POCO X4 Pro 5G : In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphones, the POCO X4 Pro 5G has emerged as a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers seeking premium features without breaking the bank.
Launched in early 2022, this device has continued to make waves in the market, offering a blend of performance, style, and affordability that has become synonymous with the POCO brand.
Let’s delve into what makes the POCO X4 Pro 5G a standout choice in the crowded mid-range segment.
The POCO X4 Pro 5G marks a significant departure from its predecessors in terms of design.
Gone are the chunky bodies of the X3 series, replaced by a sleeker, more refined aesthetic.
Measuring 164.19 x 76.1 x 8.12mm and weighing 205g, the X4 Pro 5G strikes a balance between screen real estate and manageability.
One of the most striking features is the large camera module that spans almost the entire width of the phone’s back.
This design choice, while bold, has garnered mixed reactions. Some appreciate its distinctive look, while others find it a bit excessive.
The back panel is made of glass, a premium touch at this price point, and features a light-reactive layer that creates an interesting visual effect reminiscent of searchlights in a night sky.
Available in Laser Black, Laser Blue, and POCO Yellow, the X4 Pro 5G caters to different tastes.
The matte plastic frame provides an attractive contrast to the glossy back, although fingerprints can be an issue on the glass surface.
POCO has included a transparent protective case in the box, which not only protects the device but also accentuates its unique design.
POCO X4 Pro 5G Display: A Visual Treat
The centerpiece of the POCO X4 Pro 5G is undoubtedly its 6.67-inch AMOLED display.
With a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), the screen boasts a crisp 395 ppi pixel density.
The 120Hz refresh rate and 360Hz touch sampling rate ensure smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions, elevating the user experience significantly.
The display’s quality is impressive for a mid-range device. It offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, typical of AMOLED technology.
With a peak brightness of 1200 nits, the screen remains legible even under direct sunlight. The Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection adds durability, safeguarding against scratches and minor drops.
One minor gripe is the implementation of the Always-On Display feature, which, contrary to its name, turns off after 10 seconds and requires a tap to reactivate.
This quirk might be frustrating for users accustomed to true always-on functionality.
POCO X4 Pro 5G Performance: Balancing Power and Efficiency
Under the hood, the POCO X4 Pro 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset.
Built on a 6nm process, this octa-core processor offers a good balance between performance and energy efficiency.
While it may not be the most powerful chip in its class, it handles everyday tasks with ease and provides smooth performance for most users.
The device comes in two configurations: 6GB RAM with 128GB storage or 8GB RAM with 256GB storage.
The inclusion of UFS 2.2 storage ensures faster app loading times and file transfers compared to older storage technologies.
For those needing extra space, the X4 Pro 5G offers a microSD card slot, although it shares the slot with the second SIM card, forcing users to choose between dual SIM functionality and expanded storage.
Gaming performance on the POCO X4 Pro 5G is decent for casual games, but hardcore gamers might find it lacking compared to some competitors or even previous POCO models like the X3 Pro.
The Adreno 619 GPU handles most games well at medium settings, but it may struggle with more demanding titles at higher graphics settings.
POCO X4 Pro 5G Camera Capabilities: High Megapixels, Mixed Results
The camera setup on the POCO X4 Pro 5G is headlined by a 108MP main sensor, accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro camera.
On paper, this configuration sounds impressive, especially for a mid-range device. However, real-world performance has been a mixed bag.
The 108MP main camera can capture detailed shots in good lighting conditions.
It uses pixel binning technology to produce 12MP images by default, which helps in low-light situations.
However, the Auto HDR mode has been reported to be somewhat underwhelming, often requiring users to switch to the manual “full” HDR mode for better results.
The ultra-wide camera provides added versatility, allowing users to capture more of the scene, albeit with a noticeable drop in quality compared to the main sensor.
The 2MP macro camera, while a nice addition, produces results that are often mediocre at best.
Video capabilities are limited by the Snapdragon 695 processor, with recording capped at 1080p at 30 frames per second. This limitation might disappoint users looking for 4K recording or higher frame rates at 1080p.
On the front, a 16MP selfie camera handles self-portraits and video calls adequately.
It benefits from the same AI enhancements as the rear cameras, producing decent results in most lighting conditions.
POCO X4 Pro 5G Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power
One of the standout features of the POCO X4 Pro 5G is its robust 5000mAh battery.
This capacity, combined with the energy-efficient Snapdragon 695 chipset and 1080p display, translates to excellent battery life.
Most users can expect the phone to last through a full day of heavy use, with some even stretching it to two days with more conservative usage.
When it’s time to recharge, the X4 Pro 5G doesn’t disappoint. It supports 67W fast charging, with the compatible charger included in the box.
This fast-charging capability can take the battery from empty to about 50% in just 15 minutes, with a full charge taking around 45 minutes.
This feature is particularly impressive in the mid-range segment, where slower charging speeds are often the norm.
POCO X4 Pro 5G Software Experience: MIUI with a POCO Twist
The POCO X4 Pro 5G runs on MIUI 13, based on Android 11 (upgradable to Android 12).
MIUI has come a long way in terms of optimization and features, offering a feature-rich experience with plenty of customization options.
However, it’s worth noting that MIUI can be polarizing, with some users loving its features and others finding it cluttered.
POCO’s version of MIUI includes some additional tweaks and optimizations.
The interface is generally smooth, thanks to the 120Hz display, although some users have reported occasional stutters or lag, particularly when many apps are running in the background.
One aspect that might concern some users is the presence of bloatware. The X4 Pro 5G comes with several pre-installed apps, some of which can be uninstalled, while others can only be disabled.
This software clutter is a common complaint among MIUI users and something to consider if you prefer a cleaner, more stock-like Android experience.
POCO X4 Pro 5G Connectivity and Additional Features
The POCO X4 Pro 5G, as its name suggests, supports 5G connectivity, future-proofing the device as 5G networks continue to expand globally.
It also includes Wi-Fi 5 (ac), Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC for contactless payments.
A standout feature is the inclusion of an IR blaster, which allows the phone to function as a universal remote control for various appliances.
This feature, while not essential, can be quite handy and is increasingly rare in modern smartphones.
The device also boasts a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which doubles as the power button. This placement is generally convenient and responsive, offering quick and reliable device unlocking.
Audio performance is another strong point for the X4 Pro 5G. It features stereo speakers that provide loud, clear sound with decent bass response for a smartphone.
The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome addition for those who prefer wired audio or have legacy audio devices.
POCO X4 Pro 5G Value Proposition and Market Position
Priced competitively in the mid-range segment, the POCO X4 Pro 5G offers excellent value for money.
It brings several features typically associated with more expensive devices, such as a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, fast charging, and a glass back, to a more accessible price point.
When compared to its competitors, the X4 Pro 5G holds its own in most aspects. Its display quality and charging speeds are particularly impressive for its price range.
However, it faces stiff competition from devices like the Realme 9 Pro+ in terms of camera performance and the Redmi Note 11 Pro in overall value.
POCO X4 Pro 5G Conclusion: A Solid Mid-Range Contender
The POCO X4 Pro 5G represents a significant step forward for the brand in the mid-range segment.
It offers a compelling package that balances performance, design, and features at an attractive price point.
The stunning AMOLED display, long-lasting battery with fast charging, and 5G connectivity make it a future-proof device for budget-conscious consumers.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The camera performance, while good, doesn’t quite live up to the hype of its 108MP sensor.
The Snapdragon 695 chipset, while efficient, may not satisfy power users or hardcore gamers.
The software experience, with its bloatware and occasional performance hiccups, might also be a point of contention for some users.
Despite these minor shortcomings, the POCO X4 Pro 5G remains an excellent choice for those seeking a well-rounded smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
It successfully brings several premium features to the mid-range segment, continuing POCO’s tradition of offering high value for money.
As smartphone technology continues to evolve rapidly, the POCO X4 Pro 5G stands as a testament to how far mid-range devices have come.
It offers a glimpse into a future where the line between premium and mid-range smartphones continues to blur, ultimately benefiting consumers who seek quality devices at affordable prices.