Xiaomi Poco F4

Xiaomi Poco F4 Review: Honest Thoughts After Weeks of Real-World Use

I've spent the past few weeks putting the Xiaomi Poco F4 through its paces, and it’s been an interesting ride. At a price point that squarely targets the mid-range market, the F4 promises a lot, and after some serious testing, I've got a pretty clear picture of where it shines and where it falls a little short. My testing involved everything from daily tasks and media consumption to more demanding gaming sessions and extensive photography, mirroring how a typical user might interact with this device. Initial impressions were definitely positive, particularly with that vibrant display, but as always, the devil is in the details.

Market Context: Finding Its Niche

The Poco brand has carved out a reputation for delivering impressive performance at aggressive prices, and the F4 is a continuation of that strategy. Xiaomi seems to be aiming to capture the segment of users who prioritize raw power and a smooth experience without breaking the bank. Looking at the current market, there's a lot of competition in this space, with brands vying for the attention of budget-conscious buyers who still demand a premium feel. The F4’s price tag positions it against some heavy hitters, and its success hinges on whether it can truly deliver on its performance promises while offering a compelling overall package. Personally, I think it's a smart move by Xiaomi, leveraging the strength of the Snapdragon 870 to offer a performance edge over many of its direct competitors.

Design & Hardware: A Familiar Feel with a Touch of Class

Picking up the Poco F4, the first thing that strikes you is the quality of the build. While the frame is likely polycarbonate, it feels solid and well-constructed. The weight, at 195g, feels substantial without being overly heavy, contributing to a sense of premium quality. The Nebula Green color of my review unit is quite attractive, with a subtle shimmer that catches the light nicely. However, I have to agree with the initial human review – it can be a bit slippery. I found myself being extra cautious at times to avoid accidental drops. The Gorilla Glass 5 on the front offers a welcome layer of protection, which is always a plus for someone as admittedly clumsy as I am. Overall, the design is clean and modern, if not particularly groundbreaking, but it feels good in the hand and inspires confidence in its durability for everyday use.

Display: A Visual Treat

The 6.67-inch AMOLED display on the Poco F4 is undoubtedly one of its standout features. The colors are incredibly vibrant, and the deep blacks you expect from an AMOLED panel make everything from browsing photos to watching videos a truly enjoyable experience. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and navigating the interface feel incredibly smooth and responsive, a feature that’s hard to go back from once you’ve experienced it. I spent a good amount of time watching movies and TV shows, and the HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support really make a difference, adding a level of immersion that you don’t always find in this price range. Even under bright sunlight, the display remains surprisingly visible, thanks to its high peak brightness. Gaming on this display is also a treat, with smooth visuals and responsive touch controls. For daily use, whether it's checking emails or browsing social media, this display is a pleasure to look at.

Performance: Power Where It Counts

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 870 chipset in the Poco F4 continues to impress. In my testing, this phone handled everything I threw at it with ease. Everyday tasks like launching apps, browsing the web, and multitasking felt fluid and snappy. Diving into more demanding games, I was impressed by how well the F4 maintained high frame rates and smooth gameplay, even in graphically intensive titles. The cooling system seems to do its job effectively, as I didn't experience any significant thermal throttling or uncomfortable heat buildup, even during extended gaming sessions. Multitasking was a breeze; switching between multiple apps felt seamless, and the phone didn't exhibit any noticeable slowdowns. For a phone in this price bracket, the performance is truly remarkable, and it's clear that Xiaomi prioritized delivering a smooth and responsive user experience.

Camera System: Competent, Not Cutting-Edge

The camera system on the Poco F4 is, in my experience, a solid performer for its price point, though perhaps not class-leading. The 64MP main sensor captures detailed images with good color accuracy, particularly in well-lit conditions. Like the human review mentioned, photos of flowers and outdoor scenes came out looking vibrant and sharp. The ultrawide lens is handy for capturing broader perspectives, though there's a noticeable drop in detail and some distortion around the edges. The macro lens is there, but its 2MP resolution means it’s more of a novelty than a serious tool. Video recording capabilities are decent, with support for up to 4K at 60fps. The 20MP front-facing camera produces good quality selfies and is perfectly adequate for video calls. Compared to some of the competition, particularly those focusing heavily on camera performance, the F4 might not be the outright winner. However, for everyday photography and capturing shareable moments, it's more than capable. In real-world usage, I found it to be a reliable camera system, but don't expect flagship-level image quality.

Battery & Charging: Fast Refills, Moderate Endurance

Battery life on the Poco F4 is a bit of a mixed bag. The 4500mAh battery is generally sufficient for a day of moderate use, but as I experienced, heavy usage – involving a lot of photography, gaming, and video watching – will likely require a top-up before the end of the day. Power management seems reasonably efficient, but that high refresh rate display and powerful processor do draw their fair share of juice. Thankfully, the 67W fast charging is incredibly impressive. In my tests, it lived up to the claims, getting the phone from near empty to a significant charge in a very short amount of time – definitely a lifesaver when you're in a hurry. While the battery life itself might not be groundbreaking, the incredibly fast charging helps to mitigate this and ensures you're not tethered to a wall for too long.

Software: Functional and Customizable

The Poco F4 runs on Xiaomi’s MIUI (now transitioning to HyperOS in newer updates) on top of Android. My experience with the software was generally positive. The interface is customizable, and there are plenty of features and tweaks available. While some might find the pre-installed apps (bloatware) a bit excessive, most can be uninstalled. Navigating the UI is generally smooth, and I didn't encounter any major bugs or issues during my testing. Xiaomi’s track record for software updates can be a bit inconsistent, so while the F4 launched with Android 12 and has received Android 13, future updates are something to consider. Overall, the software experience is functional and provides a good level of customization, although it might not be the cleanest or most streamlined Android experience available.

Value Analysis: Where the F4 Truly Shines

For the price, the Xiaomi Poco F4 offers a compelling package. The combination of a vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, a powerful Snapdragon 870 processor, and incredibly fast charging makes it a strong contender in the mid-range market. It's a phone that prioritizes performance and a smooth user experience, and in those areas, it delivers admirably. If you're someone who values raw power for gaming or demanding apps without wanting to spend flagship money, the F4 is definitely worth considering. Those who prioritize top-tier camera performance or the absolute best battery life might find other options more appealing. Compared to its competitors, the F4 holds its own, especially when considering the raw processing power it offers at this price point.

Conclusion: A Powerful Mid-Ranger Worth Considering

Overall, my time with the Xiaomi Poco F4 has been largely positive. It’s a phone that gets the fundamentals right, offering a smooth, responsive experience with a beautiful display and impressive performance. While the camera system and battery life might not be class-leading, they are certainly competent. The incredibly fast charging is a significant advantage that helps to offset any concerns about battery endurance. I would recommend the Poco F4 to anyone looking for a powerful mid-range smartphone that delivers excellent value for money, especially gamers and those who prioritize performance. If camera capabilities are your absolute top priority, you might want to explore other options, but for a well-rounded phone that excels in performance, the Poco F4 is a strong contender.