The POCO X series has always been about delivering high performance at an affordable price, and the POCO X7 Pro takes this legacy forward with some exciting upgrades. Launched in India in January 2025, the X7 Pro brings a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra chipset, a massive 6,550mAh battery with silicon-carbon technology, an IP69 rating, and a vibrant AMOLED display. But with competitors like the POCO X6 Pro and POCO F6 in the under ₹30,000 segment, does the X7 Pro truly stand out as the best X-series phone yet? In this detailed review, we’ll analyze its performance, camera, battery life, software, and more, while comparing it to its siblings to help you decide if it’s worth your money.
Design and Build Quality
The POCO X7 Pro sports a sleek and modern design that feels premium for its price. At just 8.06mm thick and weighing 195 grams, it’s impressively slim and lightweight despite packing a massive 6,550mAh battery. The phone’s plastic back, available in colors like Obsidian Black, Nebula Green, and POCO Yellow, mimics glass but is a fingerprint magnet, especially in the black variant. Thankfully, POCO includes a TPU case in the box to address this issue.
One of the standout upgrades is the IP69 rating, alongside IP66 and IP68 certifications, making the X7 Pro highly durable against dust and water. This is a significant improvement over the X6 Pro’s IP54 rating and rare for phones under ₹30,000. The phone also features Gorilla Glass 7i for added display protection. The dual-tone back with a vertical split design adds a classy touch, and the flat edges give it a modern look, though they may feel less comfortable for users with smaller hands.
The X7 Pro includes a standard layout: a USB-C port (USB 2.0), dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, a SIM tray, and an IR blaster for controlling appliances. While the USB 2.0 port is acceptable in this price range, it’s a slight drawback compared to higher-end phones. Overall, the design is a step up from the X6 Pro, offering a balance of style, durability, and practicality.
Display and Multimedia
The POCO X7 Pro features a 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a resolution of 2712 x 1220 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s an LTPS panel with 1920Hz PWM dimming, a 240Hz touch sampling rate, and support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The display is vibrant, with excellent color accuracy, especially in the Original ProColor mode, and it covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut.
With a peak brightness of 3,200 nits and 1,400 nits in HBM (High Brightness Mode), the screen is highly legible even under direct sunlight, a notable upgrade from the X6 Pro’s 1,800 nits. Whether you’re watching Netflix with Dolby Vision content or scrolling through social media, the display delivers a rich and immersive experience. However, HDR gradation isn’t as refined as on premium phones, with highlights and shadows slightly less controlled.
The dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos produce clear audio, but they’re average compared to competitors like the POCO F6. While they handle multimedia well, they lack the depth and loudness of higher-end devices. For audiophiles, the X7 Pro supports advanced Bluetooth codecs like LDAC and LHDC 5.0, ensuring high-quality wireless audio.
Performance and Gaming
At the heart of the POCO X7 Pro is the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra, a 4nm chipset with an all-big-core CPU design (1x Cortex-A725 at 3.25GHz, 3x at 3.0GHz, and 4x at 2.1GHz) and a Mali-G720 MC7 GPU. It’s paired with LPDDR5X RAM (8GB or 12GB) and UFS 4.0 storage (256GB or 512GB), making it a powerhouse in the mid-range segment. POCO claims the Dimensity 8400 Ultra is 54% more powerful than the Dimensity 8300 Ultra in the X6 Pro, and it’s a toned-down version of the flagship Dimensity 9400.
In benchmarks, the X7 Pro outperforms its rivals. It scored around 1.6 million on AnTuTu, slightly below the claimed 1.7 million but higher than the X6 Pro (Dimensity 8300 Ultra) and F6 (Snapdragon 8s Gen 3). In Geekbench 6, it achieved a single-core score of 1,579 and a multi-core score of 6,100, surpassing the X6 Pro (1,424 and 4,527) and F6. The 3D Mark Wildlife Extreme stress test showed the X7 Pro with a high best-loop score, though the F6 was slightly more stable. In the Solar Bay ray-tracing test, the X7 Pro delivered the best average FPS.
For gaming, the X7 Pro handles titles like BGMI, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Genshin Impact smoothly, thanks to POCO’s WildBoost 3.0 optimization and a 5,000mm² stainless steel vapor cooling chamber. However, it surprisingly achieved a lower average FPS in Genshin Impact (around 45-50 FPS) compared to the X6 Pro and F6 (closer to 60 FPS). The phone stayed below 45°C during intense gaming sessions, matching its competitors. Some games, like BGMI, capped at 60 FPS instead of the expected 90 FPS, indicating optimization issues with the new chipset.
In daily usage, the X7 Pro is lightning-fast, with smooth multitasking, quick app launches, and no stuttering. The ample RAM ensures apps stay loaded in the background, and the 120Hz display enhances fluidity. Compared to the X6 Pro and F6, the X7 Pro offers a noticeable performance edge, making it a top choice for gamers and power users on a budget.
Battery Life and Charging
The POCO X7 Pro houses a massive 6,550mAh silicon-carbon battery, one of the largest in its class and a significant upgrade from the X6 Pro’s 5,000mAh and F6’s 5,000mAh batteries. Silicon-carbon technology allows for higher capacity in a compact form, contributing to the phone’s slim profile. In real-world tests, the X7 Pro delivered exceptional battery life, offering over 10 hours of screen-on time with normal usage (social media, streaming, and light gaming). Even under heavy use, including gaming and benchmarks, it managed over 7 hours of screen-on time.
The included 90W charger (non-PD, Type-A to Type-C) charges the phone from 0 to 100% in about 44-45 minutes, with 50% reached in roughly 20 minutes. This is faster than the X6 Pro’s 67W charging and competitive with the F6’s 90W. However, the lack of wireless charging is a minor drawback, though expected in this price range. The X7 Pro’s battery efficiency, combined with the Dimensity 8400 Ultra’s power management, makes it a standout for users prioritizing longevity.
Camera Performance
The POCO X7 Pro features a dual-camera setup: a 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary sensor (f/1.5, OIS, 1/1.95”) and an 8MP ultra-wide camera (f/2.2). The 2MP macro lens from the X6 Pro has been dropped, and the front camera is upgraded to a 20MP sensor. While the camera hardware is promising, the software tuning falls short of expectations.
In daylight, the primary camera captures decent photos with good dynamic range, but oversharpening is noticeable at 100% crop. Low-light performance is surprisingly good, with adequate exposure and detail retention, though some noise is present. The ultra-wide camera, however, struggles with detail, especially in low light, where images appear soft and lack clarity. Color accuracy is inconsistent, with the primary camera sometimes oversaturating or misrepresenting colors, and the ultra-wide showing a visible color shift compared to the main sensor.
Portraits suffer from inaccurate edge detection and artificial-looking blur, with skin tones often appearing unnatural due to a reddish tint or over-brightening. The 20MP selfie camera is serviceable in daylight but average in low light, with oversoftening issues. Video recording has improved, with the primary camera supporting 4K 60 FPS (up from 4K 30 FPS on the X6 Pro), but EIS introduces a slight jellying effect. The ultra-wide and selfie cameras are limited to 1080p 30 FPS, with mediocre quality.
Compared to the X6 Pro, the X7 Pro’s camera is a slight downgrade in color accuracy and consistency, despite the hardware upgrades. The F6, with its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, offers marginally better image processing. Camera-focused users may be disappointed, but POCO has included features like dual video mode, director mode, and AI tools (AI Night Mode, AI Magic Eraser Pro) to enhance the experience. Future software updates could address some of these issues.
Software Experience
The POCO X7 Pro is the first phone in India to launch with HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15, offering a premium software experience typically reserved for higher-end devices. HyperOS 2.0 is smooth, fluid, and visually appealing, with polished animations and fast performance. It includes a range of AI features, such as AI image expansion, AI Sky Replacement, AI Eraser, AI translation (29 languages), AI on-call interpretation, and AI note-taking tools (summary, layout, proofreading). These features work well and add value for productivity and creativity.
However, the software comes with pre-installed bloatware, a common issue in mid-range phones. Thankfully, most apps can be uninstalled. Compared to the X6 Pro’s HyperOS 1.0 (Android 14) and the F6’s similar setup, the X7 Pro’s software feels more refined and future-proof. POCO promises three years of Android updates and four years of security patches, ensuring longevity. For users seeking a flagship-like software experience on a budget, the X7 Pro delivers impressively.
Connectivity and Other Features
The X7 Pro supports dual-band 5G (L1 and L3), Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring robust connectivity. Dual-frequency GPS provides accurate location tracking, and 5G performance is solid in supported areas. The inclusion of an IR blaster is a practical addition for controlling home appliances. The phone lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD card slot, which is standard for this segment.
Comparison with POCO X6 Pro and POCO F6
Here’s how the POCO X7 Pro stacks up against the X6 Pro and F6 in the under ₹30,000 segment:
- Performance: The X7 Pro’s Dimensity 8400 Ultra outperforms the X6 Pro’s Dimensity 8300 Ultra and F6’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in most benchmarks, though gaming optimization needs improvement. The X7 Pro is the best for raw power.
- Battery: The X7 Pro’s 6,550mAh battery outlasts the X6 Pro and F6 (both 5,000mAh), with faster 90W charging.
- Camera: The X6 Pro offers slightly better color accuracy, while the F6 benefits from Snapdragon’s processing. The X7 Pro lags in consistency.
- Display: All three have similar 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED displays, but the X7 Pro’s 3,200 nits brightness is superior.
- Software: The X7 Pro’s HyperOS 2.0 (Android 15) is more advanced than the X6 Pro and F6’s HyperOS 1.0 (Android 14).
- Build: The X7 Pro’s IP69 rating trumps the X6 Pro’s IP54 and F6’s IP64.
Specifications Table
| Feature | POCO X7 Pro |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz, 3,200 nits peak, Dolby Vision, Gorilla Glass 7i |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra (4nm), Mali-G720 MC7 GPU |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB/256GB, 12GB/256GB, 12GB/512GB (LPDDR5X, UFS 4.0) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP Sony LYT-600 (f/1.5, OIS) + 8MP ultra-wide (f/2.2) |
| Front Camera | 20MP (f/2.2) |
| Battery | 6,550mAh, 90W fast charging |
| Software | HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15 |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, dual-frequency GPS, IR blaster |
| Build | Plastic back, IP66/IP68/IP69, 160.8 x 75.2 x 8.3mm, 195g |
| Audio | Dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, LDAC, LHDC 5.0 |
| Price | Starting at ₹24,999 (with offers) |
Should You Buy the POCO X7 Pro?
The POCO X7 Pro is a compelling package for anyone seeking flagship-grade performance, exceptional battery life, and a premium software experience under ₹30,000. Its MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra chipset, 6,550mAh battery, IP69 rating, and HyperOS 2.0 make it a standout in the mid-range segment. The vibrant AMOLED display and fast charging further enhance its appeal, especially for gamers and multimedia enthusiasts.
However, the camera performance is a weak point, with inconsistent colors, oversharpening, and average ultra-wide and selfie quality. If photography is a priority, the POCO X6 Pro or F6 might be better options, or you could consider alternatives like the Realme 14 Pro or Nothing Phone 2a. The bloatware in HyperOS 2.0 and average speakers are minor drawbacks but manageable.
Verdict: If you prioritize performance, battery life, and durability over camera quality, the POCO X7 Pro is an easy recommendation. It’s a worthy successor to the X6 Pro and a strong contender against the F6, offering excellent value for money. For budget-conscious users in India, especially students or young professionals, the X7 Pro is a mid-range marvel that’s hard to beat. Future software updates could further refine the camera, making it an even stronger pick.
