Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Poco Unveils F7 Ultra: A New Contender in the Affordable Flagship Smartphone Arena
Poco has introduced its inaugural “Ultra” designated mobile device, the F7 Ultra, which boasts impressive specifications that seemingly justify its moniker. This new flagship phone is powered by the high-performance Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and features a versatile triple-lens rear camera system, rapid 120W wired charging, and robust IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. Despite these premium features, the Poco F7 Ultra is launching in the UK at a competitive price of £649 (approximately $835), positioning it as one of the most economical smartphones equipped with Qualcomm’s top-tier processor.
Performance and Software
Xiaomi’s subsidiary, Poco, has historically focused on delivering budget-conscious handsets; however, its F-series represents a move towards the flagship category. The Snapdragon chipset in the F7 Ultra is coupled with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, suggesting exceptional performance capabilities. Currently, the Redmagic 10 Pro is the only other device offering the Snapdragon 8 Elite at a lower price point, but its gaming-centric design may not appeal to all users. Xiaomi’s software interface is also recognized for its enhanced fluidity, and its pledge of four Android operating system updates is notably more generous compared to Redmagic’s commitment of just one.
Camera Capabilities
The Poco F7 Ultra‘s rear camera setup is comprised of a 50-megapixel primary sensor with a wide f/1.6 aperture, a 50MP 2.5x telephoto lens, and a 32MP ultrawide lens, in addition to a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies. Although in-depth camera testing is pending, initial photographs taken with the device show promising results. While some image noise is present, particularly when exceeding the telephoto lens’s optical zoom into digital zoom, the images exhibit considerable detail, satisfactory dynamic range, and realistic color reproduction.
Display, Battery, and Durability
The F7 Ultra features a 6.67-inch OLED display with a crisp 1440p resolution and a fluid 120Hz maximum refresh rate. Powering the device is a substantial 5,300mAh battery, supporting both ultra-fast 120W wired charging and convenient 50W wireless charging. An IP68 certification indicates strong durability; however, the screen is protected by Poco’s proprietary Shield Glass, rather than the more widely recognized Corning Gorilla Glass.
Design and Aesthetics
In line with Poco’s design language, the smartphone is offered in a striking yellow color, alongside a more understated black variant for users preferring a subdued aesthetic. Both versions incorporate a glossy finish around the camera module, a design element described as unexpectedly appealing. The resulting device presents a refined look and feel for a Poco handset, further enhanced by its slim 8.39mm profile. While conveying a premium impression, it remains distinct from true flagship devices in the highest price bracket.
Poco F7 Pro: A Step-Down Variant
Accompanying the F7 Ultra is the Poco F7 Pro, priced at £499 (approximately $645). The F7 Pro shares a similar design but incorporates the previous generation Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. One advantage of the Pro model is a larger 6,000mAh battery, though it features slower 90W charging and omits wireless charging functionality entirely. The F7 Pro also experiences a reduction in camera specifications: it retains the primary 50MP sensor but is paired with an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 20MP front camera, and lacks a telephoto lens. Both the Poco F7 Ultra and Poco F7 Pro are available for purchase now in the UK and across Europe.