POCO M4 Pro announced: A Redmi Note 11 with new clothing

POCO is no stranger to rebranded devices, having done so with phones like the POCO F2 Pro and POCO F3. Now, it’s done the same with the newly announced POCO M4 Pro, but it’s giving us a fresh design too.

The new POCO device differs from the Redmi Note 11 by sporting a black window around the camera housing much like last year’s POCO M3. And much like last year’s release, the device is available in that vibrant POCO Yellow color option (along with Power Black and Cool Blue).

The other key differentiating factor here is the use of the POCO Launcher atop MIUI 12.5. But otherwise, this is the Redmi Note 11 through and through.

POCO M4 Pro: A familiar proposition

That means you’ve got a MediaTek Dimensity 810 5G processor, a 6.6-inch FHD+ 90Hz LCD panel, and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W charging (via an in-box charger). These core specs aren’t a huge leap over the POCO M3 Pro, with the exception of higher CPU clock speeds and improved wired charging. POCO says you’ll be fully charged in just 59 minutes.

Poco’s device also shares the Redmi Note 11’s camera setup, featuring a dual rear camera system that consists of a 50MP main shooter and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. The extra “lenses” on the back are actually just the flash, an “AI” badge, and a red dot upon closer inspection. The company explained its decision to ditch the 2MP sensors we often see on budget phones.

“As cool as the macro camera and depth sensor are, I think the use-case scenarios are not as high as the ultra-wide (sic),” POCO product marketing head Angus Ng told Android Authority. POCO global head Kevin Qiu also shed light on the cost considerations involved, saying that a single 8MP ultra-wide camera was roughly double the cost of a 2MP sensor.

Nevertheless, we’re glad to see the company embrace the quality over quantity approach to cameras compared to the POCO M3 Pro (which had a 48MP+2MP+2MP setup). So hopefully more brands take this route with budget devices in 2022. Otherwise, the POCO M4 Pro also packs a 16MP selfie camera in a center-mounted punch-hole cutout.

Other notable features include dual-SIM 5G connectivity, Android 11, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, microSD expansion, dual speakers, and a side fingerprint scanner.

The POCO M4 Pro is available at a starting price of €229 (~$265) in Europe for the 4GB/64GB model, while the 6GB/128GB model will set you back €249 (~$288). Early bird pricing starts at €199 (~$230) for the 4GB/64GB variant, while the 6GB/128GB variant has early bird pricing of €219 (~$253).

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