POCO M4 Pro 5G Review

A few months ago we reviewed the POCO M3 Pro 5G, one of the most affordable 5G handsets released in 2021. We have a new successor for this phone and it’s the POCO M4 Pro 5G. How is it better than the predecessor and should we buy the newer M4 Pro 5G instead? Let me share our review so you can decide.

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POCO M4 PRO 5G REVIEW SPECS:

OS:Android 11 with MIUI 12.5
Processor:2.4 GHz MediaTek Dimensity 810 5G Octa-Core Processor | Mali-G57 MC2
Display: 6.6" IPS LCD Display 1080 x 2400 FHD+, 90Hz refresh rate with Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Wireless Connections:5G, Bluetooth 5.1, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, NFC, A-GPS, GLONASS
Memory:64GB/128GB Internal Storage expandable with a microSD Card; 4GB/6GB RAM
Connectors:Type-C USB 2.0, OTG Support
3.5mm audio jack
Cameras:Rear: 50MP f/1.8 wide + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide Front: 16MP f/2.5
Security:fingerprint sensor;
Face unlock
SIM Card Slots:2x Nano SIM Cards (hybrid)
Battery:5,000 mAh
SRP:4GB/64GB = P11,990
6GB/128GB = P12,990

THE UNBOXING

POCO M4 Pro 5G Review

POCO still used a yellow box for their M4 Pro 5G packaging.

POCO M4 Pro 5G Review

Inside the package are the POCO M4 Pro 5G review unit, silicon case, Type-C USB cable, 18W USB Fast Charger, POCO Stickers, SIM Card Tray ejector and User Manuals.

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THE LOOKS AND FEEL

POCO M4 Pro 5G Review

The new POCO M4 Pro 5G is slightly longer than its predecessor on paper, but the difference isn’t obvious. The layout of the ports and speakers are also different from the M3.

POCO M4 Pro 5G Review

The volume rocker and power button/fingerprint scanner are still found on the right side of the M4 Pro 5G. The SIM Card silo is on the left side.

POCO M4 Pro 5G Review

An IR blaster and speaker grille are found on the top of the phone.

POCO M4 Pro 5G Review

The 3.5mm headphone jack is now located at the bottom of the phone along with the USB Type-C port and a second speaker grille.

POCO M4 Pro 5G Review

I like the M4 Pro 5G’s back panel more than the M3’s. It is still made of plastic but it has a frosted finish that prevents fingerprint smudges on the phone. The POCO logo was moved to the right side of the camera module, which makes it easier to identify the current phone from its predecessor.

POCO M4 Pro 5G Review

I like holding the M4 Pro 5G thanks to its back panel’s smooth exterior. If you find this slippery, then you can use the silicone case that came with the packaging.

THE SOUND AND DISPLAY

POCO M4 Pro 5G Review

The screen display of the POCO M4 Pro 5G is a 6.6″ IPS LCD with Full HD+ resolution and 20:9 ratio. On top of the display is a punch-hole where the upgraded 16 Megapixel selfie camera is found. While I wished that POCO would apply an AMOLED display with a faster 90Hz refresh rate, they still relied on the cheaper IPS display.

The M4 Pro 5G are now equipped with stereo speakers, a rarity for an entry-level priced phone. They sound better and louder than the M3 Pro 5G. You also have the option to use a wired headset and plug it to the 3.5mm headphone jack or a wireless bluetooth headset.

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THE PERFORMANCE

I was impressed with the POCO M3 Pro’s processor and I have high expectations that the MediaTek Dimensity 810 5G Octa-Core processor would be even better. Here are the benchmark scores of the POCO M4 Pro 5G:

Compared to the POCO M3 Pro 5G’s benchmark scores, the Dimensity 810 5G processor of the M4 Pro 5G got better results. Not as high as what I have expected, but at least better.

POCO M4 Pro 5G Review

Gaming is very much possible with the M4 Pro 5G, but there isn’t much improvement compared to the M3 Pro 5G. Graphic Quality in Call of Duty Mobile is still maxed out at Medium and Frame Rate to High. Genshin Impact is also playable at Medium.

The M4 Pro 5G runs on Android 11 with MIUI 12.5. I’m fine with the UI’s customization settings but I still hate the bloatware that came with the phone. This can be an issue if you choose the 64GB/4GB variant though I think they can be deleted. The M4 Pro 5G review unit I have is a 128GB/6GB variant and I suggest buying this instead for more storage. Both variants come with expandable storage with a Micro SD card. I used my SMART 5G Test SIM card with this phone and download speeds are super fast!

THE CAMERAS

POCO M4 Pro 5G Review

Now this is a surprising move. Instead of having triple or quad-cameras, the POCO M4 Pro 5G only comes with two! It comes with a 50 Megapixel main camera and an 8 Megapixel ultra-wide lens and did away with depth and macro lenses. This dual-camera setup worked wonders and the images turned out really well even in low light conditions. Selfies taken by the front camera produced natural skin colors without the need of the filter.

Check out the sample photos here:

POCO M4 Pro 5G Review
POCO M4 Pro 5G Review
POCO M4 Pro 5G Review
POCO M4 Pro 5G Review
POCO M4 Pro 5G Review
POCO M4 Pro 5G Review
POCO M4 Pro 5G Review
POCO M4 Pro 5G Review
POCO M4 Pro 5G Review

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THE BATTERY LIFE

The battery capacity of the M4 Pro 5G is rated at 5,000 mAh, similar to its predecessor. I am able to use the phone for the whole day with 25-30% of juice left. My usage usually involves 5G, video streaming and mobile gaming. The 33W charger is a godsend as it lets me charge the phone quicker than standard chargers.

DR’S CONCLUSION

POCO M4 Pro 5G Review

Personally, if I were to choose between the POCO M3 Pro 5G and the M4 Pro 5G, I will choose the latter. I like the phone’s back panel texture and the processor is a good improvement over its predecessor’s. I don’t mind settling for a dual-camera setup as the M4 Pro 5G still takes great photos without having more lenses. The 33W fast charger is a bonus too. But if you’re budget is less than P10,000, go ahead and pick the M3 Pro 5G.

Add the POCO M4 Pro 5G to your Shopee Cart Now!

PROS:

  • Nice frosted back panel and camera module design
  • Good cameras
  • Long Battery Life
  • 5G

CONS:

  • Bloatware
8 Total Score
POCO M3 Pro 5G Review

Personally, if I were to choose between the POCO M3 Pro 5G and the M4 Pro 5G, I will choose the latter. I like the phone's back panel texture and the processor is a good improvement over its predecessor's. I don't mind settling for a dual-camera setup as the M4 Pro 5G still takes great photos without having more lenses. The 33W fast charger is a bonus too. But if you're budget is less than P10,000, go ahead and pick the M3 Pro 5G.

PROS
  • Nice frosted back panel and camera module design
  • Good cameras
  • Long Battery Life
  • 5G
CONS
  • Bloatware
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