Xiaomi Black Shark 4S vs 4S Pro: The Ultimate Gaming Showdown

The Xiaomi Black Shark series has consistently delivered powerful gaming phones, and the 4S and 4S Pro are no exception. But with subtle differences, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect, helping you decide which Black Shark is the right weapon for your mobile gaming arsenal.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Black Shark 4S Pro takes the crown thanks to its Snapdragon 888+ chipset, offering noticeably better performance for demanding games. While the 4S is still a capable device with blazing-fast 120W charging, the Pro's superior processing power and slightly faster charging make it the preferred choice for serious gamers.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Black Shark 4S	Xiaomi Black Shark 4S Pro

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, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 3, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA	1, 3, 8, 28, 41, 77, 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	2021, October 13
Status	Available. Released 2021, October 16	Available. Released 2021, October 16

Body
Dimensions	163.7 x 76.2 x 9.9 mm (6.44 x 3.00 x 0.39 in)	163.7 x 76.2 x 9.9 mm (6.44 x 3.00 x 0.39 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	210 g (7.41 oz)	220 g (7.76 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 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio)	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Super AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)	Super AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
	Always-on display	Always-on display

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)	Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)	Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)
GPU	Adreno 650	Adreno 660
OS	Android 11, Joy UI 12.8	Android 11, Joy UI 12.8

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM	256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 0.8µm	20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 0.8µm
Triple	48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro), AF	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
Video	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 1080p@960fps	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 1080p@960fps; HDR10+

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 0.8µm	20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 0.8µm
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	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, 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	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer

Battery
Charging	120W wired, 100% in 17 min	120W wired, 50% in 5 min, 100% in 15 min
Type	Li-Po 4500 mAh	Li-Po 4500 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, White	Black, White
Price	About 360 EUR	About 650 EUR

Xiaomi Black Shark 4S

Excellent 120W charging
Powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset
High refresh rate display
Aggressive gaming design
Competitive price

Performance slightly behind the Pro
Camera could be better
Design might be too 'gamer' for some

Xiaomi Black Shark 4S Pro

Top-tier Snapdragon 888+ chipset
Slightly faster charging
Potentially better camera processing
High refresh rate display
Aggressive gaming design

Higher price
Design might be too 'gamer' for some
Battery life similar to 4S

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth visuals. The resolution is FHD+ on both. While both are excellent, the Pro *might* have slightly better color accuracy due to potential calibration differences, but this is often negligible in real-world use.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature a triple-camera system: a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens. While specs are similar, the 4S Pro's more powerful processor *could* lead to slightly better image processing and low-light performance. However, both phones offer decent camera quality for a gaming phone.

Performance

This is where the biggest difference lies. The Snapdragon 888+ in the 4S Pro significantly outperforms the Snapdragon 870 in the 4S. Expect smoother frame rates in demanding games, faster app loading times, and better multitasking capabilities on the Pro. The 4S is still very capable, but the Pro offers a noticeable edge.

Battery Life

Both phones pack a 4500mAh battery and support 120W wired charging. The 4S Pro boasts slightly faster charging speeds (50% in 5 min vs 17 min for 100% on the 4S), but both will charge incredibly quickly.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Black Shark 4S is ideal for gamers on a tighter budget who still want a powerful device with excellent cooling and 120W charging. The Black Shark 4S Pro is for hardcore gamers who demand the absolute best performance, are willing to spend a bit more, and appreciate the slightly improved charging speed and potentially better camera capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Black Shark 4S Pro worth the extra money?

If you're a serious mobile gamer who wants the absolute best performance, then yes. The Snapdragon 888+ provides a noticeable upgrade. If you're a more casual gamer, the 4S offers excellent value.

❓ How does the cooling system compare between the two?

Both phones feature advanced liquid cooling systems, but the Pro *may* have a slightly more robust system due to the higher heat output of the 888+ chipset. However, both should handle extended gaming sessions effectively.