With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a surprising 2K AMOLED show, IP68 water and mud resistance and blazing-fast charging, the Poco F7 Professional packs critical flagship options right into a telephone that prices half the worth of high-end fashions. There are compromises, together with some digital camera weaknesses, a dim show and bloatware, nevertheless it’s laborious to seek out something that delivers this a lot uncooked functionality for much less.
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The Poco F7 Professional brings true flagship energy to the mid-range smartphone area with a slick design, 2K show, and some of the environment friendly chipsets in latest reminiscence.
In order for you flagship-tier energy, glorious battery life, and a superb show with out blowing your finances, the Poco F7 Professional delivers on all fronts.
It’s not excellent, although. For instance, the ultrawide digital camera is common, the show doesn’t fairly get brilliant sufficient, and there’s no wi-fi charging. However these compromises are straightforward to forgive given what you get for the worth.
Design & Construct
Modern, symmetrical glass and metallic development
IP68 water and mud resistance
Ultrasonic fingerprint scanner constructed into the show
The Poco F7 Professional embraces a extra refined aesthetic this yr, mixing high-end craftsmanship with practicality. The place older Poco gadgets tended to lean just a little on the gamer facet of business design, the F7 Professional goes in a extra grown-up route. This mid-ranger provides symmetrical curves, a matt-gloss distinction on the again glass, and a clear aluminium mid-frame.
Connor Jewiss/Foundry
It’s an understated look, particularly within the silver end I obtained, and leagues extra premium than final yr’s F6 Professional. My one critique of this explicit color is that it’s completely a fingerprint and mud magnet. You’ll have a tough time holding your system trying new until you slap a case on it, which defeats the purpose of such an attention-grabbing design.
The round digital camera module offers off a flagship vibe, and the telephone feels extremely stable within the hand. This module is within the high nook of the system somewhat than the center, giving slight iPhone vibes. With this explicit digital camera module, it was a group level for lots of mud and pocket lint – similar to when Google’s Pixel gadgets first launched the digital camera bar.
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There’s a somewhat massive Poco brand on the rear, with the entire regulatory markings beneath it. This isn’t an enormous criticism, however it’s one thing to notice. The underside third of this telephone is getting near trying like a big commercial.
At 206g and eight.12mm thick, it’s dense however properly balanced – and crucially, IP68-rated. Lastly, we get correct water and mud resistance on a Poco telephone! It’s one thing I’ve been wanting for some time, as an increasing number of mid-rangers are beginning to supply the sturdiness function. That alone is a significant improve for this section and places the F7 Professional in direct competitors with far dearer mid-range smartphones, together with the F7 Extremely.
The Poco F7 Professional embraces a extra refined aesthetic this yr…leagues extra premium than final yr’s F6 sequence
On the entrance, Gorilla Glass 7i protects the 6.67-inch panel, whereas Poco has tucked in an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor beneath it. It’s a real improve over the optical readers discovered in lots of rivals. It’s fast, correct, and nonetheless works with moist or greasy fingers. Across the physique, you’ll additionally discover stereo audio system, an IR blaster, dual-SIM assist, and, surprisingly, haptics that really feel exact and premium – not one thing you often say about telephones on this value vary.
Display screen & Audio system
Beautiful 2K Stream AMOLED panel with 1440p decision
120Hz refresh fee with Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HDR10+
Brightness is disappointing in brilliant environments
The display on the Poco F7 Professional is outstanding for its class. You’re getting a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a pointy 3200×1440 decision, 120Hz refresh fee, and assist for each Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HDR10+. Colors are correct, whereas photos look vibrant and sharp more often than not, particularly whenever you’re watching HDR content material.
Connor Jewiss/Foundry
Nevertheless, this show is nowhere close to as brilliant as I’d anticipate. Simply take a look at the picture above – you’ll be able to see how dim the show is when getting used open air within the brilliant daylight.
Mid-range smartphones are by no means as brilliant as flagships, nevertheless it appears particularly noticeable on the Poco F7 Professional. It’s notably disappointing given the truth that Poco’s newest contains round polarisation tech, which mimics pure mild for higher viewing consolation.
There’s additionally 3840Hz PWM dimming and TÜV certifications for low blue mild and flicker-free use. If you happen to spend lengthy hours in your telephone, this display is less complicated on the eyes than most.
The display on the Poco F7 Professional is outstanding for its class
Sound is simply what you’d anticipate from a mid-range smartphone. The stereo audio system are satisfactory if it’s good to play content material out loud, however I’d suggest utilizing a pair of headphones whenever you’re watching or listening to something.
Nevertheless, one facet I’ll praise Poco on is that the audio system on the F7 Professional appear much less tinny than different mid-rangers I’ve examined. There’s no headphone jack for wired audio, however you most likely weren’t anticipating one.
Specs & Efficiency
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 nonetheless flies in 2025
Multitasking runs very easily
The system has some respectable gaming chops as properly
Poco’s resolution to make use of final yr’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 somewhat than the newer 8 Elite is wise. It permits the model to maintain this system beneath £500, which is an actual achievement.
However don’t be involved – this chipset remains to be an absolute powerhouse and extra environment friendly than many new mid-range chipsets.
Connor Jewiss/Foundry
In Geekbench 6, the F7 Professional scores a powerful 5605 in multi-core – on par with the Galaxy S23 Extremely. That exhibits you simply how a lot efficiency you’ll be able to squeeze out of Poco’s newest mid-ranger. For a newer comparability, that determine is way larger than the entire Tensor G4-powered Pixel 9 sequence.
Utilizing this telephone day-to-day, you don’t notably discover any lag or slowdowns, one thing I’ve come to anticipate from mid-range gadgets from smaller manufacturers. The Poco manages to ship, letting you rapidly change between apps with ease or perform resource-heavy duties like video recording.
One factor to notice is that the telephone can warmth up whenever you begin to max out its efficiency. In benchmark checks, I witnessed the system get very heat to the contact. This wouldn’t occur in day-to-day utilization, and also you’re unlikely to max the Poco F7 Professional out steadily, however it’s one thing to notice.
Poco’s resolution to make use of final yr’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 somewhat than the newer Elite mannequin is wise…this chipset remains to be an absolute powerhouse
Gaming efficiency can be fairly respectable. Poco says Genshin Influence runs at 90fps with sustained smoothness due to ‘WildBoost Optimization 4.0’ and the ‘IceLoop’ liquid cooling system.
Whereas I’m not a giant gamer, I used to be solely capable of reproduce these outcomes when dialling down the standard. At larger resolutions, issues begin to lag a bit, as I’d anticipate. Lighter video games that you just may play run with ease, though the telephone does heat up after some time. Contact latency is impressively low, and the brand new ‘Sensible Body Price’ retains issues responsive even in heavier titles.
Storage is UFS 4.1 – the quickest normal accessible – and the F7 Professional’s random entry speeds truly beat some dearer fashions like final yr’s Galaxy S24. RAM administration can be nice with 12GB LPDDR5X, and there’s whereas there’s no assist for Micro-SD enlargement, the choice for 256- or 512GB internally means few individuals would wish one.
Poco additionally continues to assist its glorious IR blaster, stereo audio system, NFC, Wi-Fi 7, and even dual-frequency GPS.
Poco F7 Professional benchmarks
Cameras
50Mp fundamental sensor with OIS
Delivers stable HDR and low-light efficiency
8Mp ultrawide digital camera feels secondary
The F7 Professional’s digital camera setup is straightforward however efficient: a 50Mp fundamental digital camera with OIS, utilizing the identical Gentle Fusion 800 sensor we’ve seen in some Xiaomi flagships, paired with an 8Mp ultrawide and a 20Mp selfie digital camera.
Connor Jewiss/Foundry
Pictures from the primary digital camera are sharp, vibrant, and well-exposed, particularly in daylight. The dynamic vary is superb, with good spotlight management and deep shadows, and the color science is properly tuned with natural-looking tones. I used to be truly stunned by how sharp the photographs had been, and so they preserve a number of element whenever you begin to zoom in.
If you happen to take pictures utilizing the 2x zoom choice, they start to look rather less sharp, and that is notably noticeable whenever you attempt to zoom in. That’s as a result of that is all digital zoom – there is no such thing as a telephoto lens on the F7 Professional. Whereas I wouldn’t essentially anticipate one at this mid-range value, it could be a welcome addition – and maybe extra helpful than the ultrawide sensor that’s right here as a substitute.
Evening pictures are surprisingly stable too, due to AI-enhanced HDR and computational images. Photographs stay fairly sharp and detailed, regardless of the low mild circumstances.
Color accuracy can be fairly respectable – the picture processing doesn’t over-compensate. One function that I preferred is that the telephone would mechanically activate its Evening Mode should you’re taking footage at nighttime. Whereas this sounds apparent, most mid-range telephones I’ve examined don’t do that, leaving it to the flagships.
You additionally get some intelligent images options like ‘UltraSnap’, which captures as much as 150 frames in fast succession, and ‘AI Creativity Assistant’ for modifying and retouching. Video high quality caps out at 4K 60fps with respectable stabilisation, although low-light footage can get noisy.
Connor Jewiss/Foundry
The ultrawide, nonetheless, appears like an afterthought. It’s respectable in daylight however tender and noisy in decrease mild, making the hole in high quality between the primary and secondary lenses noticeable. Given it’s usually the digital camera choice individuals use much less steadily, I perceive why Poco selected to do that from a producer’s viewpoint, however providing a better high quality sensor or perhaps a telephoto lens could be a significantly better inclusion.
As for the selfie digital camera, it performs properly, although portrait edge detection can nonetheless be hit and miss. Any selfie pictures you’re taking for social media shall be greater than adequate, and this extends to movies you’re taking. ‘Portrait Mode’ works higher when utilizing the rear digital camera, although edge detection nonetheless isn’t all the time excellent – I think that is right down to Poco’s picture processing.
Pictures from the primary digital camera are sharp, vibrant, and well-exposed – particularly in daylight
General, the F7 Professional’s digital camera doesn’t break new floor, nevertheless it nails the basics and leverages software program smarts to do extra with its {hardware}. You don’t all the time get this on a mid-range smartphone, so credit score to Poco for this. It’s not a Pixel 9a competitor for pure picture high quality, nevertheless it’s nonetheless greater than sufficient for social media and day-to-day capturing.
Battery Life & Charging
6000mAh battery simply lasts a full day
90W HyperCharge fills it from 0 to 100% in 37 minutes
Clever AI battery administration extends longevity
Battery life is one other large win for the Poco F7 Professional.
With a 6000mAh cell, this mid-ranger repeatedly lasts greater than a day, even beneath heavy use. I used this telephone throughout a day of journey – content material watching, music enjoying, instructions, and the remainder – and it nonetheless wasn’t fully flat by the top of the day.
In Airplane Mode, the telephone managed to outlive over every week with minimal use. That’s partly right down to the effectivity of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but additionally due to HyperOS’ AI-powered energy administration.
Connor Jewiss/Foundry
On a typical day of blended use – listening to music, 5G, video calls, and background sync left on – I ended with simply over 35% battery remaining. That’s spectacular, particularly contemplating the high-res 2K panel.
Charging is simply pretty much as good. Poco says the included 90W HyperCharge adapter can absolutely juice the telephone in round 37 minutes, with a 50% top-up taking simply 15.
In my testing, the telephone managed to attain outcomes virtually an identical to this, taking simply a few minutes longer. If you happen to change out for an everyday 50W charging adapter you may need at residence, the cost takes just a little nearer to 1 hour and quarter-hour. Thermal administration is powerful too, so charging doesn’t prepare dinner the telephone – or your arms.
Battery life is one other large win for the Poco F7 Professional
That is the type of battery and charging combo you’d anticipate from rather more costly flagships. It’s one other space the place Poco is giving customers flagship options with out the worth tag.
Software program & Options
Runs Xiaomi HyperOS 2 (primarily based on Android 15)
Consists of Gemini AI and HyperAI integrations
Somewhat bloatware out of the field, however most of it’s detachable
The Poco F7 Professional ships with HyperOS 2, Xiaomi’s newest pores and skin that’s primarily based on Android 15.
HyperOS brings a extra refined UI with higher animation speeds, cleaner typography, and rather less litter, although it nonetheless feels distinctly Xiaomi. I like this UI pores and skin, though you’ll be able to actually discover the place the model has taken inspiration from Apple’s iOS.
Connor Jewiss/Foundry
You’ll discover a handful of pre-installed apps, together with a few video games and Xiaomi’s personal app suite, however most of them will be uninstalled. You anticipate this from mid-range smartphones, and the F7 Professional has lower than different gadgets I’ve examined. Nonetheless, it’s a large bug-bear for me, so it’s value mentioning.
Poco is clearly leaning into AI this yr. Each Google Gemini and HyperAI are built-in throughout system apps comparable to Notes, Calendar, and the digital camera. AI summaries, transcription, and picture enhancement instruments all come baked in. You’ll get this from most telephones working Android 15, nevertheless it’s good to see the deeper HyperAI integration.
HyperOS brings a extra refined UI with higher animation speeds, cleaner typography, and rather less litter
The one actual query mark is software program assist. Xiaomi has dedicated to 3 Android OS updates and 4 years of safety patches. It’s respectable, although not fairly up there with Samsung or Google, which supply six and 7 years, respectively, at this value level. Nonetheless, it’s an enchancment over earlier years.
Value & Availability
The Poco F7 Professional is that can be purchased now. The telephone was priced as follows within the UK at launch, however there are sometimes reductions accessible:
12GB RAM + 256GB storage: £499
12GB RAM + 512GB storage: £549
Color choices embrace Black, Silver, and Blue. It’s not essentially probably the most thrilling vary, however there’s nonetheless some flexibility to seek out an choice you want.
The system is offered to buy outright from the Xiaomi retailer, and can possible head to Amazon shortly. Word that there’s no availability direct from networks outdoors of Asia, and no availability in any respect within the US.
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At this £499 value, the Poco F7 Professional goes head-to-head with Google’s Pixel 9a and the Samsung Galaxy A56 (each additionally £499). However there are many different mid-range options, together with the Nothing Telephone (3a), which has a way more inexpensive £329 beginning value.
Do you have to purchase the Poco F7 Professional?
The Poco F7 Professional is, as soon as once more, a flagship killer within the truest sense. It doesn’t attempt to do every little thing – however what it does, it nails… principally.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides ridiculous efficiency for the worth, the 2K AMOLED display is just beautiful, and battery life is top-tier. Add in 90W charging, IP68 water and mud resistance, and a few sensible AI options, and also you’ve obtained some of the well-rounded telephones at this finish of the market.
Certain, the ultrawide digital camera is primary, there’s some bloatware to take away, and I might like to see a brighter show that you would be able to truly use open air – however these are nitpicks within the face of what you’re getting total. With such an aggressive value, I believe that the F7 Professional is without doubt one of the greatest worth buys of 2025.
If you happen to care extra about on a regular basis velocity, battery, and visuals than bleeding-edge digital camera options, the Poco F7 Professional is the telephone to beat. Simply make sure that the dearer Poco F7 Extremely wouldn’t swimsuit you higher.
