Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) vs POCO M5s
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone SE 4 and POCO M5s target different market segments with distinct tradeoffs. iPhone SE 4 delivers superior performance via the A18 chip, a more compact 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 1200 nits brightness, and 5G connectivity, making it ideal for iOS users prioritizing processing power and ecosystem integration. POCO M5s counters with a larger 6.43-inch AMOLED screen, significantly larger 5000 mAh battery with faster 33W charging, and versatile quad-camera setup including ultrawide and macro lenses. However, iPhone SE 4 offers better video recording at 4K 60fps versus 1080p 30fps, IP68 water resistance versus none, and iOS 18 with superior app optimization. At $499 versus $199, iPhone SE 4 justifies premium pricing through longevity, performance, and ecosystem value. POCO M5s appeals to budget-conscious users needing battery endurance and camera variety despite dated Helio G95 processor and older Android 12. iPhone SE 4 emerges as the better overall device for most users willing to invest in long-term support and reliability.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) if…
- →First SE with an OLED display, a generational leap over prior LCD
- →A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence at the entry price point
- →Face ID replaces Touch ID with modern full-screen front design
Buy the POCO M5s if…
- →AMOLED display at $199 is exceptional — deep blacks and vibrant colors
- →Large 5000 mAh battery lasts two days with moderate use
- →64 MP main camera takes good daylight photos
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone SE (4th generation)
Pros
- First SE with an OLED display, a generational leap over prior LCD
- A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence at the entry price point
- Face ID replaces Touch ID with modern full-screen front design
- USB-C replaces Lightning for universal compatibility
- Most affordable iPhone with A18 performance
Cons
- No telephoto or ultrawide camera — single rear lens only
- Capped at 60Hz with no ProMotion
- No Dynamic Island; uses standard notch
- No MagSafe support, only standard Qi wireless
- Modest battery life compared to standard iPhone 16
POCO M5s
Pros
- AMOLED display at $199 is exceptional — deep blacks and vibrant colors
- Large 5000 mAh battery lasts two days with moderate use
- 64 MP main camera takes good daylight photos
- 33W fast charging is quick for the price range
- Slim and lightweight at 178.8 g
Cons
- No 5G — limited to 4G LTE
- 60Hz display feels dated compared to 90Hz competitors
- Helio G95 struggles with demanding games
- 2 MP macro and depth cameras are filler
- No water resistance rating
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) | POCO M5s |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 12 (MIUI 13) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 167 g | 178.8 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Plastic frame and back, glass front |
| IP rating | IP68 | None |
| Dimensions | 138.7 x 67.3 x 7.9 mm | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.29 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 64 MP, f/1.79, PDAF |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 13 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Depth | — | 2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Macro | — | 2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Ultrawide | — | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB / 6 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | ~3279 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 33W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.43 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 700 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz + 6x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | MediaTek Helio G95 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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