If before we have published a review article for Poco X4 5G. Now, it's the turn of the Poco F4 5G which is a mid-range device through the use of the Snapdragon 870 chip. This is the same chip used in the previous model, the Poco F3, which we once considered a new generation flagship device killer at the time.
However, there are some changes that have also been made and the most significant are in the configuration of the main camera, the battery capacity and the charging system supported. With all this, is it worth it for you to upgrade or find another better alternative? Follow our review sharing.
Device Specifications
POCO F4 5G
6.67-inch AMOLED screen, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits
1080 x 2400 pixels
Gorilla Glass 5
Snapdragon 870 processor (7nm)
1 x 3.2 GHz Kryo 585 chip
3 x 2.42 GHz Kryo 585
4 x 1.80 GHz Kryo 585
Adreno 650 Graphics Chip
RAM 6/8GB LPDDR5
Internal Storage 128/256 GB UFS 3.1
64-Megapixel Primary Camera (primary) (OIS)
8-Megapixel (Ultra-wide)
2-Megapixel (macro)
20-Megapixel Selfie Camera
4,500 mAh battery
67W wired charging
SIM/Telephony Dual SIM nano / 5G
NFC Yes
No Audio Jack
Waterproof IP53
Scan System Side fingerprint scanner
Face scan
Sale Price Starting from RM1599
The size and type of screen used on this device is the same as the previous model. It's a 6.67-inch AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate support, FHD+ resolution and HDR10+ display. The flat screen is maintained with the existence of a small hole for the placement of the selfie camera. The user experience feels good through it because all the screen surfaces can be used.
At the same time, the video viewing experience also feels enjoyable without the weird viewing issues. For example the screen overflows to the side as is often the case on devices with dual-curved screens. The body is now boxed with a glossy finish that seems to use an attractive glass-based material.
The Snapdragon 870 processor is used in combination with up to 8GB of LPDDR5-based RAM. Meanwhile, the internal storage capacity reaches 256GB based on UFS 3.1 which allows the device to function well. However, there is no support for microSD card space here requiring users to choose storage wisely depending on their respective usage.
Also complementing this device is a battery with a capacity of 4,500mAh. It's a little smaller than the previous model, but the charging system is improved with 67W ouput power. The charging head is also provided free of charge with a cable with a white USB-A to USB-C connection.
For those asking about wireless charging support, it is not supported by this device at all. Other specifications that are also loaded on this device include a side fingerprint scanner, an AI-based facial scanning system.
The main camera uses a tri-camera system with a 64-Megapixel configuration for the main sensor that also supports OIS. It looks better than its predecessor which uses a 48-Megapixel sensor. Then it is also matched with an 8-Megapixel ultra-wide sensor with a field of view of 119 degrees. Finally, the macro sensor is also maintained with a 2-Megapixel configuration that looks smaller compared to the 5-Megapixel on the Poco F3.
All of these sensors are packed into a square-shaped camera bump in a circular arrangement. The 20-Megapixel selfie camera can be used for selfies and video calls. The camera's ability to take pictures at 4:3, 16:9 and full aspect ratio.
At the highest settings video can be recorded at 4K resolution with 30/60fps options. Several built-in additional functions are also provided by Poco through the camera application for the production of various photos and videos.
On the right side there is a power and adjustment button that also functions as a fingerprint scanner. Apart from that, it can also be used to take a screenshot when pressed twice. Along with it, it also includes a button to adjust the audio. The left side is seen to be empty without any buttons or holes. Moving down is the SIM tray and does not support a microSD card, USB-C connection and speakers with a stereo audio system.
Another speaker can be found on the edge of the phone on the side of the screen. One thing that is still not included is the 3.5mm audio jack which was also the case on the previous model. This will simultaneously cause discomfort among users who depend on wired earphones.
Usage Experience
In our opinion, the Poco F4 5G has a body that is comfortable to hold, but very easily traps fingerprints. The review unit we received is black with a more simple and comfortable style. The boxy design combined with the rounded sides makes this device feel comfortable to hold despite having a large body size. Poco also provides a rough -textured translucent frame for added comfort. Next, each button and port is also placed in an easily accessible ergonomic position.
All the included buttons are made of metal with a sturdy construction, at the same time it also does not hurt the fingers when pressed. The screen capability is also good without the need for us to change the brightness level frequently. It is bright even when used in direct bright sunlight.
The experience of watching videos and playing the first one is fun through a kind of flat screen. The included refresh rate capability also works well. The screen also displays smooth movement but at the same time is able to reduce battery usage as the refresh rate is dynamically changed.
The software used is MIUI 13.0.4 for Poco with Android 12 operating system. The interface may be a little confusing for those who have never used MIUI. It also stands out with its bright icon colors. Also visible, there are iOS elements used in its design. A number of additional features are also included such as application tray, one -handed mode, various gestures for shortcuts and so on. Fat apps are also still visible with some third -party apps that come built -in.
Overall, it looks neat but the software is still not very good for satisfactory use. The bugs found also resulted in less pleasant annoyances. Examples are frequent mobile data connections and hotspot functions that fail to work properly for some situations. One more thing we noticed, the music app on MIUI 13 now has support for JOOX built -in. However, it is seen displaying a different interface to the original JOOX app.
The use of a chip that is almost a year old does not present any issues on this device. It is also still powerful with performance abilities at a satisfactory level. We also don’t face severe time lag issues throughout using it as a daily device. Launching the app also feels fast with smooth animated transitions. At the same time, no extreme heat issues were found, in fact the heat production was good with an acceptable warm taste. This may be due to the well -functioning built -in cooling system support.
Camera performance is simple. It is able to work well in adequate lighting. The producer of all the images also looks attractive with vibrant colors. However, it is inconsistent because sometimes the pictures taken have too saturated colors, thus resulting in lost details and details. The same situation applies to photos taken using an ultra-wide camera. Inconsistent and some conditions show results that are not very sharp and look soft.
Poco also offers a night mode built into the camera app for better night shots. The results may not be perfect but are still acceptable for a device with such a price range. A few edits can be done to the photo to make it look more attractive for sharing on social media. Next, the 2MP macro camera is nothing special with less than satisfactory results. Lastly, the result of the selfie photo is also good with the reproduction of the skin tone in a natural direction. Also included is a built -in beauty mode that can be customized according to the user's own needs.
The included 4,500mAh battery is capable of working well for daily use. As always, the battery life of a device depends on the respective usage pattern. With one full charge, this smart device can last up to 7 hours SOT for normal use. This durability is however slightly reduced for extreme use but is still fine. It can also actually last a whole day with regular use. The recharging process can be done completely in just 1 hour and 10 minutes via a 67W charger.
Other performances such as audio capabilities have a loud but unbalanced sound cast. The experience will be even better with the use of earphones. For information, this speaker is also tuned by Dolby Atmos and supports Hi-Res audio. The fingerprint scanner is also able to work well, at the same time a face scanning system is also included for a faster device unlocking process.
What's In The Box
Here is what is received with every purchase of a device in Malaysia:
1x Poco F4 5G.
1x Silicone frame.
1x 67W 3 pin charger.
1x USB-A to USB-C charger cable.
1x SIM Pin.
1x Manual.
1x Dongel.
Conclusion
The Poco F4 5G is a device with minor updates from previous models. The improvements lie in the main camera which now supports a 64MP sensor and an improved charging system despite the slightly smaller battery capacity. However, the use of the same chip has caused uneasiness among consumers, especially Poco F3 owners who feel there is no need to upgrade. However, the Poco option still gives a positive impact which shows this chip is powerful enough for good device use. It is also capable of moving various types of primers without extreme problems.
At the same time, devices with such a chip are also still worth owning at this point. In conclusion here, buy if you are already familiar with the MIUI interface as the software is a bit confusing for new users. Then, it also has good battery life where suitable for long use. But, it is felt to be inappropriate for content creators who often upload interesting pictures for followers sharing on social media. The reason is that the camera's performance is just modest.
Pro
Comfortable use experience.
Steady performance with good heat conduction.
Satisfactory battery life.
Upgraded fast charging system.
Affordable price.
Cons
Neat interface but a bit confusing for new users.
The camera's capabilities are simple.
No 3.5mm audio jack.
No micro-SD card space.