Alright, let's break down the OnePlus 10 Pro and Xiaomi Poco F4, two very capable phones, and see where their strengths lie. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and try to translate these specs into real-world experiences for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, putting the specs side-by-side and explaining what they mean for your daily use:
| Feature | OnePlus 10 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | 163.2 x 76 x 7.7 mm | Poco F4 is a bit wider and thinner, OnePlus 10 Pro is a bit taller and thicker, both are similar but OnePlus 10 Pro has larger volume. |
| Weight | 201g | 195g | Poco F4 is slightly lighter (6g), might be noticeable with extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Very similar size; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2400 | OnePlus 10 Pro will have significantly sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 395 | The OnePlus 10 Pro's display is noticeably crisper than the Poco F4. |
| Technology | (Unspecified) | AMOLED | Poco F4 has an AMOLED display for superior blacks, contrast and vibrancy. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer buttery smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both are equally bright; great for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) | OnePlus 10 Pro has a newer and faster chipset, with better performance, power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 900,491 | 861,200 | OnePlus 10 Pro shows about 5% better benchmarks, meaning better performance overall. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 650 | OnePlus 10 Pro has a faster GPU for more demanding games and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.8, 1/1.43" Sony IMX789) | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2" Omnivision OV64B) | Poco F4 has higher resolution but smaller sensor; OnePlus 10 Pro uses a bigger sensor and wider aperture, which should result in better low light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.0, 1/2.74" Sony IMX615) | 20MP (f/2.4, 1/2" Sony IMX596) | OnePlus 10 Pro has higher resolution and a wider aperture for brighter selfies; however Poco F4 has a larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP (f/2.4) | None | OnePlus 10 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for better optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 50MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | OnePlus 10 Pro has a much higher resolution ultrawide for more detailed landscape photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Poco F4 has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K/24fps | Up to 4K/60fps | OnePlus 10 Pro can record higher-resolution videos; both have electronic image stabilization (EIS). |
| DXOMARK | 122 | None | OnePlus 10 Pro has a tested overall camera performance score of 122. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | OnePlus 10 Pro has a larger battery for longer usage times. |
| Charging | 80W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | OnePlus 10 Pro charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless, Reverse Wireless Charging | Non-removable | OnePlus 10 Pro has more advanced charging features, such as wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS Version | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | OnePlus 10 Pro will receive one more major Android update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 7 (802.11be) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | OnePlus 10 Pro supports faster Wi-Fi, and lower latency, making it better for crowded networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (with aptX) | 5.2 | OnePlus 10 Pro supports aptX for higher quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, L1+L5, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) | Poco F4 has broader satellite support for more accurate positioning. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | OnePlus 10 Pro offers more storage options, especially 512 GB variant. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8/12 GB | Both offer sufficient RAM, but the OnePlus 10 Pro comes with 8 GB as minimum option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | OnePlus 10 Pro has better noise cancellation and voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted | Poco F4 has more modern side mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | OnePlus 10 Pro has more durable screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | OnePlus 10 Pro offers additional RGB Sensor while Poco F4 has ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus 10 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density make for a visibly sharper display.
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Adreno 730 offer more processing power, translating to smoother gaming and faster app loading.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a telephoto lens, a higher-resolution wide-angle lens, a bigger main camera sensor, better low-light capabilities, and 8K video recording.
- Better Battery Charging: Faster 80W wired charging, plus wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Future-Proofing: Newer Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth with aptX, and it will receive Android 14, ensuring better compatibility with future technologies.
- Better Audio Features: Noise cancellation microphone and 3 microphones.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
Xiaomi Poco F4 Strengths:
- AMOLED Display: Provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better contrast.
- Macro Lens: A dedicated lens for close-up shots.
- Lighter Design: Slightly lighter, which can be beneficial for longer periods of use.
- Broader Satellite Support: More satellite systems for more accurate location tracking.
- Hi-Res Audio: for high fidelity audio.
- More Modern Fingerprint Sensor: Side mounted fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 10 Pro: Higher price and slightly bulkier.
- Xiaomi Poco F4: Older chipset, less advanced camera system, lacks telephoto lens, lacks wireless charging and has no 8k video recording capability.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
OnePlus 10 Pro: Ideal for power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, and those who want a premium experience with cutting-edge technology. It excels in scenarios that require top-tier performance, professional camera features, and excellent battery life with advanced charging.
Xiaomi Poco F4: A great choice for users who prioritize display quality, a lighter phone, a robust camera system and are more budget-conscious. It’s suitable for daily use, media consumption, and casual gaming, offering an excellent blend of features at a more competitive price point.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide which phone is right for you, consider these questions:
- How important is top-tier performance and the latest technology? If you need the fastest processor, advanced camera system, and future-proof tech, the OnePlus 10 Pro is the better choice.
- How much does display quality and visual vibrancy matter to you? If you value AMOLED's punchy colors and deeper blacks, and the resolution difference is not a dealbreaker, the Poco F4 is the way to go.
- What are your main use cases? If you are a gamer and content creator go for the OnePlus 10 Pro, and if you are more into day to day use and content consumption the Poco F4 can be a great option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers and Power Users: The OnePlus 10 Pro’s more powerful processor and better GPU will offer a smoother experience.
- For Photography Enthusiasts: The OnePlus 10 Pro’s telephoto lens, superior sensor, and 8K recording make it the better option for advanced photography and videography.
- For Budget-Conscious Users: The Xiaomi Poco F4 offers a very good overall experience at a more affordable price point with a great AMOLED display.
- For Casual Daily Use: Either phone will do a great job, but the Xiaomi Poco F4 is lighter and has a good display.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go with the OnePlus 10 Pro. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who is enthusiastic about pushing the limits of what a smartphone can do, the OnePlus 10 Pro simply has more of what I'm looking for:
- Cutting-Edge Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers a noticeable performance edge that I appreciate.
- Camera Versatility: The telephoto lens and superior image sensor are crucial for the types of photos and videos I often capture.
- Future-Proofing: The newer Wi-Fi 7 and extra Android update, offer me peace of mind.
- Better Overall Experience: Although I appreciate the AMOLED display in Poco F4, the overall experience, and additional features of the OnePlus 10 Pro are more appealing.
While the Poco F4 is an excellent phone, it does not pack as much power and I personally value top-tier performance and advanced camera capabilities above the slightly smaller form and superior display of the Xiaomi Poco F4, especially considering that the difference in resolution is very noticeable in real-life use.
I hope this breakdown helps you decide which phone is best for you!
