The appearance of a budget smartphone is often a decisive factor when buying, because you want the device to please the eye not only the characteristics, but also aesthetics. Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, became a bright representative of the series, offering a modern design for its time with a cutout in the screen and a gradient rear panel. Many users still consider this device as a reliable “workhorse” or phone for a child, so the question of its visual features remains relevant.
In this article, we will take a closer look at exactly what the Xiaomi Redmi 7 looks like, what materials were used to create it, and how ergonomics affects everyday use. You will learn about the specific elements of the case that distinguish this model from newer or older versions. Understanding the physical construction will help you when choosing a protective case, buying a used device or just to satisfy your curiosity.
Importantly, color and texture perception can be highly influenced by lighting and specific modifications.The Redmi 7's back panel is made with effect. 3D-A gradient that visually changes the shade depending on the angle of incidence of light, creating the illusion of volume, was designed to hide the budget of materials and add a premium device, which was rare for a segment up to 10 thousand rubles.
General design concept and materials of the case
Xiaomi engineers in the development of Redmi 7 tried to move away from the usual flat design, typical of previous generations of public sector employees. the case received rounded edges and pleasant contours, which makes the grip confident, despite the screen diagonal of 6.26 inches. The main material of the front panel is a protective glass that provides a pleasant slip of the finger and protects the matrix from scratches.
The back cover is made of polycarbonate, but thanks to special processing, it mimics the texture of the glass, which has reduced the weight of the device and increased its impact resistance, which is critical for the budget segment. The glossy surface looks spectacular, but also has its drawbacks, which are worth knowing before buying.
- 🎨 Using Gradient Overflows to Visually Expand Space.
- 🖐️ Tactilely pleasant surface with micro-texture that reduces slipping.
- ⚖️ Optimal weight and dimensions ratio for control.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 7's glossy plastic backrest is a magnet for fingerprints and fatty tracks, recommended to pick up a matte case immediately after purchase or regularly wipe the case with microfibre.
The body is built well enough for its price, there are almost no backlashes between the frame and the screen, but you should be careful with the angular impacts, since plastic can crack under strong mechanical influence, unlike metal counterparts. In general, the design is perceived as modern and relevant even a few years after release.
Dimensions, weight and ergonomics in the hand
Xiaomi Redmi 7 is 158.73 mm tall, 75.58 mm wide and 9.0 mm thick. For the modern market, it is quite a slim device, especially in width, due to the use of the device. IPS-It's a 19:9 aspect ratio matrix with a top-bottom frame, and it weighs 180 grams, which feels like a solid, but not overly heavy device in your hand.
The ergonomics of the device are designed to keep the center of gravity closer to the middle, preventing accidental slippage. The frame of the body has a matte coating that is more pleasant to the touch than the glossy back panel. The 9 mm thickness allows the smartphone not to protrude excessively from the pocket of jeans, although it can be felt in tight trousers.
☑️ Verification of ergonomics when buying used
It's possible to use one hand to control a smartphone with software features like one hand control mode, which moves the interface downwards. Physically reaching the top corner of your thumb will be a bit difficult, but this is standard for all phablets with a screen over 6 inches.
Front panel and features of the display
The front of the smartphone is occupied IPS LCD resolution-screen HD+ (1520×720 The density of the pixels is about 271 ppi, which is the norm for a budget class, although on closer inspection, "grain" can be noticeable. 2.5D-rounding around the edges, creating a pleasant visual transition to the frame.
Above the screen is a narrow but conspicuous frame that includes a conversational speaker, proximity and light sensor, and an 8MP front camera. At the bottom of the screen is the Redmi brand logo printed in white. Under the display there is also a frame that hides touch navigation buttons or serves as a place for the logo depending on the interface settings.
| Parameter | Meaning | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Diagonal | 6.26 inches | Format 19:9 |
| Permission | 1520 x 720 | HD+ quality |
| Type of matrix | IPS LCD | Good Display |
| Density | ~271 ppi | Standard for the budget |
The front camera cutout is a droplet (waterdrop), which allows you to slightly increase the usable area of the screen compared to models with wide bezels at the top and bottom, which makes the visual perception of content more submersible, especially when watching videos in horizontal orientation.
Why is there no event indicator on Redmi 7?
Rear panel and main camera module
The rear of the body is what makes the Redmi 7 stand out the most from its competitors at the time: the dual camera module is positioned vertically in the upper left corner. The 12MP main camera and the 2MP depth of field (bokeh) auxiliary camera are placed in a single unit that protrudes slightly above the surface of the lid.
Underneath the camera block is a two-tone LED flash, and below that is the AI DUAL CAMERA logo. The fingerprint scanner is in the center of the top back, which is a classic and very convenient location for unlocking the thumb in an upright position. It's round and slightly recessed into the body.
- 📸 Vertical arrangement of a double camera with a protruding lens.
- 👆 Fingerprint scanner in the center for easy access.
- ✨ Logo. AI Dual Camera as a decor element of the lower part.
At the bottom of the back, closer to the center, is the Redmi logo. In some regions or versions, regulatory information may be marked there, but more often, all certification information is transferred to the box or to the software menu to avoid spoiling the appearance.
⚠️ Attention: The protruding camera block does not have a metal bezel-protection, so when used without a cover, the lenses may scratch against the surface of the table.
Location of ports, buttons and connectors
The Redmi 7's controls are built in a classic Xiaomi design from that period, and on the right side is a button that has a nice stroke and a clear click, and below that are the volume swings, and all the buttons are metal, which adds a tactile contrast to the plastic body.
On the bottom end of the smartphone is the main interface for peripheral connectivity and charging. This is the Micro-USB port, which is one of the main differences from the newer models with the Type-C. Next to it is the main microphone, media speaker and 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Lower end diagram:
[Hearphones 3.5] - [Micro-USB] - [Dynamic]On the top end is just the opening of the second microphone, which is used to suppress noise when talking. SIM-A card that is combined, which means you can use either two. SIM-Nano-SIM cards or one of them SIM-microSD card and memory card.
💡
Use a paperclip from the kit or a thin sting to extract the tray SIM-Do not use sharpened objects so as not to damage the mechanism of the extraction sensor inside the hole.
Color solutions and visual differences of versions
At the time of the release, the Xiaomi Redmi 7 was available in four major color options, each with its own unique name and visual design. The choice of color influenced not only the aesthetics, but also how noticeable scratches and scuffs would be during operation.
Midnight Black is the most rigorous and practical version, and the black version is the best way to hide the traces of use, although they are still visible in bright light on gloss, and the device in this color looks more massive and solid.
Bali Blue and Lavender Pink are gradient versions. Blue shimmers from dark blue to light blue, creating the deep sea effect. The pink version has a more gentle transition that goes into purple tones, and these are the colors that best demonstrate the gradient layer.
Crimson Red is a bright and rich variant that young people and girls often chose. The red gradient is reduced to darker, burgundy shades at the edges. All colors except black have a more pronounced rainbow play of light.
💡
Gradient colors (blue, pink, red) only look spectacular in good light, and in dim light they can appear almost monochromatic and dark.