The POCO M4 Pro may have originally launched back in 2022, but in 2026 it has found a new life in the budget smartphone market. With prices now hovering around ₹9,000 to ₹10,000, the device has become a popular option for students, secondary phone users, and anyone looking for reliable performance without spending heavily. While it lacks 5G connectivity, it continues to attract buyers because of its AMOLED display, dependable battery life, and solid everyday performance.
In a market flooded with entry-level 5G phones, the POCO M4 Pro proves that strong fundamentals can sometimes matter more than flashy specifications.
Comfortable Design With Everyday Durability
The POCO M4 Pro features a practical design that balances comfort and durability. Weighing 179 grams and measuring just over 8mm thick, the phone feels light enough for extended use. The curved edges improve grip, making it easy to hold during long calls or browsing sessions. Although the body is plastic, it feels sturdy and well-built for its price range.
The front is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, which helps guard against minor scratches and accidental drops. An IP53 rating offers resistance to light splashes and dust, giving users peace of mind during daily commutes or light rain. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is fast and accurate, unlocking the device almost instantly.
Available in attractive blue shades, the phone maintains a youthful look that appeals to students and younger buyers.
Super AMOLED Display That Still Impresses
One of the biggest reasons the POCO M4 Pro remains relevant is its 6.43-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display. Even in 2026, finding an AMOLED panel at this price is rare. The screen delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp clarity with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.
The 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, making social media browsing and web surfing feel responsive. With brightness levels reaching up to 700 nits, the display remains visible in most lighting conditions, including outdoor environments.
Stereo speakers enhance the entertainment experience, offering loud and clear audio for videos and music. The presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is another advantage, especially for users who prefer wired earphones.
Reliable Performance for Daily Tasks
Powered by the MediaTek Helio G96 processor, the POCO M4 Pro delivers steady performance for everyday usage. The octa-core chipset manages common activities such as messaging, browsing, video streaming, and UPI payments without lag. Casual gaming titles like PUBG Mobile run smoothly at medium settings, although extended sessions may warm the device slightly.
With an AnTuTu score of around 350,000, the phone positions itself comfortably in the entry-level performance segment. It may not compete with modern gaming-focused smartphones, but for typical daily use, it remains dependable.
Flexible Memory and Storage Options
The POCO M4 Pro is available in two configurations: 6GB RAM with 64GB storage and 8GB RAM with 128GB storage. Both variants support expandable storage up to 1TB using a microSD card, offering flexibility for users who store photos, videos, and apps locally.
The UFS 2.2 storage ensures reasonably quick app loading times, while virtual RAM expansion helps maintain smooth multitasking. Switching between apps like WhatsApp, Chrome, and Instagram feels seamless under normal usage conditions.
Camera Setup for Social Media Needs
The smartphone features a 64MP primary camera that captures detailed photos in good lighting. Colors appear natural, and HDR mode helps balance exposure in bright scenes. An 8MP ultra-wide lens expands the field of view for landscapes and group shots, while the 2MP macro sensor supports close-up photography, though its practical use is limited.
Video recording is capped at 1080p at 30fps, supported by gyro-EIS stabilization for smoother footage. While it does not offer 4K recording, the video quality is sufficient for social media sharing.
The 16MP front camera handles selfies and video calls well, delivering clear images with balanced skin tones. Portrait mode creates a pleasing background blur effect, suitable for casual photography.
Long-Lasting 5,000mAh Battery With Fast Charging
Battery life remains one of the strongest aspects of the POCO M4 Pro. The 5,000mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day with moderate to heavy use. Users can stream videos, browse the web, and navigate with GPS without worrying about frequent charging.
The included 33W fast charger refills the battery from 0 to 100 percent in under an hour. Achieving 50 percent charge in about 30 minutes makes it convenient for users who need quick top-ups before heading out.
Connectivity and Practical Features
The device supports dual 4G VoLTE, WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS with A-GNSS. Call quality and network reception remain stable on major Indian networks like Jio and Airtel. The inclusion of an IR blaster allows users to control televisions and air conditioners, a feature rarely seen in this price segment.
While it lacks NFC and 5G support, these omissions are less critical for users prioritizing affordability and essential features.
Why It Still Makes Sense in 2026
Despite being a four-year-old device, the POCO M4 Pro continues to offer strong value for money. Its AMOLED display, stereo speakers, reliable processor, and fast charging combine to create a balanced smartphone experience at a very low price.
For students, rural users where 4G is still dominant, or anyone seeking a backup device, the phone remains a smart purchase. Although software updates have slowed and ads within the interface may annoy some users, its overall performance and battery health hold up well over time.
Final Verdict
The POCO M4 Pro proves that a well-designed smartphone can remain relevant years after its release. At around ₹9,000, it offers a smooth AMOLED display, dependable performance, long battery life, and practical features that many newer budget phones lack. While it may not support 5G or the latest software updates, it delivers excellent value for users who want a reliable daily driver without spending much. For budget-conscious buyers in 2026, the POCO M4 Pro remains a surprisingly strong contender.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Prices, availability, and specifications may vary depending on region and retailer. Buyers are advised to verify details from official sources or authorized sellers before making a purchase decision.
