Xiaomi Poco M4 5G

Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Review

Key Features

• Display: 6.58-inch IPS LCD with 90Hz refresh rate, 1080 x 2408 resolution, and 401 PPI.
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) Octa-core CPU with Mali-G57 MC2 GPU.
• RAM/Storage Options: Available in 4GB/64GB and 6GB/128GB configurations.
• Cameras: Rear dual-camera setup with a 13MP main lens and a 2MP depth sensor. 5MP front-facing selfie camera.
• Battery: 5000 mAh battery with 18W fast charging.
• Operating System: Android 12.
• Connectivity: 5G support, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG.
• Other: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection, and various sensors.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Smooth 90Hz refresh rate display enhancing user experience.
• 5G connectivity for faster network speeds.
• Large 5000 mAh battery for all-day usage.
• Decent performance for everyday tasks and some gaming with the Dimensity 700 chipset.
• NFC support is a plus for contactless payments.
• Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is convenient and fast.
• Good variety of 5G bands supported.
• Available in multiple color options.
• Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides added protection to the screen.
• Includes a cooling system.
• USB OTG support

Cons:

• Display is an IPS LCD, not an AMOLED, thus lower contrast.
• Camera performance is average; lacks optical image stabilization.
• Only 18W fast charging is relatively slow for a 5000mAh battery.
• No expandable storage.
• The phone lacks a dedicated macro camera.
• The display's peak brightness is not specified.

User Experience

The Xiaomi Poco M4 5G provides a generally smooth user experience, thanks to its 90Hz refresh rate display and the MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor. The phone handles everyday tasks, such as browsing, social media, and video streaming, with ease. While the display is not the brightest or most vibrant, it offers a decent viewing experience indoors, with reasonable color accuracy and contrast. The 90Hz refresh rate enhances scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more fluid. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is quick and accurate, offering a reliable way to unlock the device. The MIUI skin on top of Android 12 is feature-rich, but may not be to everyone's taste due to some pre-installed bloatware and customization.

Gaming performance is adequate for casual gamers. The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU can handle most popular games at medium settings, but struggles at higher graphic levels. The 5000 mAh battery offers excellent longevity, easily lasting a full day with moderate to heavy usage. Charging the large battery with the 18W charger is a bit slow, taking approximately two hours to reach a full charge.

The camera system provides acceptable image quality in daylight. However, low-light performance can be underwhelming with noticeable noise and lack of detail. The front-facing camera delivers average results for selfies and video calls.

Hardware & Design

The Poco M4 5G has a plastic build, typical for phones in this price range. It has a solid feel and does not feel cheap. The phone measures 164 mm in height, 76.1 mm in width, and 8.9 mm in depth, weighing 200g. The device has a water drop notch for the selfie camera and a 2.5D glass screen. The phone is available in several colors, including Cool Blue, Poco Yellow, and Power Black. The power button integrates the fingerprint sensor, which is responsive and well-placed. The phone includes USB-C 2.0 port, a headphone jack and dual sim slots.

Under the hood, the phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) processor and an octa-core CPU with a maximum frequency of 2.2 GHz. This setup works in conjunction with LPDDR4X RAM. Storage uses UFS 2.2 technology.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is a capable mid-range smartphone that offers 5G connectivity, a smooth display, and a long-lasting battery, which is ideal for users who prioritize battery life and 5G access. Its performance is sufficient for everyday use and casual gaming. The camera system is basic but adequate for most users in good lighting conditions. The lack of expandable storage and a faster charging solution are notable drawbacks. Overall, it’s a good value for money, offering a compelling mix of features at a medium price point. If you're seeking an affordable phone with 5G and long battery life, the Poco M4 5G is worth considering.