Poco F7: When Poco finally unveiled the F7 in June 2025, they weren’t just filling a gap in their lineup—they were making a statement. This phone doesn’t just compete in the mid-range market; it practically demolishes the competition with flagship-level performance at a price that seems almost too good to be true.
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Surprise Everyone’s Talking About
Here’s where things get genuinely interesting. The Poco F7 is one of the first phones globally to feature Qualcomm’s brand-new Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, and the performance numbers are frankly ridiculous for a sub-£400 device. Scoring over 2 million on AnTuTu and delivering flagship-level gaming performance, this phone makes expensive devices from just two years ago look pedestrian.
The chip doesn’t just handle everyday tasks smoothly—it genuinely excels at demanding gaming scenarios. PUBG Mobile runs at maximum settings without breaking a sweat, while Genshin Impact maintains stable frame rates even during extended gaming sessions. The cooling system actually works too, keeping the phone from becoming uncomfortably hot during intense usage.
Display Quality That Punches Way Above Its Weight
The 6.83-inch AMOLED display deserves serious recognition. With 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision support, and peak brightness exceeding 1,500 nits, this screen competes with displays found on phones costing twice as much. The bezels are impressively thin, achieving a 94.23% screen-to-body ratio that makes the viewing experience genuinely immersive.
What really stands out is the color accuracy and brightness consistency. Whether you’re binge-watching Netflix outdoors or grinding through mobile games late at night, the display adapts beautifully to different lighting conditions without that washed-out look that plagues cheaper phones.
Battery Life That Actually Makes Sense
The massive 6,500mAh battery sounds impressive on paper, and while real-world performance varies depending on usage patterns, most users report solid all-day performance even with heavy gaming thrown into the mix. The 90W fast charging is where this phone really shines—getting from dead to 50% in about 30 minutes feels almost magical when you’re used to budget phone charging speeds.
The inclusion of a 90W charger in the box deserves applause. While flagship manufacturers are removing chargers to “save the environment,” Poco understands that people actually need to charge their phones quickly.
Camera Performance That’s Good Enough
Let’s be honest—nobody’s buying the Poco F7 expecting iPhone 15 Pro camera quality. But the 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization delivers surprisingly competent results. Daylight photos are sharp and vibrant with good detail, while night mode produces usable shots despite some grain in darker areas.
The 8MP ultrawide is basic but functional, and the 20MP selfie camera handles video calls and social media posts without issue. For a gaming-focused phone, the camera system actually outperforms dedicated gaming devices from Asus ROG or RedMagic, which shows Xiaomi’s image processing expertise.
Build Quality That Feels Premium
The aluminum frame and glass construction give the F7 a genuinely premium feel that belies its affordable pricing. IP68 water resistance rating provides peace of mind, while the design strikes a nice balance between gaming aesthetics and mainstream appeal.
At 215.7 grams, it’s not exactly lightweight, but the weight distribution feels balanced. The Cyber Silver edition particularly catches the eye with its distinctive styling that looks expensive without being flashy.
Software Experience That’s Getting Better
HyperOS 2 based on Android 15 brings Xiaomi’s latest software experience to the F7. The promise of 4 major OS updates and 6 years of security patches represents exceptional long-term value at this price point. The AI features, while not groundbreaking, add useful functionality like enhanced touch sensitivity and intelligent battery management.
The bloatware situation has improved compared to older MIUI versions, though some cleaning up is still required out of the box. Most pre-installed apps can be uninstalled, which is more than can be said for many competitors.
Market Position That Changes Everything
Starting at £389 (with early bird pricing as low as £319), the Poco F7 creates serious problems for competitors. The Samsung Galaxy A56 offers longer software support and cleaner UI but can’t match the F7’s raw performance. Similarly, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro brings unique design and stock Android but uses the older Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset.
Even within Poco’s own lineup, the F7 represents exceptional value. The X7 Pro costs less but offers lower display resolution and slightly weaker performance, while the F7 Pro and Ultra provide more features at higher prices.
Vivo T4 Ultra launch with shandar design smartphone – processor is high
Gaming Performance That Rivals Flagships
This is where the F7 truly excels. The phone performs on par with flagship devices from last year while costing a fraction of the price. The game launcher creates a console-like experience, especially when paired with external controllers.
Thermal management during extended gaming sessions is surprisingly effective. While the phone does get warm, it doesn’t throttle performance aggressively like many competitors, maintaining consistent frame rates even during hour-long gaming marathons.
Poco F7 The Bottom Line: Redefining Value
The Poco F7 succeeds because it focuses on what actually matters: performance, display quality, battery life, and build quality. It delivers flagship-level gaming performance at a fraction of flagship pricing, making expensive phones look increasingly difficult to justify.
Sure, the camera system isn’t class-leading, and HyperOS isn’t as clean as stock Android. But for anyone prioritizing performance and value over photography prowess, the F7 represents one of the most compelling smartphone deals available today. It’s not perfect, but it’s honest about what it offers—and what it offers is genuinely impressive.