When I unboxed the Xiaomi 4 Pro, the first thing that caught my attention was its sleek and sturdy design. The Chinese brand continues to excel in the design aspect and while there isn’t a lot of consistency with its high-end device, the device continues to focus more on functionalities.

The 161.4 x 75.3 x 8.5 mm dimensions and the weight, either 223g or 230g, based on the variant, felt substantial in hand. The combination of the glass front and back encased in an aluminum or titanium frame (also depending on the variant you picked) exudes a premium and durable feel which definitely puts the device in the same region as the likes of the iPhone 15 Pro and the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Its IP68 dust and water-resistant feature, surviving up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, is quite standard in accidental situations including spills or sudden rain.

Comparing it with the latest premium-tier smartphones like the Galaxy S23 Ultra, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and OnePlus 11 Pro, the Xiaomi 4 Pro stands out quite well especially for those who are into Xiaomi products because let’s be honest, the Android market seems to be losing its core users who are those that want an affordable smartphone but with a lot of cool specs that are almost within the gimmicky region.

The Display: Where Clarity Meets Immersion

The Xiaomi 4 Pro has a quite average-sized 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED screen that delivers an exceptional visual experience with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and an astounding peak brightness of 3000 nits which topples the iPhone 15 Pro’s 2500.

While that number is quite high on paper, a real-world side-by-side test will be the best way to see which of them is actually brighter. But with the little period I spent with the device, I can say the screen’s OLED panel is really immersive.

Power Under the Hood: Cutting-Edge Performance

Running on Android 14 with its own HyperOS, the Xiaomi 4 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) chipset, offering a seamless and responsive user experience. The octa-core setup ensures smooth multitasking and gaming without any glitches or lags.

The Xiaomi 4 Pro’s processor, coupled with the memory options – 256GB with 12GB RAM, 512GB with 16GB RAM, or a massive 1TB with 16GB RAM gives you a ton of storage when recording in 4K. Although I’m still a big fan of cloud storage at the end of the day.

Capture Every Moment: Unleashing Photography & Videography Potential

The camera setup on the Xiaomi 14 Pro is a photography enthusiast’s dream at least for those who’d want to keep their Instagram filled with quality pictures.

The triple 50MP rear camera system, equipped with wide, telephoto, and ultrawide lenses, captures stunning detail and depth in every shot.

The device can also record up to 8K resolution at 24fps. Its slo-mo can reach up to 1920fps which gives content creators the ability to do just about anything.

A Sonic Experience: Sound and Connectivity

While the absence of a 3.5mm jack might disappoint some, the support for 24-bit/192kHz audio ensures a premium audio quality for music lovers.

Power That Lasts: Battery and Charging Capabilities

The Xiaomi 4 Pro boasts a Li-Po 4880mAh non-removable battery that provides lasting power throughout the day. Moreover, with 120W wired charging, the phone can reach 100% battery in just 18 minutes, making it a game-changer in terms of quick charging technology.

While I wasn’t able to test this myself, I think most Chinese brands are trying really hard to create amazing super-fast charging capabilities on their smartphones even though I wouldn’t know whether the longevity of the battery life can be guaranteed.

It’s almost like a win-win situation for consumers. Being able to fast-charge the battery might not mean the battery’s lifespan would be as long as others but the fact that you’re able to recharge quickly and probably planning to dump the device after its fourth birthday might not be a bad one.

In conclusion, the Xiaomi 4 Pro stands tall as a trailblazer in the smartphone market. Its design, display, performance, camera capabilities, sound, and fast-charging battery make it a tough competitor for other recent premium smartphones like the Galaxy S23 Ultra, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and OnePlus 11 Pro.

Stay tuned for the full review of the Xiaomi 4 Pro as we delve deeper into its functionalities and performance.

But for now, this smartphone, with its cool features sets a new standard for the ultimate user experience. The Xiaomi 4 Pro is undeniably a contender for those seeking a glimpse into what the Chinese brand has to offer in 2023/2024.