Xiaomi Black Shark Unveiled Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Black Shark boasts a striking design specifically tailored for gamers. With dimensions of 161.6 x 75.4 x 9.3 mm, this device is designed to fit comfortably in the hand while providing an adequate screen size for gaming. It weighs 190 grams, giving it a solid feel without being cumbersome. The phone features a glass front, an aluminum back, and an aluminum frame, combining style with durability. One of the unique design elements is the Black Shark logo on the back, which lights up, adding to the gaming ambiance. The device also supports a dual SIM configuration, enhancing its functionality for users who need to maintain multiple mobile lines.

Display

The Black Shark sports a 5.99-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels. This provides a pixel density of approximately 403 ppi, ensuring sharp and vibrant images. The 18:9 aspect ratio offers a wide view, enhancing the gaming experience by displaying more content on-screen compared to traditional aspect ratios. The screen-to-body ratio is roughly 76%, making it modern yet practical for handling.

Performance and Hardware

This device is powered by the Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 chipset, built on a 10 nm process. Its CPU is an octa-core setup, comprised of four 2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold cores and four 1.8 GHz Kryo 385 Silver cores. This configuration ensures that the phone can handle the most demanding games and applications with ease. The Adreno 630 GPU delivers top-notch graphics, making this phone ideal for gaming.

Memory options for the Black Shark include 6GB or 8GB of RAM, paired with 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, respectively. Although the device does not support expandable storage via microSD cards, the internal storage offers ample space for a large collection of apps, games, and media.

Camera Capabilities

On the photography front, the Black Shark features a dual main camera setup. The primary sensor is a 12 MP lens with an f/1.8 aperture and dual pixel phase detection autofocus, ensuring quick and precise focusing. The secondary 20 MP lens with an f/1.8 aperture offers a 2x optical zoom, allowing users to capture distant subjects with clarity.

The camera module includes features such as a dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama mode, providing versatility for various shooting conditions. Video recording capabilities include 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 30fps, and slow-motion support at 720p with 120fps.

The selfie camera is a 20 MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, capable of capturing high-resolution images and recording 1080p videos at 30fps.

Sound and Audio

For audio, the Black Shark is equipped with stereo speakers that deliver a rich auditory experience, crucial for gaming and media consumption. However, it does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack, which might be a drawback for some users who prefer wired audio peripherals. The phone supports audio through a USB Type-C connector and offers advanced Bluetooth audio codecs such as aptX HD for high-quality wireless sound.

Connectivity Features

Connectivity options for the Black Shark include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band support and Wi-Fi Direct capabilities, ensuring robust and flexible wireless networking. Bluetooth 5.0 is included for efficient wireless data transfers and device connections. The phone supports positioning systems like GPS, GLONASS, and BDS, offering reliable navigation. A downside is the absence of NFC support, which might be missed by users who rely on contactless payment services. The phone also lacks FM radio functionality.

Battery Life and Charging

Providing the power is a non-removable 4000 mAh Li-Ion battery, which supports Quick Charge 3.0 technology for fast charging at 18W. This ensures that users can get back to their games with minimal downtime. The battery life is robust, offering extended usage times to accommodate gaming sessions and daily mobile use without frequent recharging.

Software and User Interface

The Xiaomi Black Shark runs on Android 8.0 Oreo, offering a stock-like experience with minimal bloatware. The interface is further tailored with the company's own Shark Space, a gaming mode that optimizes the device's resources for improved gaming performance. This feature provides gamers with a dedicated environment to manage games and enhance the overall gaming experience.

Additional Features

Additional features include front-mounted fingerprint sensors for quick and secure access, along with an array of sensors like accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass to support various applications and enhance user interaction. The phone comes in several color options, including Black, Gray, and Royal Blue, allowing consumers to choose a style that matches their preference.

Price and Value Proposition

Priced at approximately 400 EUR, the Black Shark presents a compelling option for serious gamers and tech enthusiasts seeking performance without breaking the bank. With its combination of high-end specs, gaming-specific design, and robust battery life, it caters well to its target audience, providing excellent value against other premium devices in its category.