
I’ve been testing two new budget-friendly smartphones from Xiaomi—the Poco X7 and Poco X7 Pro. These devices share a lot in common, including a 50MP Sony main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), the same ultra-wide sensor, and an identical selfie camera. But when it comes to performance, the differences start to show.
The Poco X7 is powered by the Dimensity 7300 Ultra, while the X7 Pro packs the more powerful Dimensity 8400 Ultra, making for a noticeable gap in speed and efficiency. Throughout this video, I’ll break down the hardware, software, benchmark results, and real-world camera samples to help you decide which model suits your needs.
From gaming to multitasking and photography, we’ll explore what you can truly expect from these affordable powerhouses. And the good news? No matter which Poco X7 you choose, both deliver great value for the price. Let’s dive in and see how these two phones compare!
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- POCO X7 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S24+
- Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G And Pro Plus 5G: Which One Should You Buy?
Unboxing
Opening up the box of the Poco X7 and Poco X7 Pro, you’re greeted with a familiar but well-equipped package. Right on top, you’ll find the SIM tray ejector tool, which makes it easy to insert your SIM card or expand storage if needed. Just beneath that, there’s some standard paperwork, including a warranty card and safety information—nothing too exciting, but always good to have.
Diving deeper, you’ll find a clear TPU case included with both models. This is a nice touch from Xiaomi, as it provides immediate protection without requiring you to buy a case separately. While TPU cases aren’t the most premium, they do the job well enough to prevent scratches and minor drops.
Next up, you get the charging cable, which is something every phone should still include—but unfortunately, not all brands do anymore. Xiaomi, thankfully, hasn’t cut corners here. Even better, they include a charger in the box, a move that many premium brands have abandoned.
For the Poco X7, you get a 45W charger, which delivers respectable charging speeds for a budget-friendly device. Meanwhile, the Poco X7 Pro takes things up a notch with a 90W fast charger, ensuring significantly quicker charging times—something I’ll cover in more detail later in the review. If charging speed is a priority for you, the Pro model is definitely the better choice.
Everything is neatly packed, and the unboxing experience feels straightforward yet satisfying. Xiaomi continues to offer great value, providing all the essentials without unnecessary compromises. Now, let’s move on to the design and build quality to see how these phones feel in hand!
Design and Features
At first glance, you might not even realize that both the Poco X7 and Poco X7 Pro belong to the same series. Their designs are strikingly different, making each model unique in its own right.
Starting with the Poco X7 Pro, Xiaomi has gone for a vegan leather back, giving it a premium and stylish feel. It’s also slightly lighter, weighing 185 grams, making it easier to hold for extended periods. On the other hand, the Poco X7 features what appears to be a glass back, though it feels more like plastic upon closer inspection. It carries a bit more weight at 198 grams.
Branding also varies between the two models. The Poco X7 has a more prominent Poco logo, whereas the X7 Pro keeps it more subtle, reinforcing its sleeker aesthetic.
Camera Setup
Both models come equipped with 50MP main cameras with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an impressive feature at this price point, especially for the standard X7 model. Accompanying the main shooter is an 8MP ultra-wide camera, ensuring versatility in photography. The f/1.5 aperture on both devices is particularly noteworthy, as it allows more light in, improving low-light photography—something rarely seen in this segment.
Battery and Charging Differences
One of the biggest distinctions between the two phones is battery capacity. The Poco X7 Pro houses a 5,110mAh battery, whereas the Poco X7 boasts a larger 6,000mAh battery. However, charging speeds set them apart even further:
- Poco X7: 45W charging
- Poco X7 Pro: 90W fast charging
If you want faster charge times, the Pro model is the better choice. However, if battery longevity is a priority, the standard X7’s larger capacity might suit you better.
Build Quality and Frame Material
Both phones offer a high-quality build despite being budget-friendly. The frames are plastic with a matte finish, mimicking the feel of metal. While plastic might not sound premium, the paint job and texture give them a solid and durable appearance.
One key difference is in the screen design:
- Poco X7 Pro has a flat display
- Poco X7 features a curved screen, which enhances aesthetics and grip
Both displays are 6.67 inches with 120Hz AMOLED panels, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals.
Fingerprint Scanner & Security
Both devices feature optical fingerprint scanners positioned lower on the screen. While they work efficiently, their placement might feel a bit too low for some users. In higher-end devices, you’d typically find ultrasonic fingerprint sensors, but at this price, optical scanners are still a great inclusion.
Front-Facing Camera & Display Cutout
The front-facing camera setup is identical on both models, featuring a 20MP punch-hole camera. This hole-punch design has become a standard in most modern smartphones and is widely used across brands.
Ports & Connectivity
Down at the bottom of both phones, there are dual loudspeakers, but no video output support, even on the more premium X7 Pro. Some expected at least the Pro model to include video-out capabilities, but unfortunately, it does not.
Other key omissions include:
- No microSD card slot – so storage expansion isn’t an option
- No 3.5mm headphone jack – a common removal in modern smartphones
At the top of both devices, you’ll find:
- Secondary loudspeakers
- Earpiece for calls
- IR blaster (Infrared transmitter) for controlling appliances, a useful feature found in many Xiaomi phones
Thickness & Ergonomics
You might assume that the Poco X7 Pro is thicker due to its design. However, due to its curved edges, it actually appears slimmer than it is. In reality, it measures 8.63mm, slightly thicker than the X7’s 8.29mm. Despite the larger battery in the X7, its flat design creates the illusion of a thinner phone.
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- Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Review: Refining the Flagship Experience
Display Specs and Features
Both the Poco X7 and Poco X7 Pro come equipped with 6.67-inch AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and responsive interactions. Scrolling, gaming, and animations feel fluid, and aside from chipset-related performance differences, the overall visual experience remains nearly identical.
However, due to the difference in processors, the X7 Pro with the Dimensity 8400 Ultra handles animations and transitions more smoothly. In contrast, the X7, powered by the Dimensity 7300 Ultra, experiences occasional slowdowns in UI animations—though nothing that drastically affects daily usability.
Brightness and HDR Performance
On paper, both displays are rated for 3,000+ nits of peak brightness when viewing HDR content. However, in real-world testing:
- The Poco X7 Pro reaches around 480 nits in HDR mode.
- The Poco X7 manages just over 420 nits under similar conditions.
In direct sunlight, both screens remain legible, but the X7 Pro’s slightly higher brightness gives it a small advantage. If you frequently use your phone outdoors, you might notice this minor difference, but in everyday use, both displays perform well.
Resolution and Sharpness
Both models boast 1.5K resolution (2712 × 1220 pixels), making them sharp and detailed. Whether you’re watching videos, gaming, or reading text, the clarity and sharpness are excellent, especially for phones in this price range.
Color Calibration and Settings
Within the settings menu, you can fine-tune color temperature and contrast levels. However, these adjustments are fairly standard and don’t differ between the two models. Both offer deep blacks, punchy colors, and good contrast ratios, as expected from AMOLED technology.
Curved vs. Flat Display
One of the most noticeable differences between these two models is screen curvature:
- The Poco X7 has a curved AMOLED display, giving it a sleeker, more immersive look.
- The Poco X7 Pro features a completely flat screen, which some users may prefer for usability and reduced accidental touches.
Which is better? It comes down to personal preference. Some people love curved screens for their aesthetics, while others prefer flat screens for practicality. Let us know in the comments which you prefer!
PWM Flicker and Eye Comfort
Both displays use 1920Hz PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimming, which significantly reduces screen flicker at lower brightness levels. This is great news for users who experience eye strain or headaches from low-frequency PWM flicker found on some AMOLED displays.
In testing, neither the X7 nor X7 Pro showed noticeable flicker, making them comfortable for extended use, even at lower brightness settings. If you’re sensitive to PWM flickering, these phones are a safe choice.
Speakers & Audio
Both the Poco X7 and Poco X7 Pro come with dual loudspeakers, providing stereo sound for a better audio experience. From my testing, it appears that both models use the same speaker hardware, as I could not notice any significant difference in sound quality between them.
Playing the same song at 100% volume, the audio output was almost identical in terms of loudness, clarity, and bass response. The speakers deliver decent sound for a budget phone, with clear mids and highs, but bass is somewhat lacking, which is expected at this price range.
For watching videos, gaming, and casual music listening, the audio experience is satisfactory, though not exceptional compared to flagship devices. If you rely heavily on external speakers for music or gaming, you may still prefer using wired or wireless headphones for a better experience.
Software and Features
Both the Poco X7 and Poco X7 Pro run on HyperOS 2, Xiaomi’s latest software for Poco devices. While it brings some performance optimizations and a refreshed UI, it also comes with a significant amount of bloatware.
Pre-installed Apps & Bloatware
Out of the box, both phones come loaded with a long list of pre-installed apps, including:
- Spotify
- Amazon Shopping
- Multiple pre-installed games
This excessive bloatware can be frustrating, as it requires manual removal, which takes time. For users who prefer a clean experience, spending the first few minutes uninstalling unwanted apps is necessary.
Advertisements in System Apps
One of the most disappointing aspects of Poco’s software is the presence of advertisements within system apps. Even though you’ve paid for the phone outright, you’ll still encounter ads in areas like the file manager and security app. This practice feels unnecessary and intrusive, and it would be great if Xiaomi removed these ads in future updates.
Multimedia Support
Both phones support Widevine L1 DRM, meaning you can stream Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming platforms in full HD. This is great news for media consumers who enjoy watching content in high resolution.
Additionally, Camera2 API Level 3 support is present, allowing users to install Google Camera (GCam) mods or third-party camera apps like Open Camera for potentially better photo processing.
- See also:
- Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G Review: A New Mid-Range Contender With “Pros And Cons”!
- Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G Review: A Feature-Packed Mid-Ranger Worth Considering?
Poco X7 And X7 Pro Chipsets and Performance
The Poco X7 and Poco X7 Pro come with different chipsets, and this makes a noticeable impact on performance. The Poco X7 is powered by the Dimensity 7300 Ultra, while the X7 Pro comes with the much more powerful Dimensity 8300.
When looking at benchmark scores, the difference is huge. The Poco X7 Pro scores just over 1.5 million points on AnTuTu, while the Poco X7 is just below 700,000. This means the Pro model is more than twice as powerful as the standard X7.
This performance gap is noticeable in real-world use. The Poco X7 Pro feels much faster when opening apps, scrolling through menus, and switching between tasks. Animations are smoother, and there is very little lag in day-to-day usage.
Gaming is another area where the X7 Pro dominates. With its Dimensity 8300, games load faster, run at higher frame rates, and have fewer stutters. The Poco X7, on the other hand, can still handle games, but you might need to lower the graphics settings for a smoother experience.
Even the user interface feels snappier on the Poco X7 Pro. Moving between apps and menus is noticeably smoother compared to the Poco X7, which can experience small slowdowns, especially when multiple apps are running.
That said, the Poco X7 Pro is not perfect. Occasionally, you might still see minor stutters, especially when running demanding apps. However, it is far less frequent than on the standard X7.
For power users, the Poco X7 Pro is clearly the better choice. The higher benchmark scores, smoother UI, and superior gaming performance make it a much better option for those who want a fast and responsive phone.
The Poco X7, while not as powerful, is still a solid option for those who just need a phone for daily tasks. If you are not a heavy gamer or power user, the performance will be good enough for most everyday activities.
Overall, chipset performance is a major reason to upgrade to the X7 Pro. If speed and smoothness matter to you, it’s worth the extra money. But if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Poco X7 still holds its own in regular tasks.
Battery Life & Charge Speed
Battery performance is an important factor when choosing between the Poco X7 and Poco X7 Pro. The Pro model has a much larger 6,000mAh battery, while the standard X7 comes with a 5,110mAh battery.
In a fixed battery life test, the Poco X7 Pro lasted 11 hours and 46 minutes, which is significantly longer than the 8 hours and 38 minutes achieved by the standard Poco X7. The larger battery in the Pro version gives it a clear advantage in terms of endurance.
In real-world usage, this translates to approximately 8.5 hours of screen-on time for the X7 Pro, compared to about 6.5 hours on the X7. Both models feature a 1.5K AMOLED display and IP68 water resistance, which means they are built to last even in tough conditions.
When it comes to charging speeds, the difference is huge. The Poco X7 Pro supports 90W fast charging, allowing it to fully charge in just over 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the Poco X7 only supports 45W charging, taking around 49 minutes to fully charge.
For users who are always on the go, the faster charging speeds of the X7 Pro make it a much more convenient option. You can get a day’s worth of battery life in just a short charging session, whereas the X7 takes longer to refill its battery.
One thing to note is thermal performance. The X7 Pro does get slightly warmer during gaming and charging, likely due to its more powerful Dimensity 8400 Ultra chipset. In contrast, the Poco X7 stays cooler, even under heavy use, since its Dimensity 7300 Ultra is less power-hungry.
There is some throttling on the X7 Pro, particularly during intensive gaming sessions, while the X7 experiences almost no throttling. The plastic frames on both models also contribute to heat retention, but it’s more noticeable on the Pro variant.
Pros & Cons Of Poco X7 And X7 Pro
✅ Pros:
- Powerful Performance on the X7 Pro
- Long Battery Life
- Super Fast Charging
- Good AMOLED Display
- Decent Camera Performance
- Dual Stereo Speakers
❌ Cons:
- Too Much Bloatware
- Advertisements in System Apps
- No MicroSD or Headphone Jack
Verdict
No surprises here—the Poco X7 Pro is the faster and better model of the two. Even before testing, it was clear from the spec sheet that the Pro version would come out on top, thanks to its more powerful chipset.
In terms of camera performance, there’s no real difference between the two. Both phones use the exact same camera hardware, and the image quality is almost identical. Any small differences would likely come from the slightly better ISP (Image Signal Processor) in the Dimensity 8400 Ultra found in the X7 Pro.
For gaming, the X7 Pro is a much better option. The standard X7, with its Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipset, struggles with occasional stutters and lag, even in basic UI navigation. If you can afford the Pro model, it’s a better long-term investment for smoother performance.
Right out of the box, the X7 Pro experiences fewer lags and frame drops, making it the more polished device. However, some of the performance hiccups on the standard X7 could be due to Xiaomi’s software optimization, which might improve with future updates.
A major downside for both phones is the excessive pre-installed bloatware. Xiaomi loads the phones with apps and games that many users will never use, forcing you to spend time manually removing them. Brands should allow users to decide what they want to install, rather than filling up storage with unnecessary apps.
Another annoying issue is built-in advertisements in system apps. Considering these are paid devices, users shouldn’t have to deal with ads in basic functions like file management. Xiaomi claims that ads help lower the phone’s price, but this feels like an excuse rather than a necessity.
Overall, both phones are decent for their price, but if you have the budget, go for the X7 Pro. It offers better performance, faster charging, and a smoother experience.
That said, if you’re considering alternatives, you might want to check out the Redmi Note 14 series. It’s slightly more expensive, but it offers a better overall package with fewer compromises. Another great option is previous flagship models from 1-2 years ago, which can provide flagship-level performance at a similar price point.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which Poco X7 model is better for gaming?
The Poco X7 Pro is significantly better for gaming. It has the Dimensity 8400 Ultra chipset, which provides higher frame rates, smoother gameplay, and fewer stutters compared to the Dimensity 7300 Ultra in the standard X7.
2. How long does the Poco X7 Pro’s battery last?
The Poco X7 Pro’s 6,000mAh battery lasts about 8.5 hours of screen-on time in real-world use. The standard X7, with its 5,110mAh battery, lasts around 6.5 hours.
3. Does the Poco X7 Pro support 5G?
Yes, both the Poco X7 and X7 Pro support 5G connectivity, making them future-proof for faster mobile data speeds.
4. Can I uninstall the pre-installed apps on the Poco X7 series?
Yes, most of the pre-installed bloatware can be manually uninstalled, but some Xiaomi system apps cannot be fully removed.
5. Is the Poco X7 series good for photography?
Both models have a 50MP main camera with OIS, which performs well in low-light conditions. However, there is no major difference in camera quality between the X7 and X7 Pro.
6. Does the Poco X7 Pro overheat?
The Poco X7 Pro can get slightly warm during heavy gaming or charging, but it does not experience severe overheating issues. The Poco X7 stays cooler, as it uses a less power-hungry chipset.
7. Which Poco X7 model has faster charging?
The Poco X7 Pro has 90W fast charging, fully charging in just 30 minutes. The standard X7 charges at 45W, taking around 49 minutes to reach full battery.
8. Does the Poco X7 have a headphone jack?
No, neither the Poco X7 nor the X7 Pro includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. You’ll need to use Bluetooth earphones or a USB-C adapter.
9. Is the Poco X7 series water-resistant?
Yes, both phones have an IP68 rating, meaning they are dust and water-resistant up to a certain level.
10. Should I buy the Poco X7 Pro or look at other alternatives?
If you prioritize performance, fast charging, and long battery life, the Poco X7 Pro is the better choice. However, if you want fewer ads and bloatware, alternatives like the Redmi Note 14 series or previous flagship models might be better options.