Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro vs. Black Shark 5: The Ultimate Gaming Showdown

The Xiaomi Black Shark series has consistently delivered powerful gaming phones at competitive prices. But with two iterations in the mix, choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the Black Shark 5 Pro and Black Shark 5, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which is best for your gaming needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Black Shark 5 Pro offers a significant performance boost thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and a brighter display. However, the Black Shark 5 remains a compelling option with the efficient Snapdragon 870, offering excellent value for gamers on a tighter budget. The Pro wins on raw power, but the 5 is a strong contender.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro Xiaomi Black Shark 5
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA
Launch
Announced2022, March 302022, March 30
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 04Available. Released 2022, April 04
Body
Dimensions163.9 x 76.5 x 9.5 mm (6.45 x 3.01 x 0.37 in)163.8 x 76.3 x 10 mm (6.45 x 3.00 x 0.39 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight220 g (7.76 oz)218 g (7.69 oz)
 -Physical pop-up gaming triggers
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+AMOLED, 144Hz, 1300 nits (peak)
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 650
OSAndroid 12, Joy UI 13Android 12, Joy UI 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm-
Triple108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm 5 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto macro), AF64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 1080p@960fps; HDR10+4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 1080p@960fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm16 MP, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, video outputUSB Type-C 2.0
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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer (China only)Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging120W wired, 100% in 15 min120W wired, 100% in 15 min
TypeLi-Po 4650 mAhLi-Po 4650 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, WhiteBlack, White, Gray
ModelsSHARK KTUS-H0SHARK PAR-A0
PriceAbout 720 EURAbout 600 EUR
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 83h -
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)-
Performance AnTuTu: 876704 (v8), 1007133 (v9) GeekBench: 3665 (v5.1) GFXBench: 82fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro

  • Significantly faster performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
  • Brighter display (682 nits)
  • Fast 120W charging
  • Potentially better camera processing

  • Higher price
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 can be prone to thermal throttling under sustained load

Xiaomi Black Shark 5

  • More affordable
  • Efficient Snapdragon 870 chipset
  • Fast 120W charging
  • Excellent value for money

  • Less powerful than the Pro
  • Likely a dimmer display
  • Camera performance potentially slightly lower

Display Comparison

The Black Shark 5 Pro boasts a brighter display, measuring 682 nits peak brightness, compared to the Black Shark 5 (brightness data unavailable, assumed to be lower). Both likely feature a high refresh rate (144Hz) for smooth gameplay, but the Pro's increased brightness will offer better visibility in bright environments. Contrast ratio is listed as 'Infinite' for the Pro, suggesting excellent blacks and vibrant colors, though this is a nominal value.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited in the provided data. Both phones likely feature a multi-lens setup, but the Pro's newer chipset *could* offer slightly improved image processing. Real-world camera performance will depend on software optimization and lens quality, which are not specified.

Performance

This is where the Pro truly shines. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) in the Black Shark 5 Pro is significantly more powerful than the Snapdragon 870 (7nm) in the Black Shark 5. Expect faster load times, smoother frame rates in demanding games, and better overall responsiveness. While the 870 is still a very capable chip, the 8 Gen 1 provides a noticeable performance edge.

Battery Life

Both phones share the same 120W wired charging, promising a 100% charge in 15 minutes. The Black Shark 5 Pro is reported to have an endurance rating of 83 hours, suggesting slightly better battery life, potentially due to software optimizations or minor battery capacity differences (assumed to be similar, around 4500-5000mAh).

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro is ideal for hardcore gamers who demand the absolute best performance and a vibrant display. If you prioritize top-tier processing power and don't mind a slightly higher price, the Pro is the way to go. The Xiaomi Black Shark 5 is perfect for gamers who want a powerful and feature-rich experience without breaking the bank. It's a fantastic choice for those seeking a balance of performance and affordability.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Black Shark 5 Pro worth the extra cost?
If you're a serious gamer who prioritizes the absolute best performance, then yes. The 8 Gen 1 offers a noticeable upgrade. However, the 870 in the Black Shark 5 is still very capable and offers excellent value.
❓ Do both phones have a 144Hz display?
While not explicitly stated, both the Black Shark 5 Pro and Black Shark 5 are expected to feature a 144Hz refresh rate display for smooth gaming.