The smartphone market received a fresh jolt of excitement on March 3, 2025, as Poco, Xiaomi’s budget-friendly sub-brand, unveiled the Poco M7 5G in India. Priced aggressively under $120, this entry-level device aims to redefine the budget 5G segment with its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor and a 120Hz display. Launched exclusively on Flipkart, the Poco M7 5G combines impressive specs with an affordable price tag, making it a compelling choice for cost-conscious consumers seeking modern features. Let’s dive into the details of this new release and evaluate its potential impact.
Design and Build
The Poco M7 5G sports a refreshed design compared to its predecessor, the Poco M6 5G, featuring a sleek 8.22 mm thick chassis weighing 205 grams. It introduces a distinctive round camera bump, adding a touch of flair to its otherwise minimalist look. Available in Satin Black, Mint Green, and Ocean Blue, the phone carries an IP52 rating, offering protection against dust and water splashes—though it falls short of full waterproofing. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot caters to users who value traditional connectivity options.
Display: A Budget Standout
At the heart of the Poco M7 5G’s appeal is its 6.88-inch HD+ IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a significant upgrade from the 90Hz panel of the M6 5G. With a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels and a peak brightness of 600 nits, it delivers smooth scrolling and decent visibility in bright conditions, thanks to TÜV Rheinland certifications for low blue light and flicker-free viewing. While the HD+ resolution may not match higher-end 1080p screens, the 120Hz refresh rate positions it as a standout in its price class, especially for gamers and media enthusiasts.
Performance: Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 Power
Powering the Poco M7 5G is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, a 4nm chipset that offers a 20% performance boost over the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ found in the previous model. Paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM (expandable virtually to 12GB) and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage (expandable via microSD), it promises solid multitasking and gaming capabilities. Early benchmarks suggest an AnTuTu score around 450,000, indicating it can handle casual gaming and everyday tasks with ease, though it may struggle with graphically intensive titles at high settings.
Camera System
The camera setup includes a dual rear configuration led by a 50MP Sony IMX852 main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, designed to capture detailed shots even in low-light conditions. An unspecified secondary lens complements it, likely for depth or macro purposes. The 8MP front camera, housed in a small notch, handles selfies and video calls competently. While not a flagship camera system, Poco’s focus on AI enhancements aims to improve photo quality, making it a decent option for the price.
Battery and Charging
A robust 5160mAh battery fuels the Poco M7 5G, supporting up to 18W fast charging, with a 33W charger included in the box—a generous touch for a budget device. This capacity should provide a full day of moderate use, potentially stretching to two days with lighter tasks, aligning with the needs of budget users who prioritize longevity over speed.
Software and Updates
Running on Xiaomi’s HyperOS based on Android 14 out of the box, the Poco M7 5G offers a modern software experience with promises of two major Android updates and four years of security patches. This commitment to long-term support is a significant draw for budget buyers, though the presence of pre-installed apps may require some cleanup.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at ₹9,999 ($115 USD) for the 6GB + 128GB variant and ₹10,999 ($126 USD) for the 8GB + 128GB model, the Poco M7 5G is a steal for its feature set. A special launch-day offer drops these prices further, with sales commencing on March 7, 2025, exclusively on Flipkart. While no global launch details have been confirmed, its debut in India suggests a potential rollout to other markets soon.
Analysis and Market Impact
The Poco M7 5G challenges the narrative that budget phones must compromise on key features. Its 120Hz display and Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset outpace many rivals in the sub-$150 category, putting pressure on competitors like Realme and Samsung. However, the HD+ resolution and modest 18W charging may leave power users wanting more. For the average consumer, though, it delivers exceptional value, potentially redefining expectations in the budget 5G space.
Conclusion
The Poco M7 5G is a bold entry into the affordable smartphone market, blending a large, smooth display, solid performance, and long-term software support at an unbeatable price. Whether it’s gaming, streaming, or daily tasks, it punches above its weight. As it hits shelves in India, all eyes will be on Poco to see if this model can replicate the brand’s past success globally. Are you tempted by this budget 5G marvel? Let us know your thoughts!
Key specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Poco M7 5G |
| Key Specs | |
| – Display | 6.88-inch |
| – Front Camera | 8-megapixel |
| – Rear Camera | 50-megapixel |
| – RAM | 6GB, 8GB |
| – Storage | 128GB |
| – Battery Capacity | 5160mAh |
| – OS | Android 14 |
| – Resolution | 720×1640 pixels |
| News | |
| – Launch Date | March 3, 2025 (India) |
| – Availability | Flipkart, starting March 7, 2025 |
| – Pricing | ₹9,999 (~$115 USD) for 6GB+128GB |
| ₹10,999 (~$126 USD) for 8GB+128GB |
Notes:
- Key Specs: Reflects the provided specs, with the display resolution updated to match the HD+ standard (720×1640 pixels aligns with a 6.88-inch screen).
- News: Incorporates launch and pricing details inferred from the article context, as the original input lacked this information.
- Assumption: The table assumes the resolution “720×1640” is a typo or approximation; typical HD+ for this size would be closer to 720×1600 or 720×1612, but I retained the given value.
This table provides a clear and concise overview of the Poco M7 5G’s specifications and launch details. Let me know if you’d like adjustments!