A budget smartphone done right – Firstpost


**Pros
**– Fantastic display with 120Hz refresh rate
– Solid value for money
– Performs decently well in regular day-to-day usage
– Excellent primary camera for the price
– Large battery and 45W charging
– Has a 3.5mm jack

Cons– Tons of preinstalled apps and bloatware
– 2MP sensor seems to be a waste
– Gaming performance could have been better

Price: Rs. 16,999 for the 8GB RAM+256GB variant; starts at Rs 14,999
Rating: 4/5

The Poco M7 Pro 5G enters the fiercely competitive sub-Rs 15,000 smartphone market with some notable upgrades over its predecessor, the M6 Pro. While this price range is packed with options, the M7 Pro manages to carve out its space with a few standout features.

One of the highlights is its vibrant OLED display, which not only looks stunning but also comes with Corning Gorilla Glass for added durability. Under the hood, it’s powered by the Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset, offering reliable performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming. The main camera sensor is another strong point, delivering impressive results in good lighting conditions.

Poco M7 Pro-13-2024-12-f11401c2939b3c89c1ae67ae11fdc67a
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

However, not everything about the M7 Pro is perfect. The secondary camera feels more like a token addition, lacking the utility or quality to make a significant impact.

Where Poco has nailed it, though, is pricing. The base variant with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage comes in at Rs 14,999, offering great value for budget-conscious buyers. For those who need more power, the 8GB + 256GB version is available for Rs 16,999 and is worth the extra investment.

So, is the Poco M7 Pro worth your money? We find out.

Poco M7 Pro 5G Review: The design

The Poco M7 Pro 5G strikes a fine balance between simplicity and durability. Its combination of a plastic back and metal frame manages to feel both robust and lightweight, even though it tips the scales at 190 grams.  

The inclusion of a metal frame is a standout feature for this price range, giving the phone a premium touch that’s often hard to find in budget devices. Adding to its charm, the rear panel flaunts a dual-tone finish, mixing practicality with a dash of elegance.

Poco M7 Pro-12-2024-12-56b85a768bcf129782ebefb83c65429c
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

We had a chance to review the Lavender Frost variant, which sports a unique look: one side has a subtle marble-like pattern, while the other features a solid tone. While the mix is interesting, a single matte or marble finish across the entire back might have been even more striking. Other colour options include Olive Twilight and Lunar Dust, catering to different style preferences.

Considering the price, the Poco M7 Pro 5G impresses with its build quality. The front is shielded by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, and the phone comes with a quality cover right out of the box for added protection. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and an IR blaster is another win, especially as these features are becoming rare.

Poco M7 Pro-01-2024-12-b6df4e8867b7b9484a1be5512a4bee78
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

The camera setup on the back is encased in a sleek transparent module that looks like glass but is actually plastic. This module houses two prominent camera cutouts, an LED flash, and subtly integrates the POCO branding. For those who worry about accidental splashes, the IP64 rating offers some added reassurance against dust and water.

Up front, the Poco M7 Pro 5G boasts a 6.67-inch display bordered by slim bezels, giving it a modern and refined appearance. The right side of the device features tactile and well-placed buttons for power and volume, making everyday use a breeze.

Poco M7 Pro-07-2024-12-1982fb529f1d4b2cbf7e15e26c8f6f0d
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

The bottom edge houses essentials like the SIM tray, USB Type-C port, microphone, and speaker grille. Meanwhile, the top edge packs some delightful extras: a 3.5mm headphone jack, a secondary speaker, an IR blaster, and a secondary microphone. The dual-speaker setup is a surprising touch for a budget device, enhancing its overall value.

For a phone in this price range, the Poco M7 Pro 5G nails the basics while throwing in a few welcome surprises, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on design or functionality.

Poco M7 Pro 5G Review: The display

The Poco M7 Pro 5G comes with a 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED panel that delivers a lively and immersive viewing experience. With a 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling through social media, browsing, or multitasking feels smooth and effortless. Outdoor visibility is also commendable, thanks to a peak brightness of 2100 nits, which ensures the screen remains clear under bright sunlight.

For those who like to tweak their display settings, there are three colour profiles to choose from. Vivid offers punchy and vibrant hues, Standard tones things down for a more subdued look, and Saturated cranks up the colour intensity.  

Poco M7 Pro-04-2024-12-997b24bcfba7defe29f2f5934208ab88
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

While the screen is undeniably vibrant and eye-catching, the colours lean towards an artificial finish rather than a natural look. Dynamic range is decent but not particularly standout.

We found ourselves gravitating towards the Standard mode for most tasks, although experimenting with Vivid mode added a bit of fun. Adjusting brightness levels also made a noticeable difference.  

Bright sunlight called for higher brightness to counter washed-out tones, while dim environments required a lower setting—though this occasionally made the screen seem overly dark.

Poco M7 Pro-03-2024-12-10a924a5e8a0248534059750afc99254
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

One of the highlights of the Poco M7 Pro 5G is its impressively slim bezels, giving it a front profile that could easily be mistaken for a pricier phone. The 120Hz refresh rate makes a difference in daily use, but most apps default to 60Hz. Even in gaming most of the popular titles reverted to 60Hz.

However, watching videos or gaming remains a treat. The display’s HDR10+ support boosts contrast and colour vibrancy, enhancing the viewing experience on platforms like YouTube and Netflix. Colours pop, and visuals feel immersive, making it a great option for streaming enthusiasts.

Poco M7 Pro-09-2024-12-08e87f258e71ea8eb706ca0bb9cf3c15
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

The Poco M7 Pro 5G also features an in-display fingerprint sensor — something rare in this price bracket. The sensor performed consistently well during our use, making it a reliable addition.

Overall, the display on the Poco M7 Pro 5G delivers a delightful mix of performance and features, setting it apart as a solid contender in the budget smartphone market.

Poco M7 Pro 5G Review: The camera

The Poco M7 Pro 5G’s camera setup is a bit of a rollercoaster. The Poco M7 Pro 5G comes with a dual-camera setup at the back. At the heart of it is a 50MP Sony LYT 600 sensor, equipped with optical image stabilisation (OIS) and a wide f/1.5 aperture—features you wouldn’t usually expect in a phone at this price point. The main camera is the star of the show, punching well above its weight and delivering some seriously impressive shots for a budget phone

Alongside it is a 2MP macro sensor, which, honestly feels pointless. Its almost as if Poco added that sensor just for the sake of it. On the front, there’s a 20MP selfie camera that has potential but doesn’t always necessarily deliver.

Poco M7 Pro-10-2024-12-cb4e0f8f0662d8a9242436e6ba6262fb
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

The main 50MP sensor is an absolute gem for a budget smartphone. It takes stunning pictures with vibrant colours and crisp details. Both indoor and outdoor shots look great. The dynamic range though could use a bit more polish. Having said that for a phone that costs under Rs 15,000, it’s hard to complain.

When it comes to low-light performance, the camera still manages to hold its ground. Night Mode brightens up dark scenes nicely, though it does come at the cost of some fine details. Sure, you’ll notice a bit of noise in those low-light shots, but they’re still good enough to post on Instagram without much hesitation.

Here are some samples from the Poco M7 Pro’s Camera:

Poco M7 Pro Photo Samples-09-2024-12-1c4ad90a8af6b5760ee4517e29643b8f
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
Poco M7 Pro Photo Samples-07-2024-12-c179b6dbd033d49263b75e39e765a37b
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
Poco M7 Pro Photo Samples-08-2024-12-2195d43f6dc4abdaad63329d82abd098
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
Poco M7 Pro Photo Samples-06-2024-12-d46a52560af16c4df7bd43bb546797b5
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
Poco M7 Pro Photo Samples-05-2024-12-53472b982416997a04264a6e5c2e23c6
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
Poco M7 Pro Photo Samples-04-2024-12-f4893f981a0264de4fd99568c24f483d
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
Poco M7 Pro Photo Samples-10-2024-12-2e9f7af3d09635f975b672afda95c74e
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
Poco M7 Pro Photo Samples-03-2024-12-f64833f5367adeae03ecf1dee69b930b
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
Poco M7 Pro Photo Samples-02-2024-12-09c455723a1aa563bde17aa647441328
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
Poco M7 Pro Photo Samples-01-2024-12-58f7762c1003db1e6ec444e474536fdb
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

Now for the selfie camera — it’s a bit of a letdown. The 20MP front-facing shooter does a decent job outdoors, capturing natural skin tones and accurate colours. But the cracks start to show indoors or in dim lighting. Details often get lost, and the results can look a little flat. You’ll need to pay extra attention to lighting if you want those selfies to really pop.

Poco M7 Pro-08-2024-12-7bc78526b89fdf3ec1c128f765f72c1e
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

Overall, though, it’s more of a win than a loss—especially if you’re not too fussed about your selfies.

Poco M7 Pro 5G Review: The performance, software experience and UI

The Poco M7 Pro 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset, an upgraded version of the standard Dimensity 7025. This processor packs enough punch to handle most everyday tasks without breaking a sweat. With up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of expandable UFS 2.2 storage, the hardware setup is pretty solid for the price.

In real-world use, the Poco M7 Pro 5G feels reliable and responsive. Basic tasks like scrolling through Instagram, chatting on WhatsApp, or streaming YouTube videos run without a hiccup. Its RAM management deserves a mention too—it keeps multiple apps running smoothly and switching between them is effortless.

Poco M7 Pro-06-2024-12-4f60e6de12ab577ace44a6d67faa0821
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

While the phone’s benchmark scores might not blow you away, they don’t tell the whole story. For everyday use, the Poco M7 Pro 5G does its job well.

After a full day of streaming, snapping photos, testing benchmarks, and casual browsing, the device didn’t show any signs of lag or slowdown. However, it’s not built for heavy gaming. Casual games are handled effortlessly, but more demanding titles like Call of Duty can stutter occasionally with frame drops. If gaming is a big priority for you, this phone might not fully satisfy your needs.

Out of the box, the Poco M7 Pro 5G runs HyperOS, based on Android 14. While Android 14 is still relevant, starting with it when Android 15 is already out feels like a missed opportunity. The brand promises two years of Android updates and three years of security patches, which sounds great, but launching with a year-old OS takes away some of that excitement.

Poco M7 Pro Performance 1-2024-12-52cd441402314e1a4823e98113404bdf
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
Poco M7 Pro AI Performance 2-2024-12-e4281f260946707c7af3cc7e543f4051
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

The software experience is a mixed bag. On one hand, HyperOS is sleek and functional, with neat little features like lock screen customisations and a clean, iOS-inspired quick settings menu. The Home Screen layout is another plus—it’s organised and clutter-free, with nicely displayed folder icons.  

On the other hand, the phone comes loaded to the brim with bloatware. Pre-installed apps like LinkedIn and Snapchat, along with a bunch of games, feel unnecessary. Ads, especially Glance on the lock screen, are also a bit much. The good thing is, it is actually pretty straightforward to disable most of these, but it’s frustrating to have to deal with them in the first place.

For casual gamers, the Poco M7 Pro 5G does the job, but don’t expect buttery-smooth performance in graphics-heavy titles. Frame drops occasionally creep in, and the experience isn’t exactly seamless in heavy titles.

All in all, the Poco M7 Pro 5G is a solid pick for those looking for a dependable, budget-friendly smartphone. It handles everyday tasks with ease, offers some nice software features, and has enough power for casual gaming. The bloatware and ads are annoying, but they’re manageable. If you’re not expecting flagship-level gaming or cutting-edge software, the Poco M7 Pro 5G is a well-rounded option that won’t let you down.

Poco M7 Pro 5G Review: The battery life

One of the standout features of the Poco M7 Pro 5G is its impressive battery life. With a 5,110mAh battery under the hood, this phone knows how to keep going. Over a week of testing, it consistently lasted an entire day, even with moderate to heavy use. Whether it was streaming videos, scrolling through social media, casual gaming, or long phone calls, the M7 Pro handled it all without breaking a sweat.

Poco M7 Pro-05-2024-12-df2cf0011f17cfeb3efc2502b551f40c
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

For those who tend to push their phones a bit harder—think binge-watching shows, marathon gaming sessions, or back-to-back video calls—you might still only need to reach for the charger by the end of the day. And if you’re a lighter user, just dipping in and out of apps or making the odd call, this battery might even stretch into a second day, making it a fantastic choice for those who hate being tethered to a charger.

What really sweetens the deal is the phone’s 45W fast charging support. The included adapter ensures you’re not waiting around forever to power up. In about 40 minutes, you can juice it up to 50%, and a full charge takes just a little over an hour. This makes it super convenient for those times when you’re in a rush but still need your phone ready to go.

Poco M7 Pro 5G Review: Verdict

The Poco M7 Pro 5G makes a solid case for itself in its price point, offering a mix of features that cater to everyday users. For cameras, it has a Sony LYT 600 sensor, capable of capturing impressive photos in good lighting conditions. The addition of a 5,110mAh battery with 45W fast charging is a significant upgrade, ensuring a full day of moderate to heavy use and a quick recharge when needed.

Design-wise, the Poco M7 Pro keeps things ergonomic and stylish. The two-tone finishes, particularly the Lavender Frost variant, add a premium touch. Despite its 6.78-inch display, the phone feels comfortable to use and not overly bulky. Practical features like an in-display fingerprint sensor, dual stereo speakers, and an IP64 rating round out the package nicely.

Poco M7 Pro-02-2024-12-f0a97d130db56c0c417d986e46236da3
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

The display is bright, sharp, and vibrant, performing well indoors and outdoors. Powered by the Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset, the phone handles daily tasks and casual gaming smoothly, though minor frame drops occasionally occur. HyperOS, based on Android 14, delivers a clean user experience, though the absence of Android 15 out of the box is a slight letdown.

Overall, the Poco M7 Pro 5G isn’t flawless but shines in design, battery life, and usability, making it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for a well-rounded device.



Source link

Previous articleHappy Birthday, Bitcoin! The top cryptocurrency is 16 years old
Next articleADA Crosses $1, Could Zoom 30% Higher