OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Smartphones Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartphones Methodology v1.0

Xiaomi Black Shark 4 (12GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£530RAM capacity:12 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:6.67 inchesMain camera megapixels:48 MP & 8 MP & 5 MP

Xiaomi Black Shark 4 (12GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.6

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

90%

6.4

Technical score

10%

8.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 52% of smartphones
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components

25%

7.0

Performance & Hardware

18%

5.8

Camera

15%

6.4

Display

15%

6.7

Battery

10%

4.1

Software

10%

7.5

Connectivity

4%

7.3

Audio

3%

6.7

Design

â–¼Worse than 56% of smartphones
8.4

User score

User score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

7.6

Number of reviews

Based on 827 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–²Better than 78% of smartphones
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartphone Xiaomi Black Shark 4 (12GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components:

25%

7.0

Performance & Hardware

18%

5.8

Camera

15%

6.4

Display

15%

6.7

Battery

10%

4.1

Software

10%

7.5

Connectivity

4%

7.3

Audio

3%

6.7

Design

6.4
User score
User score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

7.6

Number of reviews

Based on 827 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.4
Popularity
Popularity
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Popularity:
Xiaomi Black Shark 4 (12GB + 256GB) has a popularity of 7.6 points, which is higher than 70.5% of smartphones.
7.6
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components:

60%

6.6

Overall score

40%

7.7

Price

7.0
Brand name
Xiaomi
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 870
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 870
â–² Better than 72% of models
This smartphone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor which is faster than processors in 72.4% of smartphones and equal to processors in 1.3% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
12 GB
RAM capacity
12 GB
â–² Better than 59% of models
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 12 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 59% of smartphones and equal to that of 24.3% of smartphones.
Internal storage
256 GB
Internal storage
256 GB
â–² Better than 39% of models
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 38.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 38.3% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
3.2 GHz
CPU boost clock speed
3.2 GHz
â–² Better than 81% of models
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 3.2 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 81.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 7.1% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
Operating system
Android
â–² Better than 1% of models
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 11
Android version
Android 11
Android version
Android 11
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
This smartphone runs Android version Android 11 which is older than that found in 80.3% of smartphones and equal to that in 8.5% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
Direct OS updates
no
â–¼ Worse than 21% of models
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
Open-source OS
yes
â–² Better than 5% of models
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
Dark mode
yes
â–² Better than 4% of models
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
Multi-lens main camera
yes
â–² Better than 6% of models
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
48 MP & 8 MP & 5 MP
Main camera megapixels
48 MP & 8 MP & 5 MP
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 48 MP & 8 MP & 5 MP which is lower than that of 78.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.4% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4
Main camera aperture
f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4
â–² Better than 53% of models
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 which is wider than that of 53.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 10.7% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
30.7 mm²
Main camera sensor area
30.7 mm²
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 30.7 mm² which is smaller than the main camera sensor area of 63.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 6.3% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
0.8 µm
Main camera pixel size
0.8 µm
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 0.8 µm which is larger than in 35.5% of smartphones and equal to the size in 21.9% of smartphones.
1.6 binned
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
Number of SIM slots
2
â–² Better than 4% of models
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
Cellular module
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
5G connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 33% of models
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
LTE support
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.67 inches
Screen size
6.67 inches
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches which is larger than the screens of 38.3% of smartphones and equal to those of 13.4% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1080x 2400 px
Screen resolution
1080x 2400 px
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1080x2400 px which is higher than that of 36.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 20.4% of smartphones.
Pixel density
395 ppi
Pixel density
395 ppi
â–¼ Worse than 49% of models
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi which is higher than that of 41.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 8.9% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
â–² Better than 41% of models
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
144 Hz
Refresh rate
144 Hz
★ Better than 90% of models
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 144 Hz which is higher than in 89.9% of smartphones and equal to that in 8.5% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
4,500 mAh
Battery capacity
4,500 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 4,500 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 78.5% of smartphones and equal to those in 5.9% of smartphones.
Charging speed
120 W
Charging speed
120 W
★ Better than 94% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 120 W which is faster than in 94.4% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 4.6% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
Fast charging
yes
â–² Better than 7% of models
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
17 min
GSMArena full wired charge time
17 min
★ Better than 98% of models
Market range: <36 min – >120 min
This smartphone reaches a full wired charge in 17 min which is faster than 98.2% of smartphones and equal to the time of 0.4% of smartphones.
Wireless charging
no
Wireless charging
no
â–¼ Worse than 25% of models
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
Stereo speakers
yes
â–² Better than 36% of models
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
yes
3.5 mm headphone jack
yes
â–² Better than 55% of models
This smartphone includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
3
Number of microphones
3
â–² Better than 77% of models
Market range: <1 – >3
This smartphone includes 3 microphones, which is more than in 77.2% of smartphones and equal to the number in 19.7% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
FM radio
no
â–¼ Worse than 34% of models
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
aptX Lossless
no
â–¼ Worse than 13% of models
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
163.8 mm
Height
163.8 mm
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 163.8 mm which is taller than 53.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.1% of smartphones.
Width
76.4 mm
Width
76.4 mm
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 76.4 mm which is wider than 60.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.2% of smartphones.
Thickness
9.9 mm
Thickness
9.9 mm
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 9.9 mm which is thicker than 88% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.6% of smartphones.
Weight
210 g
Weight
210 g
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 210 g which is heavier than 72.6% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 0.9% of smartphones.
Device volume
111,492 cm³
Device volume
111,492 cm³
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 111,492 cm³ which is larger than 83% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.2% of smartphones.
Show more

Xiaomi Black Shark 4 (12GB + 256GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 3.64x faster charging speed
    Charging speed
    120 W
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (120 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    120 W vs 33 W
  • 33.3% higher CPU boost clock speed
    CPU boost clock speed
    3.2 GHz
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (3.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    3.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    TDP (Thermal design power)
    10 W
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <4 W – >10 W
    This smartphone has a lower TDP than the average smartphone (10 W vs 6 W). The average TDP for smartphones is 6 W.
    10 W vs 6 W
  • 4 GB more RAM
    RAM capacity
    12 GB
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 8 GB
  • 41.1% higher PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    15,218
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <7.1k – >15.9k
    This smartphone has a higher PCMark Work 3.0 performance score than the average smartphone (15,218 vs 10,783). The average score is 10,783.
    15,218 vs 10,783
  • 3x higher touch sampling rate
    Touch sampling rate
    720 Hz
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <120 Hz – >480 Hz
    This smartphone has a higher touch sampling rate than the average smartphone (720 Hz vs 240 Hz). The average touch sampling rate is 240 Hz.
    720 Hz vs 240 Hz
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    CPU base clock speed
    1 x 3.2 GHz & 3 x 2.42 GHz & 4 x 1.8 GHz
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (1x3.2 GHz & 3x2.42 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    1x3.2 GHz & 3x2.42 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 20% higher refresh rate
    Refresh rate
    144 Hz
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
    This smartphone has a higher refresh rate than the average smartphone (144 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone refresh rate is 120 Hz.
    144 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 5.4% higher user score
    User score
    8.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Xiaomi Black Shark 4
    the average smartphone
    Xiaomi Black Shark 4 (12GB + 256GB) has a higher user score than the average smartphone (8.43 vs 8.000).
    8.43 vs 8
  • 40.2% more popular
    Xiaomi Black Shark 4 (12GB + 256GB) is more popular than the average smartphone (7.63 vs 5.4).
    7.63 vs 5.44
  • 33.3% higher CPU boost clock speed
    CPU boost clock speed
    3.2 GHz
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (3.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    3.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    TDP (Thermal design power)
    10 W
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <4 W – >10 W
    This smartphone has a lower TDP than the average smartphone (10 W vs 6 W). The average TDP for smartphones is 6 W.
    10 W vs 6 W
  • 4 GB more RAM
    RAM capacity
    12 GB
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 8 GB
  • 41.1% higher PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    15,218
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <7.1k – >15.9k
    This smartphone has a higher PCMark Work 3.0 performance score than the average smartphone (15,218 vs 10,783). The average score is 10,783.
    15,218 vs 10,783
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    CPU base clock speed
    1 x 3.2 GHz & 3 x 2.42 GHz & 4 x 1.8 GHz
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (1x3.2 GHz & 3x2.42 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    1x3.2 GHz & 3x2.42 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 6 more memory channels
    Memory channels
    8
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <2 – >4
    This smartphone has more memory channels than the average smartphone (8 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 memory channels.
    8 vs 2
  • Newer DDR memory version
    DDR memory version
    5
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • 33.9% higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    1,261
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <392 – >2.2k
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (1,261 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in single-core.
    1,261 vs 942
  • 3x more shader units
    N. of shading units
    768
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    Market range: <32 – >1.5k
    This smartphone features more shader units than the average smartphone (768 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    768 vs 256
  • 71.9% higher memory bandwidth
    Memory bandwidth
    44 GB/s
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <13.41 GB/s – >76.6 GB/s
    This smartphone has higher memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (44 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
    44 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 14.3% higher maximum RAM
    Maximum RAM
    16 GB
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    Market range: <8 GB – >16 GB
    This smartphone supports more maximum RAM than the average smartphone (16 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB RAM.
    16 GB vs 14 GB
  • 37.8% higher 3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    4,294
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <661 – >11.1k
    This smartphone scores higher in 3DMark Wild Life than the average smartphone (4,294 vs 3,115). The average smartphone scores 3,115.
    4,294 vs 3,115
  • Better processor
    Processor model
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 870
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This smartphone features a better processor than the average smartphone (Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 12.8% higher 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited benchmark
    3DMark Wild Life Unlimited benchmark
    4,313
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    Market range: <975 – >12.4k
    This smartphone scores higher in 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited than the average smartphone (4,313 vs 3,825). The average smartphone scores 3,825.
    4,313 vs 3,825
  • Better main camera video
    Main camera video
    2160 x 60 fps
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 22.60x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    2160x60 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • Wider front camera aperture
    Front camera aperture
    f/2.0
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • Higher front camera megapixels
    Front camera megapixels
    20 MP
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <5 – >40
    This smartphone has more front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (20 MP vs 16 MP). The average front camera has 16 MP megapixels.
    20 MP vs 16 MP
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    This smartphone supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average smartphone (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)). The average smartphone uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Has a barometer
    Barometer
    yes
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    This smartphone features a barometer, the average smartphone does not. 19.9% of smartphones include a barometer.
  • 3x higher touch sampling rate
    Touch sampling rate
    720 Hz
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <120 Hz – >480 Hz
    This smartphone has a higher touch sampling rate than the average smartphone (720 Hz vs 240 Hz). The average touch sampling rate is 240 Hz.
    720 Hz vs 240 Hz
  • 20% higher refresh rate
    Refresh rate
    144 Hz
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
    This smartphone has a higher refresh rate than the average smartphone (144 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone refresh rate is 120 Hz.
    144 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 300 nits higher peak brightness
    Peak brightness
    1,300 nits
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <480 nits – >3.6k nits
    This smartphone has a higher peak brightness than the average smartphone (1300 nits vs 1000 nits). The average peak brightness is 1000 nits.
    1,300 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • 3.64x faster charging speed
    Charging speed
    120 W
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (120 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    120 W vs 33 W
  • 45 min faster GSMArena full wired charge time
    GSMArena full wired charge time
    17 min
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <36 min – >120 min
    This smartphone has a faster GSMArena full wired charge time than the average smartphone (17 min vs 62 min). The average charge time is 62 min.
    17 min vs 62 min
  • Supports aptX Adaptive
    aptX Adaptive
    yes
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This smartphone supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 34.5% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
  • 1 more microphone/s
    Number of microphones
    3
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <1 – >3
    This smartphone has more microphones than the average smartphone (3 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 microphones.
    3 vs 2
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    3.5 mm headphone jack
    yes
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • Supports aptX
    aptX
    yes
    â–² Better than 50% of models
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 29.5% slower GPU clock
    GPU frequency
    670 MHz
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <646 MHz – >1.2k MHz
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (670 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    670 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • No live text recognition
    Live text recognition
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • No LDAC support
    LDAC
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartphone does not support LDAC, the average smartphone does. 60.3% of smartphones support LDAC.
  • No memory card slot
    Memory card slot
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Lacks app tracking protection
    App tracking protection
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    This smartphone does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.2% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
  • No location privacy controls
    Location privacy
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This smartphone does not offer location privacy controls, the average smartphone does. 88% of smartphones include location privacy features.
  • Lacks focus mode
    Focus mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartphone does not have a focus mode, the average smartphone does. 60.4% of smartphones include a dedicated focus mode.
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    Main camera megapixels
    48 MP & 8 MP & 5 MP
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <10 – >100
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (48 MP & 8 MP & 5 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    48 MP & 8 MP & 5 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • 2.04x more expensive
    Xiaomi Black Shark 4 (12GB + 256GB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£530 vs £260).
    £530 vs £260
  • 5.3% worse value for money
    Xiaomi Black Shark 4 (12GB + 256GB) has worse value for money than the average smartphone (6.97 vs 7.3).
    6.97 vs 7.34
  • 29.5% slower GPU clock
    GPU frequency
    670 MHz
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <646 MHz – >1.2k MHz
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (670 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    670 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • 71.3% lower PassMark benchmark
    PassMark benchmark
    1,261
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <2.2k – >10.5k
    This smartphone has a lower PassMark score than the average smartphone (1,261 vs 4,389). The average smartphone scores 4,389 in PassMark.
    1,261 vs 4,389
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Process node
    7 nm
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    Market range: <4 nm – >12 nm
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (7 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    7 nm vs 6 nm
  • No live text recognition
    Live text recognition
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • No location privacy controls
    Location privacy
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This smartphone does not offer location privacy controls, the average smartphone does. 88% of smartphones include location privacy features.
  • Lacks app tracking protection
    App tracking protection
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    This smartphone does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.2% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
  • Lacks focus mode
    Focus mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartphone does not have a focus mode, the average smartphone does. 60.4% of smartphones include a dedicated focus mode.
  • No camera/mic privacy toggles
    Camera/mic privacy
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    This smartphone lacks camera and microphone privacy toggles, the average smartphone includes them. 87% of smartphones offer these toggles.
  • Older Android version
    Android version
    Android 11
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 11 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 11 vs Android 14
  • No Wi-Fi password sharing
    Wi-Fi password sharing
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This smartphone does not support Wi-Fi password sharing, the average smartphone does. 57.9% of smartphones allow easy Wi-Fi sharing.
  • No battery health monitoring
    Battery health monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartphone lacks battery health monitoring, the average smartphone includes it. 66.3% of smartphones provide battery health stats.
  • Does not allow app offloading
    App offloading
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This smartphone does not support app offloading, the average smartphone does. 51.9% of smartphones support app offloading to save space.
  • Lacks instant markup
    Instant markup
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This smartphone does not support instant markup, the average smartphone does. 52.2% of smartphones include instant markup tools.
  • No scrolling screenshot support
    Scrolling screenshots
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    This smartphone does not support scrolling screenshots, the average smartphone does. 81.1% of smartphones allow scrolling screenshots.
  • No theme customization
    Theme customization
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    This smartphone does not support theme customization, the average smartphone does. 91% of smartphones allow theme customization.
  • No offline voice commands
    Offline voice commands
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    This smartphone does not support offline voice commands, the average smartphone does. 90.4% of smartphones offer offline voice control.
  • Does not allow play while downloading
    Play while downloading
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    This smartphone cannot play games while downloading, the average smartphone can. 77.3% of smartphones support play-while-downloading.
  • No dynamic theme support
    Dynamic theme
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    This smartphone does not support dynamic themes, the average smartphone does. 81.9% of smartphones support dynamic theming.
  • Lacks extra dim mode
    Extra dim mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    This smartphone does not have extra dim mode, the average smartphone does. 82.5% of smartphones offer extra dimming features.
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    Main camera megapixels
    48 MP & 8 MP & 5 MP
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <10 – >100
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (48 MP & 8 MP & 5 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    48 MP & 8 MP & 5 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    Main camera aperture
    f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • 4.1% smaller main camera sensor area
    Main camera sensor area
    30.7 mm²
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (30.7 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average smartphone sensor area is 32 mm².
    30.7 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • No memory card slot
    Memory card slot
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • 199.5 nits lower GSMArena max display brightness
    GSMArena max display brightness
    694 nits
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    Market range: <537 nits – >1.4k nits
    This smartphone has a lower GSMArena max display brightness than the average smartphone (694 nits vs 893.5 nits). The average smartphone scores 893.5 nits.
    694 nits vs 893.5 nits
  • 10% smaller battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    4,500 mAh
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4500 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    4,500 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • No LDAC support
    LDAC
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartphone does not support LDAC, the average smartphone does. 60.3% of smartphones support LDAC.
  • 3 year/s older release date
    Release date
    2021
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2021 vs 2024). 3.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    March 2021
    2021 vs 2024
  • 1.6 mm thicker
    Thickness
    9.9 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
    This smartphone is thicker than the average smartphone (9.9 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone has a thickness of 8.3 mm.
    9.9 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • 7% heavier
    Weight
    210 g
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <175 g – >256 g
    This smartphone is heavier than the average smartphone (210 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    210 g vs 196.2 g
  • 0.4 mm wider
    Width
    76.4 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
    This smartphone is wider than the average smartphone (76.4 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone has a width of 76 mm.
    76.4 mm vs 76 mm
  • 14% larger volume
    Device volume
    111,492 cm³
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
    This smartphone has a larger volume than the average smartphone (111492 cm³ vs 97800 cm³). The average smartphone volume is 97800 cm³.
    111,492 cm³ vs 97,800 cm³

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

S
smartzone.de
28/04/2021
Summary of the review
Black Shark 4 Review - Is Xiaomi's Gaming Smartphone Convincing?
(Translated)Show original
F
frandroid.com
17/05/2021
Summary of the review
Xiaomi Black Shark 4: Best price, specs, and news. Would you also like the detailed technical sheets comparing this standard model to its Pro version?
(Translated)Show original
I
it-connect.fr
07/06/2021
Summary of the review
Black Shark 4 Review: Value for Money Gamers Will Love
(Translated)Show original
P
profesionalreview.com
04/05/2021
Summary of the review
Black Shark 4 Review (Full Analysis)
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 827 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Xiaomi Black Shark 4 (12GB + 256GB)

  • Bright, vibrant 144Hz AMOLED display with HDR10+ support.
  • Extremely fast 120W charging (full charge in under 17 minutes), which is a routine-changing feature.
  • Convenient and satisfying physical pop-up shoulder triggers that enhance the gaming experience and can be customized for general use.
  • Great-sounding stereo speakers with good low mids and bass reproduction.
  • Solid sustained performance for gaming and everyday tasks, offering an excellent price-to-performance ratio.
  • Dependable main camera performance in good lighting conditions.
  • High-quality haptic feedback.
  • Inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack.

What we don't like about Xiaomi Black Shark 4 (12GB + 256GB)

  • Mediocre battery life, often requiring a charge before the end of the day, especially with heavy use.
  • The full 120W charger is not always included in the box (sometimes only a 67W is provided), and the device gets very hot when charging at full speed.
  • Limited support for high refresh rate (HRR) gaming in some titles, which underutilizes the 144Hz display's potential.
  • Average camera performance in low light, with no optical zoom and lack of electronic image stabilization (EIS) for 4K video recording.
  • No Gorilla Glass protection or official IP rating for water resistance.
  • Runs a heavy, custom Joy UI skin over Android, leading to slower software and security updates.
  • Some users report the phone can get very hot during demanding games.
  • Can be considered chunky and heavy compared to non-gaming flagships.

Verdict

The Black Shark 4 is a gaming-focused smartphone featuring robust internal specifications, including 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Its main characteristics include a smooth 144Hz refresh rate AMOLED display, an efficient Snapdragon 870 processor, and a highly competitive 120W fast charging capability that can fully charge the battery in under 15 minutes. A significant pro for gamers is the inclusion of physical, pop-up magnetic shoulder triggers, providing a console-like experience. However, a potential con is the absence of optical image stabilization (OIS) in its camera system and the phone's design language which clearly targets a niche gaming audience.

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