Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build

The Xiaomi Black Shark 5 showcases a modern and robust design. Measuring 163.8 x 76.3 x 10 mm and weighing 218 g, its dimensions provide a balanced feel in the hand. Although slightly heavier than some smartphones, the weight distribution makes it comfortable for prolonged use. The phone supports Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), making it convenient for users who need to manage multiple numbers.

Display

One of the standout features of the Black Shark 5 is its vibrant 6.67-inch AMOLED screen. The display supports a 144Hz refresh rate and can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, ensuring sharp, smooth, and clear visuals even in bright sunlight. With a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and an ~85.9% screen-to-body ratio, the display offers excellent clarity and an immersive viewing experience.

Performance

The device is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 870 5G chipset, known for its impressive performance and efficiency. With an octa-core CPU configuration of 1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585, and 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585, along with an Adreno 650 GPU, the smartphone handles multitasking, high-end gaming, and other demanding applications with ease.

Memory and Storage

The Black Shark 5 offers multiple memory configurations: 128GB storage with either 8GB or 12GB RAM, and 256GB storage with 12GB RAM. However, the device lacks an external memory card slot, emphasizing the need to consider your storage requirements before purchasing.

Camera

Photography on the Black Shark 5 is handled by a triple-camera setup with a 64 MP main sensor at f/1.8, a 13 MP ultrawide sensor at f/2.4 with a 120-degree field of view, and a 2 MP macro lens at f/2.4. The camera supports features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama, offering versatility for different photography needs. Video recording capabilities include 4K at 30/60fps and 1080p at various frame rates, up to 960fps for slow-motion capture. The 16 MP front-facing camera, with HDR support, caters to selfie enthusiasts with 1080p video recording at 30fps.

Battery and Charging

The phone houses a 4650 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery. One of its standout features is the 120W wired charging capability, which is advertised to charge the battery to 100% in just 15 minutes. This rapid charging feature ensures minimal downtime and keeps users connected and powered throughout the day.

Software

The Black Shark 5 runs on Android 12, with Joy UI 13 on top, providing a unique blend of features, customization, and performance optimizations to enhance the gaming and user experience. Regular updates from Xiaomi ensure the software remains optimized and secure.

Network and Connectivity

This smartphone supports a comprehensive range of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, LTE, and 5G, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity across various regions and networks. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and GPS with support for major global satellite positioning systems. Although it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, the Type-C USB port and stereo speakers adequately support modern audio needs.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device is equipped with a slew of sensors, including a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer, enhancing its utility for various applications, especially gaming. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor adds an element of convenience and security, offering quick and easy access to the device.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Black Shark 5 is a robust and versatile smartphone that appeals to gamers and power users with its high refresh rate display, powerful processor, and rapid charging capabilities. Its combination of design, performance, and features make it a worthy contender in the gaming smartphone segment. However, potential buyers should consider its lack of expandable storage and absence of a headphone jack based on their needs. Overall, with its rich feature set and excellent performance, the Black Shark 5 justifies its price of around 600 EUR, offering great value for money.