Xiaomi Launches POCO F7 in Japan: Affordable Power for the Gaming Generation

Introduction

Xiaomi is continuing its steady expansion in the Japanese market with the release of its latest smartphone under the POCO brand. Known for blending high performance with competitive pricing, POCO is now aiming squarely at younger users who want cutting-edge gaming capabilities without breaking the bank. With a new smartphone and tablet launch, Xiaomi is reinforcing its strategy to dominate multiple segments—from premium mobile gaming to affordable everyday tech.

🚀 the Original

On July 8, the Japanese division of Chinese tech giant Xiaomi announced the release of its new smartphone under the POCO brand, known for offering high-spec devices at accessible prices. The newly unveiled POCO F7 has been optimized for mobile gaming, with improved processing capabilities designed to handle high-end graphics with ease.

The device includes a 6500mAh high-capacity battery with fast-charging support, allowing extended gaming sessions and functioning as a power bank for other devices. Despite these premium features, Xiaomi is targeting budget-conscious users by setting the starting price at ¥54,980 (approx. \$340–360 USD). The POCO F7 will be available via e-commerce platforms and Xiaomi’s official store in Japan.

In addition to the smartphone, Xiaomi also launched a new tablet model—Redmi Pad 2 series, priced from ¥21,980 (approx. \$135 USD). This move suggests a two-pronged strategy: tapping both the mobile gaming and casual content consumption markets in Japan.

📊 What Undercode Say:

Xiaomi’s decision to launch the POCO F7 in Japan marks a deliberate move to gain a foothold in a market traditionally dominated by Apple, Sony, and Samsung. By offering flagship-level gaming capabilities at mid-range prices, Xiaomi is zeroing in on a niche that has been largely underserved—the budget gaming demographic.

From a strategic perspective, this launch aligns with broader global trends favoring high-performance budget phones, particularly among Gen Z and young millennials. With gaming now being the leading use case for mobile devices in Asia, a phone like the POCO F7 could resonate strongly with users who want Snapdragon-tier performance at a fraction of the cost.

The 6500mAh battery is particularly significant. Not only does it cater to mobile gamers who require long-lasting usage, but it also enhances portability and utility by functioning as a power source for other devices—something that sets it apart from many competitors in this price range.

By integrating fast-charging, Xiaomi addresses a common pain point among gamers: downtime. And with Japan’s increasing 5G coverage, high-performance smartphones are becoming even more attractive for streaming and online gaming.

Meanwhile, the Redmi Pad 2 release complements the phone by catering to students, light users, or families looking for an affordable content consumption tool. At ¥21,980, it’s priced lower than most premium tablets but still benefits from Xiaomi’s growing brand credibility.

What’s interesting is Xiaomi’s dual focus: capturing the gaming crowd with POCO and the budget education/entertainment market with Redmi Pad 2. This two-pronged release is not just about product specs—it’s a statement that Xiaomi wants to be a serious contender in Japan, one of the world’s most quality-conscious electronics markets.

Furthermore, Japan has long been resistant to Chinese smartphone brands due to concerns over privacy and unfamiliarity. However, Xiaomi’s persistent push with competitive pricing and better localization strategies (like selling through popular Japanese EC platforms) might gradually shift consumer sentiment.

In summary, Xiaomi is making a smart, calculated bet on the convergence of performance, battery life, and affordability—precisely the factors driving purchase decisions among the younger tech-savvy Japanese consumers.

🔍 Fact Checker Results

✅ POCO F7 includes 6500mAh battery with fast-charging support

✅ Starting price of ¥54,980 confirmed on Xiaomi Japan store
✅ Redmi Pad 2 series launched at ¥21,980 as an entry-level tablet

📊 Prediction

If Xiaomi maintains its aggressive pricing strategy and continues optimizing for performance and gaming, the POCO F7 could become a cult favorite among Japanese gamers under 30. Expect a wave of user-generated content, game benchmarks, and battery stress tests to go viral within weeks. Xiaomi’s market share in Japan may not skyrocket overnight, but the POCO brand will likely gain traction as a disruptor in the mid-range gaming phone market by the end of Q4 2025.