The Poco F4 5G is a strong contender in the competitive mid-range smartphone market, aiming to rival brands like Vivo, Oppo, and OnePlus. Let’s dive into the features, performance, and whether this device is worth the investment.
Processor and Performance
The Poco F4 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 870 chipset, the same processor found in the OnePlus 9R. While it’s not as premium as the Snapdragon 888, the Snapdragon 870 offers excellent performance for daily tasks and gaming. It runs games like Genshin Impact and Asphalt 9 smoothly, making it a reliable choice for gamers. The chipset strikes a good balance between performance and price, especially at this price point.
Gaming Experience
The smartphone shines in the gaming department. Unlike many phones that heat up after extended gaming sessions, the Poco F4 5G remains relatively cool, providing a seamless and enjoyable experience. However, the standout focus of this device is its display.
Display
The phone boasts a 6.67-inch Full HD+ E4 AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080×2400 pixels. With a 120Hz refresh rate and 360Hz touch sampling rate, the display is smooth and responsive. The Corning Gorilla Glass 5 ensures durability, while HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support enhance the video-watching experience on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Brightness levels are well-optimized for both indoor and outdoor use, making it one of the highlights of this device.
Camera
The camera system on the Poco F4 5G is a mixed bag:
- Rear Cameras: 64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro
- Outdoor shots are vibrant and detailed.
- Low-light performance is underwhelming, with noticeable noise and lack of sharpness.
- The ultra-wide and macro cameras fail to impress, delivering average results at best.
- Selfie Camera: 20MP front-facing camera
- Decent for selfies and video calls but falls short compared to some competitors offering 32MP sensors at a lower price point.
Overall, the camera performance is adequate but not exceptional, especially considering its price.
Software and Battery
Running MIUI 13 based on Android 12, the software is fluid and offers a fresh user experience. The 4,500mAh battery supports 67W fast charging, which ensures quick recharges. However, the battery capacity may not be sufficient for heavy users, especially gamers, as it tends to drain quickly under intense usage.
Price
The Poco F4 5G comes in three variants:
- 6GB RAM + 128GB Storage: ₹27,999
- 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage: ₹29,999
- 8GB RAM + 256GB Storage: ₹33,999
While the pricing is on the higher side, it offers a solid display and chipset.
Should You Buy It?
The Poco F4 5G is a good choice if:
- You prioritize a high-quality display and smooth gaming performance.
- You want a phone with durable build quality and fast charging.
However, if you’re looking for:
- Superior camera performance, you may want to explore alternatives like the OnePlus Nord 2 5G, Samsung Galaxy M53, or Xiaomi 11i.
- Features like 108MP rear cameras or 120W fast charging, this phone may fall short.
Verdict
The Poco F4 5G is a solid mid-range smartphone but comes with trade-offs. For those focused on a balanced performance and display experience, it’s a good option. However, camera enthusiasts and heavy users may want to consider alternatives.
