POCO M4 Pro 5G Review: A Solid Mid-Range Upgrade with Room for Improvement

POCO M4 Pro 5G Review

The POCO M4 Pro 5G represents a clear step forward from the earlier M3 Pro, bringing meaningful upgrades such as a smoother 90Hz display, stereo speakers, and a substantial battery. However, the phone still faces challenges with software optimization and inconsistent camera performance, which hold it back from being a standout option in the mid-range market.

Design and Build

Measuring 75.78 x 163.56 x 8.75mm and weighing 195 grams, the M4 Pro sports a polycarbonate body with a matte finish on the Cool Blue variant, reducing fingerprint smudges and giving a slightly premium appearance. The device carries an IP53 rating for dust and splash resistance. While the phone is comfortable to hold for short periods, prolonged single-handed use can be tiring. The right-side buttons are easily accessible, and the power button doubles as a responsive fingerprint sensor.

Display

The 6.6-inch FHD+ IPS LCD panel is only a minor upgrade over its predecessor, but the switch from sRGB to DCI-P3 color space results in richer, more vibrant colors, especially in Vivid and Saturated modes. The 90Hz adaptive refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate make scrolling and gaming feel smoother. However, the display could be brighter for better outdoor visibility. Despite these limitations, the panel handles HD streaming well, as demonstrated by smooth playback of Netflix’s Arcane.

Performance

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 810 5G chipset, built on TSMC’s 6nm process, the M4 Pro delivers solid everyday performance and handles casual gaming, such as PUBG Mobile and COD Mobile, without issue. However, graphically intensive titles like Genshin Impact remain out of reach. The phone is available with 4GB or 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB or 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage, with expandable storage and an additional 2GB of RAM accessible through extended memory. Despite these specs, RAM management can be inconsistent, with apps reloading even when few are running in the background.

Software and User Interface

Running Android 11 with POCO’s MIUI 12.5, the software brings a host of pre-installed apps, many of which can be uninstalled. However, the dark mode still struggles with certain applications that override system settings, requiring manual adjustments. POCO has indicated that a custom UI may arrive late in 2021, but for now, users must work with MIUI.

Audio

A notable improvement over the M3 Pro, the M4 Pro includes a stereo speaker setup that delivers balanced audio with decent bass and treble. While the sound is clear and rich, it lacks the volume needed for louder environments.

Cameras

The M4 Pro sports a dual-camera setup featuring a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. While the ultra-wide camera offers better color accuracy than the main sensor, both struggle with detail in close-up shots. Portrait mode shows improved edge detection but suffers from hazy images, pale colors, and poor exposure. Low-light performance is comparable to the Realme 8i, though Realme edges ahead with better exposure and detail retention in night mode. Selfies from the 16MP front camera appear higher in contrast than those from the Realme 8i. Overall, the camera system is hampered by unoptimized software and an unreliable Auto HDR feature.

Battery and Charging

With a 5000mAh battery, the M4 Pro provides impressive endurance, delivering up to nine hours of screen-on time under typical use, including streaming and light gaming. The included 33W fast charger can fully replenish the battery in just over an hour.

Verdict

The POCO M4 Pro 5G is a solid upgrade over its predecessor, offering a better display, improved performance, stereo speakers, and excellent battery life, all while maintaining a mid-range price point with 5G support. However, its inconsistent camera performance and lingering software issues prevent it from being a top choice. For users prioritizing performance and cameras without needing 5G, alternatives like the POCO X3 Pro or Redmi Note 10 Pro Max may prove more satisfying.