Price and specifications of Xiaomi Redmi 7 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Xiaomi Redmi 7

The Xiaomi Redmi 7 is a smartphone that combines affordability with notable features, making it a popular choice in the budget category of smartphones. Announced in March 2019, this device is a testament to Xiaomi's commitment to providing value for money with a dependable performance base.

Body and Design

The Xiaomi Redmi 7 features dimensions of 158.7 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm and weighs 180 grams, offering a comfortable grip that doesn’t compromise on screen size. The device boasts a build incorporating Gorilla Glass 5 at the front, which provides a level of robustness against scratches and minor impacts. Despite the glass front, the back and frame are made of plastic, which is common in budget-friendly smartphones but designed well to provide a stylish look with colors like Lunar Red, Eclipse Black, and Comet Blue available for personalization. Users can utilize dual SIM slots (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), ensuring that the phone caters to users who manage multiple numbers.

Display Quality

The smartphone sports a 6.26-inch IPS LCD screen, with a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels, providing a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 81.5%. The Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection adds a layer of durability, giving users confidence in their device’s screen longevity. Although the display isn't Full HD, the pixel density of approximately 269 ppi ensures that text and images are sharp enough for typical daily use.

Performance and Software

Powering the Redmi 7 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 chipset, built on a 14 nm process. The octa-core CPU configuration (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Silver) is paired with an Adreno 506 GPU, ensuring smooth handling of general tasks and moderately demanding games. Out of the box, the device is installed with Android 9.0 Pie, and it's upgradable to Android 10, with Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 skin providing additional customization options and features tailored to the user experience.

Memory and Storage Options

When it comes to memory, the Redmi 7 is available in various configurations suitable for different user needs: 16GB with 2GB RAM, 32GB with 2GB/3GB RAM, or 64GB with 3GB/4GB RAM. There's also a dedicated microSDXC card slot that allows for additional storage expansion, supporting users who need more space for apps, photos, and media beyond the internal options.

Camera System

The device is equipped with a dual-camera setup at the rear, featuring a 12 MP main sensor with an aperture of f/2.2 complemented by a 2 MP depth sensor. This combination allows for PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus), LED flash, HDR, and panorama features. The camera can record videos at 1080p resolution with frame rates of 30 or 60 frames per second. For selfies, an 8 MP front-facing camera is included, with an f/2.0 aperture, HDR capability, and support for 1080p video recording.

Battery Life and Charging

The Redmi 7's significant strength lies in its non-removable 4000 mAh Li-Po battery. This capacity provides an impressive endurance for daily activities, allowing users to navigate through a day or more of typical use without constant recharging. Charging is facilitated through a 10W wired charger, which, while not fast-charging by modern standards, is adequate for the battery size.

Network and Connectivity

The Redmi 7 supports a variety of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE. For mobile networks, it handles a comprehensive range of 2G, 3G, and 4G bands, making it versatile for use in various global markets. Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP and LE, and a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support. Moreover, the device is equipped with positioning systems GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS, although it lacks NFC capabilities, a common feature absent in budget smartphones.

Additional Features and Sensors

Xiaomi emphasizes additional user-focused features, including a fingerprint sensor rear-mounted for secure access, and common sensors like accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. The phone also includes an FM radio and an infrared port, expanding its utility as a remote control for compatible devices.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Redmi 7 remains a strong contender in the budget smartphone market, offering users a balanced blend of performance, durability, and design. While it does not feature cutting-edge technology, its configuration and robust build help ensure it covers most of the essentials efficiently, catering to users seeking reliability without a high price tag. Its competitive pricing around 150 EUR makes it a viable choice for those looking to get the most value out of a smartphone purchase without breaking the bank.