POCO opened the new year with the introduction of its latest members of the X-series – the POCO X7 and X7 Pro, similar to last year with the POCO X6 series.
The new X7 and X7 Pro are offered at quite a competitive midrange price of under PHP 20,000, all while promising performance. The POCO X7, specifically, is said to be built for all-around versatility.
We were given the chance to try the POCO X7 for ourselves and I took on the challenge of using it as my daily driver while I was in the US covering CES 2025. This was despite me bringing my Nothing Phone (2) with me.
The experience, for me, was quite interesting, to say the least. I mean this in a generally positive way. Here’s how my experience with the POCO X7 went.
POCO X7 Full Review
Full Specifications
| Display | 6.67-inch 1.5K Curved AMOLED 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G615 MC2 |
| RAM | 8/12GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 256/512GB UFS 2.2 |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main (Sony IMX882) 8MP ultrawide 2MP macro |
| Front Camera | 20MP |
| Battery | 5110mAh 45W TurboCharge |
| OS | HyperOS |
| Colors | Black Silver Green |
Build and Design
The POCO X7 features a plastic back with a curve that mirrors the curved 6.67-inch display. We were lent the silver colorway that has a two-tone design that runs vertically along the back panel with a glossy POCO logo along the center third of the device.
Despite the matte finish though, the rear of the device is quite the fingerprint magnet. It may be the lighter color coupled with the finish but nevertheless, something worth mentioning.
Around the front is sa 6.67-inch 1.5K curved AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a center punch hole around the top for its selfie lens. The panel is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which helps with a bit of assurance of the display’s durability.
Its size is pretty normal at this point and the curved panel helps make the device feel thinner. However, its curved nature when used with the included case tended to eat away at the pre-installed screen protector, which I usually prefer to keep intact. At this point though, I’d likely remove the protector first and then use the case.
Moreover, I noticed some phantom touches when I used the case and just generally used the POCO X7, especially in a hectic environment like CES 2025.
That said though, the size and its relatively thin design made it easy to use and felt pretty non-existent in the pocket. Let’s not forget that the phone has an IP68 rating, which is pretty good for more durability.
Performance
The POCO X7 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra and based on my use of social media, taking photos, and checking emails, unsurprisingly well. It was mostly smooth an experience, but of course, that’s with pretty light use.
The chipset partnered with the higher-specced 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, added to the overall smooth use.
Here are some benchmark results using AnTuTu, Geekbench, 3DMark, and PCMark:
Of course, what’s a POCO review without playing games? I was able to try out four games, at varying spec requirements. These are namely Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Diablo Immortal, Honkai Star Rail, and Genshin Impact.
As expected, Mobile Legends was a breeze to run even while playing at the highest settings. This same performance was shown with Diablo Immortal at the highest settings and even Honkai Star Rail. I was able to run a couple of dungeons in Diablo Immortal and a couple of automated trial battles on Honkai Star Rail with ease.
I was impressed when it came to Genshin Impact. I first tried it out with the Lowest settings and it was pretty smooth. As I cranked it up straight to the highest settings, I still enjoyed quite a continuous and decent experience. This in itself was pretty impressive, especially at the sub-PHP 20K price point.
One thing I did appreciate about the POCO X7 was its eSIM support which came in handy when I went to the US as it allowed me to get around with mobile data. eSIM support, for the most part, is seen in the flagship range of devices like iPhones, Samsung Galaxy S series, Xiaomi number series, and more.
It must be noted as well that the AMOLED display makes it a fun device to use to watch videos and play games as it does have deep blacks and vibrant colors.
Camera
The X7 is equipped with a 50MP Sony IMX882 which is the bread and butter of the device when it comes to photos. It is a pretty reliable shooter that, while isn’t the best in the market, it is good enough to capture quick snaps of the world around you or moments with loved ones and post on social media.
The ultrawide is pretty decent at best but as I always say, is a very welcome addition to a camera module at this price range. It doesn’t get you the best photos but does the job when wanting to include more of the landscape in your shots.
The last camera in the camera module is, sadly, a 2MP macro lens. I say this because, unlike the alternative 2MP depth lens, the macro camera offers pretty poor shots even if it means being able to get close to your subject.
Here are some sample photos:
Last is the 20MP front camera which does a good job of capturing selfies. It also has a 0.8MP mode which will let you include more friends and loved ones in your shot or just include a bit more of the landscape if you’re travelling alone.
Battery
The POCO X7 has a slightly larger 5110mAh battery than its predecessor. This, according to the company, can handle up to 15 hours of continuous TikTok video playback. I, of course, didn’t do this but based on the PCMark Battery Test hit up to 17 hours of productivity, but on 60Hz mode.
Here are the results of PCMark Battery test which I ran through the three display modes:
Based on my use of the POCO X7 while I was in the US, I was able to get a full day of use from it. I’d leave my hotel at around 8 AM at 100% and get back at around 10 PM with 20% or a bit less. This was with mobile data turned on the entire time (with occasional switching to WiFi) and taking photos here and there. This, in itself, was impressive as it was. But keep in mind that this was done with no gaming sessions inserted. Just light use and taking photos, videos, and mobile data.
The device supports 45W TurboCharge which is said to charge to 100% in 52 minutes. Based on my test, a full charge took roughly an hour with the included charger, which isn’t that far off from the claims of the company.
A 35-minute charge was able to give me around 67% coming from 0% which is good enough if you need a bit of a boost quickly.
Software
The POCO X7 runs on HyperOS on top of Android 14. Out of the box, it has a lot of bloatware, which I’m never a fan of. It just adds more steps to setting up your new device while adding clutter as well.
In addition, the OS has occasional ads which isn’t the most pleasant thing to go through in a device. I came across it the most when trying to change the font of the phone. Most phones just have Fonts and display size or some iteration of it. However, the POCO X7 has Font and Font settings. Selecting Font leads you to the company’s own app which has the ads but on the other hand has more fonts to choose from.
It may not be the biggest deal for you, but personally, I prefer a more streamlined experience.
The company also touts AI features like an AI Eraser that can remove objects and people from your photos, but based on my testing, it requires more ironing out.
I’m also not the biggest fan of having separate notification areas to swipe. In this case, a swipe from the top left for your notifications and a swipe from the top right to enter settings. You can swipe left or right to get between the two, but I’ve just gotten used to having one panel for everything.
I do appreciate the level of customization you get with HyperOS though. Things like having a wider variety of fingerprint scan animations and Always on Display clock faces are a fun addition.
Of course, I think this is something you can eventually get used to over time.
Verdict
For a device that starts at PHP 14,999 for 8GB+128GB and goes as high as PHP 16,999 for 12GB+256GB, the POCO X7 is a very reliable smartphone, especially for everyday use. It lives up to the POCO name as a device that can offer performance at a more affordable range.
There are quite a number of downsides for me, especially on the software front, but because it is software, it will fall on preference. Or as I previously mentioned, it could be something you can just get used to.
That said though the POCO X7 is a strong contender as a lower mid-range device especially if you’re just looking for a solid daily driver that you can game on, be productive, watch videos, and capture moments for social media.
If you’re interested in checking out the POCO X7 or X7 Pro for yourself, visit the official POCO Global Lazada store.
Ram found his love and appreciation for writing in 2015 having started in the gaming and esports sphere for GG Network. He would then transition to focus more on the world of tech which has also began his journey into learning more about this world. That said though, he still has the mentality of "as long as it works" for his personal gadgets.
