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The Black Shark 4 series launched in March 2021, but the Snapdragon 888 was exclusive to the Black Shark 4 Pro. The standard Black Shark 4 used the Snapdragon 870. That distinction matters when comparing specifications or checking a used-phone listing.
When did the Black Shark 4 and 4 Pro launch?
Black Shark unveiled the phones at an online event on March 23, 2021. Sales in China began March 26; those dates describe the announcement and Chinese retail start, not a simultaneous worldwide release. International availability followed later and varied by model and market. Tech Advisor’s launch coverage reported the dates and the two models’ different processors.
Black Shark 4 vs. Black Shark 4 Pro
The Pro paired a higher-tier chipset with premium memory and storage specifications. The standard model was still a powerful gaming phone for its 2021 release, rather than an entry-level device.
| Feature | Black Shark 4 | Black Shark 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G |
| GPU | Not stated in the cited launch coverage | Adreno 660 |
| Display | 6.67-inch AMOLED, 144Hz | 6.67-inch AMOLED, 144Hz; Samsung E4 panel identified in Black Shark’s global announcement |
| Memory and storage | Configurations varied by market | LPDDR5 and UFS 3.1; configurations varied by market, with some listings reaching 16GB RAM and 512GB storage |
| Battery and charging | Not stated in the cited sources for this comparison | 4,500mAh battery; up to 120W fast charging |
| Gaming controls and cooling | Magnetic pop-up shoulder triggers; gaming-focused cooling | Magnetic pop-up shoulder triggers; “Sandwich” liquid-cooling design |
| China launch price | From about CNY 2,499 in 2021, as reported by Gadgets 360 | From about CNY 3,999 in 2021, as reported by Gadgets 360 |
Black Shark’s global Black Shark 4 Pro announcement identifies the Pro’s Snapdragon 888, E4 AMOLED display, LPDDR5, UFS 3.1, battery, charging and cooling features. Its company history describes the 2021 series’ 144Hz AMOLED screens and magnetic pop-up triggers. Specifications and memory configurations can differ between regional versions.
#1 Best Overall
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What Snapdragon 888 meant for gaming
Snapdragon 888 was Qualcomm’s flagship-generation platform in 2021, and the Pro paired it with an Adreno 660 GPU. The Snapdragon 870 in the standard model was also a high-end 2021 chip; choosing the Pro was about getting the higher-tier platform, not avoiding a weak processor.
Peak chip capability does not guarantee a fixed frame rate. Whether a game reaches 144 frames per second depends on that game’s support, settings, workload and the phone’s thermal conditions. Black Shark’s cooling design was intended to help with sustained gaming, but it cannot establish that the phone will hold peak performance indefinitely. Heat, ambient temperature, charging during play and case use can all affect a long session.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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Gaming features beyond the processor
144Hz AMOLED screen
Both models used a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. A high refresh rate can make supported games and scrolling appear smoother; AMOLED provides high contrast and vivid color. The refresh-rate figure is a screen capability, not a promise that every game renders at 144fps. Touch responsiveness also matters in play, but actual results depend on the game and software.
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The physical triggers rise from the phone’s edge for landscape play. Mapping them to actions can separate controls from the on-screen thumb area, which is useful in shooters and action games. They are not a substitute for a full controller in every title. Check that both triggers work, and confirm that a case does not obstruct them or cause unwanted activation.
Rank #3
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- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
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Cooling and gaming software
The Pro’s “Sandwich” liquid-cooling system was designed to manage heat during demanding use. The launch material describes JoyUI 12; a Japanese product announcement referred to JOYUI 12.8 and Shark Space 4.0. Those are launch-era, market-specific references, not confirmation of the software version or security support a handset has in 2026.
Battery, charging and cameras
Black Shark specified a 4,500mAh battery and charging up to 120W for the Pro. “Up to” describes the supported maximum, not a rate guaranteed throughout a charge or in every situation. Actual speed can depend on the charger and cable, regional package, battery temperature and software limits. An imported or used phone may not come with the appropriate charger.
Rank #4
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- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
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The Pro’s camera hardware included a 64MP main, 8MP ultrawide and 5MP macro rear camera, plus a 20MP front camera. Its Japanese product announcement listed video recording up to 4K at 60fps. These specifications do not establish camera results on par with camera-focused phones of the period; the Black Shark 4 Pro was built primarily around gaming features. The Japanese announcement provides the camera and software details.
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These are historical 2021 launch prices, not current 2026 prices. China prices below were reported as starting figures; international figures are the launch prices listed for specified Pro configurations.
Best Value
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
| Model and market | Configuration | Launch price |
|---|---|---|
| Black Shark 4, China | Starting price | About CNY 2,499 |
| Black Shark 4 Pro, China | Starting price | About CNY 3,999 |
| Black Shark 4, international report | 8GB + 128GB | $499 / €499 / £429 |
| Black Shark 4, international report | 12GB + 256GB | $599 / €599 / £519 |
| Black Shark 4 Pro, global announcement | 8GB + 128GB | $579 / €579 / £489 |
| Black Shark 4 Pro, global announcement | 12GB + 256GB | $679 / €679 / £569 |
The China starting prices were reported by Gadgets 360. International Black Shark 4 prices were reported by Tech Advisor; Pro prices appear in Black Shark’s global announcement. The company’s current Pro product page displays $0.00, which is not a dependable live retail price.
Black Shark announced the Pro’s global availability across multiple countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Israel, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and European markets. That does not mean every configuration or feature was available everywhere. For a particular handset, check carrier bands and VoLTE, NFC, Google Play certification, language options, warranty and charger compatibility rather than relying on a “global” label.
Should you buy a Black Shark 4 in 2026?
These are 2021 phones, so their appeal now is mainly as used or imported gaming devices. The Pro makes sense only if its physical triggers and Snapdragon 888 are specifically what you want and you accept the risks of an older handset. The regular Black Shark 4 may be better value if it costs meaningfully less and Snapdragon 870 performance suits your needs.
- Consider one if you want built-in shoulder triggers, a 144Hz AMOLED screen and gaming-focused hardware at an attractive second-hand price.
- Look elsewhere if you need assured long-term software support, a strong camera system, compact dimensions, a current warranty or uncomplicated carrier compatibility.
- Compare total cost, including any battery replacement, correct charger, import costs and warranty risk, with newer gaming or performance phones before committing.
Battery wear can be significant in a phone this old, and launch specifications do not establish current security-update status. Firmware may vary between Chinese and global versions, affecting services, languages, network compatibility and preinstalled software. A seller may also have modified the device, so verify the exact unit rather than relying on the listing title.
Quick Recap
Used-phone checks before you pay
- Confirm the exact model name and model number, then check the Settings/About screen for the claimed processor and storage. “Black Shark 4” in a listing may refer loosely to the series; Snapdragon 888 belongs to the Pro.
- Check firmware region, available languages, Google services, NFC and the network bands and VoLTE support required by your carrier.
- Test both shoulder triggers, the touchscreen across the whole display, and the screen for burn-in or dead zones.
- Test USB-C charging without moving the cable, and confirm the included charger and cable are appropriate for the claimed charging speed.
- Check battery drain during sustained use, and test the cameras, speakers, microphones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and SIM. Test NFC if you need it.
- Confirm the phone is not account-locked and agree on a return period before purchase.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
