REVIEW: POCO M7 Pro 5G (12GB+256GB) - A Stylish Powerhouse That Punches Above Its Weight

Review by Jon Donnis

The POCO M7 Pro 5G is one of the most impressive smartphones currently available in the budget-to-midrange segment, in my humble opinion. Powered by the Dimensity 7025-Ultra processor and backed by 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, this device delivers a level of performance that rivals phones in much higher price brackets. With a generous 6.67-inch AMOLED display, dual speakers with Dolby Atmos, and strong camera specs, it offers excellent value for money. I've been using the POCO M7 Pro 5G daily, putting it through its paces with real apps and real-life tasks, not just synthetic benchmarks, and I'm confident in saying this phone deserves serious attention.

Performance and Everyday Use

The performance of the POCO M7 Pro 5G is the first thing that stands out. The Dimensity 7025-Ultra chipset is responsive, fast, and capable of running demanding applications without stutter. Paired with 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM, the phone easily handled multitasking, even with background apps like Sweatcoin and a gaming activity tracker running constantly. These are the kind of real-world scenarios that can slow many mid-range phones down, but not this one. App switching is smooth, there's no lag in normal use, and everything from social media to mobile gaming runs comfortably.

Games load quickly and run well, and with 5G support, online gaming and streaming are fluid. I tested several popular titles with high graphics settings, and the phone never struggled. Thanks to its Memory Extension feature, you also get up to 24GB of usable memory when needed, by borrowing from storage, which is great for future-proofing.

Design and Display

I have the green version of the phone, and it looks fantastic in person. It comes with a protective case included, which fits well and keeps the phone secure, and there's already a screen protector pre-applied. The design is slim at 75.7mm wide and weighs just 190g (215g with the case), with a comfortable curved back that gives the phone a more premium feel than expected. The camera module also looks stylish, with a clean layout and nice detailing. The camera lens do protude slightly, but the case helps protect any scratches with a slight raised area around the lens.

The display is one of the strongest features. The 6.67-inch AMOLED screen delivers a full HD+ resolution (2400x1080) and hits up to 2100 nits of peak brightness, not really sure what that means, but thats what the manual says, but in real terms I can confirm this makes it very usable even outdoors in bright sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate gives smooth scrolling and gaming visuals, and a 2160Hz instant touch sampling rate helps with fast response times during gameplay. Watching videos and playing games on this display is genuinely enjoyable, with vivid colours and sharp details. On top of that, it has certifications for low blue light, flicker-free viewing, and overall eye comfort, so it stays easy on the eyes during long sessions, and if you read my reviews regularly you will know I have issues with my eyes which is why I am always talking about gaming glasses or motion sickness. At no point using the POCO M7 did I have any issues with my eyes, no tiredness or problems, so for me that is a huge plus point.

Audio Quality

The dual speaker setup is excellent. Sound is loud and clear, with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support, which adds a sense of space and richness to music, video, and games. The phone also has a feature called 300% Volume Boost, which helps when watching videos with low native volume or in noisy environments. I used it regularly and it made a noticeable difference without distorting the sound.

Camera Performance

The POCO M7 Pro 5G has a 50MP Sony IMX882 rear sensor with a wide f/1.5 aperture and support for both OIS and EIS. This means you get clear, stable shots even in less-than-ideal lighting. The photos I took were sharp and had natural colour, especially in daylight. The 2x in-sensor zoom gives sharper images than basic digital zoom and worked well for snapping objects or people from a distance. The AI enhancements like AI Erase, AI Sky, and AI Bokeh help improve the photos automatically and add a little polish without looking overly processed.

Here is a simple photo I took this morning, no editing or after effects, just the raw photo. Open it up, and make your own mind up, I think it handles the colours very well.

And here is another photo, just a simple image, relatively close up one with multiple colours.

The 20MP front-facing camera also impressed me. Selfies were detailed and natural-looking, and the smart AI 0.8X wide-angle adjustment made it easy to fit everyone into the shot without fiddling around. Video calls were crystal clear, and feedback from family I called abroad confirmed that the camera quality was great on their end too.

Battery and Charging

Battery life is another strong point. The 5110mAh battery easily lasted through a full day of heavy use, even with gaming, streaming, and background apps active. When it was time to recharge, the 45W turbo charger brought the phone back to life quickly. From low battery to full charge took just under an hour in most cases. The phone's intelligent battery management system also learns your charging habits and optimises the charge cycle over time, which is a nice touch for long-term battery health, but I will only truly understand that after I have used the phone for months and months.

The battery system is TÜV Rheinland certified to retain 80 percent efficiency after 1600 charging cycles, which means it should last several years without degrading significantly.

Other Features

The POCO M7 Pro 5G includes essential extras that are sometimes missing at this price point. It has NFC for contactless payments via Google Wallet, and it worked perfectly every time I used it. It also supports dual SIMs, and switching between them was fast and problem-free. Bloatware is minimal, and anything you don't want can be uninstalled easily.

One personal note: I prefer a clean Android experience, so I made some changes to Xiaomi's HyperOS to make it look more like stock Android. It wasn't difficult to do, but it's worth noting if you also prefer a simpler setup. Maybe this is my age talking here, but as a man in his mid to late 40s, I hate change.

Final Thoughts

The POCO M7 Pro 5G is an excellent phone at a very competitive price. It delivers fast performance, a great screen, solid battery life, and good camera features, all wrapped up in a stylish and durable design. If you're buying this phone, I strongly recommend going for the 12GB + 256GB version over the lower spec model. It gives you more speed, more storage, and better long-term usability, and the price difference is usually minimal.

Whether you're upgrading from an older phone or just want something reliable without spending flagship money, the POCO M7 Pro 5G is a smart choice. It ticks nearly every box and does so with confidence.

I score the POCO M7 Pro 5G smartphone 12GB + 256GB a solid 9 out of 10.

The 12+256GB model is currently 25% off on Amazon (Prime members only) taking the price from the RRP of £239.00 to £179.00 which in my opinion is a no brainer!

https://amzn.to/4jtlJwx

NEWS: Clix and Gunnar Optiks Unveil Next-Gen Gaming Glasses for Serious Players

By Jon Donnis

Cody "Clix" Conrod, one of Fortnite's most electrifying players, has levelled up his partnership with Gunnar Optiks by launching his very own Clix Gaming Goggles. Priced at $74, these high-performance glasses are designed to enhance vision, reduce eye strain, and help gamers stay sharp during marathon sessions. The announcement, made during the Fortnite Grand Finals, marks the latest chapter in Clix's rise from teenage prodigy to esports sensation.

Clix first made waves in the Fortnite scene at just 14, becoming one of the youngest players to qualify for the Fortnite World Cup. His aggressive playstyle, lightning-fast reflexes, and strategic brilliance quickly made him a fan favourite. Now 19, Clix has built a massive following on Twitch and YouTube, where millions tune in to watch him dominate the competition. His influence extends beyond the game, with collaborations, merchandise, and now, his own line of gaming glasses.

The Clix Gaming Goggles are more than just a stylish accessory. They are engineered for peak performance, blending innovation with Clix's signature style. The frames are crafted from a hybrid of Premium Engineered Polymer (PEP) and stainless steel, balancing lightweight comfort with durable strength. The sleek, square design mirrors Clix's modern aesthetic, while multi-spring hinges ensure long-lasting flexibility for extended gaming sessions.

What sets these glasses apart is Gunnar's patented lens technology, which blocks harmful blue light and 100 percent of UV rays. The G-Shield Plus lens coating is anti-reflective, smudge-resistant, and oleophobic, keeping vision clear and focused even during the most intense matches. The lenses also enhance contrast and reduce eye strain, giving players a crucial advantage when split-second decisions can mean victory or defeat.

To celebrate the launch, the first 1,000 orders come with a limited-edition Clix case and an entry into a raffle to play Fortnite with Clix himself. Each pair also includes a collector's microfibre pouch, cleaning cloth, and a 12-month warranty, making the goggles as practical as they are powerful.

Clix's journey from gaming phenom to industry innovator is a testament to his dedication to the esports community. His collaboration with Gunnar Optiks reflects his commitment to helping fellow gamers perform at their best while protecting their vision. Whether you're grinding for the next Victory Royale or just looking to game in style, the Clix Gaming Goggles are built to help you play like a pro.

Check out the glasses at https://gunnar.com/products/clix

Thank you to Gunnar for providing us with a pair of the glasses for us to try ourselves. We are huge fans of Gunnar who continuously prove they are the market leaders in Gaming and Office Glasses.

REVIEW: KARMA: The Dark World (2025 Video Game) - A Haunting Descent into the Mind

Review by Jon Donnis

KARMA: The Dark World is a first-person cinematic psychological thriller that throws players into a world of espionage, surveillance, and mind control. Set in 1984, the game follows Roam Agent Daniel McGovern as he investigates crimes on behalf of the powerful Leviathan Corporation. What begins as a routine case quickly unravels into something far more sinister, forcing Daniel to question everything he knows, including his own identity. The game blends elements of psychological horror with investigative gameplay, challenging players to explore fragmented memories, solve complex puzzles, and uncover a truth that is deliberately obscured.

Leviathan Corporation rules with an iron grip, using artificial intelligence and behavioural conditioning to maintain absolute control. Sounds a bit like the UK Labour Party Government! Employees are drugged to ensure maximum productivity, and the omnipresent AI system known as Mother dictates every aspect of life. Daniel's role as a Roam Agent gives him access to crime scenes, suspect interrogations, and the unique ability to dive into people's minds to relive their past experiences. This mechanic creates a constant sense of uncertainty, as the line between memory and reality blurs. The game's world is bleak and oppressive, with haunting environments, eerie soundscapes, and a strong sense of paranoia that builds throughout. The environmental storytelling is impressive, with newspapers, posters, and computer logs offering clues about the dark truth behind Leviathan's rule.

The gameplay is heavily focused on investigation and puzzle-solving rather than action. Players must gather evidence, reconstruct fragmented memories, and complete tasks assigned by Leviathan while remaining unnoticed. 

The puzzles are well-designed, requiring logic and attention to detail, but their difficulty can sometimes be frustrating due to the lack of a hint system. Some players may find themselves stuck for long periods, forced to search for solutions online. Another drawback is the unskippable cutscenes, which can make replaying sections tedious. The game also leans heavily into the walking simulator genre, which may not appeal to those looking for a more action-packed experience.

Visually, KARMA: The Dark World is striking, with detailed environments and a distinct atmosphere that reinforces its unsettling themes. The game's soundtrack is equally impressive, using ambient soundscapes to heighten the tension and mystery. Every element, from lighting to sound design, works together to create an immersive experience that keeps players engaged. The story is its strongest aspect, weaving together themes of control, identity, and fear in a way that keeps you questioning what is real. The fragmented narrative jumps between different time periods, slowly revealing the hidden truths behind Daniel's past and Leviathan's true purpose.

Despite its flaws, KARMA: The Dark World is a compelling psychological thriller that succeeds in drawing players into its nightmarish vision of the future/alternate past?. The challenging puzzles, gripping story, and immersive atmosphere make it a worthwhile experience, though the lack of puzzle hints and the slow pacing may test some players' patience. Those who enjoy investigative horror games with deep storytelling will find plenty to appreciate, even if the journey is sometimes frustrating.

Score: 7/10

Out Now on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1376200/KARMA_The_Dark_World/

REVIEW: MLB The Show 25 - Playstation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

MLB The Show 25 brings exciting new features and improvements to the popular baseball series, cementing its place as one of the most polished sports games available. I'm playing the game on the PS5, and straight away you can see that the game looks awesome, everything looks very real, and is really taking advantage of the PlayStation hardware.

The improvements in fielding mechanics are immediately noticeable, with smoother, more realistic animations that make every catch, throw, and dive feel satisfying. The game's player models and stadiums look stunning, further enhanced by the PS5's capabilities. About as close as you will get in capturing the energy and atmosphere of a live MLB game while sat on your sofa.

One of the most notable new features is the "ambush hitting" mechanic. This introduces an exciting element of risk and reward to batting, allowing players to predict pitch locations with the potential for big rewards if they make the right call. This mechanic adds a fresh layer of strategy to every at-bat, making the game more challenging than ever.

The "Road to the Show" mode has also seen some updates. While the core experience remains the same, it's been refined with better progression systems, allowing for a deeper journey from high school to the major leagues. However, at times the progression does feel rather repetitive, although in general the mode works well.

A standout feature in MLB The Show 25 is the inclusion of "Diamond Quest," a new, roguelike-inspired mode that offers a different take on baseball gameplay. Players can navigate a unique board, completing challenges and playing mini-games that lead to intense three-inning showdowns. This mode I found to be highly addictive and provided a fun, single-player experience that stands apart from the traditional baseball simulation.

The inclusion of the Storylines mode, focusing on historical Nεgro Leagues players, adds an educational and historical element to the game. It's a fantastic way to learn about the rich history of baseball while playing.

On the whole, MLB The Show 25 delivers a fantastic, feature-packed experience for baseball fans. Its new additions, including Diamond Quest and ambush hitting, offer fresh ways to enjoy the sport, while the traditional modes have been fine-tuned for a smoother, more enjoyable experience. While the progression system in Road to the Show could use some refinement, it doesn't detract from what is otherwise a standout title in the sports game genre. MLB The Show 25 is the most complete baseball experience available and a must-play for fans of the series.

I score  MLB The Show 25 a solid 9 out of 10. The best pure baseball game available today.

Out now

Buy from https://amzn.to/4iBTWKj

REVIEW: Only Way is Down (2025 Video Game) - A Rage Precision Platformer with Unforgiving Difficulty

Review by Jon Donnis

Only Way is Down from Jilted Generation Productions starts with a fun idea but quickly turns into a frustrating experience. You play as a cat who accidentally falls asleep on some construction materials and wakes up atop a towering skyscraper. Your mission is to make your way down to safety, but the path is filled with dangerous platforms, swinging cranes, and narrow beams that require precise jumps and careful navigation.

The concept of guiding a cat through a construction site is interesting, and the game world looks great. You get to explore a vertical environment with a sprawling cityscape below. There are some fun customization options for your cat, like choosing its type, eye colour, and adding accessories such as hats and glasses. These elements help give the game some charm and personality.

But the main issue with Only Way is Down is its difficulty. The game is designed for players who love rage platformers, where one mistake can lead to instant death. The cat's movements feel stiff, and there's no room for error. A small fall, even just a meter, results in the cat dying instantly, which is pretty frustrating. In real life, cats are known for landing on their feet from much greater heights, but in this game, you're punished for every misstep.

The controls and camera angles make things even worse. The game hates the idea of the player using a controller, the controls feel unresponsive, making it hard to line up jumps and manoeuvre around obstacles. The camera angles need to be lined up perfectly before you do anything, which if not done perfectly makes it even more difficult to judge distances or spot the next platform. As a result, the game feels less like a challenge and more like an exercise in frustration. Imagine playing a game with a cat, where you literally have to move at a ridiculously slow pace just to not die.

Only Way is Down targets a specific audience of players who enjoy punishingly hard "rage quit" platformers. If you are into that genre, you might enjoy the challenge, but for anyone else, the game is more likely to leave you feeling frustrated. It has a lot of potential, but the combination of its high difficulty, poor controls, and lack of forgiveness means it's not going to be enjoyable for most players.

This game feels like it's trying too hard to be difficult, and unfortunately, that makes it hard to enjoy. While the concept is fun and the setting looks great, the game ultimately falls short for anyone looking for a more accessible experience. A simpler, easier to control, and more accurate game of this nature would be so much fun to play, but the developer has his mind made up, and clearly is not looking to make any money from this game, oh well, I am left giving a generous score of 3 out of 10. So much potential. Maybe in the future the developer might do an arcade mode for the game. Might even make some money then.

Unironically released on April 1^st on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2804680/Only_Way_is_Down/