The Poco F8 Ultra is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious smartphones in Poco’s lineup, blending raw performance with thoughtful design choices. Expected to arrive in India and global markets soon, it is already stirring conversations among tech enthusiasts thanks to its leaked specifications and benchmark appearances.
Poco's strategy with the F8 Ultra
Poco has built its reputation on delivering high performance at aggressive price points. The F8 Ultra continues this tradition with a more refined approach. According to multiple leaks, the device is essentially a rebranded version of Xiaomi’s Redmi K90 Pro Max, tweaked for international markets. This strategy allows Poco to leverage Xiaomi’s hardware innovations while tailoring the product to suit global audiences.
The F8 Ultra is expected to replace the F7 Ultra, which launched earlier this year, marking a faster refresh cycle than usual. Certification listings and Geekbench results suggest that Poco is accelerating its timeline, possibly to compete directly with other flagship launches in late 2025.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 at the core
At the heart of the Poco F8 Ultra lies the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, Qualcomm’s latest flagship processor. Early Geekbench scores confirm that the device will ship with up to 16GB of RAM, which ensures smooth multitasking and gaming performance.
The phone will run Android 16 out of the box, layered with Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3, which promises a cleaner interface and better integration across devices. This combination positions the F8 Ultra as a powerhouse, capable of handling demanding tasks without breaking a sweat.
Battery and charging: Balancing power and practicality
Battery life has always been a critical factor for Poco users. Reports suggest that the F8 Ultra will feature a 6,500mAh battery, slightly smaller than its Chinese counterpart but still substantial. Other leaks hint at a 7,000mAh variant in some markets.
Fast charging is another highlight. The device is expected to support 100W wired charging, which allows users to top up quickly even with such a large battery. This balance between capacity and charging speed could make the F8 Ultra one of the most reliable daily drivers in its segment.
Design and build: Subtle refinements
While Poco has not officially revealed the design, leaks suggest the F8 Ultra will carry forward the bold aesthetics of the F series. Expect a sleek glass back, metal frame, and a large AMOLED display with high refresh rates.
Interestingly, the F8 Pro retail box has teased “Sound by Bose” branding. If the Ultra shares this partnership, audio quality could be a major selling point, elevating the multimedia experience.
Storage options and variants
Poco seems to be simplifying its lineup by offering fewer configurations. The F8 Ultra will reportedly launch in just two variants:
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage: Flagship level performance for most users.
- 16GB RAM + 512GB storage: Extra headroom for heavy multitaskers and gamers.
This streamlined approach avoids confusion and ensures that both options deliver premium performance.
Market position and competition
The F8 Ultra enters a crowded space dominated by brands like OnePlus, iQOO, and Samsung. Poco’s edge lies in its value for money proposition. By offering cutting edge hardware at a competitive price, the F8 Ultra could attract both gamers and professionals who want flagship performance without paying premium prices.
Its closest rival may be the OnePlus 13 Pro, which also features Snapdragon’s latest chipset. Poco’s larger battery and potential Bose audio partnership give it unique advantages.
Expected launch timeline
Leaks point to a late 2025 or early 2026 global release, with India likely among the first markets. Certification sightings and benchmark tests indicate that the launch is imminent, possibly within weeks.
Final thoughts
The Poco F8 Ultra represents a bold step forward for Poco. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, large battery, fast charging, and potentially premium audio, it is positioned to deliver a flagship experience at a fraction of the cost.
For Indian consumers, this device could be a game changer, offering top tier performance without the premium price tag. If Poco manages to keep pricing aggressive, the F8 Ultra might not just be another smartphone, it could redefine expectations in the mid to premium segment.
