Welcome to my hands-on review of the Xiaomi Poco F7 Pro, a smartphone that aims to blend flagship-level performance with mid-range affordability. As the sole creator of IndiaPlix.com, I’ve put this device through its paces to bring you an honest take on its features, design, and overall value. Let’s dive in!
Design and Build
The Poco F7 Pro sports a sleek, familiar design with a flat metal frame and a glass back available in black, silver, and blue. Weighing in at a manageable level, it feels sturdy yet ergonomic, though the glossy finish does attract fingerprints—a minor trade-off for its premium look. The IP68 rating for dust and water resistance is a standout, offering peace of mind for daily use. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display with QHD+ resolution and slim bezels is a visual treat, complemented by an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner embedded beneath, which is noticeably faster than the optical readers of its predecessors.
Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the Poco F7 Pro delivers flagship-worthy performance. Whether you’re multitasking, streaming, or gaming, this last-year’s top SoC handles it all with ease. I tested it with demanding titles like Genshin Impact, and it maintained smooth frame rates even at high settings. Paired with 12GB or 16GB RAM options and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, it’s future-proof for most users. The HyperOS 2, based on Android 15, offers a fluid experience with customizable options, though it comes with some bloatware that can be uninstalled.
Display
The 6.67-inch AMOLED panel boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of around 1,500 nits in auto mode (per my tests), making it excellent for outdoor use. The QHD+ resolution (526 PPI) is crisp, though it might feel excessive for some. Dolby Vision support enhances video playback, and the display’s 3,840Hz PWM dimming is a boon for eye comfort during extended use.
Battery and Charging
A highlight is the 6,000mAh battery, a 20% upgrade from the previous generation, offering solid endurance. In my real-world test over a day of heavy use (gaming, browsing, and video), it lasted about 8-9 hours of screen-on time. The 90W fast charging is impressive, juicing it from 0% to 100% in around 34-37 minutes with the included adapter (note: EU versions may lack it). However, the absence of wireless charging is a drawback for some.
Camera
The camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 20MP selfie camera. Daylight shots from the main camera are sharp and vibrant with good dynamic range, though the ultrawide struggles in low light, delivering average results. The 2x digital zoom is usable but loses detail quickly. For the price, it’s decent but doesn’t match flagship camera systems.
Software and Support
Running HyperOS 2, the F7 Pro integrates Google Gemini and Xiaomi’s HyperAI features (e.g., AI editing, transcription), adding value for tech enthusiasts. Xiaomi promises four years of major Android updates and six years of security patches, which is competitive though not as generous as Samsung or Google’s offerings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset
- Vibrant 2K AMOLED display with 120Hz
- Long-lasting 6,000mAh battery with 90W charging
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Great value at ₹42,990.00-₹47,990.00
Cons:
- No wireless charging
- Average ultrawide camera performance
- Some bloatware in HyperOS
- Fingerprint magnet design
Verdict
The Xiaomi Poco F7 Pro is a compelling choice for those seeking flagship performance without the flagship price tag. Priced at ₹42,990.00 for the 12GB/256GB model and ₹47,990.00 for the 12GB/512GB variant (with launch discounts), it competes well against the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy A56. While the camera and lack of wireless charging are compromises, the stellar battery life, bright display, and robust performance make it a standout in the mid-range segment. If you’re in India and can snag it through official channels, it’s a solid investment for tech-savvy users on a budget.
