Xiaomi Mi5 or Mi5s - Where is the camera better? honest comparison with tests

Choosing between the Xiaomi Mi5 and Xiaomi Mi5s in 2026 may seem strange — both smartphones are long gone, but in the secondary market they are still in demand due to affordable prices and good performance. However, the main question that worries buyers: where is the camera better? On paper, the differences between the models seem small, but in real shooting conditions, the difference can be critical.

In this article, we will not only compare the specifications, but also analyze the quality of photos and videos in different scenarios: in low light, in motion, while shooting portraits. Particular attention will be paid to the unique feature of the Mi5s, ultrasonic autofocus, which is still rare even in modern smartphones in the budget segment, and also to understand how both devices cope with the processing of images through stock software and third-party applications like Google Camera.

If you're looking for a smartphone to shoot and you're looking at these two models, don't rush to pick one, and then you'll find not just the dry numbers, but also practical guidelines based on real-world user tests and expert reviews.

Technical characteristics of the camera: what is on the paper?

At first glance, the Mi5 and Mi5s are almost identical, both with a 16-megapixel core module with an aperture of f/2.0, but the devil is in the details.

• 🔍 Autofocus: Mi5 Uses standard phase autofocus (PDAF), then Mi5s It's got ultrasonic autofocus, a technology that Xiaomi borrowed from the flagships of the time, and it affects the speed and accuracy of focusing, especially in low light conditions.
• 📸 Sensor: B Mi5s Sony sensor installed IMX298, Mi5 — Sony IMX290. The difference in pixel size is 1.12 μm versus 1.0 μm, respectively. Mi5s Theoretically, it should be better to handle noise at high values. ISO.
• 🎥 Video: Both models shoot video in resolution 4K@30fps, but Mi5s Improved stabilization thanks to the more advanced Snapdragon processor 821 (against Snapdragon 820 into Mi5).
• 🔦 Front camera: There is no difference – both smartphones are equipped 4-megapixel f/2.0 pixel-size 2.0 This is a good quality selfie.

On paper, the Mi5s looks better, but the actual quality of the shot depends not only on the hardware, but also on the software processing.

Comparison of photo quality: day vs night

Daytime shots on both smartphones are decent, but there are nuances. Xiaomi Mi5 is prone to more aggressive processing: photos are more contrasting, with enhanced colors, which is not popular with everyone. Mi5s, thanks to the larger pixel size, better conveys details in the shadows and retains natural shades.

In low light conditions, the difference is obvious:

• 🌃 Mi5 He is suffering from heavy noises. ISO 800+, The detail is lost even when shooting in RAW. Noise reduction algorithms work too rough, "smearing" small objects.
• 🌌 Mi5s It's better, with less noise, and ultrasonic autofocus, which allows you to catch sharpness in the dark, but don't expect miracles, because without a tripod or external lighting, night shots are still far from perfect.
• 💡 Shooting with a flash: Both smartphones use a single LED-flash Mi5s The white balance algorithm works more accurately, avoiding relights on nearby objects.

Example from the real test: when shooting a street scene in the evening Mi5 "He put the details on the buildings in the distance, while Mi5s I kept the reading on the signage, but in both cases, HDR-The mode works mediocrely – it is better to use third-party applications like Open Camera for manual exposure settings.

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To improve nighttime shots on Mi5/Mi5s, install a Google Camera with a config for Sony IMX298/IMX290. This will allow you to activate Night Sight (night mode), which is not in the stock camera.

Video: Stabilization and Detailing

Both models support 4K@30fps video recording, but in practice the Mi5s does a better job.

1. Processor: The Snapdragon 821 in the Mi5s handles the data stream from the camera more efficiently, reducing the number of artifacts in motion.
2. Stabilization: The Mi5s has a gyroscope-based software stabilization, whereas the Mi5 does worse, especially when walking.
3. Autofocus: The ultrasonic autofocus in the Mi5s adapts more quickly to the changing distance to the subject, which is critical when shooting dynamic scenes.

However, there are common problems:

• 🎬 When you write 4K Both smartphones are overheating through 10-15 It causes you to force the resolution down or shut down the camera.
• 🔊 Both models have a weak microphone, which only records well in quiet environments, and there's no windscreen, so outside the sound will be drowned out by noise.

By comparison, when shooting video on the run, the Mi5 gives a noticeable "jelly" image, while the Mi5s retains acceptable clarity. But if you want really high-quality video, it's better to consider more modern models - even the budget Redmi Note of the new generations is overtaking these flagships of 2016.

Portrait Mode and Bokeh: Who is Better?

Officially, portrait mode in these models is absent — it was added only in later Xiaomi smartphones with dual cameras.

• 📱 You can activate the background blur software through Google Camera (GCam). Mi5s It works a little more precisely thanks to better autofocus.
• 🖼️ Manually in an Open Camera or Manual Camera, you can simulate bokeh by shooting from close range at the maximum aperture (f/2.0).
• ⚠️ Important: No second module (as in the Mi5s Plus) real bokeh is impossible to achieve - blur will be uneven, especially at the edges of the frame.

Example: when shooting a person in a cityscape, Mi5s is better at separating the object from the background, but artifacts (such as haircuts) are present on both smartphones. These models are not suitable for portraits, such as using external optics or considering buying a smartphone with a telephoto module.

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Portrait mode on the Mi5/Mi5s is always a compromise. If you want quality bokeh, look for models with dual cameras (for example, the Mi6 or Redmi Note 5 Pro).

Google Camera vs. Google Camera: Which one to choose?

The stock app MIUI Camera in both smartphones leaves much to be desired.

• 📉 Low detail with digital zoom (already at 2)× missing out).
• 🎨 Unnatural color reproduction – colors are often littered in the direction of cold shades.
• ⚡ The medical work in the shooting in RAW (particularly Mi5).

Google Camera (GCam) is a solution to these problems.

• ✅ Night Sight allows you to shoot in the dark with acceptable quality.
• ✅ HDR+ It is better to work with shadows and lights.
• ✅ More natural colors, especially when shooting skin.

There are, however, downsides:

⚠️ Note: Not all versions of GCam work well Mi5/Mi5s. We recommend testing the assemblies from BSG or Urnyx05 Sony-sized IMX298/IMX290. Some functions (such as Astrophotography) may not start because of a weak processor.

Instructions for GCam installation:

Relevance in 2026: Is it worth buying?

In 2026, the Xiaomi Mi5 and Mi5s can only be considered as a budget option for the secondary market.

Who's good for Mi5s?

• 📸 Those who are looking for a cheap smartphone for shooting in daylight and are ready to put up with shortcomings.
• 🛠️ Enthusiasts who want to experiment with GCam and custom firmware.
• 🎮 Gamers who care about performance (by the standards of 2016 Snapdragon 821 still pulls many games on the medium settings).

Who shouldn't take:

• 🌙 People who often shoot in the dark, even Mi5s Loses to modern state employees with night mode.
• 🎥 Video bloggers – the quality of the microphone and stabilization does not reach current standards.
• 📱 For those who want long-term support for updates, the latest official version MIUI For these models came out in 2019.

⚠️ Note: In the secondary market often occur Mi5/Mi5s Check the battery status before buying via the AccuBattery app, the capacity below. 70% The original statement indicates the need for replacement.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi5 and Mi5s cameras