Poco, the renowned Xiaomi sub-brand, has officially unveiled its first smartphone featuring the coveted "Ultra" branding. The Poco F7 Ultra promises to deliver impressive specifications that live up to its name. Powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, this smartphone combines cutting-edge technology with affordability, making it a formidable contender in the mobile market.
The Poco F7 Ultra is set to hit the UK market with a competitive price tag of £649 (approximately $835). This positioning makes it one of the most affordable smartphones utilizing Qualcomm’s top-tier chip, the Snapdragon 8 Elite. The brand has long focused on delivering inexpensive handsets, and the F-series has increasingly ventured into the flagship territory. With up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, users can expect exceptional performance, rivaling more expensive models.
Currently, the only other smartphone offering the Snapdragon 8 Elite at a lower price is the Redmagic 10 Pro. However, the Redmagic’s gaming aesthetic may appeal to a niche audience, while Xiaomi’s software experience is known for being notably smoother. Additionally, Poco promises four Android updates, a significant advantage over Redmagic’s single-update commitment.
The F7 Ultra boasts a sophisticated triple rear camera setup, featuring a 50-megapixel main camera with a fast aperture of f/1.6, a 50MP 2.5x telephoto lens, and a 32MP ultrawide camera. For selfie enthusiasts, there’s also a 32MP front-facing camera. Initial camera tests indicate that while there’s some noise, particularly when moving beyond optical zoom into digital territory, the images maintain decent detail, dynamic range, and true-to-life colors.
Equipped with a 6.67-inch OLED display, the F7 Ultra offers a stunning 1440p resolution and a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. The robust 5,300mAh battery supports both 120W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, ensuring that users can stay powered throughout the day. Moreover, the device comes with an IP68 rating, providing protection against dust and water, making it a durable option for various environments. Notably, the screen is protected by Poco’s own Shield Glass, rather than the more widely recognized Corning Gorilla Glass.
In true Poco fashion, the F7 Ultra is available in a striking yellow finish, though a more understated black model is also an option for those who prefer a subtle look. Both color variants feature glossy detailing around the camera, adding to the device's overall aesthetic appeal. The F7 Ultra is sleek and slim at just 8.39mm, offering a premium feel, even though it is positioned as a budget-friendly flagship alternative.
Alongside the F7 Ultra, Poco has also introduced the F7 Pro, priced at £499 (around $645). While it shares a similar design, this model is powered by the older Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Although it offers a larger 6,000mAh battery, it comes with slower 90W charging and lacks wireless charging entirely. The camera system sees a downgrade as well; the main shooter remains the same, but it is complemented by only an 8MP ultrawide and a 20MP selfie camera, omitting the telephoto option.
Both the Poco F7 Ultra and F7 Pro are now available for purchase in the UK and Europe, making them accessible options for consumers seeking high-performance smartphones without breaking the bank.
