Poco has officially launched the Poco F7, bringing impressive specifications at a surprisingly affordable price. This mid-range smartphone aims to stand out in a competitive market segment, targeting consumers looking for flagship-level performance without the flagship price.
The Poco F7 features a premium design upgrade. It now sports a glass back cover and a sturdy metal frame, replacing the previous generation’s polycarbonate body. This design refinement gives the device a solid and high-end feel, although it weighs 215 grams, slightly heavier than average smartphones in this category.
This smartphone boasts a large 6.83-inch display with thin bezels and curved edges, providing an immersive viewing experience. The screen carries an IP68 certification, making it resistant to dust and water. Customers can choose from three colors: a distinctive silver with a gaming-inspired motif, black, and white for a simpler look.
Under the hood, the Poco F7 comes powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, a processor on par with top-tier flagship phones released in 2024. Benchmark tests show the device scores around 1.8 million points on Antutu in balanced mode, with potential to reach 2 million in performance mode. This performance is exceptional for a smartphone priced in the $330-$355 range.
The handset pairs this powerful chipset with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, configurations rarely seen together in this segment. This setup supports seamless multitasking and ample space for apps, media, and files.
For gaming, Poco F7 delivers smooth performance especially in popular titles like Mobile Legends, maintaining 120fps frame rates easily. However, heavy gaming leads to noticeable heat buildup, with the front panel reaching temperatures of up to 46 degrees Celsius. The device’s 6000mm² cooling system helps but is challenged by the intense processing demands.
The Poco F7 houses a sizable 6500mAh battery that supports everyday use comfortably. Streaming services such as YouTube consume just 5-6% battery per hour under normal conditions. Fast charging is a highlight, with the included 90W charger capable of charging the phone to 43% in 15 minutes and achieving full charge in about 40 minutes. Reverse charging via cable at 22.5W is available, yet the phone lacks bypass charging and wireless charging features.
The display, while solid, offers standard specifications with a resolution around 1.5K and a 120Hz refresh rate, which adjusts to 30Hz when appropriate to save battery life. Protection is ensured by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, and brightness levels are sufficient for outdoor use.
On the software front, Poco promises robust support with four years of operating system updates and six years of security patches. The F7 runs on HyperOS 2 based on Android 15, delivering a smooth and fluid user experience. Notably, the device comes free of ads in its pre-installed apps, a pleasant surprise in the budget and mid-range smartphone arena.
Camera capabilities are commendable for its price. The dual rear camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and an 8MP ultrawide lens for capturing wider scenes. The front-facing camera offers a 20MP resolution suitable for selfies and video calls. Photos taken in daylight show good detail and natural color reproduction. Night shots maintain accurate colors and decent brightness, despite lacking a dedicated zoom lens—digital 2x zoom still produces acceptable quality.
Video recording with the front camera maxes out at 1080p 60fps. Although it does not support 4K video, the recordings offer steady footage with good dynamic range and accurate skin tones, suited for social media content.
Poco F7 is available in the Indonesian market for a promotional price of Rp 5.6 million (approximately $330) during the initial two weeks post-launch. After the promo, the price adjusts to Rp 6 million (about $355). Consumers can purchase the phone through various online marketplaces and official retail stores with assured stock availability.
This launch underscores Poco’s commitment to delivering powerful mid-range smartphones with premium features and long-term software support. The Poco F7’s combination of flagship-level hardware and competitive pricing positions it as a strong contender against emerging rivals in the crowded $330-$355 price bracket.
