Over All Rating 2.5/5
Price Starts From ₹ 18,999/-
PROS 👍
- Stunning AMOLED Display
- Reliable Performance
CONS 👎
- Downgraded fast charging
- Average low light camera
- Bloatware
Phones priced below Rs 20,000 tend to have a number of hidden compromises that their marketing teams look to hide under thick shrouds of sneaky wordings. Does the POCO X7 fall into the same category? We’re about to find out but before we do that, let’s take a look at where this phone stands. Priced at Rs 18,999, it has opted for a Dimensity chip, yet, specs-wise, it doesn’t stand too far apart from its Pro model, which costs Rs 25,999. So chances are good that you’re reading this review to decide whether it’s wiser to go for the non-Pro model or gun for the Pro variant. I’ll try to make things clear for you.
POCO X7 Review: What's New?
POCO X7 Design
There’s plastic on the frame and plastic at the back. So don’t expect a very premium hold. However, the clever finishing on the rear surface does make it a looker, especially in the Cosmic Silver colourway that I used. On the rear surface, you’ll find a four-circle cluster that houses three cameras and a flash. This arrangement is very different to that of the POCO X7 Pro though, which features a vertical pill containing just two cameras. How does a Pro variant have one less camera than the non-Pro variant? That’s a question best posed to POCO. Anyway, this cluster does add a big bulge but at least things are symmetrical, unlike on the POCO X7 Pro.
Flipping the phone over, you’ll find a 6.67-inch 3D Curved glass covering the display. While this is supposed to create a more immersive viewing experience, it’s not helped by the fact that a black border surrounds the entirety of the display. Up top, the punch-hole is a standard affair, while an in-display fingerprint scanner can be spotted at the bottom. Overall, the phone’s design follows a tried and tested formula. There’s absolutely nothing new to the mix, yet there’s not much to complain about as well.
POCO X7 Display and sound
The display is where the POCO X7 scores major points. This 6.67-inch AMOLED panel is a thing of beauty. Its 1220 x 2712 pixel resolution results in crisp visuals that are displayed with a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate. And it’s amply bright as well; 3,000 nits of peak brightness to be exact. This spells great news for those who stream movies and TV shows on apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video on a daily basis. Another thing they’ll love is that there’s support for both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ standards, leading to top-notch contrast levels. As for the speakers, they’re okay. They don’t sound great at top volume but at medium levels, they do their job well.
POCO X7 Camera
The POCO X7 carries a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide sensor. And then there’s even a 2MP macro sensor that’s not part of the Pro model. This is most likely the result of surplus components lying around. Anyway, as you’d expect, the macro camera does its job in the most basic way possible. Coming to the main camera, it delivers detailed and vibrant shots, with software optimisation ensuring images are instantly social media-ready. However, low-light performance leaves room for improvement, as the sensor struggles to maintain sharpness and clarity, resulting in fairly average photos.
The ultra-wide sensor proves useful for capturing expansive landscapes and group shots, performing well under good lighting. However, much like the primary sensor, it struggles in dimly lit environments, leading to noticeable noise and a dip in overall quality. On the front, the 20MP selfie camera offers satisfactory results, delivering natural skin tones and decent detail in daylight conditions. It’s well-suited for both selfies and video calls. Video recording capabilities extend up to 4K at 60fps, with footage appearing sharp and featuring good colour reproduction. That said, stabilisation could use some refinement for an even smoother experience.
Also Read: Poco X7 Pro Review
POCO X7 Performance
The POCO X7 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra processor, offering a strong combination of performance and efficiency. The review unit tested featured 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It’s worth noting that a 128GB version with the same amount of RAM is also available. What’s also worth pointing out is the fact that the POCO X7 Pro gets UFS 4.0 storage, while the X7 model has had to make do with the slower UFS 2.2 storage. This once again points to the possibility of the phone being a parts-reshuffle.
In everyday use, the Dimensity 7300 Ultra delivers a consistently smooth experience. Navigating through multiple apps, browsing social media, and streaming content felt effortless, with no noticeable lag. Even when juggling several Chrome tabs simultaneously, the phone maintained its responsiveness without any signs of slowdown. Gaming performance is satisfactory as well, with titles like BGMI and Asphalt Legends Unite running seamlessly at moderate settings. While the device does warm up slightly after extended gaming sessions, there is no noticeable throttling, ensuring a stable and enjoyable experience.
Speaking of battery life, the POCO X7 ships with a 5,500mAh battery, offering a slight capacity upgrade over its predecessor. However, fast charging support has been reduced to 45W, a downgrade from the 67W charging speed seen on the POCO X6. In real-world usage, the battery performance is fairly average for its segment. The device comfortably lasts a full day with moderate usage, making it a reliable companion for daily tasks. Charging speeds, while decent, lag slightly behind some competitors. A 20% to 100% charge takes approximately 50 minutes, which is efficient but not the fastest in its price bracket.
Software
The POCO X7 runs on Android 14-based HyperOS out of the box, bringing a refined software experience with a few AI-powered features like Google Gemini, Photomoji, and Chat with Gemini. While the overall software experience is smooth and user-friendly, additional features, you can’t help but notice that the healthy amount of bloatware that’s out to hinder your experience.
Verdict:
The POCO X7 is a solid mid-range contender with a mix of strengths and a few compromises. Its standout AMOLED display, smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and ample brightness make it an excellent choice for content consumption. Performance is reliable for everyday tasks, and while gaming is enjoyable, it’s limited to moderate settings. The camera system and battery life are both decent, but the software may not be meant for those who hate bloatware. While the phone doesn’t necessarily break new ground, it remains a viable option for those prioritising display quality and overall performance in the sub-₹20,000 segment. For others, there are better choices available.
POCO X7 Features
| Display: | 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Camera: | 50MP + 8MP + 2MP |
| RAM: | 8GB |
| Processor: | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 Ultra (4nm) |
| Battery: | 5500 mAh |
| OS: | Android 14 with HyperOS |