Realme GT Explorer Master vs. Xiaomi Poco F4: A Clash of Flagship Killers

The Realme GT Explorer Master and Xiaomi Poco F4 are both contenders in the highly competitive 'flagship killer' segment, offering impressive specs at attractive prices. Both pack the Snapdragon 870 chipset, but which phone truly delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme GT Explorer Master edges out the Poco F4 thanks to its superior battery life and slightly brighter display. While both offer excellent performance and value, the Realme's endurance and screen brightness give it a slight advantage. However, the Poco F4's slightly faster charging and potentially more refined software experience are worth considering.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme GT Explorer Master Xiaomi Poco F4
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2021, July 212022, June 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, July 27Available. Released 2022, June 27
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back
Dimensions159.9 mm x 72.5 mm x 8.0/8.8 mm (depending on color)163.2 x 76 x 7.7 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight183.5/185 g (depending on color) (6.49 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
 -IP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1100 nits (peak)AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 900 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 650
OSAndroid 11, Realme UI 2.0Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14.2 for POCO
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFSUFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm-
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm 2 MP (macro)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)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanorama, HDR-
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging65W wired, 50% in 13 min, 100% in 33 min67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 38 min
Type4500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, White, Aurora, ApricotMoonlight Silver, Night Black, Nebula Green
ModelsRMX336622021211RG, 22021211RI
PriceAbout 380 EUR₹ 16,999
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 117h Endurance rating 101h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -25.6 LUFS (Very good) -26.1 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 717879 (v9) GeekBench: 3050 (v5.1) GFXBench: 50fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 590961 (v8), 698586 (v9) GeekBench: 3190 (v5.1) GFXBench: 49fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme GT Explorer Master

  • Exceptional battery life (117h endurance)
  • Brighter display (805 nits)
  • Fast charging (65W)
  • Premium design (often with leather or unique finishes)

  • Camera might not be as refined as the Poco F4
  • Software updates could be less frequent

Xiaomi Poco F4

  • Brighter display (1003 nits)
  • Faster charging (67W)
  • Potentially more refined software experience
  • Competitive price

  • Shorter battery life (101h endurance)
  • Design might be less premium than the Realme

Display Comparison

Both phones feature excellent AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, the Poco F4 boasts a measured peak brightness of 1003 nits, significantly higher than the Realme GT Explorer Master's 805 nits. This means the Poco F4 will be easier to see in direct sunlight. Both have excellent contrast ratios (infinite nominal), providing deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Poco F4's brighter screen is a noticeable advantage.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is a complex area. While both phones are advertised as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, detailed camera reviews suggest the Poco F4 might have a slight edge in image processing and overall consistency. The Realme GT Explorer Master's camera is still capable of producing good results, but the Poco F4's software might offer more refined images. Low-light performance is likely comparable.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 870 chipset, ensuring smooth and responsive performance for everyday tasks and demanding games. The 7nm process and Octa-core CPU provide ample power. Real-world performance differences are likely to be minimal, with both phones handling most tasks with ease. Software optimization will play a larger role in the overall user experience.

Battery Life

The Realme GT Explorer Master shines in this category. Its endurance rating of 117h significantly surpasses the Poco F4's 101h. This translates to noticeably longer battery life in real-world usage. While the Poco F4 charges slightly faster (38 minutes vs 33 minutes for 100%), the Realme's larger battery capacity provides a more substantial advantage.

Buying Guide

The Realme GT Explorer Master is ideal for users prioritizing long battery life and a vibrant display. It's a great choice for those who want a phone that can last through a full day of heavy use. The Xiaomi Poco F4 is better suited for users who value faster charging speeds and potentially a more polished software experience, and who don't mind slightly shorter battery life.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Realme GT Explorer Master has significantly better battery life with an endurance rating of 117h compared to the Poco F4's 101h.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 870 chipset enough for gaming?
Yes, the Snapdragon 870 is a powerful chipset capable of handling demanding games at high settings. Both phones should provide a smooth gaming experience.