However, we do not include external storage in our matrix score calculation because several modern users prefer to use cloud storage services instead of physical expansion memory. Furthermore, cloud storage services offer many benefits such as ease of use, safety, and lower cost, as opposed to buying external memory expansion, which is more expensive and less safe. In this situation, we use a calculation methodology with a technology approach. If a device supports more features on the WLAN function, uses the latest Bluetooth version, and has a modern universal connection port, we can assign a high score to the device. This means that a higher score will bring a more flexible user experience in terms of connectivity. In our matrix calculation, we calculate the mobile network score using a technology adoption approach.
Xiaomi’s gaming sub-brand Black Shark has put out a slew of stock firmware ROM fantastic gaming phones in the past. Adopting the parent company’s eye view, Black Shark phones usually bundle heavy-duty gear with lower mid-range price tags. The Black Shark 4 Pro is a beefed-up version of the regular Black Shark 4, bumping up the key specs of its mega affordable sibling. While yes, the bottom middle is the most obvious and commonplace for the port, charging the phone and gaming at the same time can be very awkward, causing your hand to cramp as you try to hold and play around it. Moving the port to say the middle left or right side would have been a unique feature and way for a gaming phone such as this to distinguish itself from a “traditional phone”.
- Based on Xiaomi’s MIUI 12, it should come as no surprise that the JoyUI 12 experience is about as far from stock Android as you can get – for better, and for worse.
- Software-wise, the Black Shark 4 Pro has something Xiaomi calls JoyUI, which is based on its main MIUI software, which in turn is based on Android 11.
- You’d be better off grabbing one of the newer options from ASUS, Red Magic, or even a true-blue flagship like the Samsung Galaxy S22.
- Black Shark’s latest entry, as Gen Z would say, is “built different.” The Black Shark 4 Pro looks and feels more like a traditional smartphone than it does a gaming one.
Its once jarring and riveting roots have morphed into a more polished and virtuosic approach. Yet, beneath the waters of that calm façade is a device that is ever so capable of chomping through a sea of competing gaming phones. Asus’ latest ROG Phone 6 is like a super deluxe version of a smartphone.
- I understand Black Shark’s intent to introduce a mascot/smart assistant and while anime is not really my thing, I can totally appreciate that the Shark Chan herself will have some fans.
- With good lighting, stills have a decent amount of detail, vibrant colours and great dynamic range, making it a good snapper for everyday shots.
- On the front you’ve got a fairly standard 20MP wide selfie camera.
With more gaming and intense use, setting the performance level to the maximum level (Ludicrous) and forcing the refresh rate to 144 Hz, I lasted less than 10 hours. But in this scenario, I was really abusing the battery, so it’s a pretty unrealistic usage scenario. The Black Shark 5 Pro is equipped with a 4,650 mAh dual-cell battery that supports Xiaomi’s HyperCharge fast charging system with 120 Watts of power. Moreover, it offers a mode to boost the charging speed and go from 0 to 100% battery life in 15 minutes.