Hey there, tech lovers! If you’re hunting for an affordable 5G smartphone that promises decent performance without emptying your wallet, you’ve probably stumbled upon the POCO M7 5G. Priced under ₹15,000 (roughly $180), this phone is POCO’s latest attempt to make 5G accessible to everyone. But does it live up to the hype? After using it for two weeks as my daily driver, here’s my unfiltered, no-BS review of the POCO M7 5G. Buckle up—this is going to be detailed!
Unboxing Experience: What’s Inside the Box?
Let’s kick things off with the unboxing. The POCO M7 5G comes in a bright yellow box that screams POCO’s signature bold style. Inside, you’ll find:
- The phone itself
- A 22.5W fast charger (yep, a charger included—no “eco-friendly” excuses here!)
- A USB Type-C cable
- A SIM ejector tool
- A clear silicone case (a nice touch for a budget phone)
- Paperwork (manual, warranty card)
No earphones here, which is expected at this price. But hey, the inclusion of a case and charger is a win. The phone feels surprisingly premium right out of the box, and the case adds basic protection without bulk.
Design & Build Quality: Sleek, Lightweight, but All Plastic
The POCO M7 5G looks way more expensive than it is. I got the “Cool Blue” variant, which has this glossy gradient finish that shifts between blue and silver under light. It’s eye-catching, but be warned: the back is a fingerprint magnet. You’ll be wiping it clean every hour if you’re OCD like me.
Build Highlights:
- Material: Plastic back and frame, Gorilla Glass 3 on the front.
- Weight: 201 grams—light enough for one-handed use.
- Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack (yes, it’s still alive!), and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Buttons: Tactile power button + volume rocker on the right.
The phone feels sturdy, and the curved edges make it comfortable to hold. But the glossy back is slippery—use the included case unless you want to risk a tragic slip.
Display: A Smooth 90Hz Screen for Netflix Binges?
The POCO M7 5G sports a 6.58-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution (2408 x 1080 pixels). Here’s the breakdown:
What I Loved:
- Colors & Brightness: The screen is vibrant for an LCD panel. Watching Stranger Things on Netflix was a joy, with decent contrast and no noticeable pixelation. Outdoor visibility is good at 500 nits, though direct sunlight still requires some squinting.
- 90Hz Smoothness: Scrolling through Instagram or Twitter feels buttery smooth. Gaming at 90Hz (in supported titles like PUBG Mobile) is a noticeable upgrade from 60Hz phones.
What Could Be Better:
- LCD Limitations: Blacks aren’t as deep as AMOLED screens. Dark scenes in movies look a bit grayish.
- No Always-On Display: Expected at this price, but still a bummer.
Overall, the display is solid for media consumption and casual gaming. Just don’t expect flagship-level richness.
Performance: Can a MediaTek Dimensity Chip Handle Your Daily Grind?
Under the hood, the POCO M7 5G packs a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor, paired with up to 6GB RAM and 128GB storage (expandable via microSD up to 1TB). Let’s talk real-world usage:
Daily Use:
- Apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Chrome ran smoothly. Multitasking between 4-5 apps was hassle-free, though heavier apps like Photoshop Express caused minor lag.
- The 6GB RAM variant (which I tested) held up well, but the 4GB version might struggle with heavy multitasking.
Gaming Performance:
- BGMI/PUBG Mobile: Runs smoothly at “Smooth + Extreme” settings (60fps). No frame drops, but the phone gets warm after 20 minutes.
- Genshin Impact: You’ll need to dial down to “Low” settings for playable framerates. Not ideal, but manageable for casual gamers.
- Call of Duty Mobile: Works well at “Medium” graphics, though expect occasional stutters during intense battles.
Verdict: The Dimensity 6100+ is a capable mid-range chip for light gaming and daily tasks. Just don’t expect flagship-level performance.
Software: MIUI 14 + Android 13—Love It or Hate It?
The POCO M7 5G runs MIUI 14 based on Android 13. As a long-time Pixel user, MIUI took some getting used to. Here’s the scoop:
Pros:
- Customization Galore: Themes, always-on displays, and gesture controls let you tweak the phone to your heart’s content.
- Useful Features: App cloning, Second Space, and a system-wide dark mode add value.
Cons:
- Bloatware Alert: Apps like Netflix, Facebook, and POCO’s own app suggestions come pre-installed. Thankfully, most can be uninstalled.
- Ads in System Apps: The weather app and file manager showed occasional ads. You can disable them, but it’s annoying.
Updates? POCO promises 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security patches. Decent for a budget phone.
Cameras: 50MP Hype vs. Reality
The POCO M7 5G boasts a dual-camera setup:
- 50MP primary sensor (f/1.8)
- 2MP depth sensor
- 5MP front camera
Let’s see how these specs translate to real life:
Daylight Photos:
- Shots are detailed with accurate colors. The 50MP mode captures sharper images, but files eat up storage quickly.
- Dynamic range is average—bright skies often get blown out.
Low-Light Photos:
- Noise creeps in, but Night Mode helps brighten shots. Don’t expect Pixel-level magic, though.
- The 2MP depth sensor is practically useless. Portrait shots often miss edge detection.
Video Recording:
- Maxes out at 1080p@30fps. Footage is shaky without stabilization. Good enough for TikTok clips, not vlogs.
Selfies:
- The 5MP front camera is mediocre. Skin tones look washed out, and details are soft.
Verdict: The camera setup works in well-lit conditions but falls short in low light. Manage your expectations!
Battery Life: 5000mAh Beast + 22.5W Charging
The 5000mAh battery is the star here. On a single charge, I got:
- 7-8 hours of screen time with social media, YouTube, and light gaming.
- 2 days of use for casual calls and texting.
The 22.5W charger juices up the phone from 0-50% in 30 minutes and 0-100% in 90 minutes. Not the fastest, but reliable.
5G Connectivity: Is It Future-Proof?
The POCO M7 5G supports 12 5G bands, including n77 and n78 (widely used in India and Europe). In my testing, 5G speeds hit 300-400Mbps on Airtel’s network. Coverage is still spotty, but having 5G ensures this phone won’t feel outdated soon.
Audio & Extras: Loudspeakers and Bloat-Free Fun
- Speaker Quality: The single bottom-firing speaker gets loud but lacks bass. Use headphones for movies!
- 3.5mm Jack: Crisp audio output—music lovers will appreciate this.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Fast and accurate 9/10 times.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- Smooth 90Hz display
- Strong battery life
- Future-ready 5G support
- Clean software (after removing bloatware)
Cons:
- Average low-light cameras
- Pre-installed ads and bloatware
- Slippery design
Alternatives to Consider
- Realme Narzo 60x 5G: Similar specs, better AMOLED display.
- Samsung Galaxy M14 5G: Longer software support but weaker processor.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the POCO M7 5G?
If you want a budget 5G phone for social media, streaming, and light gaming, the POCO M7 5G is a steal. Just don’t expect flagship cameras or bloat-free software. At ₹12,999 (~$156), it’s a solid entry into the 5G world without compromises where it matters.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments below—I’ll answer every single one!
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- Realme 14x 5G: best phone with 6000 mAh battery and 50MP camera
- POCO X6 Neo 5G: first smartphone with 33W fast charging and 6000mAh battery
- Meet the Infinix Note 40X 5G: 256GB storage with 12GB Ram and 5000mAh Battery
FAQ’s
Does the POCO M7 5G support fast charging?
Yes, it includes a 22.5W fast charger that fully charges the 5000mAh battery in 90 minutes.
How good is the POCO M7 5G for gaming?
It handles casual games like PUBG Mobile smoothly at 60fps but struggles with heavy titles like Genshin Impact on higher settings
Does the phone have an AMOLED display?
No, it uses a 6.58-inch IPS LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution.
Are there ads in the POCO M7 5G’s software?
Yes, MIUI 14 shows occasional ads in system apps, though most can be disabled manually.
How many 5G bands does the POCO M7 5G support?
It supports 12 5G bands, including n77 and n78, making it future-ready in regions with 5G coverage.