Xiaomi Black Shark 4S Ultimate Gaming Beast Unleashed

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Black Shark 4S showcases an impressive design that caters significantly to gamers and power users. The device measures 163.7 x 76.2 x 9.9 mm and weighs around 210 grams, offering a sturdy feel while remaining comfortable in hand. The aesthetic is bold yet minimalist, with sharp lines and an ergonomic form factor that promotes ease of use during extended gaming sessions. The device supports dual SIM cards with a dual-standby option, ensuring flexibility for users who need multiple numbers.

Display

The Black Shark 4S comes with a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display, delivering vibrant colors and deep contrasts that enhance the visual experience. With a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio, users benefit from a crisp and detailed view. The display supports a 144Hz refresh rate, which is a significant advantage for gamers looking for smooth and fluid transitions. Additional features like HDR10+ and a peak brightness of 1300 nits ensure that the visual clarity remains impeccable even in bright daylight conditions.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Black Shark 4S is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G chipset, manufactured on a 7nm process. It accommodates an octa-core CPU configuration, consisting of one high-performance Kryo 585 core running at 3.2 GHz, three Kryo 585 units at 2.42 GHz, and four efficiency-focused Kryo 585 units at 1.80 GHz. The Adreno 650 GPU further complements the performance, ensuring seamless graphics rendering, crucial for high-intensity gaming. The device runs on Android 11, cloaked under the Joy UI 12.8, designed specifically to enhance gaming environments.

Memory and Storage

The Black Shark 4S offers multiple memory and storage configurations, with options of 8GB RAM coupled with 128GB of internal storage, or 12GB RAM with either 128GB or 256GB storage. Unfortunately, the device does not support expandable storage through a microSD card, so users will need to be mindful of their storage demands when selecting a variant.

Camera Features

For photography enthusiasts, the Black Shark 4S features a triple rear camera setup. The main sensor is a 48MP wide camera with an aperture of f/1.8, ensuring quality images even in low-light conditions. Accompanying it is an 8MP ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view, and a 5MP macro sensor for close-up shots. The camera supports features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama, with video recording capabilities of up to 4K at 60fps. The selfie camera is a single 20MP lens allowing for 1080p recording at 30fps with HDR options to optimize selfies.

Battery Life and Charging

This device is powered by a robust 4500mAh Li-Po battery, which is non-removable. The star feature in the battery department is the 120W wired charging capability, claimed to charge the device fully in just 17 minutes. This is particularly advantageous for gamers and on-the-go users, ensuring more uptime with minimal charge times.

Connectivity and Other Features

In terms of connectivity, the Black Shark 4S supports a wide range of technologies including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, LTE, and 5G. It also has Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, and NFC for easy connectivity. The device lacks an FM Radio but makes up for it with a USB Type-C port. The presence of stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack caters to high-quality audio experiences, while the side-mounted fingerprint sensor ensures quick and secure access.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Black Shark 4S is clearly geared towards users looking for power, speed, and gaming prowess. Its strong specifications, combined with an appealing price point of about 360 EUR, make it a competitive option in the gaming smartphone market. Whether it's the rapid charging, advanced display, or cutting-edge processor, the Black Shark 4S firmly establishes itself as a reliable companion for tech-savvy and gaming enthusiasts alike.