Released in June 2023, the Poco F4 entered the mid-range smartphone market with a focus on performance and value. It boasts a powerful Snapdragon 870 5G processor, a smooth 120Hz AMOLED display, and a capable camera system, all at a competitive price point. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s delve into the Poco F4’s key features and see if it strikes the right balance for you.
Performance Prowess: The Poco F4’s heart lies in its Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G chipset, a proven performer in the upper mid-range segment. It delivers smooth multitasking, handles demanding games with ease, and offers 5G connectivity for future-proof network speeds. This is backed by 6GB or 8GB of RAM, ensuring seamless app switching and responsiveness. While not the absolute latest chip, it remains highly capable for most users, especially considering the price tag.
Display Delight: The phone flaunts a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This translates to buttery smooth visuals, whether you’re scrolling through social media, watching videos, or gaming. The AMOLED panel offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles, making it a joy to consume content on. The display also boasts a peak brightness of 1300 nits, making it easily readable even under bright sunlight.
Camera Competent: The Poco F4 features a triple-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 64MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor. While not groundbreaking, the primary sensor captures decent photos in good lighting conditions, with OIS minimizing blur and shake. Low-light performance is respectable but not class-leading. The ultrawide sensor offers a broader perspective for capturing landscapes or group shots, while the macro sensor is more of a gimmick. Overall, the camera system is adequate for everyday use, but photography enthusiasts might look elsewhere.
Battery Blitz: The phone packs a 4500mAh battery, which should provide enough juice for a full day of moderate usage. It supports 67W fast charging, allowing you to top up the battery quickly when needed. This is a significant improvement over its predecessor and a major selling point for power users.
Aesthetics and Design: The Poco F4 follows a minimalist design language with a flat-edged frame and a sleek, glossy back panel. It’s available in three color options: Moonlight Silver, Night Black, and Nebula Green. While the design might not be for everyone, it exudes a premium feel and is comfortable to hold.
The Verdict: The Poco F4 offers a compelling package for users seeking a powerful and feature-rich mid-range smartphone. Its strengths lie in its smooth performance, vibrant display, long-lasting battery, and fast charging. While the camera system might not be its strongest suit, it delivers decent results for everyday use. Ultimately, the Poco F4 strikes a good balance between performance, features, and price, making it a strong contender in the mid-range segment. However, if photography is your primary concern, you might want to consider alternatives with more capable cameras.
