The mid-range smartphone market is highly competitive, prompting many companies to explore a segment that blurs the line between flagship and mid-range devices. Known as “flagship killers,” these smartphones aim to provide a premium experience similar to top-tier phones but at a more affordable price. While these devices may not feature the latest chipsets or advanced camera technology, they often compromise on hardware in ways that don’t significantly impact performance or efficiency.
A notable entrant is the Poco F7 from Xiaomi’s brand Poco. This new high-end phone features the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset but is priced significantly lower, at around €400 or £390 in Europe. For a limited time, early bird pricing brings the cost down to €350 or £320, which is a remarkable deal considering its specifications.
The Poco F7 is equipped with a 6.83-inch AMOLED display, boasting a resolution of 1280 x 2772 pixels, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and an impressive peak brightness of 3200 nits, all protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i. Its battery life stands out as well, featuring a 6,500 mAh battery that supports 90W wired and 22.5W reverse wired charging. In contrast, competitors like the Nothing Phone (3) are expected to come with a smaller 5,150 mAh battery.
However, the camera can be seen as a drawback, with a dual-camera system that includes a 50-megapixel main sensor and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens. Fortunately, it offers a robust 20-megapixel selfie camera. The Poco F7 is available for pre-order globally in Black, Silver, and White, and it promises four years of OS updates along with six years of security patches.
Though the Nothing Phone (3) features a unique design, the Poco F7 provides a comparable premium experience, albeit in a more conventional aesthetic.