The Poco F4 5G has arrived, marking the latest chapter in the brand’s quest to deliver flagship-grade performance at an affordable price. While not a direct successor to the gaming-focused Poco F3 GT, the F4 5G sits firmly in the mid-range segment, aiming to balance powerful specifications with a premium design aesthetic. This strategic move positions the F4 5G to compete fiercely with the likes of the Mi 11X and the newly launched iQoo Neo 6, showcasing a crowded field of compelling contenders. With a compelling set of specs and a sleek, sophisticated design, the Poco F4 5G certainly has the potential to shake things up.
A Look at the Hardware and Design
The Poco F4 5G comes in three variants: a 6GB+128GB option priced at Rs. 27,999, an 8GB+128GB version at Rs. 29,999, and a top-of-the-line 12GB+256GB configuration priced at Rs. 33,999. While expandable storage is not offered, a generous one-year warranty is included, along with substantial launch day discounts of up to Rs. 4,000.
The F4 5G is visually striking, particularly in the Nebula Green finish. A matte texture graces both the plastic frame and the glass back panel, contributing to a premium, sophisticated aesthetic. The phone’s dimensions and rounded edges make it incredibly comfortable to hold, measuring just 7.7mm thick and weighing 195g. The package even includes a silicone protective case.
In terms of placement, you’ll find familiar ports and buttons. While there is no headphone jack, an infrared emitter is present. Surprisingly, despite the AMOLED display, there’s no in-display fingerprint sensor, but the side-mounted alternative functions seamlessly.
A Visual Feast: Display and Audio
The F4 5G boasts a captivating 6.67-inch full-HD+ E4 AMOLED display that captivates with its vibrancy and clarity. Content appears remarkably crisp, further enhanced by its support for Dolby Vision HDR playback, alongside HDR10+. Adding to its visual appeal is the inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for scratch protection and a 120Hz refresh rate that delivers ultra-smooth scrolling and animations. The F4 5G also claims impressive 1,300 nits of peak brightness and a 360Hz touch sampling rate, promising responsiveness even during fast-paced gaming sessions.
Audiophiles will appreciate the stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support that bring their music and movies to life. The dedicated cutout for the top-firing speaker aims to deliver a balanced audio experience, though it may be prone to accidental blockage when holding the phone horizontally. The IP53 rating for dust and water resistance adds a layer of peace of mind, protecting the device from accidental splashes.
Unbridled Power: Performance and Battery
Beneath the sleek exterior lies a power-packed heart: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870, a capable 5G SoC that effortlessly handles demanding multitasking and gaming scenarios. The phone supports 10 5G bands and dual-5G standby, ensuring seamless connectivity on the go. The F4 5G relies on a 4,500mAh battery, coupled with support for 67W fast charging, included in the box. While wireless charging is omitted, the fast wired charging ensures a swift return to full power.
A Focused Camera Setup
The Poco F4 5G features a versatile rear camera setup, headlined by a 64-megapixel primary camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and 4-in-1 pixel binning. Aiding in capturing diverse perspectives is an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera and a 2-megapixel macro camera. For selfies and video calls, a 20-megapixel front-facing camera handles the duty. While the specs appear promising, real-world photo and video quality will be crucial for a conclusive verdict.
Software: MIUI 13 and Updates
The F4 5G runs MIUI 13, based on Android 12, known for its colorful and feature-rich interface. Early impressions indicate minimal notification spam from pre-installed apps. However, a consistent challenge for Poco remains the commitment to long-term software updates, which is noticeably absent for the F4 5G, and a source of concern for potential buyers.
Facing the Competition
The Poco F4 5G’s success rests largely on its ability to stand out in a crowded mid-range market. Direct rivals like the Mi 11X, with its nearly identical features and specifications at a comparable price point, pose a significant challenge. The newly released iQoo Neo 6 also adds to the competition, while the upcoming OnePlus Nord 2T is rumored to enter the fray at a similar price range.
The Verdict: A Promising Contender
The Poco F4 5G emerges as a strong contender in the mid-range segment, boasting a compelling combination of powerful performance, a premium design, and a comprehensive feature set. Despite a competitive landscape, the F4 5G possesses the potential to capture the attention of tech enthusiasts seeking a balance between power and affordability. However, the lack of long-term software update guarantees and the presence of strong competitors remain key factors for consideration. A comprehensive review of the Poco F4 5G is forthcoming, providing deeper insights into its performance and capabilities.
