POCO F8 Ultra Review: The Budget Flagship Killer of 2025? | Azeem-USA
POCO F8 Ultra Review: The Budget Flagship Killer of 2025?
In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphone technology, the line between "budget" and "flagship" continues to blur. Enter the POCO F8 Ultra, a device that doesn't just aim to compete with the big dogs like the Samsung S25 Ultra; it aims to take a chunk out of their market share. With the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, a controversial "denim" design, and a camera system that finally boasts a periscope zoom, POCO is making a statement.
But does raw power and a massive battery translate to a cohesive user experience? This POCO F8 Ultra review dives deep into the hardware, software quirks, and real-world performance to help you decide if this device is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. From the unique 2.1 speaker system to the new HyperOS capabilities, we cover it all.
Table of Contents
Design & Display: Big, Bold, and Denim
The first thing anyone notices about the POCO F8 Ultra is its sheer size and unique aesthetic. POCO has moved away from the standard glass sandwich in favor of a textured "Denim Blue" finish on the back. While it may look like fabric, it is actually a rubberized texture that offers significantly better grip than its slippery glass competitors. For those who prefer a more understated look, a standard matte black version is also available. The device is undeniably chunky, featuring flat, iPhone-esque metal edges and a massive camera bump that doubles as a finger rest for one-handed use.
On the front, the device boasts a massive 6.9-inch AMOLED display, making it slightly larger than its sibling, the POCO F8 Pro. The screen is a visual treat, offering a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision support. With a peak brightness hitting approximately 2,000 nits in high-brightness mode (and a claimed 3,500 nits peak), outdoor visibility is excellent. The bezels are razor-thin and uniform, interrupted only by a pill-shaped cutout that mimics Apple's Dynamic Island, which POCO utilizes for its "Hyper Island" notifications.
Performance & Battery: A Gaming Behemoth
Under the hood, the POCO F8 Ultra is powered by the beastly Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. This isn't a watered-down processor; it utilizes the full power of the silicon, bolstered by POCO's dedicated "VisionBoost D8" chip for gaming. In synthetic benchmarks like AnTuTu and Geekbench 6, the F8 Ultra scores impressively high, rivaling phones that cost nearly double the price. Gaming performance is flawless, running titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile at 120fps without significant frame drops.
Join the POCO F8 Series Global Launch Event now! https://t.co/aFZcELyTOd
— POCO (@POCOGlobal) November 18, 2025
To keep this engine running, POCO has packed in a massive 6,500mAh battery. This is a significant upgrade over the previous generation's 5,300mAh cell. In real-world testing, the POCO F8 Ultra easily lasts a full day of heavy use, often stretching into a second day for moderate users. When it is time to recharge, the phone supports 100W wired charging, taking the device from 0 to 100% in roughly 38-40 minutes. Unlike the Pro model, the Ultra also features 50W wireless charging, adding a layer of premium convenience.
Camera Features: Finally, A Periscope Zoom
The camera system on the POCO F8 Ultra has received a major overhaul. The star of the show is the new triple 50MP setup. The main shooter uses the Light Fusion 950 sensor (1/1.31"), which delivers excellent dynamic range and low-light performance. Night shots are crisp, with minimal noise, rivaling top-tier flagships. The Ultra-wide lens also sits at 50MP, capturing plenty of detail, though colors can sometimes appear slightly oversaturated compared to the main lens.
However, the true differentiator is the 50MP periscope telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom. This allows for incredibly sharp shots at long distances, holding up well even at 10x hybrid zoom. While it maxes out at 100x digital zoom, the usable range is impressive for this price point. Videographers will appreciate the ability to shoot 8K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps on the rear cameras. The front-facing 32MP camera finally supports 4K video, a feature often omitted in previous budget flagships, making it a solid choice for vlogging.
Software & Unique Features: HyperOS 3
The POCO F8 Ultra ships with Xiaomi's HyperOS 3, built on top of Android 16. While the skin is heavy and distinct from stock Android, it runs smoothly with zero lag during navigation. A standout feature is the "Hyper Island," which integrates with apps like Spotify, the timer, and voice recorder to show live activities at the top of the screen. Additionally, the phone includes useful AI features such as "AI Eraser" for removing objects from photos and "AI Expand" to generate backgrounds.
Perhaps the most unique hardware feature is the audio setup. The F8 Ultra features a 2.1 speaker system tuned by Bose, which includes a dedicated miniature subwoofer on the back. This provides a depth of sound and bass rarely heard on smartphones. Furthermore, the device supports "Second Space," essentially allowing users to have a completely separate, hidden phone interface protected by a different fingerprint or password—ideal for privacy.
Price, Pros & Cons
Coming in at an estimated global price of around $729, the POCO F8 Ultra offers immense value. However, no phone is perfect. below is a breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses found during the review.
✅ Pros
- Elite Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 crushes gaming.
- Battery Life: Huge 6500mAh cell easily lasts all day.
- Display: Stunning 6.9" 120Hz AMOLED with high brightness.
- Audio: 2.1 Speaker system with subwoofer is class-leading.
- Zoom: 5x Periscope camera is a game-changer for POCO.
❌ Cons
- Bloatware: Comes with many pre-installed apps (though removable).
- Size & Weight: It is a heavy, thick phone that may not suit small hands.
- Motion Blur: The camera still struggles with fast-moving subjects like pets or kids indoors.
- Ads: occasional ads in system apps (region dependent).
Conclusion
The POCO F8 Ultra is a compelling device that truly earns its "Ultra" title. By combining top-tier processing power, a massive battery, and a versatile camera system with periscope zoom, it bridges the gap between mid-range and premium flagship. While the software experience still has some bloatware quirks, the raw hardware value is undeniable.
If you are a gamer, a media consumer, or a power user looking for the best bang for your buck, the POCO F8 Ultra is highly recommended. It offers 95% of the S25 Ultra experience for nearly half the price.
Ready to Upgrade?
If this POCO F8 Ultra review helped you decide, check out the latest pricing and availability. You can check out more here:
FAQ
Q: Does the POCO F8 Ultra support wireless charging?
A: Yes, unlike the Pro model, the F8 Ultra supports 50W wireless charging.
Q: Is the POCO F8 Ultra waterproof?
A: Yes, it comes with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
Q: Does the POCO F8 Ultra have a headphone jack?
A: No, there is no 3.5mm headphone jack, but the 2.1 speaker system is excellent.
Q: What is inside the box for the POCO F8 Ultra unboxing?
A: In most regions, the box includes the phone, a 100W charger, a USB-C cable, and a basic protective case.
Author: Azeem-USA
Tech Reviewer & Smartphone Expert
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