The Xiaomi Poco F7, one of the most anticipated mid-range smartphones of 2024, is inching closer to its global debut. Recent certifications and leaks suggest the device could launch sooner than expected, but not without sparking controversy. Whispers of a capped battery capacity have left fans questioning whether Xiaomi is prioritizing cost-cutting over user experience.
Global Certification Hints at Imminent Launch
The Poco F7 recently cleared Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), a critical step for devices entering global markets. The certification, spotted on the IMDA’s official database, lists the model number “23124RN6G,” aligning with earlier leaks about the F7 series. Industry insiders suggest this approval paves the way for a rollout across Asia, Europe, and Latin America within weeks.
Tech analysts at XpertPick note that the IMDA listing confirms support for 5G, NFC, and dual-band Wi-Fi, features expected to solidify the F7’s position as a value-for-money contender. However, the certification reveals little about the device’s most debated feature: its battery.
Battery Capacity Rumors Fuel Skepticism
Leaks from retailers and tipsters claim the Poco F7 will pack a 5,500mAh battery, a slight bump from its predecessor. But a recent report by GSMGo Tech alleges that Xiaomi may artificially limit the battery’s usable capacity to 5,000mAh via software. This tactic, allegedly meant to prolong battery lifespan, has drawn comparisons to past controversies involving smartphone manufacturers throttling performance.
While Xiaomi has yet to comment, critics argue that capping the battery undermines the F7’s appeal. “Users expect full access to their hardware,” says tech reviewer Marco Li. “If true, this feels like a bait-and-switch—advertising a larger battery but locking its potential behind software.”
Pro and Ultra Models Add Complexity
The same GSMGo Tech report also details the Poco F7 Pro and F7 Ultra, which allegedly feature larger 6.1-inch AMOLED displays and 200MP primary cameras. Interestingly, neither model is rumored to have battery restrictions, fueling speculation that the standard F7’s limitations are a deliberate differentiator.
Availability and Pricing
Pre-orders for the Poco F7 are expected to open by late April, with pricing tipped to start at $399. The device will compete directly with the Nothing Phone (3) and Samsung Galaxy A55. For those eager to secure the phone early, Xiaomi’s Amazon storefront has already listed placeholder pages, though official dates remain under wraps.
The Bottom Line
The Poco F7’s global release is a win for budget-conscious consumers, but the battery rumors cast a shadow over its launch. Whether Xiaomi addresses these concerns head-on—or lets them simmer—could determine if the F7 becomes a fan favorite or a cautionary tale.
Stay tuned for updates as Xiaomi prepares to make its next move.
