Check out the Black Shark website (opens in new tab) for accessories, including a cooling fan, earphones, and more gaming triggers. I used to think gaming phones were more of a gimmick without any noticeable benefits compared to their non-gaming variants. As smooth as the Black Shark 4 Pro looks and feels, the biggest test for a gaming phone is its performance. While I’m typically against comparing devices through benchmarks — nothing is more accurate than real-world use — here’s a snapshot of how the Black Shark 4 Pro fares in a sea of similarly priced handsets.

• In addition to the screen, performance should also be better, but there is still a lack of specific information.
• It can also be used for general purposes, like transferring data and files.
• Most gaming class phones are thick any way, and for good reason.
• If you are out and about using your phone a lot, provided you’re near a plug, then you can keep going for as long as you need.

If you’re more focused on the core gaming experience than the specs, the Black Shark 4 Pro is still a tempting option. It also allows for game macros – something not found on most gaming phones – that allow you to trigger repetitive actions with a single tap of a download the stock firmware button, further aligning the PC and mobile gaming experiences. The Black Shark 4 Pro is an exceptionally well-built gaming phone, with all the nuts and bolts that we’ve come to expect from one. Better yet, its $579 starting price undercuts most of the competition, without compromising on processing power and functionality. Just be prepared for the device’s heavy skin over Android, a slower cadence of software updates, and middling battery life. If you can get over those shortcomings, the Black Shark 4 Pro may be the gaming phone for you.

• Then there’s Shark Chan, a gamified assistant of sorts that helps you set alarms or change wallpapers.
• The Xiaomi Black Shark 4 comes with Android OS v11.0 out of the box, but it is upgradable to the next OS.
• As for the Black Shark 5 Pro’s fast charging, it’s very effective.
• I did a double-take when I noticed that the software includes a mention of Shark Chan’s bust, waist, and hip measurements, as if I’m playing a dating sim.
• The magnetic option is pricier, but it was the better of the two by a long shot.
• We weren’t just playing better, we were outperforming everyone else.

Black Shark also claims it has HDR 10+ support, a 111% DCI-P3 calibration and a 1,300 nit peak brightness. For the players, instead of touch sensitive shoulder areas, you can flick the two switches on the right side and pop out physical shoulder buttons, which are so much better to use. The frame has been sculpted for decent comfort and the holographic finish on the back does look pretty cool. The device have build fingerprint sensors (side mounted) as the primary security with face unlock features support. Xiaomi tried to sweeten the pot by throwing in the fancy-schmancy 120W HyperCharge support.

In just two days, we quickly ranked up in games like Call of Duty Mobile, where we reached the master tier. We weren’t just playing better, we were outperforming everyone else. Coming from someone who doesn’t generally do all that well at shooters, that’s saying something. I used to be pretty skeptical about gaming phones, and for the most part, still am. It’s not the most impressive gaming-focused feature though; that award goes to the magnetic pop-up triggers, found on the right-side of the smartphone (or the top left and right when gaming horizontally). Hidden when not in use, the triggers simply pop out by flipping the switches that sit next to each, providing a more console-esque gaming experience without the need to carry around accessories.