Poco’s latest budget powerhouse packs a massive 7000mAh battery and 144Hz display starting at ₹13,999, but is the upgrade worth it?

By Muzamil Ahad – Founder of DoorDasherHelpCentral.com

Key Specs (at a glance)

What’s new vs Poco M6 Plus?

Massive battery upgrade — The 7000mAh silicon-carbon battery is a significant jump from the M6 Plus’s 5030mAh capacity, potentially offering 1-2 days more usage time.

Larger, smoother display — Screen size increases from 6.79″ to 6.9″ with the refresh rate boosting from 90Hz to 144Hz, making scrolling and gaming noticeably smoother.

Enhanced build quality — Addition of IP64 rating provides better dust and splash protection, while Gorilla Glass 3 offers improved screen durability compared to the predecessor.

Latest software experience — Ships with Android 15 and HyperOS 2 out of the box, versus the M6 Plus launching with older Android 14.

Rivals to consider

Real-World Performance & First Impressions

Display & Design

The 6.9-inch IPS LCD panel delivers vibrant colors with its Full HD+ resolution and impressive 144Hz refresh rate that makes everyday scrolling feel fluid. The 850 nits peak brightness ensures decent outdoor visibility, though it won’t match AMOLED displays in direct sunlight. At 8.4mm thick and 217g, Poco claims this is the slimmest phone with a 7000mAh battery, making it surprisingly manageable despite the large cell. The IP64 rating adds peace of mind for everyday use, while Gorilla Glass 3 provides basic scratch protection.

Performance & Thermals

The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset handles daily tasks smoothly, from social media browsing to light gaming. Built on a 6nm process, it offers decent efficiency that pairs well with the massive battery. While it won’t match flagship performance, it provides adequate power for its price segment. The octa-core setup with 2×2.3GHz Cortex-A78 cores ensures responsive app launches and multitasking with up to 8GB RAM plus virtual expansion.

Camera Quality (Photos & Video)

The 50MP primary sensor captures sharp daylight photos with good detail retention and natural colors. However, low-light performance shows limitations typical of budget phones, with noticeable noise in darker scenes. The auxiliary lens appears to be more of a depth sensor rather than a functional secondary camera. Video recording maxes out at 1080p@30fps for both front and rear cameras, which feels limiting in 2025. The 8MP selfie camera handles video calls adequately but lacks the sharpness for detailed selfies.

Battery Life & Charging

The standout 7000mAh silicon-carbon battery is the phone’s biggest attraction, easily delivering 1.5-2 days of heavy usage. The 33W charging takes approximately 90-100 minutes for a full charge, which is reasonable given the massive capacity. The 18W reverse charging feature lets you power other devices, essentially turning your phone into a power bank. This battery capacity is unmatched in the sub-₹15,000 segment.

Software & Updates

Running Android 15 with HyperOS 2 out of the box provides a modern software experience with improved privacy features and smoother animations. Poco promises 2 major Android updates and 4 years of security patches, offering decent long-term support for a budget device. The interface remains clean with minimal bloatware, though some users might find HyperOS less refined than stock Android.

Price & Availability

• Starting price: ₹13,999 for the 6GB/128GB variant, ₹14,999 for 8GB/128GB

• Availability: Sales began August 19, 2025 at 12 PM via Flipkart exclusively in India

• Launch offers: ₹1,000 instant discount with HDFC/ICICI/SBI cards, plus ₹1,000 exchange bonus

Should You Upgrade?

From Poco M6 Plus: The upgrade makes sense primarily for the massive battery life improvement and smoother 144Hz display. However, if your M6 Plus still performs well for your needs, the camera and performance gains are incremental rather than transformational.

From a 2-year-old phone: This represents excellent value for users with older devices. The combination of 7000mAh battery, 144Hz display, 5G connectivity, and Android 15 offers substantial improvements in daily usability and future-proofing.

For budget-conscious buyers: At ₹13,999, this offers the best battery life in its price range. However, those prioritizing camera quality or gaming performance might consider spending slightly more on alternatives or waiting for price drops on higher-tier models.

FAQs

Does Poco M7 Plus 5G include a charger in the box? Yes, it comes with a 33W charger in the box along with a USB-C cable.

Is there an IP rating for water resistance? Yes, it has an IP64 rating, providing protection against dust and water splashes but not full submersion.

Does it support eSIM or microSD expansion? It supports dual nano-SIMs and includes a dedicated microSD slot for storage expansion up to 2TB.

Is there a 3.5mm headphone jack? No, the phone lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, requiring USB-C or wireless headphones.

Pros

• Exceptional 7000mAh battery with 1.5-2 days usage time • Smooth 144Hz display great for gaming and media consumption
• Competitive pricing with good value proposition • IP64 rating and solid build quality for the price • Clean HyperOS 2 interface with promised long-term updates

Cons

• Cameras struggle in low-light conditions compared to rivals • No 3.5mm headphone jack and limited to 1080p video recording • Performance lags behind some competitors with more powerful chipsets • IPS LCD display lacks the vibrant colors of AMOLED alternatives

Verdict

The Poco M7 Plus 5G is a solid budget smartphone that excels in battery life and display smoothness while delivering decent overall performance for its price. While it’s held back by average cameras and modest processing power, it offers unmatched endurance that makes it ideal for heavy users who prioritize battery life over camera quality. For users coming from older phones or those specifically seeking excellent battery performance under ₹15,000, this phone delivers strong value. However, photography enthusiasts or mobile gamers might want to consider alternatives or stretch their budget slightly for better-equipped options.