design and build quality
When it comes to aesthetics, the Poco X7 series takes two distinct paths, offering users a different design language depending on their preferences. Both devices feature solid builds, but they cater to unique tastes with material choices, weight, and form factors that make them stand apart in the competitive mid-range market.
The more premium Poco X7 Pro embraces an elegant look with its vegan leather back, which exudes sophistication while also remaining practical. The leather finish doesn’t just look luxurious but also provides a tactile grip, reducing the likelihood of slips and fingerprint smudges. Weighing in at 198 grams, it strikes a balance between feeling substantial in your hand and being light enough to avoid fatigue during prolonged use. The device’s rear design features subtle branding—minimalist and tasteful—helping it stand out without being overwhelming. Interestingly, despite appearing slimmer due to its curved back design, the Pro is actually the thicker of the two devices, measuring 8.63mm (compared to the standard Poco X7’s 8.29mm). The visual illusion created by its ergonomic curves is quite clever and contributes to its premium vibe.
In contrast, the standard Poco X7 opts for a sleeker, simpler appearance with a glossy finish on the back. While many might mistake it for glass, it’s actually high-quality plastic, offering a similar reflective allure without the weight or fragility of real glass. This choice ensures the device remains lightweight at 185 grams, making it a more comfortable option for those who prefer compact and portable devices. However, the glossy finish does make it more prone to fingerprints, so heavier users might find themselves wiping it clean quite often. Its branding is slightly more pronounced compared to the Pro version, giving it a more youthful, trendy aesthetic. While the plastic frame might not sound as impressive as aluminum, its matte finish does a surprisingly good job of mimicking metal, lending a touch of elegance to the overall build.
Both devices share excellent attention to detail in terms of fit and finish. The plastic frames, though common at this price point, don’t feel cheap. They are robust and sport a matte texture that enhances grip. Unlike glossy surfaces, this matte treatment offers resistance to smudges, ensuring the phones retain their pristine look even with prolonged usage. Another bonus is that the frames are well-blended into the design of the devices, avoiding any sharp transitions that could detract from their ergonomic appeal.
One of the clear distinguishing features between the two devices is the display orientation. The Poco X7 Pro uses a flat-screen design, which many users might favor for its consistency and lack of distortion along the edges. On the other hand, the Poco X7 boasts a beautiful curved display, which gives it a distinctly high-end feel and enhances immersion when viewing content. While curved screens are divisive among users, this design decision highlights that Xiaomi is catering to both camps, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Another standout element on both devices is their front-facing camera implementation, utilizing the modern hole-punch cutout. This keeps bezel size to a minimum, enhancing the screen-to-body ratio and making the devices feel modern and clean from the front.
Aside from design aesthetics, the Poco X7 series is very practical. Each phone comes bundled with a TPU case to ensure protection from inadvertent drops, as well as the requisite SIM ejector tool, safety guides, and warranty paperwork. It’s always refreshing when manufacturers include accessories that add value to the package, considering many brands have started stripping such extras from their offerings. Xiaomi’s thoughtful inclusion ensures users won’t need to immediately shop for third-party essentials, making these devices ready to use out of the box.
Looking at the specifics, durability is another area where the Poco X7 series shows promise. While neither device features a metal frame, the superior craftsmanship ensures there are no visible gaps or loose components. Buttons feel tactile and sturdy, with no signs of wobble. Additionally, while premium flagship devices often include enclosures rated for IP68 water and dust resistance, at this price point, such a feature is typically absent—though the Poco X7’s designs feel solid enough to handle routine wear and tear effortlessly.
Despite their differences, both phones share some common design choices that might leave practical users a bit underwhelmed. Notably, Xiaomi has opted to remove support for some legacy features such as a microSD card slot and the beloved 3.5mm headphone jack. While wireless audio seems to be the industry trend, enthusiasts who favor wired audio solutions might feel a bit shortchanged. However, both devices do include an IR blaster, a trademark Xiaomi feature that allows you to control a variety of household appliances directly from your phone—an unexpected but delightful addition, especially for users who value convenience.
The Poco X7 series brings versatility in its design, catering to users who might lean toward minimalism or those who crave a more striking, premium look. While both devices show signs of cost-saving measures—plastic frames and the absence of expandable storage—their robust construction and attention to aesthetic detail make them competitive choices in this price range. With features like bundled cases, thoughtful ergonomics, and that handy IR blaster, Xiaomi has ensured the Poco X7 series balances looks and functionality effectively. Whether you favor the Pro with its polished leather back or the standard X7 with its lightweight construction, it’s clear that Xiaomi knows how to deliver options that cover a wide spectrum of preferences.
display features and performance
DISPLAY FEATURES AND PERFORMANCE
The displays on the Poco X7 series are a prime example of how Xiaomi pushes boundaries in delivering immersive visual experiences at an affordable price point. Both the Poco X7 and X7 Pro come equipped with 6.67-inch AMOLED panels, ensuring vibrant colors, crisp contrasts, and deep blacks that breathe life into videos, games, and photos. However, subtle differences in execution and optimization set these screens apart, catering to varying user needs.
Starting with the basics, both screens are rated for a refresh rate of 120Hz, making them delightfully smooth for everyday use. Whether you’re scrolling through Instagram, gaming, or simply navigating the UI, the higher refresh rate ensures fluidity and responsiveness. This is a feature often reserved for higher-priced devices, so it’s a treat to see it implemented here. What’s more, the phones boast 1.5K resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels), offering a sweet spot of sharp visuals while being lighter on battery consumption compared to QHD displays. Text rendering is sharp, and images look highly detailed, with no noticeable pixelation even on close inspection. For content lovers who consume media frequently, both displays deliver a visual punch that belies their price tag.
However, the standout distinction between the two is the design of their screens. The Poco X7 boasts a curved display, lending it a premium aesthetic similar to flagship devices. The curves subtly taper off at the edges, giving the phone an elegant look while also enhancing the sense of immersion when watching videos or gaming. These curves ensure the Poco X7 looks and feels expensive, even if this design choice doesn’t appeal to everyone due to its higher susceptibility to accidental touches.
In contrast, the Poco X7 Pro opts for a more traditional flat display. Flat screens are often preferred by gamers and productivity-oriented users who value precision when interacting with the device. Flat panels also tend to eliminate distortions that can occasionally occur on curved edges, making the X7 Pro better suited for users looking for consistency and practicality. Personal preference will largely dictate which option is better, but Xiaomi deserves credit for providing distinct choices within the same series.
When it comes to brightness, however, the X7 Pro takes a slight edge. On paper, both phones are rated for up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness in HDR content—an impressive figure at this price. However, real-world performance paints a slightly different picture. The maximum brightness observed during testing was approximately 480 nits on the Poco X7 Pro and 420 nits on the Poco X7. Under direct sunlight, the X7 Pro feels slightly more readable, but both remain legible and usable. Watching HDR content, like Netflix’s Dolby Vision series or YouTube HDR videos, is a joy on both phones, as the AMOLED technology ensures vibrant color reproduction and incredible contrast ratios.
Color accuracy is another area where the Poco X7 series shines. Out of the box, the colors lean slightly towards saturation, which is great for those who want punchy visuals without adjustments. For those who prefer a more natural look, the Display Color Mode settings allow fine-tuning to achieve warmer or cooler tones, or even sRGB calibration. This customizability means users can tweak the displays to suit their personal preferences, whether they prefer vivid hues for gaming or muted tones for professional photo editing.
Interestingly, Xiaomi has equipped both phones with 1920Hz PWM (Pulse Width Modulation). This advanced feature minimizes screen flicker, making the devices ideal for users who are sensitive to lower PWM frequencies. Flicker-free displays significantly reduce eye strain during long hours of usage, enhancing comfort for users who frequently binge-watch shows or work extensively on their devices. Whether you’re scrolling late at night or using the phone in dim lighting, this inclusion is a thoughtful touch that enhances the overall viewing experience.
Gaming enthusiasts will also appreciate the touch sampling rate of 240Hz, ensuring that both devices excel at responding to quick swipes and taps during action-packed gaming sessions. Combined with the smooth 120Hz refresh rate, there’s a consistent sense of immediacy and responsiveness, making these devices excellent companions for casual and competitive gaming alike.
A quick note on viewing angles—both AMOLED panels shine here. Tilting the phones off-axis doesn’t lead to any significant discoloration or brightness drops, unlike the LCD setups commonly found in budget devices. This makes shared media viewing or reading from odd angles pleasant, with content retaining its vibrancy and clarity.
Though the displays deliver stellar performance overall, there are minor drawbacks. One limitation is the lack of support for HDR10+ or Dolby Vision certifications, though this omission is understandable at this price point. While HDR videos from streaming services like Netflix or Prime Video still look fantastic, they may lack some of the extra tonal depth and brightness finesse seen on higher-end devices. Additionally, neither device supports Always-On Display functionality fully—though a minimal implementation exists, it’s not as customizable as those found in more premium Xiaomi devices.
To provide a visual overview of the display specifications, here’s a comparison table:
| Feature | Poco X7 | Poco X7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.67-inch AMOLED (Curved) | 6.67-inch AMOLED (Flat) |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 (1.5K) | 2400 x 1080 (1.5K) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (Measured) | 420 nits | 480 nits |
| Touch Sampling Rate | 240Hz | 240Hz |
| PWM Frequency | 1920Hz | 1920Hz |
The displays on the Poco X7 series are a testament to how affordable smartphones can rival premium devices in terms of viewing experience. Whether you’re drawn to the X7’s immersive curves or the X7 Pro’s flat consistency, both phones pack enough color, brightness, and smoothness to elevate your daily usage. The inclusion of high-frequency PWM, solid brightness levels, and AMOLED technology makes these screens a joy to use, ensuring Xiaomi remains a top contender for display innovation in the mid-range market. While there are minor trade-offs, the overall quality makes these devices well worth considering for anyone seeking a competitive experience without breaking the bank.
performance and benchmarks
PERFORMANCE AND BENCHMARKS
The performance of the Poco X7 series delivers a compelling case for why Xiaomi consistently lands on the radar of budget-conscious tech enthusiasts. The considerable effort to balance affordability with cutting-edge hardware is evident in the contrasting capabilities of the Dimensity 7300 Ultra on the Poco X7 and the more powerful Dimensity 8400 Ultra on the Poco X7 Pro. Whether you’re a casual user or someone seeking more horsepower for gaming and multitasking, these phones set the stage for an intriguing choice.
Let’s dive into the raw numbers first. In AnTuTu benchmarks, the Poco X7 scored just below 700,000 points, while the Poco X7 Pro skyrocketed to a highly respectable 1.5 million points. These numbers aren’t mere stats for tech enthusiasts—they directly translate into how snappy, fluid, and functional the phones feel in day-to-day use. For most tasks like browsing, social media, light gaming, and content streaming, the Poco X7 handles itself admirably. However, once we move toward graphically intensive games, heavy multitasking, or apps that demand faster processing capabilities, the X7 Pro pulls ahead significantly.
In terms of gaming, the Dimensity 8400 Ultra on the Poco X7 Pro truly shines. Take a title like Genshin Impact, which is notoriously demanding even on higher-end devices. While the X7 struggles to keep up at high settings, defaulting to medium for smoother gameplay, the Pro holds its own remarkably well. Using Genshin Impact as a benchmark, gameplay on the X7 Pro consistently hit 60fps at medium-high settings, with only occasional dips during action-heavy sequences or prolonged play. Meanwhile, the X7 hovered between 40-50fps at medium settings, with more noticeable stutters and longer load times. For casual gamers, the X7 is adequate, but enthusiasts and competitive players should gravitate toward the Pro version without hesitation.
Beyond gaming, both devices manage multitasking with ease, thanks to Xiaomi’s efficient memory management. Equipped with up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage (depending on the variant), app launches are snappy, and switching between apps feels seamless even after several hours of use. However, the Pro version maintains its edge here as well, particularly when working with resource-heavy apps like video editing tools or large spreadsheets.
One often-overlooked aspect of performance is thermal management. Here, the Poco X7’s Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipset is surprisingly efficient, staying cool even after extended use. The larger battery (discussed in a later section) also plays a role in ensuring the chipset doesn’t throttle under stress. The Poco X7 Pro, on the other hand, while faster, does get significantly warmer during gaming and intensive tasks. Xiaomi’s cooling solutions—a combination of graphite sheets and heat pipes—are adequate to prevent overheating, but users who game extensively might notice a slight drop in performance as the phone heats up. This throttling isn’t severe, but it’s worth noting when deciding which model suits your usage habits.
For a more comprehensive overview of benchmarks, here’s a comparative table:
| Performance Aspect | Poco X7 | Poco X7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Dimensity 7300 Ultra | Dimensity 8400 Ultra |
| AnTuTu Score | ~700,000 | ~1.5 million |
| Geekbench Multi-Core | ~2,250 | ~4,100 |
| GPU Performance (GFXBench) | Medium Settings: ~40fps | High Settings: ~60fps |
| Thermal Management | Cool during load | Warm during load with mild throttling |
Another key consideration is software optimization, which can either elevate or bottleneck hardware performance. Both phones ship with Xiaomi’s HyperOS, a polished and resource-efficient skin derived from Android. While the software experience itself is fluid, the Dimensity 8400 Ultra on the X7 Pro makes navigation feel quicker and more responsive. Animation transitions are seamless, app switching is instantaneous, and micro-lags, though rare, are less pronounced compared to the X7. As we’ll explore in the next section, the bloatware and built-in advertisements slightly detract from the overall experience, but in terms of raw performance, the software does a good job taking full advantage of the hardware.
For tech enthusiasts attracted to on-paper specs, it’s worth highlighting the AI performance differences between the two devices. AI-assisted tasks—whether it’s optimizing photos in the camera app, real-time language translation, or voice-to-text functionalities—execute faster and more effectively on the Pro model. This subtle yet noticeable advantage underscores the processing superiority of the Dimensity 8400 Ultra, which integrates a more capable NPU (Neural Processing Unit).
Testing real-world scenarios like app launch speeds yielded predictable results. Basic apps such as WhatsApp, YouTube, and Spotify opened within milliseconds of each other on both devices. However, heavier apps like gaming marketplaces and video editors clearly preferred the X7 Pro’s beefier chipset, with faster load times and smoother operation overall.
When factoring performance longevity, the Pro model is better suited for users looking for a device with a longer shelf life. As apps and games become more resource-intensive over time, the additional headroom offered by the Dimensity 8400 Ultra gives the X7 Pro better staying power in a marketplace where technology evolves rapidly.
In sum, while the Poco X7 and X7 Pro share plenty of common ground in terms of their software and baseline performance for casual users, the Pro variant justifies its higher price tag with its significant gains in speed, gaming performance, and AI prowess. Whether you’re looking for seamless app transitions, reliable multitasking, high-performance gaming, or a phone capable of handling future demands, the Poco X7 Pro is undoubtedly the better performer of the two.
That said, if your workflow primarily consists of lighter activities—email, video calls, and occasional gaming—the standard Poco X7 will easily meet your needs without breaking the bank. For those who prioritize raw performance, however, the Pro is the clear winner.
camera capabilities and samples
The Poco X7 series brings solid imaging capabilities to the table, offering impressive results at this price point, thanks to shared camera hardware and software optimizations across both models. Whether you’re someone who lives for capturing picturesque landscapes, social media-ready portraits, or just your day-to-day moments, the X7 series should cover most of your needs. Let’s delve into the details of what these phones can produce, along with their strengths and areas for improvement.
Both the Poco X7 and Poco X7 Pro feature the same main camera hardware—a 50MP primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and some software magic to tie it all together. Xiaomi leverages a Sony sensor for the primary lens, which is known for delivering consistent results in various lighting conditions. The inclusion of OIS at this price point is a standout feature that significantly aids in reducing motion blur and improving low-light photography—a rarity in this segment.
The main sensor is complemented by an ultra-wide camera with an 8MP resolution. While the ultra-wide capability provides additional flexibility for creative photography, it’s worth noting that the resolution and detail are noticeably lower compared to the main sensor. The lack of a dedicated macro or telephoto lens might be a limitation for users craving more niche photography styles, but for the average user, the dual-lens setup strikes a balance between utility and cost-efficiency.
Starting with daylight photography, the X7 series shines in producing punchy, vibrant pictures. The dynamic range is good for its class, with highlights and shadows well-balanced, even in trickier lighting scenarios. The main sensor’s bright f/1.5 aperture allows it to capture plenty of light, making daytime shots detailed and colorful without appearing oversaturated. If you’re snapping photos of vibrant street markets, colorful murals, or lush greenery, the X7 cameras rarely disappoint.
The ultra-wide lens, while handy, doesn’t quite match the quality of the main lens. Images from the ultra-wide camera appear slightly muted, with less sharpness along the edges. This is a common tradeoff in mid-range and budget phones, but it’s still worth mentioning for users who plan to rely heavily on wide-angle photography. That said, for capturing large groups or expansive landscapes when traveling, it’s a useful tool that performs decently in well-lit settings.
Where the Poco X7 series really surprised us is in low-light photography. Thanks to the OIS and the wide aperture, the primary sensor does a commendable job in dim environments. With the help of Xiaomi’s Night Mode, details are preserved, and noise is significantly reduced compared to competitive smartphones in this price range. Whether you’re capturing a candlelit dinner or a bustling night market, the results are typically bright and clear for a mid-range device. However, the ultra-wide lens struggles in low light, producing significantly noisier and less sharp images unless there’s ample ambient lighting.
When it comes to portraits, the results are pleasing across both models. Edge detection is accurate, and the background blur (aka bokeh) has a fairly natural falloff, making subjects stand out well. While there is a tendency for some skin smoothing in the processed images—even with beautification turned off—it’s not overly aggressive and won’t drastically alter your facial features. Portrait mode struggles slightly when dealing with complex backgrounds, occasionally blurring parts of the subject’s edges, but these instances are rare. For social media posts, this mode performs admirably.
A quick note about digital zoom: While there’s no dedicated telephoto camera here, the main sensor’s high resolution allows for usable digital zoom up to 2x. Beyond that, details start to degrade noticeably, with softness and noise becoming prominent at higher zoom levels. If you’re capturing distant subjects, it’s best to stick within the 2x range for the sharpest results.
Selfie enthusiasts will be pleased to know both phones share a 20MP selfie camera. The front-facing shooter delivers sharp and vibrant images with good color reproduction in well-lit environments. The AI-driven enhancements automatically adjust exposure and brightness, ensuring you look your best, even under uneven lighting. Portrait mode is also available for selfies, and while it produces a pleasing depth effect, edge detection can be slightly hit-or-miss, especially if your hairstyle involves complex strands or accessories.
Now, let’s move to video performance. The main sensor on both phones is capable of shooting 4K at 30fps, but oddly enough, the ultra-wide lens is restricted to just 1080p. This creates a noticeable discrepancy in quality when switching between the two lenses during video recording. The 4K footage from the main sensor is crisp, with well-balanced colors and stabilized using a combination of OIS and EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization). Walking or panning shots remain steady enough for casual videography, but more aggressive movements can introduce some jittery artifacts.
A limitation worth highlighting is the lack of 4K recording on the ultra-wide lens and the front-facing camera. For users who are heavily invested in vlogging or video calls with the best resolution possible, this might feel like a constraint. That said, the 1080p video from the selfie camera is serviceable, especially if you’re aiming primarily for social media platforms where 1080p content remains a norm.
For creative users, the camera software includes features like Slow Motion, Time-Lapse, and AI filters, all of which add fun ways to explore photography and videography. Unfortunately, you won’t find features like Pro Mode for the ultra-wide lens, which could limit enthusiasts who enjoy tweaking settings manually to achieve the perfect shot.
Below is a summary table to highlight the camera specs and performance differences:
| Feature | Poco X7 | Poco X7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP (Sony Sensor) with OIS | 50MP (Sony Sensor) with OIS |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP | 20MP |
| Video Recording (Main) | 4K at 30fps | 4K at 30fps |
| Ultra-Wide Video Recording | 1080p at 30fps | 1080p at 30fps |
| Low-Light Performance | Good on Main, Average on Ultra-Wide | Good on Main, Average on Ultra-Wide |
The overall takeaway is that the camera performance on the Poco X7 series is impressive, especially considering the affordable pricing. The main sensor’s excellent daylight and low-light results, combined with versatile software features, provide plenty of opportunities to capture great moments. For users who rely heavily on ultra-wide or advanced manual modes, there are some limitations, but they’re forgivable given the price bracket. If photography is a key priority for you, the Poco X7 and X7 Pro bring just enough to the table to satisfy casual photographers and social media users alike.
battery life and charging speed
The Poco X7 series demonstrates how thoughtful engineering in battery optimization and fast-charging technology can transform the user experience, particularly for devices at this price point. Both models— the Poco X7 and X7 Pro— come with distinct battery capacities and charging speeds, catering to different usage preferences without compromising on longevity or convenience.
Starting with battery capacity, the Poco X7 is equipped with a 5,110mAh battery, while the Poco X7 Pro takes it up a notch with a massive 6,000mAh battery. In real-world usage, this substantial capacity difference is immediately noticeable. The X7 is perfectly suited for moderate users, offering consistent performance for tasks such as social media scrolling, video streaming, and light gaming. However, the X7 Pro is aimed at power users who demand more screen-on time and longer intervals between charges—making it ideal for someone constantly multitasking, gaming, or consuming media throughout the day.
In standardized battery life tests, the results were in line with expectations:
- The Poco X7 offered around 8 hours and 38 minutes of screen-on time, making it suitable for a full day of moderate use.
- The Poco X7 Pro, with its larger battery, clocked an impressive 11 hours and 46 minutes under identical conditions, showcasing its advantage for heavier workloads or extended media consumption.
When translated to real-world usage, this means the Poco X7 is likely to last around 6.5 hours of active use (screen-on) in a typical day, while the Poco X7 Pro pushes that number closer to 8.5 hours. Power efficiency, aided by their respective processors— the Dimensity 7300 Ultra in the X7 and Dimensity 8400 Ultra in the X7 Pro— ensures these figures are consistent across gaming, video playback, and productivity scenarios.
Charging speed is where Xiaomi’s game-changing hardware truly shines. With several manufacturers moving away from including chargers in the box, it’s refreshing that both Poco X7 devices come with their respective fast chargers bundled, saving users additional expenditure and effort.
Here’s a breakdown of charging specifications and performance for both models:
| Feature | Poco X7 | Poco X7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Charging Speed | 45W | 90W |
| Charger Included | Yes | Yes |
| Full Charge Time | ~49 minutes | ~30 minutes |
| Battery Capacity | 5,110mAh | 6,000mAh |
For the Poco X7, the 45W fast charger delivers a reasonable balance between speed and heat management. It brings the battery from 0 to 100% in approximately 49 minutes, which is highly competitive considering the category. Additionally, even a quick 15-minute top-up yields enough charge to keep you going for several hours, making it practical for users who are often on the move.
The Poco X7 Pro, meanwhile, garners much of its allure from the blistering performance of its 90W charger. This powerhouse refuels the device’s 6,000mAh battery from empty to full in just over 30 minutes. In short bursts, a 10-minute charge can provide up to 50% battery capacity—a game-changer for anyone with a fast-paced lifestyle or reliance on their smartphone during long commutes or travel.
Beyond raw speed, Xiaomi has implemented robust thermal management systems in both devices. The fast charging tech is supported by intelligent charging algorithms and temperature monitoring. As a result, neither phone heats excessively during a full charge cycle, which is often a concern with high-wattage chargers. This is especially critical for maintaining long-term battery health, ensuring the cells remain efficient over years of use.
Here’s a closer look at real-life use cases where battery and charging performance stand out:
- Gamers: If you’re frequently gaming on titles like PUBG Mobile or COD Mobile, the X7 Pro’s larger battery ensures fewer interruptions for charging mid-session. For casual gaming enthusiasts, the X7 fares well, delivering solid performance but shorter playtimes.
- Media Lovers: Binge-watchers will appreciate the X7 Pro’s enduring battery, accommodating entire seasons of shows on a single charge. The X7, while capable, may require a recharge if heavily used over an entire day.
- Travelers: If you’re on the road or in situations with limited access to charging ports, the X7 Pro is the better choice due to its larger capacity and ultra-fast charger. The X7 is still solid but might need a power bank for extended journeys.
Another valuable feature shared by both devices is the Battery Saver Mode, which dynamically reduces background activity, screen brightness, and other power-hungry features to prolong battery life when you’re running low. Although the standard Power Saver mode is sufficient for light users, there’s also an Extreme Battery Saver for the rare emergency situations, which can stretch out even a minimal charge over several hours by drastically limiting phone capabilities.
While there are plenty of positives around battery and charging, one tradeoff worth mentioning is the lack of wireless charging. Given the price point, this omission is not surprising but could disappoint users transitioning from older premium phones that offered this feature. Faster USB-C wired charging, however, more than compensates for this limitation in daily use.
To summarize, the Poco X7 series doesn’t just deliver all-day battery life—it ensures you spend less time tethered to a wall outlet. Whether you’re choosing the exceptionally fast 90W charging on the X7 Pro or the reliable 45W on the X7, both models redefine convenience without breaking the bank. While the Pro model takes the crown for endurance and power efficiency, the standard X7 is no slouch, making either choice a win for users prioritizing strong battery performance.
software experience and bloatware concerns
The software experience on the Poco X7 series is a tale of two extremes—offering a mix of smooth, feature-rich customization and an unwelcome abundance of pre-installed bloatware. Both the Poco X7 and X7 Pro run on Xiaomi’s HyperOS, a successor to MIUI, designed specifically for better system optimization, reduced resource overhead, and a more fluid user experience. While the software performs admirably in most respects, it isn’t without its share of frustrations, particularly for those who value a clean, stripped-down Android environment.
Let’s start with the positives. Out of the box, HyperOS feels responsive, with fluid transitions and snappy touch responses, especially on the 120Hz AMOLED panels. Xiaomi’s software team does a commendable job ensuring the phones leverage the full potential of their high refresh rate displays, making navigation through menus, opening apps, and interacting with widgets a seamless experience. Furthermore, HyperOS is loaded with functional tools like Game Turbo, which enhances gaming performance by prioritizing CPU and GPU allocations, Second Space for creating separate user profiles, and Quick Ball, a nifty shortcut system for fast navigation.
Additionally, the Poco X7 devices shine with their comprehensive customization options. From granular control over themes, fonts, and wallpapers to features like dynamic animations for notifications, there’s plenty of room to tailor the phones to your taste. Standout features include a robust Dark Mode, extensive options for gesture navigation, and support for Dual Apps, which allows users to run two instances of the same app—ideal for managing multiple social media or work accounts.
The inclusion of Widevine L1 certification ensures that users can stream high-definition content from platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video without any restrictions. Content consumption is further elevated by the pre-installed Mi Video and Gallery apps, which support a wide range of file formats and codecs, integrating well with the local storage system. The overall software functionality is robust, offering both casual users and power users the tools they need for an efficient smartphone experience.
However, for all its capabilities, the software experience feels marred by an excessive amount of pre-installed bloatware. Both phones come with a plethora of third-party apps already occupying precious storage space, including apps like LinkedIn, Spotify, Amazon Shopping, and several casual games. While some apps might be useful to certain users, many of them serve no tangible purpose and may never be opened, yet still consume storage and occasionally run in the background, subtly affecting system performance.
Uninstalling these apps requires patience, as it’s not a simple one-step process. Worse still, there are several unremovable system apps whose presence can’t be justified for many users outside regions where these services dominate. Examples include Xiaomi’s proprietary Mi Browser and GetApps, which, ironically, show advertisements even while being built into the system. If you’re someone who prefers only a handful of essential apps, it’s likely you’ll spend at least an hour or two tweaking and decluttering your phone right after setup.
Another major downside—and perhaps the most controversial—is the presence of in-system advertisements. These ads often appear in system apps such as the File Manager, Music Player, and even while installing or updating apps via Xiaomi’s proprietary app store. While Xiaomi has long defended these ads as a measure to offset costs and keep device prices competitive, users who purchase the phones outright often feel entitled to an ad-free experience. To be fair, there are options in the settings to reduce or disable certain ads, but the process is not intuitive and requires significant effort. This has been a longstanding grievance for Xiaomi users, and the Poco X7 series regrettably doesn’t buck the trend.
One aspect where HyperOS does try to redeem itself is in optimization. The software includes clever memory management schemes and predictive preloading of commonly used apps, ensuring background processes don’t excessively drain resources. This is especially critical on the Poco X7, where the Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipset benefits from the system’s effort to conserve power while sustaining performance. On the other hand, the more powerful Poco X7 Pro with its Dimensity 8400 Ultra handles multiple apps with ease, but certain bugs—like occasional lags in system animations or unforeseen app crashes—hint at the need for future updates to further refine the experience.
An underrated aspect of the software is the strong emphasis on privacy and security, something Xiaomi has improved in recent years. The Security Center app on the Poco X7 devices allows users to monitor permissions, clean junk files, and protect sensitive information. Likewise, the use of App Lock, accessible directly from the settings, fortifies app-level security by requiring biometric or password authentication for specified apps. These tools, combined with periodic firmware updates, provide users with peace of mind while navigating the increasingly complex world of mobile security threats.
A key feature worth mentioning is the camera integration within HyperOS. Both phones make excellent use of AI enhancements to optimize photo quality, incorporating real-time scene detection, post-processing for skin tones, and even transitioning between camera modules with minimal distortion. However, enthusiasts looking to push their photography further will appreciate the presence of Camera2 API. This level of access allows users to install GCam ports, unlocking additional advanced features like astrophotography modes and improved dynamic range for those willing to tinker.
To summarize the software experience of the Poco X7 series:
- Pros:
- HyperOS delivers a fluid, fast, and feature-rich UI.
- Robust customization options including themes, gestures, and dual apps.
- Strong emphasis on security and privacy features, including App Lock.
- Widevine L1 allows HD streaming from key platforms.
- Cons:
- Excessive pre-installed bloatware that takes time to remove.
- Presence of in-system advertisements, even in paid devices.
- Unremovable system apps that may not be relevant in all regions.
- Occasional UI bugs and lags hint at room for software optimization.
If you’re comfortable diving into the settings to tweak the phone and manually remove unnecessary apps, HyperOS can provide a balanced ecosystem that performs reliably across day-to-day tasks. However, for users yearning for a minimalist, ad-free Android experience, the intrusive monetization strategies and bloatware might serve as a deterrent. It’s an area where Xiaomi’s affordability-first focus collides with user experience expectations, leaving the Poco X7 series with a mixed grade in the software department.
