Xiaomi Poco F4 GT

Xiaomi Poco F4 GT Review: A Wild Ride of Speed and Trade-offs

I've spent the better part of the last few weeks with the Xiaomi Poco F4 GT glued to my hand, and it's been quite an experience. Landing at a price point that firmly plants it in the competitive mid-range, this phone makes some bold claims, particularly in the performance department. After putting it through its paces – everything from demanding gaming sessions to the daily grind of social media and emails – I have a pretty clear picture of who this phone is for, and perhaps more importantly, who it isn't.

Market Context: Chasing the Gaming Crown

The Poco F4 GT arrives at a fascinating time. Xiaomi, with its Poco sub-brand, has carved out a niche for offering impressive specs without breaking the bank. This phone feels like a direct shot at the mobile gaming crowd, aiming to deliver a flagship-level experience for a more accessible price. It's a smart strategy, capitalizing on the ever-growing mobile gaming market. From my perspective, the pricing feels largely justified considering the silicon under the hood, but as always, the devil is in the details – and the real-world execution.

Design & Hardware: Bold and Built to Last

Picking up the Poco F4 GT, the first thing you notice is its heft. At 210 grams, it's not a featherweight, but that weight lends it a feeling of solidity. I opted for the Stealth Black colorway, which manages to look sleek despite the phone's rather assertive design. The materials feel premium enough, and there's a reassuring sturdiness to the build. Durability is always a concern, but in my experience, it’s held up well to everyday use.

The standout design feature has to be the magnetic pop-up triggers on the side. Initially, I was skeptical. Gimmicky? Perhaps. But honestly, they've grown on me. They provide a tactile advantage in games, and I unexpectedly found myself using them as shortcuts for the camera app, making snapping quick photos surprisingly convenient. It's a clever addition that sets this phone apart.

Display: A Feast for the Eyes

The 6.67-inch AMOLED display is a real highlight. Brightness is ample, even under direct sunlight, making outdoor visibility a non-issue. Media consumption is a joy – colors are vibrant and punchy, exactly what you'd expect from a quality AMOLED panel. The 120Hz refresh rate makes everything from scrolling through feeds to playing fast-paced games incredibly smooth. In my gaming sessions, that fluidity made a noticeable difference, contributing to a more immersive experience. Even mundane tasks like browsing the web feel more pleasant with that buttery-smooth refresh rate.

Performance: Unleashing the Snapdragon Power

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 lives up to the hype. In my testing, the Poco F4 GT chewed through everything I threw at it. Demanding games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile ran at high settings without a hiccup. Multitasking was a breeze; switching between numerous apps felt instantaneous. Interestingly, despite the powerful chipset, temperature management seemed surprisingly well-handled. While it did get warm during extended gaming sessions, it never became uncomfortably hot, a testament to the cooling system at play. I did encounter a few rare instances of minor stuttering during particularly intense moments, but overall, the performance is genuinely impressive.

Camera System: Moments of Brilliance, Areas for Improvement

The camera system is where things get a little more nuanced. My experience has been a bit of a mixed bag, echoing some of the initial impressions. The main 64MP sensor can capture some truly stunning shots, especially in good lighting. I snapped a sunset the other evening, and the color reproduction and detail were genuinely impressive.

However, the other lenses don't quite reach the same heights. The 8MP ultrawide and 2MP macro lenses are adequate for their intended purposes but lack the same level of detail and dynamic range as the main sensor. Video recording is decent, offering up to 4K at 60fps, but it's not class-leading. Compared to other phones in this price range, the camera system is competent but doesn't necessarily stand out. For everyday snapshots, it's perfectly capable, but if photography is your primary focus, there might be better alternatives. Selfies from the 20MP front camera are respectable, especially in well-lit environments, capturing good detail and skin tones.

Battery & Charging: Endurance with a Lightning-Fast Refuel

Battery life on the Poco F4 GT is a tale of two halves. On a typical day with moderate use – browsing, social media, some emails – the 4700mAh battery comfortably lasted me a full day. However, when I started pushing it with gaming or heavy multitasking, I noticed the battery level dropping more rapidly. It's not terrible, but it does require you to be mindful of your usage if you're planning an extended gaming session away from a charger.

That being said, the 120W HyperCharge is an absolute game-changer. It's not an exaggeration to say that it's ridiculously fast. In my testing, I went from a completely dead battery to a full charge in under 20 minutes. It's almost unbelievable how quickly it replenishes the battery, making those moments of low power far less stressful. This fast charging is a genuine standout feature and a huge convenience. The lack of wireless charging is a slight disappointment at this price point, but the sheer speed of the wired charging almost makes up for it.

Software: Feature-Rich, But Could Be Cleaner

The Poco F4 GT runs on Android 12 with Xiaomi's MIUI skin on top. MIUI is known for its extensive customization options and a plethora of features. While some of these features are genuinely useful, I have to admit that the sheer volume of pre-installed apps and the sometimes-cluttered interface can feel a bit overwhelming. Navigating the settings menus can occasionally feel like a treasure hunt. While it's functional, a more streamlined and less intrusive software experience would be a welcome improvement. Xiaomi's update policy is something to consider as well, though the commitment to future Android versions is something they are actively working on improving.

Value Analysis: A Powerful Performer for the Price

When you consider the price-to-feature ratio, the Poco F4 GT makes a compelling case for itself. You're getting flagship-level performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, a fantastic 120Hz AMOLED display, and that incredibly fast 120W charging. For gamers and power users who prioritize speed and performance, this phone offers exceptional value.

However, if camera quality is paramount, or you prefer a cleaner, less intrusive software experience, you might find better options elsewhere. The lack of wireless charging might also be a deal-breaker for some.

Ultimately, I think this phone is squarely aimed at mobile gamers and those who demand top-tier performance without wanting to pay top-tier flagship prices. If you fall into that category, the Poco F4 GT deserves serious consideration. If you prioritize other aspects like a top-tier camera or a minimalist software experience, you might want to explore other options in the market.

Conclusion: Speed Demon with a Few Quirks

The Xiaomi Poco F4 GT is a powerful and feature-packed smartphone that delivers on its promise of high performance. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 provides a smooth and responsive experience for even the most demanding tasks, and the 120Hz AMOLED display is a joy to use. The 120W fast charging is a genuine standout feature that alleviates concerns about battery life.

While the camera system is decent, it's not the phone's strongest suit, and the MIUI software can feel a bit cluttered. However, for its target audience – gamers and performance enthusiasts – the Poco F4 GT offers a compelling package at a competitive price. It's not perfect, but it's a powerful contender that demonstrates Xiaomi's ability to pack serious punch into a mid-range device. If raw performance and blazing-fast charging are your priorities, the Poco F4 GT is definitely worth a look.