Xiaomi Black Shark Helo Complete Specs Prices Pros and Cons Revealed

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Black Shark Helo boasts a distinctive design crafted specifically to appeal to gamers. The device features a robust build with a sleek black color, complemented by lighting effects on the rear for a more immersive gaming experience. Measuring 160 x 75.2 x 8.7 mm and weighing 190 grams, it is relatively slim and portable while still providing a sturdy hand feel. The dual SIM capability offers enhanced flexibility for users on the go.

Display

The Black Shark Helo is equipped with a 6.01-inch AMOLED display that covers approximately 93.2 cm², accounting for a screen-to-body ratio of around 77.5%. With a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels and a pixel density of about 402 PPI, this display delivers crisp visuals and vibrant colors, perfect for both gaming and multimedia consumption.

Performance

Under the hood, the device runs on the Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 chipset, manufactured with a 10 nm process technology. The octa-core CPU includes 4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 385 Silver cores, while the Adreno 630 GPU handles graphics processing. This powerful combination ensures smooth performance during intensive gaming sessions and multitasking.

Memory and Storage

The Black Shark Helo offers multiple configurations to suit different needs: 128GB of internal storage paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, and a high-tier variant with 256GB of storage and 10GB of RAM. However, it lacks a card slot for expandable storage, meaning users will need to rely on the onboard capacity.

Camera

For photography enthusiasts, the device features a dual main camera setup. The primary 12 MP sensor comes with an f/1.8 aperture and dual pixel PDAF, while a secondary 20 MP sensor offers an f/1.8 aperture with 2x optical zoom capability. Features like dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama mode further enhance photo quality. The main camera can record videos in 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, and 720p@120fps. On the front, a 20 MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture supports video recording at 1080p@30fps.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery, supporting 18W wired charging with QC3 technology. This ensures that the phone can sustain long hours of gaming and usage without frequent recharges, making it highly suitable for gamers and power users alike.

Operating System

Running on Android 8.0 (Oreo), the Black Shark Helo provides a stable and intuitive user interface tailored for gaming. The Android ecosystem offers a wide array of apps and games, further complemented by Xiaomi’s custom UI enhancements that optimize performance and aesthetics.

Audio and Connectivity

The stereo speakers enhance the audio experience by providing immersive sound quality. However, the absence of a 3.5mm audio jack might be a drawback for those who prefer wired headphones. In terms of connectivity, the phone includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, aptX HD, and LE, as well as positioning services like GPS, GLONASS, and BDS. Unfortunately, NFC and radio are not supported in this model.

Network Capabilities

The Xiaomi Black Shark Helo supports multiple network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE. It supports various 4G bands, facilitating fast internet speeds and reliable connectivity in different regions.

Additional Features

A rear-mounted fingerprint sensor provides secure and quick access to the device, while additional sensors like the accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass enhance user experience in various applications.

Pricing and Availability

Announced in October 2018 and released in November of the same year, the Xiaomi Black Shark Helo entered the market with a price tag of about 450 EUR. Its competitive pricing and high-performance specifications make it an attractive option for gaming-centric users looking for a powerful smartphone experience.