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

Avg. price:~£510RAM capacity:12 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:6.67 inchesMain camera megapixels:48 MP & 8 MP & 2 MP

Xiaomi Black Shark 4S (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.

6.7/10

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 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–² Better than 52% of models
Score components

90%

6.7

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–²Better than 52% of smartphones
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 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 71% of models
Score components

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

7.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 71%
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 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–² Better than 54% of models
Score components

25%

7.5

Performance & Hardware

18%

6.6

Camera

15%

6.6

Display

15%

6.7

Battery

10%

4.1

Software

10%

7.4

Connectivity

4%

8.5

Audio

3%

6.6

Design

â–²Better than 54%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £510
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 4S (12GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 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–² Better than 54% of models
Score components:

25%

7.5

Performance & Hardware

18%

6.6

Camera

15%

6.6

Display

15%

6.7

Battery

10%

4.1

Software

10%

7.4

Connectivity

4%

8.5

Audio

3%

6.6

Design

6.7
User score
User score
8.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Xiaomi Black Shark 4S (12GB + 256GB) has a popularity of 1 point, which is lower than 63.9% of smartphones.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 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 71% of models
Score components:

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

7.8

Price

7.1
Brand name
Xiaomi
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 870
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
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
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
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
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 11
Android version
Android 11
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
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
48 MP & 8 MP & 2 MP
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 48 MP & 8 MP & 2 MP which is lower than that of 79.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.4% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4
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
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
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
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
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.67 inches
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
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
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
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
144 Hz
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
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
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
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
15 min
Market range: <36 min – >120 min
This smartphone reaches a full wired charge in 15 min which is faster than 98.8% of smartphones and equal to the time of 0.6% of smartphones.
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
yes
This smartphone includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
?
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
163.8 mm
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
76.3 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 76.3 mm which is wider than 58.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.9% of smartphones.
Thickness
10.3 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 10.3 mm which is thicker than 89.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.2% of smartphones.
Weight
222 g
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 222 g which is heavier than 82.8% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 0.3% of smartphones.
Device volume
123,880 cm³
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 123,880 cm³ which is larger than 88.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Show more

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

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 3.64x faster charging speed
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
  • 47 min faster GSMArena full wired charge time
    This smartphone has a faster GSMArena full wired charge time than the average smartphone (15 min vs 62 min). The average charge time is 62 min.
    15 min vs 62 min
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    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
  • 33.3% higher CPU boost clock speed
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • 3x more shader units
    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
    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
  • 31% higher Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (3,317 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in multi-core.
    3,317 vs 2,533
  • 14.3% higher maximum RAM
    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
  • Better processor
    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
  • 7.3% higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (1,011 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in single-core.
    1,011 vs 942
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40.5% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 22.60x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    2160x60 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • Supports HDR10 video recording
    This smartphone supports HDR10 video recording, the average smartphone does not. 35.9% of smartphones support HDR10.
  • Wider front camera aperture
    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
    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
    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)
  • 3x higher touch sampling rate
    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
    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
    This smartphone has a higher peak brightness than the average smartphone (1,300 nits vs 1,000 nits). The average peak brightness is 1,000 nits.
    1,300 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • 3.64x faster charging speed
    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
  • 47 min faster GSMArena full wired charge time
    This smartphone has a faster GSMArena full wired charge time than the average smartphone (15 min vs 62 min). The average charge time is 62 min.
    15 min vs 62 min
  • Supports aptX Adaptive
    This smartphone supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 34.5% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    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
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 29.5% slower GPU clock
    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
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Lacks app tracking protection
    This smartphone does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.2% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
  • No location privacy controls
    This smartphone does not offer location privacy controls, the average smartphone does. 88% of smartphones include location privacy features.
  • Lacks focus mode
    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
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (48 MP & 8 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    48 MP & 8 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • No camera/mic privacy toggles
    This smartphone lacks camera and microphone privacy toggles, the average smartphone includes them. 87% of smartphones offer these toggles.
  • 5.44x less popular
    Xiaomi Black Shark 4S (12GB + 256GB) is less popular than the average smartphone (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • 96.2% more expensive
    Xiaomi Black Shark 4S (12GB + 256GB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£510 vs £260).
    £510 vs £260
  • 3.7% worse value for money
    Xiaomi Black Shark 4S (12GB + 256GB) has worse value for money than the average smartphone (7.07 vs 7.3).
    7.07 vs 7.34
  • 29.5% slower GPU clock
    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
  • 16.7% larger process node
    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
    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
    This smartphone does not offer location privacy controls, the average smartphone does. 88% of smartphones include location privacy features.
  • Lacks app tracking protection
    This smartphone does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.2% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
  • Lacks focus mode
    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
    This smartphone lacks camera and microphone privacy toggles, the average smartphone includes them. 87% of smartphones offer these toggles.
  • Older Android version
    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
    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
    This smartphone lacks battery health monitoring, the average smartphone includes it. 66.3% of smartphones provide battery health stats.
  • Does not allow app offloading
    This smartphone does not support app offloading, the average smartphone does. 51.9% of smartphones support app offloading to save space.
  • Lacks instant markup
    This smartphone does not support instant markup, the average smartphone does. 52.2% of smartphones include instant markup tools.
  • No scrolling screenshot support
    This smartphone does not support scrolling screenshots, the average smartphone does. 81.1% of smartphones allow scrolling screenshots.
  • No theme customization
    This smartphone does not support theme customization, the average smartphone does. 91% of smartphones allow theme customization.
  • No offline voice commands
    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
    This smartphone cannot play games while downloading, the average smartphone can. 77.3% of smartphones support play-while-downloading.
  • No dynamic theme support
    This smartphone does not support dynamic themes, the average smartphone does. 81.9% of smartphones support dynamic theming.
  • Lacks extra dim mode
    This smartphone does not have extra dim mode, the average smartphone does. 82.5% of smartphones offer extra dimming features.
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (48 MP & 8 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    48 MP & 8 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    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
    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
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Worse display glass type
    This smartphone uses a worse display glass type than the average smartphone (Corning Gorilla Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5). 0.00% of smartphones use the better glass type.
    Corning Gorilla Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • 24.5% lower screen brightness
    This smartphone has a lower screen brightness than the average smartphone (498 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone has a brightness of 660 nits.
    498 nits vs 660 nits
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This smartphone has a lower contrast ratio than the average smartphone (60000:1 vs 1000000:1). The average smartphone has a contrast ratio of 1000000:1.
    AMOLED/OLED displays have an effectively infinite contrast ratio
    60,000:1 vs 1,000,000:1
  • 10% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4,500 mAh vs 5,000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5,000 mAh.
    4,500 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 13.1% heavier
    This smartphone is heavier than the average smartphone (222 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    222 g vs 196.2 g
  • 3 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2021 vs 2024). 3.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    October 2021
    2021 vs 2024
  • 2 mm thicker
    This smartphone is thicker than the average smartphone (10.3 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone has a thickness of 8.3 mm.
    10.3 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • 26.7% larger volume
    This smartphone has a larger volume than the average smartphone (123,880 cm³ vs 97,800 cm³). The average smartphone volume is 97,800 cm³.
    123,880 cm³ vs 97,800 cm³

Video reviews

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

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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

G
gsmarena.com
N/A
Summary of the review
Xiaomi Black Shark 4S - User opinions and reviews

Third-party reviews

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

  • Bright, vibrant 144Hz Super AMOLED display with fast response times and HDR10+ support, which reviewers praised for making the phone feel fluid and excellent for gaming and daily use.
  • Physical pop-up shoulder triggers that offer a great, tactical advantage and comfortable control for gaming (especially FPS games) and can be mapped for other functions.
  • Extremely fast 120W wired charging capability (though the charger is often sold separately), which can charge the phone to 100% in under 17-20 minutes, a major quality-of-life feature.
  • Solid gaming performance with a powerful Snapdragon 870 or 888 Plus (in the Pro model) chipset, described as a 'beast' that runs games smoothly without significant overheating issues.
  • Great-sounding, symmetrical stereo speakers with good sound separation and some bass, better than many other smartphones in its price range.
  • Excellent value proposition and competitive pricing compared to other gaming phones with similar specs.
  • A 3.5mm audio jack is present, which is a significant plus for many users.
  • Dependable main camera that produces decent pictures in good lighting conditions and can record video in 4K at 60fps.

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

  • Average battery life, with the 4500mAh capacity sometimes requiring multiple charges per day under heavy gaming or usage, although it generally lasts a full day with typical use.
  • The 120W charger must often be purchased separately, adding to the total cost.
  • Camera system lacks features like optical zoom or OIS, and while decent, details can be lacking compared to non-gaming flagships, especially in low light.
  • Software updates (Android and Joy UI) can be slow to receive in some regions.
  • Design aesthetic (e.g., prominent Black Shark logos) may be an acquired taste and the phone is relatively thick.
  • The standard version (non-Pro) lacks advanced features like dual pressure sensing.
  • Can be difficult to find good cases or buy locally in certain markets as Use code with caution.jsonXiaomi storesUse code with caution.json do not always stock the line.

Verdict

The Xiaomi Black Shark 4S (12GB + 256GB) is a dedicated gaming smartphone, primarily characterized by its smooth 144Hz AMOLED display and powerful performance driven by the Snapdragon 870 5G processor and 12GB of RAM. Its standout features are the physical magnetic pop-up shoulder triggers, which provide a tactile, console-like gaming experience, and an incredibly fast 120W HyperCharge capability that can fully charge the 4500mAh battery in just about 15 minutes. A significant pro is its relatively lower price point compared to some flagship competitors. Potential cons include its slightly heavier weight and a camera system considered adequate but not top-tier for its price range.

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