Smartphone cameras have become one of the key deciding factors for buyers. The POCO X7 Pro and Realme 14 Pro are two of the best options under Rs 30,000 in India, boasting high-end camera specs. Both come with a 50MP primary sensor featuring Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), but the POCO X7 Pro has an additional ultra-wide camera and a 20MP selfie shooter, while the Realme 14 Pro relies on a 16MP front camera.
So, does the POCO X7 Pro’s superior camera hardware translate into better real-world performance? I tested both devices extensively to find out.
Daylight Photography
Both smartphones capture vibrant and detailed images in daylight, but they have distinct approaches.
- POCO X7 Pro: Produces natural-looking images with well-preserved shadows and accurate colors.
- Realme 14 Pro: Tends to brighten images, making them look more vibrant and appealing for social media.
The details remain nearly identical, but Realme edges ahead in dynamic range, while POCO keeps colors more realistic.
Winner: Tie
Portrait Mode
Portrait mode determines how well a phone separates subjects from the background while keeping details crisp.
- POCO X7 Pro: Has better edge detection and a balanced depth effect but sometimes over-shadows the subject.
- Realme 14 Pro: Produces brighter, more engaging portraits with superior facial detail.
For most users, Realme’s portraits will be more visually pleasing.
Winner: Realme 14 Pro
Selfie Performance
Front cameras are crucial for social media lovers. There’s a stark difference between the two smartphones here.
- POCO X7 Pro: Selfies appear a bit flat and dull.
- Realme 14 Pro: Offers better skin tones, higher brightness, and an overall more appealing selfie.
Winner: Realme 14 Pro
Low-Light Performance
Low-light conditions separate great smartphone cameras from average ones. The POCO X7 Pro manages better exposure control, but Realme isn’t far behind.
- POCO X7 Pro: Captures more details and better-lit subjects, though sharpness can introduce noise.
- Realme 14 Pro: Performs well but tends to wash out some details.
Winner: POCO X7 Pro
Night Mode
Activating night mode enhances low-light photography. Realme’s optimization proves more effective here.
- POCO X7 Pro: Retains a similar look to its standard low-light shots.
- Realme 14 Pro: Produces significantly improved images with better highlights and vibrancy.
Winner: Realme 14 Pro
Comparison Table
| 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 |
Final Verdict
Both smartphones perform well in their respective areas, but if camera performance is your priority:
- Choose POCO X7 Pro if you need an ultra-wide camera and prefer more natural-looking images.
- Choose Realme 14 Pro if you want brighter, more social media-friendly images with superior selfie and portrait capabilities.
In the end, Realme 14 Pro wins in most categories, but POCO X7 Pro holds its own, making this a tough choice based on personal preferences.
