POCO has long been a disruptor in this space, and their latest offering, the POCO M7 5G, aims to cement its legacy as the ultimate value-for-money champion. Launched on 3rd March 2025, this handset targets the crucial sub-₹10,000 segment, promising high-speed connectivity without breaking the bank.
Whether you are a student looking for a sturdy device for online classes or a professional needing a dependable secondary phone, this review explores why the POCO M7 5G might be the smartest purchase you make this year.
Design and Build: A Touch of Premium
At first glance, the device does not look like a “budget” phone. POCO has opted for a sophisticated dual-tone finish on the rear. The upper section, housing the circular camera island, features a glossy sheen, while the lower half maintains a matte texture that resists fingerprints effectively.
Available in three distinct colours—Satin Black, Mint Green, and Ocean Blue—the handset feels solid in the hand despite its polycarbonate construction.
With a thickness of 8.22mm and weighing approximately 205 grams, it carries a reassuring heft. Furthermore, the inclusion of an IP52 rating provides peace of mind against accidental dust and minor water splashes, a rare luxury at this price point.
Display: Grand and Fluid
The POCO M7 5G boasts a massive 6.88-inch IPS LCD panel, making it one of the largest displays in its category. While the resolution is capped at HD+ (720 x 1640 pixels), the real star is the 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This ensures that scrolling through Instagram reels or navigating the HyperOS interface feels incredibly smooth.
With a peak brightness of 600 nits, outdoor visibility is respectable for most conditions. Additionally, the TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification ensures that late-night reading sessions do not strain your eyes. For media consumers, the sheer screen real estate provides an immersive experience that rivals much more expensive competitors.
Performance: Empowered by Snapdragon
Under the bonnet, the POCO M7 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset. Built on a 4nm process, this processor is highly efficient and capable of handling daily tasks with ease. Whether it is multitasking between WhatsApp and YouTube or light photo editing, the device holds its own.
For the Indian gaming community, the phone supports popular titles like BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile at medium settings. In our testing, BGMI ran consistently at ‘Smooth’ graphics with ‘Ultra’ frame rates, providing a playable experience for casual gamers.
The device comes in two configurations: 6GB/128GB and 8GB/128GB, with the option to expand storage up to 1TB via a dedicated microSD card slot.
Camera: Reliable Daytime Snaps
The camera setup is straightforward but effective. It features a 50MP primary sensor assisted by a 2MP depth lens. In well-lit environments, the main camera captures impressive detail with natural-looking colours. The HDR performance is decent, balancing the sky and shadows effectively in landscape shots.
The 8MP front camera is sufficient for social media-ready selfies and clear video calls. While low-light photography is not its strongest suit—exhibiting some noise in very dark settings—the dedicated Night Mode does a fair job of brightening up the scene for usable memories.
POCO M7 5G Battery and Charging: Built for the Long Haul
Powering the POCO M7 5G is a robust 5,160mAh battery. Thanks to the power-efficient 4nm chipset and the HD+ resolution, the phone easily lasts over a day and a half on a single charge with moderate usage.
The box includes a 33W power adapter, though the device itself supports 18W fast charging. While a full charge takes roughly 100 minutes, the longevity of the battery means you won’t be reaching for the cable often.
POCO M7 5G Software: The HyperOS Experience
The handset runs on HyperOS based on Android 14. The interface is a significant step up from older MIUI versions, offering smoother animations and better resource management.
While there is some pre-installed bloatware—a common trait in budget devices—most of it can be uninstalled or disabled to provide a cleaner user experience.
Technical Specifications Table
| Feature | Specification |
| Launch Date | 3rd March 2025 |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 613 |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 128GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable up to 1TB) |
| Display | 6.88-inch IPS LCD, 120Hz Refresh Rate |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (HD+) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP Main (f/1.8) + 2MP Auxiliary |
| Front Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) |
| Battery | 5,160mAh Li-Po |
| Charging | 18W Wired (33W Adapter in box) |
| OS | Android 14 with HyperOS |
| Connectivity | 5G (15 Bands), Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Weight | 205.39 grams |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint, AI Face Unlock |
| Extras | IP52 Rating, 3.5mm Jack, IR Blaster |
Pros and Cons of POCO M7 5G
Pros
- Affordable 5G: One of the cheapest entries into the 5G ecosystem.
- Large 120Hz Screen: Ideal for content consumption and smooth scrolling.
- Efficient Chipset: The 4nm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 offers great stability.
- Battery Life: Easily provides a two-day standby for light users.
- Design: Premium dual-tone aesthetic with an IP52 rating.
Cons
- HD+ Resolution: A Full HD panel would have been preferred for such a large screen.
- 18W Charging: Charging speeds are relatively slow compared to rivals.
- Software Updates: Ships with Android 14 when Android 15 is becoming standard.
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The POCO M7 5G is a masterclass in compromise. By focusing on the essentials—connectivity, battery, and a smooth display—POCO has created a device that serves the needs of the average Indian user perfectly. It is a highly recommended purchase for those upgrading from a 4G device or anyone needing a reliable workhorse on a strict budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of POCO M7 5G
· What is the price of POCO M7 5G in India? The starting price is approximately ₹8,999 for the 6GB variant.
· Does it support 5G on both SIM slots? Yes, it supports Dual 5G standby.
· How many 5G bands does it support? It supports 15 comprehensive 5G bands, including all major Indian carriers.
· Is there a charger in the box? Yes, a 33W adapter is provided in the retail packaging.
· Does it have a headphone jack? Yes, it features a 3.5mm audio jack at the top.
· Can I expand the storage? Yes, it has a dedicated microSD card slot supporting up to 1TB.
· Is the POCO M7 5G good for gaming? It is excellent for casual gaming and can run BGMI smoothly at medium settings.
· Does it have Gorilla Glass protection? It features a glass front, though the specific version is not officially rated.
· What are the colour options? It comes in Satin Black, Mint Green, and Ocean Blue.
· Does it support fast charging? It supports 18W wired fast charging.
· Is there an IR blaster? Yes, like most POCO phones, it includes an IR blaster to control home appliances.
· What is the screen refresh rate? It has a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for fluid visuals.
· Is the battery removable? No, it has a non-removable 5,160mAh battery.
· Does it have a fingerprint sensor? Yes, it has a fast side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
· Does it support 4K video recording? No, video recording is capped at 1080p @ 30fps.
· Is the POCO M7 5G water-resistant? It has an IP52 rating, making it splash-resistant.
· Which OS does it run on? It runs on HyperOS, which is based on Android 14.
· Does it have NFC? No, the Indian variant does not feature NFC.
· What is the weight of the phone? It weighs about 205.4 grams.
· Where can I buy the POCO M7 5G? It is available on Flipkart, Amazon, and official Mi stores.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability may vary based on ongoing sales and retailer offers. Check the provided Amazon link for the latest deals.
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