographs, and the {hardware} is tailor-made for these use instances. The X5 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 778G, a stalwart on this class. I used plenty of units that includes this chipset within the final 12 months — together with the Nothing cellphone (1) — and it delivers good efficiency for day by day use and occasional gaming.Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryPOCO X5 ProOSMIUI 14, Android 12Display6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED, 2400 x 1080ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 778G, 1 x 2.4GHz Cortex A78, 3 x 2.2GHz Cortex A78, 4 x 1.9GHz Cortex A55, Adreno 642L, 6nmRAM6GB/8GBStorage128GB/256GBRear digital camera 1108MP f/1.9, 0.7um, PDAF, 4K at 30fpsRear digital camera 28MP f/2.2, 120-degree wide-angle lensRear digital camera 32MP macroFront16MP f/2.4ConnectivitySub-6 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFCIngress ProtectionIP53SecuritySide-mounted sensorAudioStereo sound, 3.5mm jackBattery5000mAh, 67W quick charging, bundled 67W USB PD 3.0 chargerDimensions162.9 x 76 x 7.9mm, 181gColorsYellow, Black. BlueThe X5 Pro is not a gaming cellphone by any measure, however it’s good for taking part in visually-intensive titles at medium settings, and does not throttle beneath load. I did not see any points or slowdowns in day by day use, and on the entire, it’s a dependable platform for many customers. POCO’s F sequence units just like the F4 GT are a greater match for these occupied with a gaming cellphone, however for day-to-day duties, the X5 Pro has lots to supply.For starters, it’s sooner than the outgoing X4 Pro at gaming, and that needs to be welcome information for these seeking to improve from an older cellphone. Other than that, the bottom variant with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage is an effective cut price worth, however I’d recommend going with the 8GB/128GB configuration to offer the cellphone just a little extra headroom.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The cellphone has 5G connectivity as effectively with the requisite bands for every area it will likely be bought in, and whereas I lastly have 5G accessible in my space, I wasn’t in a position to take a look at it as I’m utilizing the worldwide model and never the Indian mannequin. A key distinction on the connectivity facet is that the X5 Pro now features a Wi-Fi 6 modem, made potential by the brand new silicon. You additionally get Bluetooth 5.2 right here, and like earlier years, NFC availability is restricted to pick western markets, with prospects in India lacking out on the characteristic.The in-screen reader is quick to authenticate, and I did not see any points on this space. The button itself is a bit on the mushy facet, however seeing as how it’s an always-on sensor, you may simply must relaxation your finger on the button to unlock the cellphone. Battery life is an space the place POCO continues to do very effectively, with the X5 Pro lasting effectively over a day even with heavy use. There’s no battery nervousness in any way, and when it is advisable to cost the machine, the 67W quick charging customary ensures the battery is full in beneath 50 minutes. There’s additionally a bundled charger within the field, and the very best half is that it doubles as a USB PD 3.0 charger.POCO X5 Pro: Cameras(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)POCO is not reinventing the wheel in relation to the cameras, with the X5 Pro that includes the identical slate of sensors as final 12 months. You get the identical 108MP Samsung HM2 module that was a mainstay on most Xiaomi and POCO telephones final 12 months, together with the X4 Pro and the Redmi Note 11 Pro. Joining the 108MP digital camera is an 8MP wide-angle lens and 2MP macro module, and a 16MP lens on the entrance.The greatest distinction over final 12 months is that the X5 Pro can now shoot 4K movies. This was an enormous limitation on the X4 Pro, and it is good to see POCO rectifying the difficulty this time round. Other than that, you are getting the identical set of options right here, and the digital camera interface is unchanged. You’ll discover all of the capturing modes laid out on a ribbon on the backside, together with toggles for the lenses, HDR, AI scene detection, flash, Google Lens, and settings.Image 1 of 7(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The X5 Pro does very well in daylight conditions, producing photographs with good dynamic vary and colour accuracy. There is a few noise across the edges, nevertheless it is not noticeable more often than not. The tuning is much like final 12 months, and the cellphone does not attempt to oversaturate photos. The principal 108MP digital camera takes respectable sufficient photographs in low-light conditions as effectively, however you get seen noise. The Night mode does a significantly better job in these conditions, and in contrast to final 12 months, it’s accessible on the wide-angle lens as effectively. On that observe, the 8MP wide-angle module is common at finest, and it does not fairly ship the identical colour stability as the principle digital camera in most situations. It continues to be serviceable for sharing photographs on social media, nevertheless it is not nice by any measure. That sums up POCO’s imaging efforts fairly effectively; the X5 Pro does a great job contemplating what it prices, however this is not the cellphone to purchase in case your principal use case is taking photographs. POCO X5 Pro: Software(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)My greatest difficulty with POCO and Xiaomi telephones usually is software program. The Chinese producer hasn’t paid a lot consideration to this key space within the final 24 months, and at a time when the remainder of the sector is rolling out extra updates and introducing units with the newest model of Android, Xiaomi is on the backfoot.The X5 Pro runs MIUI 14.0.1 for POCO out of the field, and whereas that’s the newest verison of MIUI, it’s based mostly on Android 12. POCO did the identical factor final 12 months as effectively, and how lengthy it took the X4 Pro to get the Android 12 replace, the X5 Pro won’t see Android 13 till we’re effectively into Q2. Xiaomi’s blatant refusal to launch telephones with the newest model of Android does not make sense to me, and having seen the identical technique play out with the Redmi Note 12 sequence, I can solely assume that the model does not care about providing the newest model of Android on its units. The X5 Pro nonetheless runs Android 12 out of the field, and it is not going to make the change to Android 13 anytime quickly. While the difficulty across the underlying Android model is annoying, the X5 Pro advantages from the tweaks Xiaomi made to MIUI 14. The interface feels extra fluid in day by day use, there’s much less bloatware out of the field, and the settings web page is organized a bit higher, with nav gestures now housed inside the Home display screen menu.Control Center is enabled by default, and this switches the notification shade to a break up structure with toggles on one facet and incoming notifications on the opposite. I’m not a fan of this design, and fortunately, you may return to the unified notification shade through the settings. MIUI mainstays like vertically scrolling overview menu, app drawer with automatically-sorted classes, and the flexibility to alter icon measurement are intact right here.There is an honest quantity of customizability, however Xiaomi must do a bit extra across the software program to offer it a visible refresh. For now although, there is not a complete lot improper on the software program entrance, and the very best half is that you simply will not see any errant adverts or notifications.The X5 Pro would have been the best contender in opposition to the Galaxy A sequence, however the lackluster software program replace state of affairs — with the cellphone getting half the variety of platform updates as Samsung’s units — makes it a nonstarter for western markets. The Galaxy A53 that was launched in February 2022 will get to Android 16, with the 2023 X5 Pro not going past the Android 14 replace.POCO X5 Pro: The competitors(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)If you need a good finances cellphone for 2023, the POCO X4 Pro continues to be a dependable general selection. It is not too totally different to the X5 Pro; each telephones share the identical cameras, battery, and display screen. And whereas it hasn’t made the change to Android 13 both, the truth that it has been on sale for over a 12 months means you will get it for a relative cut price.The Redmi Note 12 Pro is an effective different as effectively, and whereas it has the identical annoying software program points because the X5 Pro in that it’s operating Android 12 out of the field, it has a great digital camera and the identical giant 5000mAh battery with 67W charging.If you need one thing that stands out a bit, the cellphone (1) is a strong possibility to contemplate. The cellphone is costlier than the X5 Pro whereas that includes the identical {hardware}, and whereas it does not have Android 13 but, the software program is clear and uncluttered, and the distinctive design makes it stand out.POCO X5 Pro: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)You can purchase this if:You need a finances cellphone with a 120Hz AMOLED display screenYou want dependable {hardware} that holds up for gamingYou need a cellphone with standout battery lifeYou’re seeking to get the very best worth within the finances classYou should not purchase this if:You need the newest model of AndroidYou want quick software program updatesYou want a cellphone that takes standout photographsThe X5 Pro is POCO’s finest finances cellphone but, and it ticks plenty of the fitting containers. The {hardware} is dependable for day by day use and holds up effectively in gaming, the display screen is vibrant and goes as much as 120Hz, and the battery simply lasts over a day with ease. The X4 Pro was serviceable for taking photographs, however the truth that it missed out on 4K video made it an finally poor selection. Thankfully, the X5 Pro fixes that exact difficulty.POCO is lagging behind its Chinese rivals and Samsung in relation to software program updates, and it’s unlikely that the model will many any vital modifications to its replace coverage in 2023 — it simply does not seem like a precedence proper now. So in the event you’re eager on utilizing the newest model of Android and need well timed software program updates, it is best to wait and see what Samsung does with the Galaxy A sequence this 12 months.That mentioned, if you need a finances cellphone with good {hardware}, giant battery life, respectable digital camera, and the very best worth for beneath $300, the X5 Pro is a superb possibility that undercuts its fast rivals.