The Poco F8 Pro is a new addition to the Poco lineup, offering a blend of premium design, solid performance, and fast charging capabilities. This device is a step up from its predecessors, the F7 Pro and F7 Ultra, featuring improvements in design, display, audio, and charging speed. However, it does come with some drawbacks such as baked-in ads in the software and average camera performance.
Design & Build:
The Poco F8 Pro sports a glass-backed design, weighing 199 grams and boasting an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. With a refined and mature look, this phone comes in three color options – black, Titanium Silver, and pale blue. The milled glass back adds a touch of elegance to the overall design, making it the brand’s most sophisticated-looking phone yet.
Screen & Speakers:
Featuring a 6.59-inch 120Hz Poco HyperRGB Display protected by Gorilla Glass 7i, the F8 Pro offers sharp and vibrant visuals. The stereo speakers on this device are tuned by Bose, providing clear audio output with scene-specific tuning options for different scenarios like music, games, movies, and more.
Specs & Performance:
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the F8 Pro comes with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. It supports Xiaomi Offline Communication and promises excellent performance for demanding apps and high-end games. The phone’s battery life is impressive, with a 6210mAh battery and 100W wired charging capability.
Cameras:
The camera setup on the F8 Pro includes a 50Mp main sensor, an 8Mp ultrawide lens, and a 50Mp 2.5x telephoto sensor. The phone also features a 20Mp selfie camera. While the camera performance is decent for everyday use, there are some inconsistencies in contrast, color, and dynamic range between the rear sensors.
Battery Life & Charging:
With a large 6210mAh battery and fast 100W charging, the F8 Pro offers a good balance of battery life and charging speed. The device can be fully charged in 37 minutes, making it convenient for users who are always on the go.
Software & AI:
Running on HyperOS 3.0 atop Android 16, the F8 Pro offers a customizable user experience with features like HyperIsland for quick access to key controls. However, the software experience is marred by bloatware and in-app ads, which may be a downside for some users.
Price & Availability:
The Poco F8 Pro is competitively priced, starting from £399 during the Early Bird period and rising to £549 for the base model. The phone offers good value for money, especially with the additional purchase offers and bonuses provided by Xiaomi.
Overall, the Poco F8 Pro is a solid mid-range smartphone with a premium design, excellent performance, and fast charging capabilities. While it has some drawbacks like software ads and average camera performance, it offers a compelling package for users looking for a reliable and feature-rich device.