Poco has unveiled its first smartphone under the “Ultra” branding, and on paper, it truly lives up to the name. The Poco F7 Ultra is powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, boasting a triple rear camera setup, 120W wired charging, and an impressive IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. With a retail price of £649 (approximately $835) in the UK, it stands out as one of the most affordable devices featuring Qualcomm’s top-tier mobile chip.
Xiaomi’s sub-brand, Poco, has consistently focused on delivering budget-friendly smartphones, yet the F-series represents its venture into the flagship territory. The Snapdragon processor is combined with options for up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, ensuring excellent performance. Currently, only the Redmagic 10 Pro offers the Snapdragon 8 Elite for less, but its gaming-centric design may not appeal to a wider audience. Additionally, Xiaomi’s software experience is notably smoother, with a commitment to four Android updates, contrasting sharply with Redmagic’s single update promise.
The F7 Ultra features a sophisticated rear camera array, including a 50MP main camera with a fast f/1.6 aperture, a 50MP 2.5x telephoto lens, and a 32MP ultrawide camera, complemented by another 32MP camera for selfies. Early photography tests show promising results, with decent detail, dynamic range, and vibrant colors, although some noise is present, especially when using digital zoom beyond the optical range.
Additionally, the F7 Ultra is equipped with a stunning 6.67-inch OLED display that boasts a 1440p resolution and a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. The device is powered by a robust 5,300mAh battery, supporting both 120W wired charging and 50W wireless charging options. Its IP68 rating ensures durability, while the screen is protected by Poco’s proprietary Shield Glass, rather than the more widely recognized Corning Gorilla Glass.
The Poco F7 Ultra is available in a striking yellow finish, with a black alternative for those who prefer a more understated look. Both models feature glossy accents around the camera, contributing to a sleek aesthetic. At a slim 8.39mm, the design feels premium, although it’s evident that it’s not a flagship device.
The Poco F7 Pro looks identical apart from the colors. | Image: Poco”>
Alongside the F7 Ultra, Poco has also introduced the F7 Pro priced at £499 (around $645). While it shares a similar design, it is powered by the older Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, featuring a larger 6,000mAh battery but with slower 90W charging and no wireless charging capability. The F7 Pro also sees a significant downgrade in camera specs: it retains the main 50MP camera but is paired with an 8MP ultrawide and a 20MP selfie camera, lacking a telephoto lens. Both variants are currently available in the UK and Europe.
