Gadgets

Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra: Unbeatable Value for Money

Published

4 months ago

December 11, 2025

Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

The Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra is the latest offering from the Poco brand, known for its affordable yet feature-packed smartphones. With the release of the Poco F8 Ultra, the brand is stepping into flagship territory, offering premium features at a competitive price point. In this review, we take a closer look at the design, performance, camera quality, battery life, and software of the Poco F8 Ultra to determine if it lives up to the hype.

Design & Build: A Unique Aesthetic

The Poco F8 Ultra is available in two finishes – Black and Denim Blue. The Denim Blue variant, in particular, stands out with its textured design that mimics the look and feel of denim. While the design is unique and eye-catching, the phone is on the bulkier side, measuring 8.3mm thick and weighing 220g. Despite its size, the phone offers IP68 water and dust resistance, making it durable and suitable for outdoor use.

The display of the Poco F8 Ultra is a 6.9-inch AMOLED panel with a resolution of 1200 x 2608 and a 120Hz refresh rate. While the display is vibrant and sharp, it lacks LTPO technology for variable refresh rates. The phone also features stereo speakers tuned by Bose, delivering impressive audio quality that rivals external speakers.

Performance: Flagship-Level Power

Under the hood, the Poco F8 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and comes with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM. The phone offers smooth performance across various tasks, from web browsing to gaming. With its large display, the F8 Ultra is well-suited for multitasking and productivity.

The phone excels in gaming, handling demanding titles like Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact with ease. The inclusion of OIS (optical image stabilization) on both the main and telephoto lenses ensures stable video recording even in motion.

Cameras: Mixed Results

The Poco F8 Ultra features a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP main lens, a 50MP telephoto lens, and a 50MP ultrawide lens. In good lighting conditions, the phone captures vibrant and detailed images, with impressive dynamic range and color accuracy. The telephoto lens offers a competent optical zoom, while the ultrawide lens falls slightly short in color accuracy compared to the main lens.

However, the low-light performance of the cameras is a letdown, with the night mode overcompensating and resulting in loss of color accuracy and delayed shutter speed. The front-facing 32MP camera delivers detailed selfies and portrait shots but struggles in low-light conditions.

Battery Life & Charging: Impressive Stamina

One of the standout features of the Poco F8 Ultra is its 6500mAh battery, which provides exceptional battery life. With moderate usage, the phone can easily last two full days on a single charge. The phone supports 100W wired charging, promising a full charge in under 40 minutes, although a compatible charger is required.

Reverse wireless charging is also available on the F8 Ultra, allowing users to top up other Qi-compatible devices on the go. The phone’s battery performance and charging capabilities make it a reliable choice for users who prioritize long-lasting power.

Software & Apps: Feature-Packed but Bloated

The Poco F8 Ultra runs on HyperOS 3, based on Android 16. While the software offers a range of useful features and customization options, it is marred by bloatware and ads. The presence of pre-installed apps from Xiaomi and third parties, along with intrusive features like the Wallpaper Carousel, detracts from the user experience.

Despite the software drawbacks, HyperOS 3 is fast and sleek, with a host of productivity tools and customization options. Users can remove unwanted apps and disable ads, but the overall software experience may feel overwhelming for those accustomed to a different Android version or iOS.

Price & Availability: A Competitive Contender

Officially priced at £749, the Poco F8 Ultra competes with flagship devices from other brands. However, frequent discounts bring the phone’s price down to £549, making it a compelling option in the mid-range market. The phone offers excellent value for money at a discounted price, combining flagship-level performance with long-lasting battery life.

Final Verdict: A Solid Performer with Room for Improvement

The Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra is a solid performer, offering flagship features at a competitive price point. With its impressive battery life, powerful performance, and unique design, the F8 Ultra stands out in the crowded smartphone market. While it has some shortcomings, such as software bloatware and low-light camera performance, the phone’s overall value makes it a worthy contender in its price range.