Xiaomi POCO F4 Overview, Features, and Buying Guide
The Xiaomi POCO F4 arrived in June 2022 as a performance-focused smartphone that balances power with affordability. Built around the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor, this device targets users who want flagship-level performance without the premium price tag. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate delivers smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals, while the 64MP main camera with optical image stabilization handles everyday photography with confidence.
What sets this phone apart is its thoughtful combination of features. The slim 7.7mm profile weighs just 195 grams, making it comfortable for extended use. Gorilla Glass 5 protects both the front and back, and the IP53 rating provides basic protection against water splashes and dust. Stereo speakers enhance media consumption, and the 4500mAh battery supports 67W fast charging that reaches full capacity in approximately 38 minutes.
What Makes the Xiaomi POCO F4 Worth Buying?
The POCO F4 stands out primarily because of its processor choice. The Snapdragon 870 remains a capable chipset even beyond its release year, handling demanding games and multitasking without noticeable lag. Paired with up to 12GB of RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, the phone delivers snappy performance whether launching apps, editing photos, or switching between dozens of open tabs.
Display quality is another strong point. The AMOLED panel supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, which means compatible streaming content looks exceptional with deep blacks and accurate colors. Peak brightness reaches 1300 nits, ensuring outdoor visibility remains solid even in direct sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate makes everyday interactions feel fluid, from scrolling social media feeds to navigating menus.
Photography capabilities exceed expectations for this price segment. The 64MP main sensor features optical image stabilization, which helps capture sharper shots in low light and reduces blur from hand movement. The 8MP ultrawide camera provides versatility for landscape shots and group photos, though the 2MP macro sensor offers limited practical use. Video recording maxes out at 4K resolution at 60fps, with both front and rear cameras supporting Full HD recording.
Charging speed is genuinely impressive. The 67W wired charging system fills the 4500mAh battery in under 40 minutes, which means a quick top-up during breakfast can easily power through the entire day. The phone supports modern fast charging standards including Power Delivery 3.0 and Quick Charge 3, ensuring compatibility with various third-party chargers.
Things to Know Before Choosing the Xiaomi POCO F4
The absence of expandable storage means buyers need to choose their storage capacity carefully at purchase. Unlike some competitors, there’s no microSD card slot for adding extra space later. The 128GB base model might feel limiting for users who store large video files or extensive app libraries.
No 3.5mm headphone jack exists on this device. While the phone supports high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz audio over USB-C, users with wired headphones will need an adapter or should consider switching to wireless options. The stereo speaker setup partially compensates with solid audio quality for media playback.
Software updates present a consideration. The phone launched with Android 12 and MIUI for POCO, with confirmed upgrades to Android 13 and MIUI 14.2. Long-term software support beyond these versions remains uncertain, which matters for buyers planning to keep their phone for several years.
The IP53 rating provides only basic water resistance against vertical water sprays. This isn’t equivalent to the IP68 protection found on flagship devices, meaning the phone shouldn’t be submerged or exposed to heavy rain. Accidental spills and light splashes are manageable, but users should exercise caution around water.
Camera performance in challenging conditions has limitations. While the main sensor handles most situations well, the ultrawide camera shows noticeable quality drop-off in low light. Night photography relies heavily on software processing, and results can vary. The 2MP macro camera lacks the resolution for truly detailed close-up shots.
Is the Xiaomi POCO F4 Right for You?
Mobile gamers will appreciate what this phone offers. The Snapdragon 870 with Adreno 650 GPU handles popular titles smoothly, and the 120Hz display provides competitive advantages in fast-paced games. The vapor cooling system helps maintain performance during extended gaming sessions, though the phone can still warm up under sustained heavy load.
Students and professionals seeking reliable daily performance will find the POCO F4 suitable. Multitasking between productivity apps runs smoothly, and the large AMOLED screen provides ample space for reading documents or watching educational content. The fast charging capability means the phone can quickly recharge between classes or meetings.
Photography enthusiasts on a budget get decent value here. The main camera with OIS captures quality shots for social media and casual photography. However, serious photographers who frequently shoot in challenging conditions or need extensive manual controls might find the camera system limiting compared to dedicated camera phones.
Media consumers benefit from the combination of the vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, stereo speakers, and support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision content. The screen size hits a sweet spot for streaming video without becoming unwieldy, and the audio quality surpasses many competitors in this price range.
Budget-conscious buyers who prioritize performance over camera versatility will find this phone compelling. The Snapdragon 870 delivers significantly better performance than mid-range processors, making it a smart choice for users who want flagship-level speed without flagship pricing.
Best Alternatives to the Xiaomi POCO F4
The Realme GT Neo 3 offers similar performance with the Snapdragon 870, but adds 150W charging capability for even faster power-ups. Its design language differs, and camera performance varies slightly, making it worth comparing based on availability and pricing.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G targets buyers who prefer Samsung’s One UI software experience and want guaranteed longer software support. It uses the Snapdragon 778G processor, which is less powerful than the 870, but offers a larger 108MP main camera and IP67 water resistance.
OnePlus Nord 2T provides a different approach with the MediaTek Dimensity 1300 chipset and OxygenOS software. It features a similar 6.43-inch AMOLED display but with 90Hz refresh rate instead of 120Hz, along with comparable camera specifications.
Nothing Phone (1) appeals to users seeking unique design elements with its transparent back and Glyph Interface lighting system. It uses the Snapdragon 778G+ processor and offers a cleaner Android experience, though with slightly less raw performance than the POCO F4.
Xiaomi POCO F4 Frequently Asked Questions
Does the POCO F4 support wireless charging?
The POCO F4 does not include wireless charging capability. It relies exclusively on 67W wired fast charging through the USB Type-C port. The charging speed is remarkably fast, delivering a full charge in approximately 38 minutes, which partially compensates for the lack of wireless charging. The phone supports multiple fast charging protocols including Power Delivery 3.0 and Quick Charge 3 for compatibility with various chargers.
How long does the POCO F4 receive software updates?
The POCO F4 launched with Android 12 and MIUI for POCO, and has received updates to Android 13 with MIUI 14.2. Xiaomi typically provides major Android version updates for two years and security patches for three years from the release date, though exact timelines can vary by region. Users should expect security updates through mid-2025, though the company hasn’t provided specific commitments beyond the confirmed Android 13 upgrade.
Can the POCO F4 handle heavy gaming?
The Snapdragon 870 processor paired with the Adreno 650 GPU handles demanding mobile games effectively. Popular titles like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and PUBG Mobile run smoothly at high graphics settings. The 120Hz AMOLED display enhances the gaming experience with fluid motion, and the vapor cooling system helps manage heat during extended sessions. The phone may experience some thermal throttling during prolonged intensive gaming, but overall performance remains competitive with more expensive gaming-focused devices.
Is the POCO F4 camera good for low-light photography?
The 64MP main camera with optical image stabilization performs reasonably well in low-light conditions for a phone in this price range. OIS helps capture sharper shots by reducing motion blur, and the software processing applies night mode enhancements when needed. Results are acceptable for casual photography and social media sharing, though dedicated night photography modes on flagship devices produce cleaner images with better detail preservation. The ultrawide camera struggles more noticeably in dim environments, showing increased noise and reduced sharpness.
What comes in the POCO F4 box?
The POCO F4 package includes the phone itself, a 67W fast charger with compatible cable, a clear protective case, a SIM ejector tool, and documentation. The inclusion of the fast charger in the box represents good value, as many manufacturers have removed chargers from their packages. The protective case provides basic scratch protection, though users who want more robust protection should consider investing in a higher-quality case.