I’ve had my eye on the Poco F7 5G Phantom Black (256GB) for a few days now—and here’s the deal: this phone doesn’t pretend to be premium. It just quietly delivers on things that matter. In an ocean of spec-chasing devices, the F7 focuses on endurance, intelligent software, and a design that isn’t afraid to be tossed around.
💡 First Impressions: Bold Moves, Minimal Fuss
Forget glossy finishes and fragile frames—the Phantom Black variant is unapologetically sturdy. Gorilla Glass 7i, IP69 protection, and a massive 7550mAh battery scream “I’m ready for chaos.” It feels like Poco designed this for people who live on their phones rather than babysit them.
HyperOS 2.0 doesn’t feel bloated. It actually surprised me with practical AI features like Circle to Search, AI Notes, and an Interpreter that’s useful without being gimmicky. Compared to my OnePlus 13S test earlier this month, Poco’s software feels more grounded and less obsessed with polish.
⚙️ Performance You Can Count On (Not Just Benchmarks)
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 punches hard—sure, the AnTuTu scores cross 2.1 million, but benchmarks rarely reflect real-life usage. In my multitasking tests, the phone juggled browser tabs, editing tools, and gaming without breaking a sweat.
Even under thermal stress, WildBoost 4.0 managed frame rates surprisingly well. LPDDR5X + UFS 4.1 might be standard on flagships, but Poco’s memory management feels tighter, more refined.
🔋 Battery: This Is the Main Event
I’ve used plenty of phones where the battery is a footnote. Poco made it the headline—and rightly so. 7550mAh feels indulgent until you realize how often flagship phones die before dinner. Here, I pushed past 30 hours of screen-on time, and still had juice left. The 90W charger is fast enough to keep up with my schedule, and reverse charging is a clever utility—especially for wearables.
📸 Camera: Doesn’t Try Too Hard, Yet Succeeds
The 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor is refreshingly consistent. No aggressive saturation, no overprocessed shots. Optical Image Stabilization actually works here—not just for marketing. The 8MP ultrawide lens gets the job done, though it’s not a standout. On the selfie side, 20MP is generous and the AI enhancements (like motion tracking and post-capture tools) are thoughtful, not overkill.
This isn’t the phone for photography enthusiasts. But for practical, sharable images—it works. And that’s enough.
🧠 Software Intelligence: Utility Over Gimmicks
The AI layer doesn’t feel like a demo reel. Features like AI Recorder, Circle to Search, and system-level interpreter are baked in well. I didn’t have to think twice—they simply enhanced my usage.
The promise of 4 years of updates and 6 years of security gives it longevity, making it more than just another short-lived mid-ranger.
🛒 Final Thoughts: Rugged, Reliable, and Surprisingly Refined
For ₹31,999, the Poco F7 5G doesn’t chase trends. It sets one of its own—durability meets AI-enhanced practicality. If you’re tired of choosing between battery life and build quality, this phone gives you both.
It may not win style awards, but it’ll probably still be alive while those flashy devices crack under pressure. And that, to me, is a win.
