
The POCO X7 Pro (review) is among the best smartphones under Rs 30,000 in India right now, offering loads of cutting-edge features, like smooth performance with the Dimensity 8300 Ultra SoC, a reliable battery backup with the 6,550mAh battery and 90W charging, and superior durability with IP66, IP68, and IP69 certifications for protection against dust and water. In this article, we are assessing its camera performance against another newly launched smartphone, the Realme 14 Pro (review).
Both smartphones carry a 50MP primary camera with OIS (optical image stabilisation). However, the Realme 14 Pro lacks an ultra-wide camera, giving the POCO X7 Pro a slight advantage. Moreover, the POCO X7 Pro also gets a 20MP front camera, while the Realme 14 Pro features a 16MP selfie snapper. As numbers favour POCO, does it translate into a better performance in real life? Let’s find out.
Verdict
The POCO X7 Pro and Realme 14 Pro both capture decent images across various lighting conditions, often producing aesthetically pleasing and social media-ready images. Realme’s strength typically lies in rendering brighter and punchier shots, which may resonate with most customers, myself included. The POCO X7 Pro, on the other hand, often prioritises high shadows and contrast for a more dramatic appeal. Do note that the POCO X7 Pro also includes an additional ultra-wide camera that automatically gives it a slight vantage over its counterpart.
Scenario | Winner |
Daylight | Tie |
Portrait | Realme 14 Pro |
Selfie | Realme 14 Pro |
Low-light | POCO X7 Pro |
Low-light (night mode enabled) | Realme 14 Pro |
Table of Contents
Daylight
The POCO X7 Pro and Realme 14 Pro capture decent images in daylight by maintaining balanced colours and minimising noise. Typically, Realme over-brightens its images – which also applies in this case.
The image captured with the POCO X7 Pro appears more natural and true to the actual scene, particularly if you focus on the red building in the background and the trees near the fountain. Both smartphones deliver similar levels of detail but show inconsistencies in certain areas. For example, the POCO X7 Pro captures more readable signs, while the Realme 14 Pro produces sharper details in the leaves of trees and bushes. Additionally, the Realme 14 Pro excels in dynamic range.
While I prefer the vibrant output of the Realme 14 Pro, those who appreciate the POCO X7 Pro’s dramatic approach may find its image equally appealing.
Winner: Tie
Portrait
As the Realme 14 Pro skips the ultra-wide camera, we are directly analysing the portrait shots.
Again, you will notice the POCO X7 Pro plays around with shadows and contrast for a dramatic appeal. The Realme 14 Pro has again brightened the image, which may appear more aesthetically pleasing. This time, Realme also offer much better facial details.
However, the POCO X7 Pro offers a superior edge around the subject. That said, I find Realme’s portrait shot more pleasing and social media-ready.
Winner: Realme 14 Pro
Selfie
There’s a noticeable difference in the selfies captured by both smartphones. The POCO X7 Pro’s selfie looks dull and flat compared to the more vibrant image produced by Realme’s 16MP front camera. Both smartphones also offer similar facial details and skin complexion. Naturally, Realme’s image is more visually appealing because it has better brightness throughout the picture.
Overall, both smartphones could improve in terms of detail and overall colour accuracy with their front cameras.
Winner: Realme 14 Pro
Low-light
In low-light conditions, the POCO X7 Pro does a much better job of balancing ambient lights, especially if you closely look at the light source from the building. Its image is sharper and more vibrant in comparison to Realme 14 Pro’s shot.
However, the high sharpness levels in the POCO X7 Pro’s image have resulted in noticeable grains. Still, POCO’s low-light shot deserves credit for capturing better details and more vibrant colours.
Winner: POCO X7 Pro
Low-light (night mode enabled)
There’s a considerable change in Realme’s image with night mode enabled. The smartphone balances ambient light sources more efficiently, and the colours are relatively more popping. POCO’s image, on the other hand, looks more or less similar to its low-light shot without night mode.
Both smartphones have boosted the sky colour, but I find the Realme 14 Pro’s shot more pleasing.
Final verdict
In our camera comparison, the Realme 14 Pro came out on top in most lighting conditions and camera modes. However, the POCO X7 Pro wasn’t far behind and holds an edge by offering an ultra-wide camera – a feature that will undoubtedly matter to many customers looking for a smartphone in the sub-Rs 30K segment.
However, as our detailed comparison highlights, the Realme 14 Pro’s brighter and punchier shots, even those with human subjects, may resonate with more customers.