The Xiaomi Redmi 7 hit the market in March 2019 and remains one of the more talked-about phones in Nigeria’s mid-range category. You’ll find it priced from around ₦40,000, depending on whether you’re shopping in Lagos, Abuja, or browsing online deals.
For a phone in that price range, it offers more than most users expect. The mix of solid performance, battery life, and camera features keeps it relevant even today, especially for those trying to avoid spending over ₦100k — check out other Redmi phones under 100k in Nigeria if you’re price-conscious.
Display and Build Feel
At first glance, the Redmi 7 doesn’t try to stand out with flashy designs — instead, it keeps things simple and clean with its curved edges and modest finish. It’s available in three colour options: Comet Blue, Eclipse Black, and Lunar Red.
The front features a 6.26-inch screen surrounded by slim bezels and a subtle chin at the bottom. The waterdrop notch at the top holds the front camera, and everything is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which helps guard against accidental drops and scratches.
Screen Resolution and Daily Experience
The resolution is capped at 720 x 1520 pixels, which isn’t exactly Full HD but is fair for its size and price. It uses an IPS LCD panel, and although you won’t get ultra-sharp visuals, it still delivers a good viewing experience with accurate colours and decent brightness.
One nice side effect of the lower resolution is longer battery life, especially when watching videos or scrolling for hours. It doesn’t strain the GPU much, which means better power efficiency.
Battery Life That Handles Heavy Use
A 4000mAh battery powers the Redmi 7, and it lasts surprisingly long, especially for people in areas where electricity isn’t constant. Even with mobile data, calls, and light gaming, it typically makes it through the day without hitting low power mode.
The phone also supports 10W fast charging, which helps top it up quicker than many budget alternatives. Though it’s not the fastest charge on the market, it’s fast enough for a casual user who just wants something reliable.
Camera Quality in Real Use
On the back, there’s a dual-camera setup with a 12MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The main lens is sharp enough to handle daylight photos and casual video recording, while the second one adds depth for portrait shots.
Selfies are handled by an 8MP front-facing camera that also supports HDR and shoots videos in 1080p. While it’s not close to the quality of premium models, it does better than expected, especially in good lighting. If camera quality is your top concern, it might help to compare which Xiaomi phone has the best camera before deciding.
Internal Specs and Performance Speed
The Redmi 7 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 chipset, which balances power efficiency and performance. It handles multitasking well for most light and medium-level tasks, like using WhatsApp, browsing, and streaming videos.
It comes in three RAM options — 2GB, 3GB, and 4GB — matched with storage options of 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. The microSD card slot supports expansion up to 512GB, which is great if you store a lot of media or files.
Software and User Interface
The device comes with Android 9.0 Pie and Xiaomi’s MIUI 9 skin. The interface feels familiar to most Android users, although MIUI brings a few extra features and settings that might take some getting used to.
For those who aren’t fans of bloatware, some system apps can be uninstalled or hidden, making the UI less crowded. The phone runs smoothly without frequent lag if you’re not loading heavy games or apps.
Network Support and Connectivity
Redmi 7 is equipped to support 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. It works well with major Nigerian carriers and delivers decent internet speeds when on LTE, though it doesn’t support 5G.
Connectivity features include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, FM radio, and GPS with multiple global positioning systems like A-GPS, GLONASS, and BDS. It also has an infrared blaster, which lets you use it as a remote for TVs or air conditioners.
Sound and Audio Capabilities
Audio is handled by a bottom-firing loudspeaker that delivers acceptable sound for calls and media. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack — something not every modern phone includes.
There’s a secondary mic for active noise cancellation, which helps improve call quality in noisy environments. This makes it practical for everyday communication, especially if you’re outside often.
Security and Extra Features
At the back, there’s a fingerprint scanner that responds quickly and is reliable for everyday use. It also supports face unlock through the front camera, although it’s not as secure as the fingerprint method.
The phone includes essential sensors like accelerometer, proximity sensor, compass, and a gyroscope. These help with app compatibility, basic motion-based games, and even Google Maps rotation.
Storage Options and Expandability
Depending on your usage, you can pick between models with 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of internal memory. What’s great is the dedicated microSD card slot — you don’t have to sacrifice a SIM card just to expand your storage.
If you use your phone for music, photos, and downloaded series, go for the 64GB version. It gives you enough space for apps and media without running out too quickly.
How It Compares to Other Models
Compared to newer models in the Redmi series, this one still holds up when it comes to performance and battery life. But if you’re someone looking for higher resolution, better cameras, or updated software, you might consider other devices.
A good alternative in the budget segment is the Redmi 9, which improves on several of the Redmi 7’s specs without increasing the price too much.
Finally on Value for Money
The Xiaomi Redmi 7 is still a solid option for people who need a dependable device without stretching their budget. It balances hardware, battery, and camera features in a way that suits light and medium smartphone users.
If you want something with basic performance, a decent screen size, and a camera that gets the job done, this phone won’t disappoint. Just make sure you pick the variant that matches your storage and RAM needs.
Article updated 3 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
