The Poco M7 5G by Xiaomi’s performance-focused subsidiary, Poco, promises to redefine the entry-level smartphone segment with its impressive blend of features and affordability. Recently launched in India at a competitive price of under Rs. 10,000, the device aims to offer substantial value, packing a robust octa-core Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC, an ample 128GB of built-in storage, a high-resolution 50-megapixel rear camera, and operating on Android 14. The smartphone market is rife with competition, including devices like the Samsung Galaxy F06 5G and Redmi A4, yet the Poco M7 5G stands out with its commitment to delivering an optimal user experience at a budget-friendly price.
Design and Build Quality
The Poco M7 5G exudes a sense of familiarity in its design while managing to stand out through subtle yet effective distinctions. Sporting a substantial 6.88-inch display, the device immediately catches the eye with its dual-tone rear finish. The lower half of the back panel exhibits a matte appearance, which contrasts beautifully with the upper section’s glossy, light-reflective finish that houses the camera. This stylistic choice not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides a tactile differentiation. Constructed from durable plastic, the phone maintains a lightweight feel of 204.5g, mirroring the build of similar Redmi models.
The front of the Poco M7 5G is dominated by an LCD screen framed by relatively thick bezels on the sides and a noticeably thicker chin at the bottom. This design accommodates a waterdrop notch for the selfie camera, blending functionality with a straightforward design. Buttons and ports follow a conventional layout, with the volume rocker and power button on the right side, a USB Type-C port at the bottom, and a 3.5mm audio jack at the top. While the retail package includes a 33W power adapter, a USB Type-A to Type-C cable, and a SIM ejector tool, it is notably lacking a screen protector or cover, which some users might consider essential accessories for added protection.
Software and User Interface
The Poco M7 5G operates on Android 14, layered with Xiaomi’s custom HyperOS skin, which aims to enhance user experience through additional features and optimizations. Even though it launched post the release of Android 15, Xiaomi reassures users of future updates, promising upgrades to Android 16 and four years of security patches, ensuring longer software support. The interface is designed for fluidity and efficiency, with transitions between apps feeling smooth. The tested unit, equipped with 6GB of RAM and extendable memory options, easily handles multitasking and general usage without noticeable lag.
Out of the box, the device comes with several preinstalled apps and games, including popular services like Spotify, Snapchat, LinkedIn, WPS Office, and Facebook, as well as casual games such as Word Scenery: Crossword, Jewels Blast, and Tile Fun. However, these can be uninstalled to free up space and customize the user interface. The HyperOS skin provides a generally smooth experience but requires users to be proactive in disabling advertisements within system applications to avoid interruptions from full-screen ads, which can detract from the overall usability.
Performance
The performance of the Poco M7 5G is commendable, especially considering its price segment. Powered by Qualcomm’s 4nm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip, the smartphone features a balanced architecture with two high-performance Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2GHz and six efficiency-focused Cortex-A55 cores running at 1.95GHz, complemented by an Adreno 613 GPU. This setup ensures the device can handle everyday applications, including social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), without hiccups, providing a seamless user experience.
Benchmark tests place the Poco M7 5G favorably within its competitive landscape, rivaling other budget-friendly smartphones like the Redmi A4 5G, Moto G35, and HMD Fusion, each of which share similar hardware configurations. The chip’s power efficiency and performance make it suitable for a variety of tasks, from light gaming to streaming, cementing the Poco M7 5G’s reputation as a reliable performer in its category.
Display
The Poco M7 5G boasts a 6.88-inch HD+ (720 x 1640 pixels) IPS LCD screen, allowing users to switch between a 60Hz and 120Hz refresh rate. The variability in refresh rate can be customized to fit the user’s needs, with an automatic mode available that dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on the content being viewed. This flexibility ensures a smoother visual experience, particularly useful during gaming or video playback.
Screen brightness peaks at 450 nits, which can be enhanced to 600 nits in high brightness mode, ensuring reasonable visibility in outdoor settings. While it may not match the brightness levels of higher-end models, it performs adequately under typical conditions, delivering clear images and reducing glare unless faced with exceptionally bright sunlight. This makes it a versatile option for users needing reliable outdoor performance without expecting flagship-level display quality.
Camera Capabilities
Equipped with a 50-megapixel primary rear camera, the Poco M7 5G enhances the mobile photography experience in its price range. The camera setup includes phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and an f/1.8 aperture, enabling it to capture bright, sharp images with accurate color representation in well-lit conditions. The inclusion of a 2x in-sensor zoom further allows users to take detailed shots from moderate distances, maintaining quality and visual fidelity.
In daily use, the camera demonstrates quick image capture with minimal delay between shots, supporting a seamless photography experience. However, in low-light scenarios, the camera’s performance shows a typical trade-off. The default photo mode preserves more detail with some accompanying noise, while the Night mode reduces noise but also softens the overall image. Given the absence of image stabilization, video capture can be somewhat shaky, especially in low-light conditions, unless supported by additional stabilization equipment like a gimbal. Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps for both the front and rear cameras, which, while not groundbreaking, is sufficient for standard usage.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery longevity is a significant strong point for the Poco M7 5G, thanks to its robust 5,160mAh battery combined with the power-efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC. This combination enables the device to offer around a day and a half of battery life under typical usage, which includes a mix of calls, texting, light gaming, social media interaction, and video streaming. This level of endurance ensures that average users can comfortably get through their day without the constant need to recharge. In a synthetic HD video battery loop test, the device impressively lasted for 23 hours and 10 minutes, underlining its strong battery performance. Despite shipping with a 33W power adapter, charging is capped at 18W, which translates to a full charge taking approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. This limitation on charging speed is a reasonable trade-off, considering the extended battery life, making the Poco M7 5G a dependable device for users prioritizing longevity over rapid charging.
Conclusion
The Poco M7 5G, launched by Xiaomi’s performance-focused subsidiary Poco, is making waves in the entry-level smartphone market. With an appealing price tag of under Rs. 10,000 in India, this device brings a remarkable blend of features and affordability. It aims to redefine what users can expect from budget smartphones.
At the heart of the Poco M7 5G is a powerful octa-core Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC, ensuring smooth and efficient performance for day-to-day tasks and gaming. The device also boasts a generous 128GB of internal storage, providing ample space for apps, photos, and other content. One of its standout features is a high-resolution 50-megapixel rear camera, which allows users to capture sharp and detailed photos. Running on Android 14, the Poco M7 5G offers a modern and user-friendly interface, augmented by the latest software updates. In a market crowded with competitors like the Samsung Galaxy F06 5G and the Redmi A4, the Poco M7 5G distinguishes itself with its focus on delivering a superior user experience at a budget-friendly price point. With its powerful hardware, ample storage, impressive camera capabilities, and the latest Android operating system, the Poco M7 5G is positioned to be a strong contender in the entry-level smartphone segment. It represents a compelling choice for consumers seeking high performance and exceptional value without breaking the bank.