Xiaomi Black Shark 4S Pro vs Black Shark 3S: The Ultimate Gaming Phone Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Black Shark 4S Pro is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster Snapdragon 888+ chipset, a blistering 120W charging speed, and improved overall performance. While the 3S remains a capable device, the 4S Pro's upgrades make it the superior choice for serious mobile gamers.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Xiaomi Black Shark 4S Pro | Xiaomi Black Shark 3S |
| 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, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 13 | 2020, July 31. Released 2020, August 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 16 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 76.2 x 9.9 mm (6.44 x 3.00 x 0.39 in) | 168.7 x 77.3 x 10.4 mm (6.64 x 3.04 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 220 g (7.76 oz) | 222 g (7.83 oz) |
| 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 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ) |
| Always-on display | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 11, Joy UI 12.8 | Android 10 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB 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, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.3, 120˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 1080p@960fps; HDR10+ | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@1920fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 0.8µm | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | - | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| 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 | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 120W wired, 50% in 5 min, 100% in 15 min | 65W wired, 100% in 38 min 18W magnetic wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4729 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Sky Cloud Black, Crystal Blue |
| Price | About 650 EUR | About 600 EUR |
Xiaomi Black Shark 4S Pro
- Blazing-fast 120W charging
- Significantly faster Snapdragon 888+ chipset
- Improved performance and efficiency
- High refresh rate AMOLED display
- Can be pricier than the 3S
- Design might not appeal to everyone
Xiaomi Black Shark 3S
- More affordable
- Solid gaming performance with Snapdragon 865
- 18W magnetic wireless charging
- Good value for money
- Slower charging speed
- Older chipset with less performance
- May show its age in demanding games
Display Comparison
Both phones feature AMOLED displays with high refresh rates (120Hz). The 4S Pro likely has slightly improved color accuracy and brightness due to newer panel technology, but the difference is subtle. Both offer excellent visuals for gaming.
Camera Comparison
While neither phone is a camera powerhouse, the 4S Pro likely has a slightly improved camera system. Expect better low-light performance and potentially more detailed images. Both offer decent camera capabilities for casual photography.
Performance
The Snapdragon 888+ in the 4S Pro is a substantial upgrade over the 865 in the 3S. Expect noticeably faster load times, smoother gameplay, and better multitasking on the 4S Pro. The 4S Pro's 5nm process also contributes to improved efficiency.
Battery Life
The 4S Pro's 120W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast charging times. The 3S's 65W charging is still respectable, but the 4S Pro offers a significant advantage in this area. Battery capacity is similar between the two.
Buying Guide
The Black Shark 4S Pro is ideal for hardcore mobile gamers who demand the absolute best performance and fastest charging. The Black Shark 3S is a good option for budget-conscious gamers who still want a powerful device with a solid gaming experience, especially if found at a discounted price.