Article contents:
- Introduction: POCO raises the stakes
- Unique design: Denim look and advanced materials
- Unprecedented audio experience: Bose rear subwoofer
- Flagship performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor
- Key specifications: Display, battery, and camera
- POCO F8 Pro: A lower-cost alternative
- Pricing and availability
- Frequently asked questions
Introduction: POCO raises the stakes
Xiaomi’s POCO brand continues to strengthen its position in the smartphone market, this time with the global launch of the new POCO F8 series. The lineup consists of the Pro and Ultra models, but it is clear that the Ultra is the standout offering, not just because of its powerful technical specifications, but also due to its unique design and audio features that set it apart from competitors.
The POCO F8 Pro and Ultra are effectively rebranded global versions of the Redmi K90 and Redmi K90 Pro Max originally designated for the Chinese market, and they offer long-term software support of up to four major Android upgrades and six years of security patches.
Unique design: Denim look and advanced materials
The POCO F8 Ultra features a bold design, particularly in the “Denim Blue” edition which comes with a denim-like appearance. POCO states that this design is crafted from Xiaomi’s third-generation nanotechnology materials rather than actual denim fabric. This material provides a unique tactile feel and high durability.
For those who prefer a more traditional look, the phone is also available in a black color option with a fiberglass back and a matte-gloss finish.
Unprecedented audio experience: Bose rear subwoofer
The most surprising feature of the POCO F8 Ultra is its Bose-branded audio system. The setup consists of a triple-speaker arrangement: a speaker at the top, another at the bottom, and a “tablet-grade” subwoofer located on the back of the phone.
POCO states that this setup enables 2.1-channel sound and “distortion-free low-frequency bass for deeper, more impactful audio.” The phone also gains dynamic and balanced audio profiles, where the former focuses on bass while the latter enhances vocals. This approach to acoustic design is extremely rare in smartphones and could set a new standard for mobile audio experiences.
Flagship performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor
The Ultra also delivers impressive core specifications, starting with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with the VisionBoost D8 chip. This combination enables advanced gaming features such as AI Super Resolution technology across five popular games (including Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact, and PUBG), alongside intelligent frame rate technology that enhances display smoothness.
To keep the device cool during intensive tasks, the phone also incorporates POCO’s LiquidCool technology, which is designed to manage the heat output of the new processor.
Key specifications: Display, battery, and camera
The phone features a large 6.9-inch OLED display with 1.5K resolution, protected by POCO Shield Glass, and reaching a peak brightness of 3,500 nits.
The device packs a large 6,500 mAh battery. Although smaller than the Redmi K90 Pro Max’s 7,560 mAh capacity, it remains a massive battery by today’s standards. The phone supports 100W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging.
In the camera department, the phone offers a flagship-tier rear system. It consists of a 50-megapixel main camera (Light Fusion 950 sensor, 1/1.3-inch size), a 50-megapixel periscope camera providing 5x optical zoom (and up to 20x AI-assisted digital zoom), and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens. There is a 32-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
POCO F8 Pro: A lower-cost alternative
For those looking for a powerful phone without paying the price of the Ultra model, there is the POCO F8 Pro. It makes a few compromises to achieve a lower price point, coming equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor instead of the 8 Elite Gen 5.
Other features include a 6.59-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 6,210 mAh battery with 100W wired charging, but without wireless charging. It features a solid triple rear camera system comprising a 50-megapixel main camera (Light Fusion 800), a 50-megapixel telephoto camera providing 2.5x zoom, and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens.
Pricing and availability
The POCO F8 Ultra starts at $729 for the base model (12GB/256GB), with an early bird promotional price of $679. In Europe, the recommended retail price is approximately €829.99.
Meanwhile, the POCO F8 Pro starts at $579 for the base version, with an early bird promotional price of $529. In Europe, the recommended price is approximately €649.99.
At these prices, the POCO F8 Ultra could be the most affordable smartphone powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in Europe, making it an attractive option for those seeking flagship performance and unique features.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the standout feature of the POCO F8 Ultra?
The standout feature is the Bose triple audio system which includes a subwoofer on the back of the phone for an immersive audio experience.
2. Is the back of the phone made of real denim?
No, the “Denim Blue” version is crafted from an advanced Xiaomi nanotechnology material that mimics the look and feel of denim.
3. What processor is used in the POCO F8 Ultra?
It uses the latest flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.
