Introduction
Launched in August 2023, the Poco M7 Pro 5G entered the crowded budget segment with an aggressive price tag starting at ₹10,999 (with offers). It directly competes with the Redmi 13 5G, iQOO Z7, and Realme Narzo 60x—aiming to be the go-to choice for budget-conscious users wanting future-ready 5G support.
TL;DR Verdict:
Poco M7 Pro 5G delivers excellent value with the Dimensity 6100+ chip, 90Hz display, and solid battery life—but MIUI quirks and camera limitations hold it back slightly.
Unboxing & First Look
Inside the bright yellow Poco-branded box, you get:
- Poco M7 Pro 5G handset (pre-applied screen protector)
- 22.5W fast charger
- USB Type-C cable
- Transparent TPU case
- SIM ejector tool
- Warranty card and manuals
First Impressions:
The phone feels solid yet light, thanks to a polycarbonate build. The rear panel, particularly in Forest Green or Power Black, has a frosted matte texture that resists fingerprints. The large camera module and “POCO” branding give it a signature look.
Design & Build Quality
- Back & Frame: Polycarbonate (plastic), matte texture
- Colors Available: Power Black, Forest Green, Pastel Blue
- IP Rating: IP53 – splash resistant
- Weight: Approx. 200g
- Thickness: 8.2mm
The build is ergonomic, though slightly thick. The power button (with fingerprint scanner) and volume rockers are placed perfectly for thumb reach. The rear panel looks premium despite being plastic.
Pros:
- Premium-looking matte back
- Resistant to smudges
- IP53 splash-proof certification
Cons:
- Slightly heavy
- No Gorilla Glass protection (Panda Glass instead)
Display
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 6.67 inches |
| Resolution | Full HD+ (2400 × 1080 pixels) |
| Panel | IPS LCD |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 500 nits (typical), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Protection | Panda Glass |
Real-World Usage:
- Color Accuracy: Decent, slightly cool tones
- Touch Response: Smooth with 90Hz enabled
- Outdoor Visibility: Good under shade, average in harsh sunlight
- Viewing Angles: Slight fade from extreme sides
- Media Streaming: Widevine L1 certified; supports HD on Netflix/Prime
Performance & Benchmarking
Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
- Fabrication: 6nm
- CPU: 2x Cortex-A76 @ 2.2GHz + 6x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz
- GPU: Mali-G57 MC2
Variants Available:
- 4GB/128GB
- 6GB/128GB
- Storage: UFS 2.2, RAM: LPDDR4X
Benchmarks
| Benchmark | Score |
|---|---|
| AnTuTu v10 | ~400,000 |
| Geekbench 6 (Single/Multi) | 725 / 1900 |
| CPU Throttling | 87% stability |
| 3DMark Sling Shot | ~2800 |
This performance is excellent for the price, especially when compared to Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 or older Dimensity 6020 competitors.
Day-to-day usage:
- App opening: Fast
- Multitasking: Smooth with up to 8–10 apps in memory
- Browsing, social media: Stutter-free
- Heating: Negligible even under extended load
Coming Up in Part 2:
We’ll now proceed with:
- Gaming Performance
- Camera Tests
- Battery Life
- MIUI 14 Software Experience
- Connectivity, Sensors, and Final Verdict
Gaming Review
The Dimensity 6100+ is not a gaming powerhouse but delivers surprisingly good performance for casual to moderate gaming. Here’s how the Poco M7 Pro 5G handled popular titles:
| Game | Graphics Settings | FPS Avg | Thermal Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BGMI | Smooth + High | ~40 FPS | Slight warming after 25 min |
| COD: Mobile | Low + High | ~45 FPS | Stable frame rate, no lag |
| Asphalt 9 | Default | Smooth gameplay | Excellent thermals |
| Genshin Impact | Low settings | ~28–30 FPS | Noticeable stutter in high scenes |
Game Turbo features:
- Floating performance stats
- Do Not Disturb gaming mode
- Quick access to voice changers and screen record
Limitations:
- Not for ultra settings in Genshin or BGMI
- Frame drops occur occasionally in long sessions
Verdict: Great for casual gaming. Occasional players will love it, but power gamers may want something more potent like the iQOO Z7.
Camera Review
Rear Camera Setup:
- Main Sensor: 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF
- Depth Sensor: 2MP
- No ultra-wide or macro
Front Camera: 8MP, f/2.0
Real-world Camera Test
Daylight Shots:
- Detail: Good at the center; soft corners
- Dynamic Range: Balanced, slightly boosted contrast
- Colors: Lean warm, not oversaturated like Samsung
Night Shots:
- Basic night mode helps a bit, but:
- Soft details
- Noise in shadows
- No OIS, only software EIS
Portraits:
- Decent edge detection
- Depth separation is good with natural bokeh
Selfies:
- Fair skin tones under natural light
- Struggles in low light
- Beautification enabled by default
Video Recording:
- Max: 1080p at 30fps (no 60fps)
- EIS works okay in daylight
- Audio is clear; lacks depth
Camera App Features:
- Pro Mode
- Night Mode
- Short Video
- Time-Lapse
- Filters
Overall Verdict:
Solid for casual snaps and social media, but don’t expect flagship detail or cinematic video.
Battery Life & Charging
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh |
| Charging Support | 22.5W |
| Charger in Box? | Yes |
| Charging Time | 0–50% in ~40 min; 0–100% in ~1hr 30min |
| SoT (Light Use) | 8–9 hours |
| SoT (Heavy Use) | 6–6.5 hours |
Real-world Test:
- 1 hour of YouTube – 7% drain
- 30 min BGMI – 8–9%
- Overnight standby – 2%
Thermals: Minimal heating during charging or gaming
Battery Verdict: One of the best in its class. Easily lasts 1.5 days for moderate users.
Software & UI Experience
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| UI | MIUI 14 for Poco |
| Android Version | Android 13 (upgradable) |
| Ads/Bloatware | Yes (removable mostly) |
| Security Updates | 2 years; Android updates not guaranteed beyond 2 |
Pros:
- Customization via themes
- Useful tools like Cleaner, Second Space
- MIUI 14 is lighter than before
Cons:
- Bloatware: Installed apps like Bubble Shooter, Moj, etc.
- Ads: Appear in cleaner, themes, but can be turned off
- Occasional Bugs: Control center lag, delayed gestures
Verdict: Feature-rich but bloated. If you want stock-like experience, this may annoy you. But if you like features and tweaks, it’s great.
Audio & Multimedia
- Speaker: Mono (bottom-firing)
- Loudness: ~85dB – decent for a single speaker
- Headphone Jack: Yes
- Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC – No LDAC or aptX
- Dolby Atmos: Not supported
Verdict: Satisfying for the price. Audiophiles may miss stereo speakers, but casual users won’t mind.
Connectivity & Network
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 5G Bands (India) | n1, n3, n5, n8, n28, n40, n78 |
| VoNR / VoLTE | Supported |
| Wi-Fi | 5 GHz supported, stable signal |
| Bluetooth | Version 5.3 |
| Dual SIM | Yes + dedicated microSD slot |
| GPS | Fast lock, ~4m accuracy |
| NFC | Not available |
Call Quality: Loud earpiece, good noise reduction.
Verdict: Excellent for future-proofing. Offers all essential 5G bands for India.
Security & Sensors
- Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted, very fast and accurate
- Face Unlock: Reliable in good lighting
- Sensors:
- Accelerometer
- Proximity
- Gyroscope
- Compass
- Ambient Light
- IR Blaster
- No magnetometer
Verdict: Complete for its class. No major omissions.
Pros & Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great battery life | No AMOLED display |
| Smooth 90Hz display | Average night photography |
| Decent main camera (daylight) | MIUI has bloatware and ads |
| Reliable performance (Dimensity 6100+) | Mono speaker only |
| Dedicated microSD + 5G support | No ultra-wide camera |
Comparison with Competitors
| Phone | Display | Chipset | Camera | Battery | UI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poco M7 Pro | 6.67″ FHD+ 90Hz IPS | Dimensity 6100+ | 50MP + 2MP | 5000mAh | MIUI (feature-rich) |
| Redmi 13 5G | 6.79″ FHD+ 90Hz IPS | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | 50MP + 2MP | 5000mAh | MIUI |
| iQOO Z7 | 6.38″ FHD+ AMOLED 90Hz | Dimensity 920 | 64MP OIS | 4500mAh | Funtouch OS |
| Realme Narzo 60x | 6.72″ FHD+ 120Hz | Dimensity 6100+ | 64MP + 2MP | 5000mAh | Realme UI |
Category Wins:
- Performance & Value: Poco M7 Pro
- Display: iQOO Z7 (AMOLED)
- Camera (OIS): iQOO Z7
- Software Cleanliness: iQOO Z7 / Realme
Who Should Buy the Poco M7 Pro?
Perfect for:
- Budget users under ₹12,000
- Students, casual gamers
- Battery-first users
- People needing 5G + microSD
Should Avoid:
- Gamers needing ultra graphics
- Users demanding AMOLED displays
- Clean UI lovers (consider iQOO/Pixel)
Final Verdict
Rating: 8.3/10
Best Feature: Reliable performance + battery
Biggest Drawback: MIUI ads and lack of AMOLED
Verdict: BUY if you want a reliable, long-lasting, budget 5G phone with solid basics. Consider alternatives if UI and cameras are top priorities.
FAQs
Q1. Does Poco M7 Pro support carrier aggregation?
No, it does not officially support CA. Signal fallback observed on weak networks.
Q2. What 5G bands are supported in India?
n1, n3, n5, n8, n28, n40, n78 — sufficient for Jio, Airtel, and Vi.
Q3. Can it play BGMI on high graphics?
Smooth + High (around 40 FPS); not Ultra settings.
Q4. Is there a charger in the box?
Yes, a 22.5W charger is bundled.
Q5. Does Poco M7 Pro support GCam?
Yes, GCam ports work with some configuration tuning.
Q6. Is it good for students and basic users?
Absolutely. Perfect balance of performance, display, and battery.
Your Turn:
Would you buy the Poco M7 Pro 5G or choose one of its rivals? Let us know in the comments below!
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