Xiaomi Black Shark 5 vs Black Shark 4S Pro: The Ultimate Gaming Phone Battle

The Xiaomi Black Shark series has consistently delivered powerful gaming phones at competitive prices. But with the Black Shark 5 and 4S Pro, which one offers the better experience? We're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Black Shark 4S Pro edges out the 5 thanks to its Snapdragon 888+ chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost. While both boast 120W charging, the 4S Pro's faster initial charging is a plus. Ultimately, the 4S Pro is the stronger gaming contender.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Xiaomi Black Shark 4S Pro
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, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMACDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2022, March 302021, October 13
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 04Available. Released 2021, October 16
Body
Dimensions163.8 x 76.3 x 10 mm (6.45 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)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight218 g (7.69 oz)220 g (7.76 oz)
 Physical pop-up gaming triggersPhysical 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 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 144Hz, 1300 nits (peak)Super AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
 Always-on displayAlways-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-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)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 660
OSAndroid 12, Joy UI 13Android 11, Joy UI 12.8
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 0.8µm
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)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
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 1080p@960fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 1080p@960fps; HDR10+
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, (wide)20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-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 2.0USB 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, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging120W wired, 100% in 15 min120W wired, 50% in 5 min, 100% in 15 min
TypeLi-Po 4650 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, GrayBlack, White
ModelsSHARK PAR-A0-
PriceAbout 600 EURAbout 650 EUR

Xiaomi Black Shark 5

  • More affordable
  • Excellent cooling system
  • Smooth 144Hz display
  • Fast 120W charging

  • Slightly older chipset
  • Potentially less impressive camera
  • Design might be less premium

Xiaomi Black Shark 4S Pro

  • Superior performance (Snapdragon 888+)
  • Faster initial charging
  • Likely better camera quality
  • More premium design

  • More expensive
  • Cooling might not be as aggressive as the 5

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth visuals. The 4S Pro might have slightly better color accuracy due to its newer panel, but the difference is minimal. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.

Camera Comparison

The Black Shark 4S Pro generally has a more versatile camera system. While both feature a primary 64MP sensor, the 4S Pro likely includes a wider ultrawide and macro lens. Image processing and low-light performance are also expected to be better on the 4S Pro. Expect a 32MP front camera on both.

Performance

The Snapdragon 888+ in the 4S Pro provides a significant performance advantage over the Snapdragon 870 in the Black Shark 5. Expect faster load times, smoother gameplay, and better multitasking on the 4S Pro. Both phones have ample RAM (likely 8GB/12GB) and storage (128GB/256GB).

Battery Life

Both phones pack a 4500mAh battery and support 120W wired charging. The 4S Pro's faster initial charging (50% in 5 minutes vs 15 minutes) gives it an edge in convenience. Battery life under heavy gaming load will be similar, but the 4S Pro's efficiency might provide slightly longer overall usage.

Buying Guide

The Black Shark 5 is a great choice for budget-conscious gamers who still want a powerful device with excellent cooling. The Black Shark 4S Pro is ideal for serious gamers who demand the absolute best performance and are willing to spend a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Black Shark 5 still a good gaming phone?
Yes, the Black Shark 5 remains a capable gaming phone, especially for those on a budget. It offers a smooth display, fast charging, and a powerful chipset.
❓ Which Snapdragon chipset is better, 870 or 888+?
The Snapdragon 888+ is generally considered better than the 870, offering improved CPU and GPU performance.
❓ Does the Black Shark series have shoulder buttons?
Yes, both the Black Shark 5 and 4S Pro feature customizable magnetic shoulder buttons for enhanced gaming control.