Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in March 2019, has become one of the most popular budget smartphones of its time. Despite the fact that the model is long since retired, it is still in demand in the secondary market due to its balanced characteristics and recognizable design.
Unlike modern smartphones with curved screens and glass rear panels, the Redmi 7 is made in the classic “budget” style: a plastic body, a flat display with noticeable bezels and compact dimensions. The design of the model is often compared to the Redmi Note 7, but it has its own unique features – for example, a textured rear panel that prevents slipping in the hands. Next, we will examine every element of the appearance of the smartphone, from materials to the location of buttons and logos.
Dimensions and weight: compactness as an advantage
Xiaomi Redmi 7 It belongs to the category of compact smartphones, which distinguishes it from modern "laptophone". 147,5 × 71,9 × 8,5 Mmm, and the weight is everything. 150 For comparison, the same Redmi Note. 12 weight 30 A gram more with a similar screen diagonal, thanks to these parameters, the smartphone is conveniently located in one hand, without causing fatigue with prolonged use.
The 8.5mm thickness of the case makes it noticeably thinner than many of its competitors (e.g. the Samsung Galaxy). A10 The Redmi 7 doesn't sacrifice battery capacity, it's a 4,000 mAh battery, which is rare for such a compact device, and the other thing that's nice about the thin body is that it can be used without a case without the fear of falling out of your pocket.
- 📏 Length: 147.5 mm (comfortable for a medium-sized hand)
- 📐 Width: 71.9 mm (not wider than a bank card)
- ⚖️ Weight: 150g (lighter than iPhone 13 by 30g)
- 🔋 Thickness: 8.5 mm (thinner than most state employees in 2019)
⚠️ Note: When buying a used Redmi 7, pay attention to the integrity of the back panel. Plastic can become covered with microcracks over time, especially if the smartphone often fell or was stored in a tight pocket with keys.
Materials of the case: plastic vs practicality
The Xiaomi Redmi 7 is made entirely of matte plastic, both the front bezel and the back, which is driven by the model’s budget position, but it has its advantages:
- 🔄 Scratching resistance: Unlike glass, plastic is not covered by a “spider web” when falling.
- 🧲 No slip: textured surface is firmly fixed in the hand.
- 🔌 Ease of repair: the back cover is removed without special tools (if you have skills).
The downsides of the plastic case are evident over time: it can fade after a year of active use, and also bend a little when pressed hard on the back panel. However, for a budget smartphone, this is forgiven — especially since there was almost no alternative in the form of metal or glass in this price segment.
The Redmi 7's color options are also worth noting, and the model was officially released in three shades:
| Colour | Description | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Black (Onyx Black) | Classic matte black with barely noticeable texture pattern. | Less stamps, but visually increases the size of the smartphone. |
| Blue (Lunar Red) | Saturated red with a slight metallic tint. | It looks bright, but it may seem too screaming. |
| Comet Blue (Red) | Deep blue with a gradient effect in lighting. | The most popular option, but it shows the prints better. |
Front panel: screen and frames
Front of the Redmi. 7 looks concise: 6,26-inch IPS-resolution-screen HD+ (1520×720) side-relation 19:9. The display takes about 81,5% The front panel, which was a good indicator for the budgetary 2019 The frames around the screen are symmetrical, but much wider than that of modern smartphones:
- 🔳 Top frame: ~5 mm (front camera and sensors are placed).
- 🔲 Side frames: ~3 mm (virtually not noticeable).
- 🔽 Bottom frame: ~7mm (the widest, with the Redmi logo).
Above the screen is a notch for the front camera 8 MP. This design technique was popular in 2018-2019 and allowed to maximize the usable area of the display without compromising functionality. There are no physical buttons under the screen - instead of them, a touch panel navigation (you can include gestures in the settings).
The screen quality fits the price category: brightness up to 400 nits, good viewing angles, but low resolution (269 ppi) makes the pixels noticeable when viewed closely. 720p or surfing in social networks is enough, but fans of reading or graphic games should look at models with Full HD+.
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If the Redmi 7 screen seems too dim, check the brightness settings in the Settings menu. → Display. → Autobrightness. You can also turn on Reading mode to reduce eye strain.
Back panel: camera, logo and connectors
The Redmi 7's back is minimalist, with a dual camera module (12 MP) in the upper left corner. + 2 MP), which slightly protrudes over the body (~Nearby is a single-point flash and microphone, and down in the center is the Redmi logo, silver, and at the bottom is the inscription Designed by Xiaomi.
The back feature is a textured coating that mimics a metal surface but is actually plastic, which adds premium value to the smartphone without increasing cost, but over time, the texture can wear off, especially if you often wipe the case with alcohol-containing wipes.
At the bottom of the back panel are:
- 🔊 Dynamic (mono, no stereo sound).
- 🔌 MicroUSB connector (an outdated standard, but in 2019 it was the norm for public sector employees).
- 🎤 Main microphone (for calls and video recording).
- 📶 Slot for 2 nano-SIM + microSD (hybrid, up to 256 GB).
⚠️ Note: When using magnetically mounted cases (e.g. for a holder in a car), make sure that the magnet does not close the area next to the camera.
How to remove the back cover of Redmi 7?
Location of buttons and connectors
The Redmi 7's ergonomics are very detailed, with all the buttons and connectors arranged so that they can be used with one hand:
- 🔘 Power button - on the right end, with texture for better grip.
- 🔊 Volume buttons – also on the right, just below the power button.
- 🔌 3.5 mm audio jack - on the upper end (comfortable for headphones).
- 📶 Slot for SIM-cards - on the left end (opens with a key from the set).
And the interesting thing is that the power button and the volume buttons have different haptic recoils, the power button is stiffer to avoid random presses, and the volume buttons are soft, with a clear click, which is convenient when adjusting the sound in your pocket.
On the bottom end, in addition to microUSB, are:
- 🔊 Main speaker (sound is directed downwards, easily closed with a finger).
- 🎤 Microphone (for calls and noise cancellation).
☑️ Check the buttons before buying a used Redmi 7
Comparison with other Redmi models
To better understand what the Redmi 7 looks like, compare it to the similar models in terms of release time:
| Model | Design | Case material | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 6 | Plastic, more rounded shapes | Glossy plastic (markium) | Camera in the center, no texture |
| Redmi 7 | Plastic with texture, flat faces | Matt plastic (doesn't slide) | Camera in the corner, logo in the center |
| Redmi Note 7 | Glass, 2.5D-screen | Glossy glass (slippery) | Camera in the center, more premium view |
| Redmi 8 | Plastic with texture, similar to Redmi 7 | Matte plastic with corrugated inserts | Added. USB-C, module |
The Redmi 7 sits in between the Redmi 6 (a fully budget look) and the Redmi Note 7 (a premium design) and looks more modern than the Redmi 6 thanks to its textured rear and more austere lines, but is inferior to the Note 7 in premium terms due to its plastic body.
Compared to the Redmi 8, the main differences in appearance are:
- 🔌 Redmi 8 gets a shot USB-C instead of microUSB.
- 📸 Redmi 8 camera is located in a square module (like the iPhone 11).
- 🎨 Redmi 8 has new colors (e.g., Emerald Green»).
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Redmi 7 is Xiaomi’s last microUSB smartphone in the Redmi lineup. All subsequent models (starting with Redmi 8) have switched to the Redmi range. USB-C.
Covers and accessories: what is suitable for the Redmi 7
Due to the popularity of the model, Redmi 7 produced a lot of accessories, when choosing a case or glass, it is important to consider:
- 📱 Smartphone thickness: 8.5 mm – most cases will fit the standard size.
- 📸 Camera ledge: ~1 mm – the cover should have protection for the lens.
- 🔌 MicroUSB connector: make sure that there is a cutout under it in the case.
Best cover options:
- 🛡️ Silicone: Protects against scratches, but can quickly get dirty.
- 🧱 TPU (Soft plastic: transparent, emphasize the design of the smartphone.
- 💼 Book: With a pocket for cards, but adds volume.
To protect the screen, glass with a size of 6.26 inches and a cutout under the camera droplet will suit. Note that due to the rounded edges of the screen, the full-length glass (edge-to-edge) may not stick perfectly - it is better to choose the option with small indentations.
⚠️ Note: When buying a Redmi 7 case, avoid Redmi Note 7 models – despite similar names, their dimensions vary (Note 7 is wider and heavier).