Xiaomi Black Shark 5 vs Black Shark 4: The Ultimate Gaming Phone Comparison

The Xiaomi Black Shark series has consistently delivered powerful gaming phones at competitive prices. But with the Black Shark 5 and 4 sharing the same Snapdragon 870 chipset, what are the key differences? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which device best suits your gaming needs.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Black Shark 5 offers a slightly faster charging speed and potentially improved thermal management. However, the Black Shark 4 boasts exceptional battery life and a very competitive price. For most gamers, the Black Shark 5 is a worthwhile upgrade, but the 4 remains a fantastic value.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Black Shark 5	Xiaomi Black Shark 4

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, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - International, China
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA	1, 3, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
	CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO

Launch
Announced	2022, March 30	2021, March 23
Status	Available. Released 2022, April 04	Available. Released 2021, March 30

Body
Dimensions	163.8 x 76.3 x 10 mm (6.45 x 3.00 x 0.39 in)	163.8 x 76.4 x 9.9 mm (6.45 x 3.01 x 0.39 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	218 g (7.69 oz)	210 g (7.41 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 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 144Hz, 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 (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)	Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPU	Adreno 650	Adreno 650
OS	Android 12, Joy UI 13	Android 11, Joy UI 12.5

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 8GB 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/2.0, (wide), 0.8µm
Triple	64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)	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
Video	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 1080p@960fps	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 1080p@960fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	16 MP, (wide)	20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 0.8µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	Yes
35mm jack	No	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 15 min	120W wired, 100% in 17 min
Type	Li-Po 4650 mAh	Li-Po 4500 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, White, Gray	Mirror Black, Pale Grey, Black, Blue, Silver
Models	SHARK PAR-A0	SHARK PRS-H0, SHARK PRS-A0, SHARK KSR-A0
Price	About 600 EUR	About 930 EUR

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 96h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-	-27.4 LUFS (Good)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 617456 (v8) GeekBench: 3448 (v5.1) GFXBench: 54fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Black Shark 5

Faster 120W Charging
Potentially Improved Cooling
Slightly Updated Design
5G Connectivity

Higher Price
Battery Life Not as Exceptional as Black Shark 4
Design may not appeal to everyone

Xiaomi Black Shark 4

Exceptional Battery Life (96h Endurance)
Competitive Price
Excellent Performance with Snapdragon 870
Good Display Quality

Slower Charging Speed (17 min for 100%)
Older Design
May lack some of the latest features

Display Comparison

Both phones feature AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth gaming experience. The Black Shark 4 has a measured max brightness of 694 nits, while the Black Shark 5 likely has a slightly higher brightness, though specific measurements are not available. The Black Shark 4's 'infinite' contrast ratio is a nominal value, and real-world performance will be similar between the two.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is generally comparable between the two phones. Both offer decent photo and video capabilities, but neither is a standout in the smartphone camera market. Expect similar image quality and features.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 870, ensuring excellent performance for demanding games. The Black Shark 5 may have slightly improved cooling solutions, potentially allowing for sustained peak performance for longer periods. However, in everyday use, the performance difference will be minimal.

Battery Life

The Black Shark 4 shines in this category, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 96 hours. The Black Shark 5, while still offering good battery life, doesn't quite match the longevity of its predecessor. However, the Black Shark 5's 120W charging significantly reduces charging times.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Black Shark 5 is ideal for serious gamers who prioritize faster charging and potentially better sustained performance. The Black Shark 4 is a great choice for budget-conscious gamers who value long battery life and don't need the absolute latest features.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Black Shark 5 worth the upgrade from the Black Shark 4?

If faster charging and potentially better sustained performance are important to you, then the Black Shark 5 is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if battery life and value are your top priorities, the Black Shark 4 remains an excellent choice.

❓ How does the Snapdragon 870 perform in these phones?

The Snapdragon 870 is a powerful chipset that delivers smooth performance for most games and applications. Both phones should handle demanding tasks with ease.