POCO has officially taken the wraps off its flagship F8 series, introducing the POCO F8 Ultra and POCO F8 Pro to global markets. The two smartphones push the brand deeper into the premium-performance segment, offering top-tier Snapdragon Elite chipsets, significantly brighter displays, larger batteries, upgraded camera systems, and Bose-tuned stereo speakers.
With HyperOS 3 based on Android 16 and long-term software support, POCO’s newest lineup aims to deliver flagship-level features at aggressive mid-premium pricing. While the standard POCO F8 remains unannounced, the Ultra and Pro models are ready to take on competitors from Samsung, OnePlus, iQOO and Google.
Key Takeaways: POCO F8 Series Global Launch Highlights
- POCO F8 Ultra features Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 6.9-inch 1.5K OLED display, Bose 2.1 sound, and a 6,500mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.
- POCO F8 Pro runs the previous-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite, sports a 6.59-inch 120Hz AMOLED display and a 6,210mAh battery with 100W fast charging and 22.5W reverse charging.
- Both phones offer triple rear cameras, with the Ultra including a 50MP 5x periscope zoom and the Pro featuring a 50MP 2.5x telephoto lens.
- POCO promises four years of Android OS upgrades and six years of security patches.
- Global pricing starts at USD 729 for the Ultra and USD 579 for the Pro, with early-bird offers available.
- Both smartphones come with Bose-tuned stereo speakers, IP68 durability, HyperOS 3 and eSIM support.
POCO F8 Ultra: Designed Like Denim, Engineered Like a Flagship
The POCO F8 Ultra immediately stands out with its unique faux-denim finish, available in the striking Denim Blue alongside a traditional Black option. The textured design, complete with a metal POCO nameplate, blends seamlessly into the frame and camera module, distinguishing it from conventional slab designs. Despite its 8.3mm thickness and 218–220g weight, the phone feels substantial rather than bulky, supported by an IP68 dust and water resistance rating.
Its 6.9-inch OLED display offers a 1.5K resolution, up to 3,500 nits peak brightness, Dolby Vision and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The panel’s brightness ensures visibility even in harsh outdoor conditions, while the thin bezels and vibrant output make it ideal for media consumption.
At the heart of the Ultra lies Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, backed by up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. POCO’s thermal engineering includes a large vapor chamber and a chassis that disperses heat toward the camera module, keeping the phone comfortable during intensive tasks. In real-world use, the device performs effortlessly for apps, gaming and multitasking, with heat spikes occurring only during extreme stress tests.
A Closer Look at the POCO F8 Ultra Camera System
POCO equips the F8 Ultra with a triple 50MP camera setup: a Light Fusion 950 primary sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultrawide, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and up to 10x hybrid zoom. The main sensor delivers vibrant, contrast-heavy images that appeal to social-media-centric users. While pixel-level inspection reveals noticeable processing, most images look excellent at a glance.
The telephoto lens adds practical versatility, though occasional focus inconsistencies at 5x may require software refinements. A 32MP selfie camera supports sharper video calls and front-facing photography
Industry-Leading Audio: Bose Tuning and a Dedicated Subwoofer
Audio is one area where the Ultra distinguishes itself dramatically. Through a partnership with Bose, POCO has created a rare 2.1 smartphone sound system featuring stereo speakers and an additional rear-mounted subwoofer. Users can switch between Dynamic and Balanced sound modes in settings, each offering a wide soundstage, clear separation and surprisingly robust bass for a smartphone. Reviewers have noted that the Ultra challenges even gaming-centric devices like the ROG Phone series in audio immersion.
Battery and Charging: Big Capacity, Flexible Options
The F8 Ultra’s hefty 6,500mAh battery comfortably delivers 5–6 hours of screen-on time under mixed use. Charging is handled by 100W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging, though maximum speeds require Xiaomi’s HyperCharge hardware. With third-party chargers, users can expect full charges in about one hour, with 50 percent reached in roughly 25 minutes.
POCO F8 Pro: Compact Flagship Experience With Strong Value
The POCO F8 Pro aims to deliver a flagship-grade experience in a more manageable form factor. Its 6.59-inch AMOLED display supports 120Hz, Full HD+ resolution and up to 3,500 nits of brightness. The device uses the previous-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, offering smooth performance for everyday users, light gamers and multitaskers.
A triple camera system features a 50MP OIS-enabled main sensor, a 50MP 2.5x telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultrawide camera. The Pro’s 6,210mAh battery supports 100W wired charging and an added 22.5W reverse wired mode to power accessories. As with the Ultra, the Pro receives Bose-tuned speakers, IP68 rating, eSIM support and HyperOS 3.
Global Pricing, Availability and Launch Benefits
POCO’s pricing strategy keeps the F8 lineup competitive. The F8 Ultra begins at USD 729 (12GB/256GB) and USD 799 (16GB/512GB). Early-bird pricing brings these down to USD 679 and USD 729 respectively. The F8 Pro starts at USD 579 (12GB/256GB) and USD 629 (12GB/512GB), also available at reduced early-bird rates of USD 529 and USD 579.
Color options expand user choice:
• F8 Ultra: Black, Denim Blue
• F8 Pro: Black, Blue, Titanium Silver
POCO further includes limited-time benefits such as Spotify Premium, Google One and YouTube Premium trials, along with one free screen replacement within six months.
How the POCO F8 Series Fits Into Today’s Premium Smartphone Market
With flagship devices from Samsung, OnePlus and iQOO crossing the higher price brackets, POCO’s F8 series positions itself as a compelling alternative for buyers seeking high-end hardware without entering the ultra-premium tier. The Ultra caters to users who prioritise big displays, telephoto zoom and wireless charging, while the Pro satisfies those wanting compact performance at a balanced price.
With bright displays, strong battery life, Bose audio and long-term software support, the F8 lineup provides meaningful value for diverse user needs.
FAQs on POCO F8 Ultra & F8 Pro Global Launch
1. What are the key specifications of the POCO F8 Ultra?
POCO F8 Ultra features Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 6.9-inch 1.5K OLED, 50MP triple cameras, Bose 2.1 audio, and a 6,500mAh battery with 100W fast charging.
2. What chipset powers the POCO F8 Pro?
POCO F8 Pro uses the previous-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, paired with 12GB RAM, up to 512GB storage, and HyperOS 3 based on Android 16.
3. What is the global price of the POCO F8 Ultra and F8 Pro?
POCO F8 Ultra starts at USD 729, while POCO F8 Pro starts at USD 579, with early-bird discounted pricing available for both models.
4. What makes the POCO F8 series’ audio special?
Both models feature Bose-tuned stereo speakers, while the F8 Ultra additionally includes a dedicated rear subwoofer for a 2.1 smartphone audio experience.
5. How many Android updates will the POCO F8 series receive?
POCO promises four years of Android OS upgrades and six years of security patches for both the POCO F8 Ultra and F8 Pro.
