In the ever-evolving world of smartphones and tablets, manufacturers are constantly adjusting their prices to attract customers. Recently, Poco has announced significant price reductions on their X7 series, including the X7 Pro, while Apple has introduced discounts on their iPad Air (M2) models. This article will explore the details of these devices and their current pricing, helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
Poco X7 Series Price Cuts
The Poco X7 series is making waves, especially with the Pro and Ultra versions dominating the lineup. Currently, the Poco X7 Pro can be purchased starting at €320, with options to enhance its performance by adding 4GB of RAM for an additional €20 and doubling the storage for another €20. While it may not boast a flagship processor, the unique Dimensity 8400 Ultra chip, featuring eight Cortex-A725 cores, offers ample power for most users.
The device features a premium display with a 1220p+ resolution, supporting 12-bit colors, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. However, the switch to a plastic frame is a downgrade from the F7 Pro, although the X7 Pro does provide a superior IP68 rating, ensuring better water and dust resistance. The camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 20MP front camera, delivering impressive photographic results. Additionally, the battery capacity stands at 6,000mAh with 90W wired-only charging.
Considerations Before Buying
Before opting for the X7 Pro, it’s worth considering the older Poco F6. With a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, the F6 competes well with the X7 Pro, though it's slightly slower. Both devices feature the same display and camera configuration; the F6 offers a smaller 5,000mAh battery (with 90W charging) and a basic IP64 water resistance rating. Given their €20 price difference, the newer specifications of the X7 Pro might be more appealing.
The vanilla Poco X7 is another option, available at around €70 less than the Pro version. However, it features the Dimensity 7300 Ultra, a noticeable downgrade in performance, alongside UFS 2.2 storage as opposed to the Pro's UFS 4.0. With a 5,110mAh battery and 45W charging, most users will find the Pro to be a better investment.
Apple iPad Air Discounts
Switching gears to tablets, Apple has slashed prices on its M2 iPad Air models, which were refreshed with M3 chips in 2023. Although iPadOS doesn't fully capitalize on the new chip's capabilities like macOS does, the price difference is significant. The iPad Air 13 (2024) is presently available at €125 to €230 less than its 2025 counterpart across various storage options, presenting a tempting offer for those needing extra storage rather than cutting-edge performance.
The smaller iPad Air 11 (2024) is also being offered at a reduced price, down €120-€160 compared to the 2025 model.
Xiaomi Tablets at a Discount
If Android tablets are more your style, Xiaomi has made their Pad 7 and Pad 7 Pro both €70 more affordable. With 11.2” IPS LCDs featuring 144Hz refresh rates, stylus support, and robust battery life (8,850mAh), both options cater well to media consumption. The main differences lie in the processors, with the Pad 7 sporting a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 and the Pad 7 Pro featuring a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. The Pro also excels in camera quality and charging speed while maintaining a reasonable price gap of €50.
A Final Great Option: Amazon Fire Max 11
Lastly, for those looking for a versatile tablet, the Amazon Fire Max 11 is a strong contender. Its 11” IPS LCD (2,000 x 1,200px, 60Hz) is perfect for streaming, light gaming, and productivity. With expandable storage and stereo speakers, this device balances entertainment and usability effectively. Note, however, that this model has ads, which can be removed for an additional fee of €15.
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