Xiaomi Black Shark 4 Pro vs Black Shark 5: The Ultimate Gaming Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Black Shark 4 Pro boasts a significantly faster Snapdragon 888 chipset, offering a noticeable performance edge for demanding games. However, the Black Shark 5 offers refinements and potentially better thermal management. Ultimately, the 4 Pro wins for raw power, while the 5 is a more polished overall package.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Xiaomi Black Shark 4 Pro | Xiaomi Black Shark 5 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 23 | 2022, March 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 30 | Available. Released 2022, April 04 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 76.4 x 9.9 mm (6.45 x 3.01 x 0.39 in) | 163.8 x 76.3 x 10 mm (6.45 x 3.00 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 220 g (7.76 oz) | 218 g (7.69 oz) |
| Physical pop-up gaming triggers | Physical pop-up gaming triggers | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 144Hz, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Always-on display | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 11, Joy UI 12.5 | Android 12, Joy UI 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 0.8µm | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro), AF | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 1080p@960fps; HDR10+ | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 1080p@960fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 0.8µm | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (China), 5.0 (Global), A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer (China only) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 120W wired, 50% in 5 min, 100% in 15 min | 120W wired, 100% in 15 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4650 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Shadow Black, Misty Grey, Cosmos Black, Dark Blue, Silver | Black, White, Gray |
| Models | SHARK PAR-H0 | SHARK PAR-A0 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 600 EUR |
Xiaomi Black Shark 4 Pro
- Significantly faster Snapdragon 888 chipset
- 120W ultra-fast charging
- High refresh rate AMOLED display
- Aggressive gaming design
- Can run hotter under sustained load
- Design might be too 'gamer' for some
- Software updates can be slower
Xiaomi Black Shark 5
- Refined design and build quality
- Potentially better thermal management
- Excellent performance with Snapdragon 870
- 120W ultra-fast charging
- Slightly less powerful than the 4 Pro
- Software updates can be slower
- Gaming triggers might be less responsive than previous models
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth visuals. The Black Shark 4 Pro might have slightly better color accuracy, but the difference is minimal. Both have touch sampling rates exceeding 240Hz for responsive gameplay.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple-camera system, typically including a 64MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a macro lens. Image quality is generally good on both, but the 4 Pro might have slightly better dynamic range and low-light performance due to the more powerful image signal processor (ISP) associated with the 888 chipset. Video recording capabilities are comparable.
Performance
The Snapdragon 888 in the Black Shark 4 Pro is the clear winner here. It's a faster and more powerful chipset than the Snapdragon 870 in the Black Shark 5. Expect smoother frame rates and quicker load times in demanding games on the 4 Pro. The 870 is still excellent, but the 888 provides a tangible boost.
Battery Life
Both phones offer a 4500mAh battery and 120W fast charging. The charging speeds are identical, both reaching 100% in approximately 15 minutes. Battery life is comparable in typical usage, but the 888 in the 4 Pro might consume slightly more power under heavy gaming loads.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Black Shark 4 Pro? Gamers prioritizing peak performance and the absolute fastest speeds will appreciate the 888 chipset. Who should buy the Xiaomi Black Shark 5? Users seeking a more refined experience, potentially better thermals, and a slightly more modern design will find the 5 appealing.