Poco has introduced a new contender in the budget segment with the launch of the Poco M7 Pro 5G. With features like the Dimensity 7025 Ultra processor, 50 MP OIS camera, and a 120 Hz AMOLED display, the Poco M7 Pro looks to shake up the affordable smartphone market. Let’s dive deeper and see how it stacks up against the competition.
Design
Poco has opted for a unique dual-tone design on the back of the M7 Pro. The rear panel features a combination of glittery and matte textures, creating an eye-catching effect. The Lunar Dust variant, which I reviewed, adds to the phone’s premium feel. The metallic camera frame blends seamlessly with the rear panel, contributing to a cohesive aesthetic. The phone has a plastic build, making it lightweight and easy to handle. However, the glossy finish makes it feel slightly slippery, so I recommend using the provided phone cover for a better grip. The company has added an in-display fingerprint sensor. It’s fast, responsive, and adds to the phone’s overall premium feel.
You will find the usual button and port placements. On the right sits the power button and volume rockers. The top houses a 3.5mm headphone jack, an IR blaster, and a secondary microphone. The bottom includes a speaker grille, a USB Type-C port, and a hybrid SIM tray (supporting either dual SIM or 1 SIM + 1 microSD card). The M7 Pro is IP64 rated, offering protection against dust and light splashes, making it more durable in daily use.
Display
The Poco M7 Pro 5G comes with a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate. This combination ensures sharp visuals, vibrant colours, and buttery-smooth scrolling. Watching content or playing games on this panel is a pleasure, thanks to the deep blacks and excellent contrast that AMOLED panels are known for.
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The display also supports HDR10, making videos pop with richer colours. Compared to rivals like the Moto G85 and Nothing CMF Phone 1, which feature pOLED and AMOLED displays, respectively, the M7 Pro holds its own, offering similar vibrancy and clarity at a competitive price point.
OS
Running on Android 14 with HyperOS layered on top, the Poco M7 Pro offers a refined and intuitive software experience. The phone also comes with AI features like AI Image Enhancer and AI Erase.
Performance
Poco M7 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra processor, paired with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. This chipset is built to handle everyday tasks effortlessly, providing smooth multitasking and capable gaming performance.
On Geekbench, the M7 Pro scored 948 in single-core and 2246 in multi-core tests. While these numbers may not rival flagship devices, they comfortably outperform phones like the Moto G45 (944 single-core, 2107 multi-core) and hold their ground against the Nothing CMF Phone 1, which uses the Dimensity 6100+. This positions the M7 Pro as one of the better-performing phones in its segment.
Gaming is enjoyable, with Call of Duty Mobile and BGMI running smoothly at medium to high settings. The phone maintains decent thermal performance during extended sessions, with minimal heating observed. However, for more intensive titles, minor frame drops can occur. If gaming is a priority, the Moto G85, with its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, edges ahead slightly in sustained performance, making it a better pick for heavier gaming.
Camera
The Poco M7 Pro 5G features a dual-camera setup with a 50 MP primary sensor (f/1.5 aperture) and a 2 MP depth sensor. The primary camera supports Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS). This allows the M7 Pro to capture sharper images with reduced blur, even in low-light conditions.
Poco M7 Pro 5G camera sample
| Photo Credit:
Haider Ali Khan
In daylight, the camera produces detailed and vibrant shots with good dynamic range. Edge detection during portrait shots is on point, too, and the background blur appears natural. Photos retain good color accuracy, avoiding oversaturation often seen in budget smartphones.
Poco M7 Pro 5G camera sample
| Photo Credit:
Haider Ali Khan
Low-light performance is equally good. The Night mode enhances shadows and reduces noise, capturing bright and sharp images even in challenging environments. The front houses a 20 MP selfie camera that delivers sharp images. AI enhancements further refine selfies, offering features like skin smoothing and background blur.
Battery
The Poco M7 Pro 5G packs a 5,110 mAh battery, capable of delivering all-day battery life under regular use. Even with hours of gaming, streaming, and camera usage, the phone comfortably lasts a full day. The device supports 45 W fast charging, filling the battery in approximately 1:20 – 1:30 hours. The inclusion of fast charging is a significant advantage, reducing downtime and keeping users powered throughout the day.
Verdict
The Poco M7 Pro 5G makes a strong case under ₹15K, and particularly for users focused on performance, display quality, and camera. Its 50 MP OIS camera outshines competitors CMF Phone 1, especially in low-light conditions. However, for those who prioritise performance or build quality, the Moto G85 and CMF Phone 1 stand out with better-sustained performance and more durable materials like Corning Gorilla Glass. The Poco M7 Pro 5G starts at ₹13,999.
Published – December 31, 2024 01:45 pm IST
