POCO X7 Review: POCO, a brand synonymous with delivering powerful smartphones at aggressive prices quickly gained a loyal following. Recognizing the demand for high-performance devices at accessible price points, POCO strategically introduced the X-series, a line dedicated to offering flagship-level experiences without the flagship price tag.
The X-series has consistently stood out from the competition by prioritizing key features like powerful processors, high refresh rate displays, all packaged in stylish and well-built devices. Now, with the launch of the POCO X7, expectations are high as this latest addition to the X-series promises to continue the legacy of delivering exceptional value and performance.
POCO X7 Unboxing
Now, let’s dive into the unboxing experience and see what the POCO X7 has to offer. We’ll explore everything that comes in the box, from the packaging to the accessories.
The POCO X7’s packaging is super eye-catching with its classic black and yellow color scheme. Everything you need to know is right there on the sides of the box, so you can easily find it. And guess what? The unboxing is super organized, making it a breeze to get started. Here are the contents inside the box
- Warranty Documentation
- User-Manuals
- Silicon Case
- Sim Ejector Tool
- Phone
- 45W Charging Brick
- USB Type-C Cable
The first thing you’ll notice is a sleek, POCO-branded package. Inside, you’ll find a silicone case to protect your new device right away, along with the usual user manuals, warranty info, and a handy SIM ejector tool. The POCO X7 is safely tucked away in a protective cover. This cover shows off the phone’s important features, so you can get a quick rundown before you even turn it on.
And guess what? At the very bottom of the box, you’ll find a 45W charging brick and a white USB Type-C cable. This means you can charge your device super fast right out of the box!
The POCO X7 comes in three cool colors: Cosmic Silver, POCO Yellow, and Glacier Green. You’ll find something that suits your style!
Design & Build Quality: Surprisingly Strong for a Budget Smartphone
The POCO X7 has been my daily driver for the past week, and it’s time to uncover whether this budget-friendly smartphone can truly deliver on its promises. Let’s start by diving into one of its most crucial aspects: Build and Design.
First Impressions: Stunning Yet Practical
The POCO X7 is a budget smartphone that defies the idea that cheap phones are not good design centric phones. Its design is so good that you’ll forget that it’s affordable. One of the first things you’ll notice about the POCO X7 is how light it is. It’s one of the lightest smartphones I’ve ever seen in this price range. This makes it super comfortable to hold and use all day long, whether you’re texting, playing games, or watching videos.
While the design feels premium, the build quality reveals some trade-offs typical of budget devices. The back panel is made of plastic—a choice that may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer glass or metal finishes. Considering its affordability, expecting more might not be entirely practical, but it offers great value for the price.
Despite this, POCO ensures durability with a range of protection features that elevate the X7 above its competitors:
- Gorilla Glass Victus 2: Scratch and impact resistance for the display.
- IP66/68/69 Ratings: Comprehensive splash-proof protection to handle accidental spills and light rain.
- Wet Touch 2.0: Seamless usability even with damp hands.
These additions give you the peace of mind you need, making the POCO X7 feel like it can take on anything life throws your way while still looking sleek and stylish.
Final Words: Overall, the POCO X7 strikes an impressive balance between design and build quality for a budget smartphone. Although the plastic back may not be universally preferred, the overall construction is solid, and the lightweight design adds a practical element rarely seen in this segment.
Enhanced by top-tier protective features, this device not only exudes aesthetics but also possesses the ability to withstand the demands of daily life.
If you seek an affordable yet well-designed smartphone, the Poco X7 is all you need.
Display & Performance: A Stellar Duo in the Budget Segment
The POCO X7 packs a 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED display that’s a game-changer for budget smartphones. With a peak brightness of 3000 nits, it effortlessly handles all lighting conditions—be it direct sunlight or dimly lit environments. This display ensures vibrant colors, razor-sharp visuals, and immersive viewing experiences, thanks to:
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Perfect for fluid scrolling and smooth transitions.
- HDR10+ and Dolby Vision: Enhanced contrast and color accuracy for binge-watching your favorite content.
The POCO X7 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipset, which is super fast and efficient. It’s made on a tiny 4nm architecture, which makes it even better. This chipset has an Octa-core CPU (4×2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 and 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and a Mali-G615 MC2 GPU, which means it can handle anything you throw at it.
Why the Dimensity 7300 Ultra Stands Out:
- Efficiency Meets Power: The 4nm architecture ensures better heat management and extended battery life.
- Smooth Multitasking: Handles daily tasks effortlessly, from browsing and social media to productivity apps.
- Gaming Performance: Runs popular titles with minimal stutter, making it a solid choice for casual gamers.
- Content Consumption: Binge-watchers will love the lag-free experience, stunning visuals, and crystal-clear audio.
Final Words: Overall, the POCO X7 excels in two critical areas: display and performance, setting a new benchmark in the budget segment. Its AMOLED display with 3000 nits peak brightness provides an unparalleled viewing experience, while the Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipset ensures seamless multitasking and gaming capabilities.
If you are seeking a budget smartphone for binge watching or casual gaming the POCO X7 is an ideal choice.
Operating System – A Giant Leap
One of the most captivating aspects of the POCO X7 is its operating system. Out of the box, this smartphone is equipped with HyperOS, Xiaomi’s highly optimized and upgraded successor to MIUI. Notably, the POCO X7 is among the first smartphones in India to ship with this revamped operating system, and it brings several key improvements to the table.
HyperOS has revolutionized the software experience for POCO devices. It has a cleaner and more intuitive user interface with a significantly reduced level of bloatware compared to its predecessor. This transformative change has enhanced the POCO X7’s overall polish and user-friendliness. Streamlined navigation and improved app responsiveness have significantly enhanced the operating system’s usability.
Nevertheless, there is a minor limitation. The combination of LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage may hinder the full potential of this software. While day-to-day tasks such as browsing, streaming, and social media execution remain smooth, these hardware choices prevent the X7 from matching the raw power of its Pro sibling, the POCO X7 Pro. However, the given configuration should be enough for everyday tasks. It can handle light to moderate games well.
Software Support and Updates
POCO promises three years of operating system (OS) updates. Given that the device launches with Android 14, users can reasonably anticipate only two major updates. This is also where the Pro variant already shines as it comes pre-installed with Android 15.
Furthermore, while HyperOS generally performs smoothly and efficiently, it does include pre-installed applications. Fortunately, these applications can be easily uninstalled, enabling users to quickly declutter their devices.
Final Words:
The POCO X7’s software is a real standout, thanks to HyperOS. It’s sleek, fast, and super minimalist compared to previous MIUI versions. But there is a downside – the hardware department needs some juggle here and there to make it more appealing for gamers as well.
If you’re just looking for a simple, clean UI and don’t mind a bit of a lag, the POCO X7 is perfect for you. But if you’re a gamer or want the best possible OS support, you might want to consider the X7 Pro instead.
POCO X7 Camera Review: A Solid Performer for Daylight Photography
The POCO X7 5G has a triple-camera setup that’s great for everyday photography. The main camera is a 50MP Sony LYT 600 sensor with OIS and EIS, which means it can handle low light and shake well. There’s also an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro lens, which are handy for taking pictures of things that are far away or close up. And for selfies and video calls, there’s a 20MP front-facing camera. Let’s see how these cameras work in real life!
Daylight Photography: The Star Performer
The POCO X7’s primary camera shines in daylight conditions,. The lens has delivered images with warm color reproduction, sharp details, and good color accuracy. While the colors are slightly boosted, they remain pleasing to the eye without appearing overly vivid. When compared to competitors, the POCO X7 holding its ground strongly. Its images are warmer and more appealing, and does slightly better in capturing intricate details. However, the POCO X7’s color accuracy makes it stand out as a reliable choice for casual photography.
Low-Light Performance: Needs Improvement
Low-light photography is where the POCO X7 shows its cost-effective design. The AI Night Mode does improve the output, but images still appear softer, with noticeable noise and reduced sharpness.
Selfie Camera: Decent for Daylight, Average in Low Light
The 20MP front camera delivers decent selfies in daylight, with good color reproduction. However, it tends to smooth out facial details, which might not appeal to users looking for natural textures.
The POCO X7 is a photography powerhouse, especially in bright light. It has a 50MP Sony LYT 600 sensor that captures stunning colors and sharp details, making it perfect for everyday use. While it’s not the best in low light, it’s still decent for the price. For selfie lovers, the front camera works well in bright light, but it’s not great in low light.
If you’re looking for a smartphone that takes great photos in the sun, with good color accuracy and detail, the POCO X7 is a great choice. But if you need a phone that’s great in low light, you might want to look at its pro bro POCO X7 Pro.
Battery and Charging: Big Battery, Decent Speed
The POCO X7 is equipped with a 5,500mAh battery, complemented by 45W fast charging capabilities. This power configuration provides a reliable and efficient performance for its price range. Although the battery capacity represents an improvement over its predecessor, the charging speed has been reduced from 67W to 45W.
Battery Life: A Day-Long Performer
In terms of battery performance, the POCO X7 delivers commendable results. It holds up well under heavy usage, lasting a full day even with activities like gaming, browsing, and streaming. For light or moderate users, it can easily stretch.
The battery benchmark tests also reflect its reliability, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize longevity. For power users, this device is a thumbs-up as it balances performance and battery life effectively.
Charging Speed: A Step Backward?
The 45W fast charging capability enables the device to charge from 20% to 100% in approximately 50 minutes, which is a commendable speed. However, the reduction in charging speed compared to the 67W fast charging of the POCO X6 appears to be a missed opportunity.
For users familiar with the POCO X6, this reduction may be perceived as a downgrade, and the rationale behind this decision remains unclear. Retaining the 67W fast charging in the POCO X7 could have enhanced its appeal, particularly among users who prioritize rapid top-ups.
The POCO X7 is a great phone for those who need a reliable device that can keep up with their busy lives. It has a bigger battery and charges pretty quickly, which is perfect for most people. The 45W charging is enough, but it’s a bit slower than the 67W in the previous model.
If you’re looking for a phone that lasts a long time and charges reasonably fast, the POCO X7 is a good choice.
It would have been even better if it had kept the faster charging speed from the previous model.
Final Verdict: POCO X7 5G
The POCO X7 5G offers a well-rounded package for its price, excelling in battery life, daylight photography, and a smooth software experience. While it makes strides in design and usability with HyperOS and a larger 5,500mAh battery, a few compromises—like reduced charging speed, average low-light photography—keep it from being a true standout in its segment.
Pros:
- Large 5,500mAh battery ensures excellent longevity.
- HyperOS offers smooth performance with minimal bloatware.
- 50MP Sony LYT600 primary camera shines in daylight with warm colors and good detail.
- Decent build quality with efficient heat management.
Cons:
- Charging speed downgraded to 45W from its predecessor’s 67W.
- Low-light photography needs improvement.
- Only LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage limit overall usability.
Conclusion:
The POCO X7 5G is a solid phone that can handle anything you throw at it. It’s got a decent camera that takes amazing photos in the sun, and the operating system is smooth and easy to use. But, it’s not perfect. It’s a bit slow and the charging speed could be better. If you’re just looking for a phone that’s easy to use and won’t break the bank, then this is the one for you. But, if you’re a power user who needs a phone that can keep up with you, you might want to look at its pro bro POCO X7 Pro.
Discussion about this post