The Poco F8 Ultra is Poco’s take on the flagship market: top-tier hardware, a deep feature set, and a price that undercuts most other premium devices. The device pairs a Bose-tuned three-speaker system with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, 12/256 GB or 16/512 GB of RAM and storage, and a generous 6,500 mAh battery. It supports 100 W wired charging and 50 W wireless charging, IP68 water resistance, and Wi‑Fi 7 to keep you connected in crowded networks. The triple 50 MP camera system includes OIS on the main sensor, a telephoto offering 5× optical zoom up to 20×, and AI-assisted UltraZoom up to 100×, while 8K/30 video and 4K/60 capture options add flexibility for creators. The software is HyperOS 3 with HyperAI and Gemini, designed to be fast and lean, with features aimed at gamers such as VisionBoost D8, Smart Frame Rate, and Game HDR. All of this comes at a price that undercuts many rivals—with the 256 GB variant initially priced around £749 in the UK and the 512 GB model at £799; early UK deals reportedly dipping the 256 GB version below £500—making the F8 Ultra a compelling choice for buyers who want flagship capabilities, standout audio, and versatile photography without the usual flagship premium.
Power under the hood: flagship internals
The F8 Ultra leans into flagship performance with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 at its core, delivering snappy app launches and smooth multitasking even when loads are high. It pairs this processor with generous RAM/storage options—12 GB RAM / 256 GB storage or 16 GB RAM / 512 GB storage—using LPDDR5X and UFS 4.1 for fast memory access and quick app swaps. The combination supports sustained gaming sessions and heavy workflows without obvious slowdowns. A 6,500 mAh battery fuels these ambitions, with 100 W wired charging and 50 W wireless charging designed to top up quickly between sessions. The phone also wears IP68 protection and Wi-Fi 7, keeping it practical in rain or crowded networks. On the software side, HyperOS 3 with HyperAI and Gemini aims to keep the experience fast and clean, while Poco’s VisionBoost D8, Smart Frame Rate, and Game HDR are positioned to appeal to a gaming-minded audience.
- CPU: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Memory/Storage: 12/256 GB or 16/512 GB (LPDDR5X, UFS 4.1)
- Battery: 6,500 mAh with 100 W wired and 50 W wireless charging
- Durability: IP68, Wi‑Fi 7
- Software: HyperOS 3 with HyperAI and Gemini
Sound that commands attention: Bose-tuned speakers
Audio is one of the F8 Ultra’s standout talking points. The phone integrates a Bose-tuned three-speaker system, including a dedicated subwoofer housed in the camera module. In practice, this setup yields surprisingly loud, lively sound with rich bass for a phone, making videos and games feel more immersive without external speakers. Clarity remains strong at moderate volumes, and the overall balance supports both music and voice content. At extreme volume, you may notice a touch of distortion or unevenness depending on content, but the overall experience is noticeably better than most competing devices in the same price tier.
- Three-speaker setup with subwoofer in the camera module
- Strong bass and clear mids for media playback
- Potential distortion at maximum volume with some content
All-day battery and charging strategy
The 6,500 mAh battery is designed for heavy daily use, with a charging strategy that emphasizes speed and convenience. The Poco F8 Ultra supports 100 W wired charging for rapid top-ups and 50 W wireless charging for cable-free boosts. In mixed-use conditions, battery life is solid enough to get through a full day with typical use, including gaming, streaming, and photography. The combination of a high-capacity cell and efficient power management helps maintain a good balance between performance bursts and endurance. While hot climates can stress any flagship, Poco has configured HyperOS to optimize thermals and maintain responsiveness across demanding tasks.
- 6500 mAh capacity aligned with long endurance
- 100 W wired charging for fast top-ups
- 50 W wireless charging for convenient boosts
Photography and video capabilities
The camera system on the F8 Ultra centers around three 50 MP sensors, with a main unit that includes optical image stabilization. The telephoto offers 5× optical zoom and up to 20× with the help of AI-assisted UltraZoom, extending reach beyond the optical range. An ultra-wide lens adds versatility for landscapes and group shots. In video, the phone supports 8K at 30 fps and 4K at 60 fps, giving creators flexible capture options. Image quality benefits from vibrant color rendition and strong dynamic range in good lighting, though some will notice occasional over-sharpening and AI zoom quirks at longer focal lengths. For everyday photography and social sharing, the F8 Ultra impresses with consistency and color accuracy.
- Triple 50 MP sensors with OIS on the main
- Telephoto: 5× optical; AI UltraZoom up to 100×
- 8K/30 and 4K/60 video
HyperOS software, gaming features, and value
Software is a central part of the Poco F8 Ultra’s appeal. HyperOS 3 paired with HyperAI and Gemini aims to deliver a fast, lean experience with minimal bloat. Gaming features such as VisionBoost D8, Smart Frame Rate, and Game HDR are designed to sustain smooth performance in demanding titles while preserving battery life. The software experience is complemented by the hardware punch, which helps apps feel snappy and responsive even during extended sessions. On price, the UK market has historically positioned the F8 Ultra as a strong value proposition: £749 for the 256 GB model and £799 for the 512 GB variant, with early UK deals sometimes dipping the 256 GB version below £500. Overall, the package targets gamers, content creators, and power users who want flagship capabilities without paying the usual premium.
Industry analyst note: “The Poco F8 Ultra delivers flagship performance for a fraction of the price, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and 6,500 mAh battery. The Bose-tuned speakers create a standout audio experience in a phone, though thermals matter under sustained gaming. In daily use, most buyers will appreciate the lean HyperOS and the overall value.”
Verdict: The Poco F8 Ultra is a compelling value flagship that combines strong performance, long battery life, and standout audio in a package priced well below many rivals. It does not claim to be the absolute best in every category—camera performance can vary in low light, and some AI processing can sharpen or overshoot in certain modes. For buyers who want high-end hardware, a bold audio design, and a competitive price, the F8 Ultra is hard to ignore. If absolute camera finesse or the most polished software experience is your priority, you may still wish to compare with other flagships; but for gamers and media lovers on a budget, the F8 Ultra hits a rare balance of power and value.
Note: this review references UK pricing as detailed in the official launch materials and initial UK promos to provide a clear sense of value in real-market terms. The core hardware and software features discussed here remain consistent across regions, with regional price variations.
