Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro Review

Key Features

The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro, launched on March 16, 2022, is a medium-priced smartphone featuring a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 1000 nits. It runs on Android 11 and is powered by the Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) chipset. The device sports a dual rear camera setup (50MP standard + 8MP ultrawide) and a 16MP front-facing camera. It includes a 5000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging, NFC, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and a comprehensive range of global navigation satellite systems.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Vibrant AMOLED Display: The 90Hz AMOLED display provides smooth scrolling and vivid colors, enhanced by high peak brightness, making it suitable for outdoor viewing.
• Fast Charging: 33W fast charging rapidly replenishes the 5000mAh battery, offering convenience for users on the go.
• Capable Chipset: The Mediatek Helio G96 chipset provides a decent balance between performance and efficiency for daily tasks and moderate gaming.
• Stereo Speakers & Audio: Inclusion of stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio support enhance multimedia consumption.
• Comprehensive Connectivity: Features NFC, Dual SIM support, and a wide array of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS capabilities.
• Competitive Price: Positions itself as a value-for-money option within the medium-price segment.

Cons:

• Android 11 OS: Launched with Android 11, lacking the latest software experience. No information about future software version upgrades is available.
• No 4K Video: Video recording is capped at 1080p@30fps.
• Plastic Build: While lightweight, the device uses a plastic construction which may not provide the most premium feel.
• No SD Card Slot: No expandable storage option.
• No 5G: Device does not support 5G networks.

User Experience

The Poco M4 Pro delivers a generally smooth user experience, largely due to its 90Hz AMOLED screen, although the user interface may not be as refined as some competing brands. The Helio G96 chipset handles everyday tasks without issue. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is quick and reliable. The camera setup performs well under adequate lighting conditions, but low-light performance isn't as strong. The battery life is solid, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. The presence of stereo speakers boosts the entertainment experience. The lack of 5G connectivity might be a downside for some users in areas with 5G network coverage.

Hardware & Design

The Poco M4 Pro measures 159.9mm in height, 73.9mm in width, and 8.1mm in depth, with a weight of 179.5 grams. The phone features a plastic frame and back, which keeps it lightweight but lacks a premium feel. The 6.43-inch display has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels with a pixel density of 409 ppi and a 20:9 aspect ratio. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The device houses an octa-core CPU (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. It features 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB of UFS 2.2 storage, with no option to expand the storage. The phone includes an accelerometer, gyro, compass, and side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Available in Cool Blue, Poco Yellow, and Power Black colors. It is also equipped with a USB Type-C 2.0 port with OTG support, and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro is a solid contender in the mid-range smartphone market, offering a vibrant AMOLED display, capable performance, fast charging, and a long-lasting battery. Its strengths lie in the display quality, battery capacity, and charging speed. However, the plastic build, absence of 5G, lack of expandable storage, and the aging Android 11 OS are notable drawbacks. The phone is a suitable option for users seeking a balanced smartphone experience without breaking the bank, particularly for those who value display quality and battery performance.