POCO has unveiled its latest flagship smartphones, the POCO F8 Pro and F8 Ultra, during a launch event in Bali, Indonesia. These devices are designed to offer high performance and premium audio quality at surprisingly affordable prices. A significant highlight is the collaboration with renowned audio brand Bose, which enhances the audio experience in both models, particularly the F8 Ultra, which includes a dedicated subwoofer.
The POCO F8 Ultra is equipped with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, complemented by an Adreno GPU and Qualcomm AI Engine. It features a large 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1.5K, a peak brightness of 3,500 nits, and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. For security, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and AI face unlock capabilities are integrated. Additionally, it boasts a robust 6,500mAh battery that supports 100W wired and 50W wireless fast charging.
Advanced Features and Specifications
The F8 Ultra runs on HyperOS 3, based on Android 16, and includes multiple AI features alongside support for Google Gemini. POCO promises four years of operating system updates and six years of security patches, ensuring longevity for users. The device also utilizes an advanced vapor chamber measuring 6,700 mm² for enhanced cooling performance.
Camera capabilities are impressive as well, featuring a triple camera system. The setup includes a 50MP Light Fusion 950 sensor with optical image stabilization, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. For selfies, a 32MP front camera is available. The audio experience is elevated with a rear-mounted woofer and dual speakers, providing a full 2.1 sound setup. The phone also carries an IP68 rating, indicating strong resistance to dust and water.
The POCO F8 Pro stands as a slightly more affordable option, starting at $579 for the 12GB/256GB variant. It is powered by last year’s Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, equipped with a 3D triple-layer IceLoop system for thermal efficiency. The Pro model features a 6.59-inch FHD+ AMOLED LTPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, along with a durable metal frame and a glass rear panel.
Similar to the Ultra, the F8 Pro includes a triple camera setup with a 50MP Light Fusion 800 primary sensor, a 50MP telephoto camera with 2.5x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide camera. A 20MP front camera caters to selfie enthusiasts. Both models support Bose audio technology, enhancing the listening experience, although the F8 Pro does not include a subwoofer.
Pricing and Availability
The POCO F8 Ultra is priced at $729 for its 12GB/256GB model and $799 for the 16GB/512GB variant. Early bird pricing offers discounts, bringing the prices down to $679 and $729, respectively. Buyers can choose from Denim Blue and Black color options.
On the other hand, the POCO F8 Pro is available for $579 for the base model and $629 for the higher storage version, with early bird prices set at $529 and $579. Color choices include Black, Blue, and Titanium Silver.
With these new launches, POCO aims to capture a broader market by offering flagship specifications at competitive prices, appealing to both tech enthusiasts and budget-conscious consumers alike.
