The Xiaomi Poco F4 and Oppo F21 Pro represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Poco F4 prioritizes performance with a flagship-adjacent chipset, while the F21 Pro focuses on delivering long-lasting battery life and a streamlined user experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing gaming and demanding tasks, the Xiaomi Poco F4 is the clear winner thanks to its Snapdragon 870. However, the Oppo F21 Pro excels in battery endurance and offers a more relaxed experience for everyday use, making it ideal for those less concerned with peak performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 12 | 2022, June 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 15 | Available. Released 2022, June 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in) | 163.2 x 76 x 7.7 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | IPX4 water resistant
RGB ring light around the camera (notifications, charging progress) | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM), 800 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 900 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, ColorOS 14 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14.2 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP, f/3.3, (microscope)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide) 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama, HDR | - |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 60 min
Reverse wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 38 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Black, Sunset Orange, Dawnlight Gold, Starlight Black | Moonlight Silver, Night Black, Nebula Green |
| Models | CPH2363, CPH2461 | 22021211RG, 22021211RI |
| Price | About 280 EUR | ₹ 16,999 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 127h
|
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-29.7 LUFS (Average)
|
-26.1 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 289250 (v9)
GeekBench: 1653 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.2fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 590961 (v8), 698586 (v9)
GeekBench: 3190 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 49fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Oppo F21 Pro
- Exceptional battery life (127h endurance)
- Faster charging than many competitors in its class (33W)
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Significantly weaker processor (Snapdragon 680)
- Limited to 4G connectivity
- Likely less capable camera system
Xiaomi Poco F4
- Powerful Snapdragon 870 processor for smooth performance
- Faster 67W charging with PD3.0/QC3 support
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Shorter battery life (101h endurance)
- Potentially higher price point
- May experience more thermal throttling under sustained load
Display Comparison
The Poco F4 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1003 nits, compared to the Oppo F21 Pro’s ‘infinite’ (nominal) contrast ratio, which doesn’t specify peak brightness. This brightness advantage translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both claim infinite contrast, the F4’s higher peak brightness is a tangible benefit. The F4’s panel likely utilizes a higher quality backlight, contributing to its superior viewing experience. We lack data on refresh rates for both, but the F4’s target market suggests a higher refresh rate is probable, enhancing smoothness during scrolling and gaming.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is missing. Given the Poco F4’s positioning, it likely features a more capable primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), crucial for low-light photography and stable video recording. The F21 Pro, while potentially offering decent image quality in good lighting conditions, will likely struggle in challenging scenarios. The absence of specific sensor details makes a definitive comparison difficult, but the Poco F4’s overall hardware suggests a more versatile camera system.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Poco F4’s Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Oppo F21 Pro’s Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm). The 870 features a Kryo 585 architecture with a prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, significantly outperforming the F21 Pro’s 2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold cores. This translates to a much faster and more responsive experience, especially in demanding applications and games. The 7nm process node of the 870, while older, is still more efficient than the 6nm node of the 680 when considering sustained performance, as the 870 has more thermal headroom. The F21 Pro’s 4G connectivity is also a limitation for users in areas with 5G coverage.
Battery Life
The Oppo F21 Pro claims an endurance rating of 127 hours, while the Poco F4 manages 101 hours. This suggests the F21 Pro offers superior battery life, despite having a potentially smaller battery capacity (data not provided). However, the Poco F4 compensates with significantly faster 67W charging, achieving a full charge in just 38 minutes, compared to the F21 Pro’s 60-minute 33W charge. This faster charging mitigates the battery life difference, allowing Poco F4 users to quickly top up their device when needed. The inclusion of PD3.0 and QC3 support on the Poco F4 also adds to its charging versatility.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo F21 Pro if you need a phone that consistently lasts a full day on a single charge and prioritize a smooth, reliable experience for social media, communication, and casual content consumption. Buy the Xiaomi Poco F4 if you prefer a device capable of handling demanding games, multitasking, and resource-intensive applications, even if it means sacrificing some battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 680 in the Oppo F21 Pro struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Snapdragon 680 is a mid-range chipset and will likely struggle to run Genshin Impact at high settings. Expect significant frame drops and potentially long loading times. It's better suited for less demanding games and casual gaming.
❓ How well does the Poco F4 handle sustained gaming sessions, and is thermal throttling a concern?
The Snapdragon 870 in the Poco F4 is capable of handling sustained gaming, but thermal throttling can occur during extended, demanding sessions. The phone may get warm, and performance may slightly decrease to prevent overheating. However, it's still significantly better than the F21 Pro for gaming.
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Poco F4 compatible with all USB-C chargers?
While the Poco F4 supports USB Power Delivery (PD3.0) and Quick Charge (QC3), to achieve the full 67W charging speed, you'll need a charger that specifically supports these protocols. Using a standard USB-C charger will still charge the phone, but at a slower rate.
❓ Given the battery life difference, is the Poco F4's faster charging enough to offset the shorter endurance for a typical user?
For many users, the Poco F4's 67W charging is sufficient to offset the slightly shorter battery life. A quick 38-minute charge can provide a significant boost, making it less of a concern for daily use. However, users who frequently spend extended periods away from a power source may still prefer the F21 Pro's longer endurance.
