The Poco M5s aims to score with its affordable price point for cost conscious buyers. In our test of the midrange smartphone, we also notice the effects of this in several places where the Poco M5s is unable to convince us in every regard.
On the other hand, the smartphone, which is equipped with the MediaTek Helio G95, also offers an interesting characteristic. The large 6.43-inch AMOLED display, which also offers a high maximum brightness for its price class – we measure 1,047 cd/m² with an even distribution of light and dark areas (APL18) – surprisingly doesn't show any of the typical flickering in our measurements with the oscilloscope, despite using the OLED technology. We do not see any pulse width modulation (PWM) across the whole range of brightness. You can find out about pulse width modulation and the technology behind PWM in these two articles (here and here).
Since the human eye can perceive OLED flickering and this can lead to tiredness, sore eyes, or headaches, this feature of the Poco M5s could make it very interesting for those who are sensitive to PWM. The affordable midrange smartphone offers all the advantages of OLED displays, such as high contrasts due to the saturated black values, without also bringing the disadvantages.
The positive effect in the Poco M5s is probably caused by constant DC dimming in combination with a very high frequency. The likelihood of the Poco M5s causing any discomfort is at least lower as with standard OLED displays that use a lower frequency curve.
If you value an affordable midrange smartphone with a flickerfree display, you can get a detailed impression of the Poco M5s by looking at our extensive review of the Xiaomi smartphone. On the other hand, you also have to accept some compromises with the Poco smartphone. You can also find out about those, here.