The Poco F8 Ultra has officially stepped in to replace its predecessor just eight months later, and it’s not shy about making a statement. With a denim-textured finish and Bose-powered audio, this flagship device hits hard in specs, style, and price. But despite its high-end performance, a few weak spots keep it from true top-tier status.

Poco F8 Ultra brings premium build and fast tech

At just 8.3 mm thick, the F8 Ultra feels slim but sturdy. It’s available in either a black fiberglass back or a bold denim blue made from Poco’s new nanomaterial finish. The phone is IP68 rated, meaning it’s built to survive dust, splashes, and the occasional plunge. USB 3.2 support allows image output, and the device runs Android 16 with HyperOS 3.0.

System updates are promised for four years, with two extra years of security patches. Unfortunately, the software still suffers from pre-installed bloatware and built-in ads. User repairs are off the table too, with no real focus on sustainability.

Display, signal quality, and smooth performance

Reception is one of the F8 Ultra’s strengths. Dual-band GNSS, stable mobile signals, and reliable Wi-Fi 7 (excluding 6 GHz) make for excellent connectivity. Calls sound crisp in quiet areas, but noise suppression could be stronger in louder environments.

The 6.73-inch AMOLED display hits 120 Hz and reaches up to 3,500 nits brightness, keeping visibility strong even under direct sunlight. At 416 PPI, the panel remains sharp and color-accurate.

Flagship power with a heat problem

Under the hood, the Poco F8 Ultra uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 alongside 12 or 16 GB of RAM. With the Adreno 840 GPU and VisionBoost-D8, performance is undeniable. But heat buildup is a real issue. Extended loads push temperatures to 50°C, and heavy throttling kicks in during stress tests.

Still, most users won’t hit that ceiling in everyday use.

Bose speakers and battery push the package further

Audio is where the F8 Ultra stands out. The dual speakers tuned by Bose, including a dedicated subwoofer, deliver loud, balanced sound that outpaces most flagship competitors.

Battery life is equally strong. The 6,500 mAh cell lasts up to 22 hours on Wi-Fi. Fast charging reaches 100 W over cable (35 minutes for a full charge) and 50 W wirelessly.

Great value with some caveats

Here’s a quick rundown of what the Poco F8 Ultra gets right and where it falters:

• Pros: Excellent display, Bose-tuned sound, strong connectivity, premium design, long battery life
• Cons: Heat under load, system ads and bloatware, no user repairability

For the price, it’s an impressive flagship alternative, especially for users willing to overlook software quirks and thermal limits.