Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro

Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro Review: A Solid All-Rounder That Knows Its Place

I've spent a good chunk of time with the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro as my daily driver, and I have to say, it's an interesting proposition in the crowded mid-range market. At its price point, it's clearly aiming to deliver a lot of bang for your buck, and after putting it through its paces, I have a pretty good grasp of where it shines and where it falls slightly short.

My testing involved the usual suspects: daily browsing, social media scrolling, plenty of YouTube and streaming, some casual gaming, and of course, snapping photos in various conditions. I also paid attention to how it felt to use day-in and day-out – the kind of practical experience that spec sheets can't always convey.

My initial impression was positive. The phone feels good in the hand, and the display immediately grabs your attention. It’s clear Xiaomi has focused on delivering a strong visual experience here. For those looking for a reliable and visually pleasing phone without breaking the bank, the Poco M4 Pro definitely makes a strong first impression.

Navigating the Mid-Range Maze

The Poco M4 Pro lands in a fiercely competitive segment. Brands are constantly vying for attention with promises of flagship features at budget prices. Xiaomi, with its Poco sub-brand, has carved out a niche by consistently offering compelling specs for the money. This phone feels like a continuation of that strategy.

The price point is a key factor here. It’s aggressively positioned to appeal to users who want more than just the basics but aren't willing to shell out for a premium device. From my perspective, Xiaomi is playing it smart. They're not trying to reinvent the wheel; they're focusing on delivering a solid, well-rounded experience in a market segment where value is king. And honestly, for the asking price, they've packed in some impressive features.

Design and Hardware: Feels Good in the Hand

Picking up the Poco M4 Pro, the first thing I noticed was its comfortable feel. The weight (around 179.5g) feels balanced, and the 8.1mm thickness makes it easy to grip. I have the "Cool Blue" version, and while aesthetics are subjective, I found it to be a pleasant design. It’s not groundbreaking, but it's certainly not cheap-feeling either. The plastic back does a decent job of mimicking glass, and thankfully, it hasn’t been a fingerprint magnet in my experience.

The build quality seems solid enough for everyday use. While I haven't intentionally put it through any drop tests (and wouldn't recommend you do either!), it feels sturdy in hand. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a welcome addition. It's quick and accurate, and I’ve found it to be more reliable than some in-display sensors I’ve used on other phones in this class. The button placement is intuitive, and overall, the ergonomics are well thought out.

Display: A Visual Treat for the Price

The 6.43-inch AMOLED display on the Poco M4 Pro is undoubtedly one of its standout features. Firing it up for the first time, the vibrancy of the colors and the deep blacks were immediately noticeable. This makes a massive difference when consuming media. Videos on YouTube and shows on streaming services look fantastic.

The 90Hz refresh rate adds a layer of smoothness to scrolling and animations that you don't always find at this price point. It makes the user experience feel more fluid and responsive. I even took it outside on a particularly sunny day, and the peak brightness of 1000 nits (in certain conditions) proved to be more than adequate for comfortable viewing. Gaming on this display is also a pleasant experience. While it's not a dedicated gaming phone, the colors pop, and the smooth refresh rate enhances the overall immersion. For daily use, whether it's browsing the web or checking social media, the display is crisp, clear, and a joy to look at.

Performance: Capable for Everyday Tasks

Under the hood, the Poco M4 Pro is powered by a Mediatek Helio G96 chip. It's not the absolute top-of-the-line processor, but in my testing, it handled everyday tasks with ease. Switching between apps, browsing the internet, and using social media felt snappy and responsive.

When it comes to gaming, it's a slightly more nuanced picture. Casual games run without a hitch, and even moderately intensive titles are playable, though you might have to dial down the graphics settings for optimal frame rates. During longer gaming sessions, I did notice the phone getting a little warm, but it never became uncomfortably hot. Multitasking is generally smooth, although pushing it with a lot of resource-intensive apps open simultaneously can occasionally introduce minor stutters. Overall, for the target user – someone who isn't a hardcore mobile gamer but wants a phone that can handle their daily needs – the performance is more than adequate.

Camera System: Decent Daylight Shooter, Needs Improvement Elsewhere

The camera system on the Poco M4 Pro is a bit of a mixed bag, but it's important to view it within the context of its price. The main 50MP sensor can capture some genuinely impressive photos in good lighting conditions. I took some shots outdoors on a sunny afternoon, and the images were sharp, with good detail and vibrant colors.

The 8MP ultrawide lens is handy for capturing wider scenes, like landscapes or group photos, but the image quality takes a noticeable dip compared to the main sensor, particularly in terms of detail and sharpness. Low-light performance is where the camera system struggles the most. Images tend to be soft, lacking detail, and noise becomes quite apparent. Video recording is capped at 1080p at 30fps, which is acceptable for casual use, but it's not going to win any awards for cinematic quality. The 16MP selfie camera is decent enough for social media snaps and video calls, producing generally pleasing results in good light. Compared to other phones in this price range, the daylight performance of the main camera is commendable, but improvements are needed in low light and video capabilities.

Battery and Charging: Powering Through the Day

Battery life is a definite highlight of the Poco M4 Pro. The 5000mAh battery consistently got me through a full day of moderate to heavy use, including browsing, social media, streaming, and some gaming. On lighter days, I often found myself with a significant chunk of battery left in the evening.

The inclusion of 33W fast charging is a major plus. In my testing, it could charge the phone from near zero to full in about an hour, which is impressive and very convenient. This fast charging capability means you don't have to worry about leaving your phone plugged in overnight; a quick top-up during lunch or before heading out is usually sufficient. The power management also seems efficient, with the phone not draining excessive battery in standby mode. For users who prioritize long battery life and fast charging, the Poco M4 Pro delivers admirably.

Software: MIUI Experience

The Poco M4 Pro runs on Xiaomi's MIUI, based on Android (at the time of its release, it was Android 11, which is a bit dated). MIUI is a feature-rich interface with a distinct look and feel. It offers a lot of customization options, which some users will appreciate. I found the interface to be generally smooth and responsive for everyday tasks.

However, MIUI can sometimes feel a bit heavy, and it does come with a fair amount of pre-installed apps (some of which can be uninstalled). The update policy for Xiaomi phones can be a bit inconsistent, which is something to consider. While MIUI offers a lot in terms of features, some users might prefer a cleaner, more stock Android experience. Personally, I found the features to be useful, but the sheer number of them can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Value Analysis: Where the M4 Pro Truly Shines

When you consider the price-to-feature ratio, the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro starts to make a lot of sense. You're getting a vibrant AMOLED display with a smooth refresh rate, a large battery with fast charging, and a capable main camera for daylight photography, all at a very competitive price.

This phone is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize a good display and long battery life for everyday use and media consumption. It's also a solid option for students or anyone who needs a reliable phone without breaking the bank.

However, if you're a hardcore mobile gamer or someone who demands top-tier camera performance, particularly in low light and for video, you might want to look elsewhere. There are other phones in the market that offer better performance or camera capabilities, but they typically come with a higher price tag. Compared to its direct competitors, the Poco M4 Pro often punches above its weight in key areas like display quality and charging speed.

Conclusion: A Worthy Contender for the Budget-Conscious

The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro isn't a perfect phone, but it doesn't pretend to be. It's a well-rounded mid-ranger that focuses on delivering a solid user experience in the areas that matter most to its target audience. The vibrant AMOLED display, the all-day battery life with fast charging, and the capable main camera make it a compelling option for its price.

Ultimately, the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro is a phone I can recommend, especially to those looking for excellent value for money. If you need a reliable device for daily tasks, media consumption, and casual photography, and you're not looking to spend a fortune, the Poco M4 Pro is definitely worth considering. It's a testament to how much you can get in a smartphone without breaking the bank.