I was invited to the grand launch of the POCO F8 Pro in Bali, Indonesia, last November, and from the outset, it was clear that POCO was entering a new phase. Long associated with performance-driven value phones, the brand is now confidently stepping into full-fledged flagship territory, balancing raw power with thoughtful design, a refined user experience, and meaningful innovation.
The POCO F8 Pro is no longer just about speed. It is about how its features come together to deliver a more complete, more premium smartphone experience.
Design: 4/5
The POCO F8 Pro makes a strong first impression with its clean and modern design. It features a 6.59-inch display framed by a micro-curved edge, giving the phone a softer, more ergonomic feel in hand. At just 8mm thin and weighing 199 grams, the device feels surprisingly balanced despite its large screen and powerful internals.
The micro-curved frame subtly improves grip while adding a touch of elegance, bringing the F8 Pro closer to the feel of traditional premium flagships. The rear panel has a refined finish that minimizes fingerprints, while the camera module, though prominent, feels deliberate rather than excessive.
Overall, the F8 Pro strikes a satisfying balance between visual appeal and daily usability.
The POCO HyperRGB display is a standout feature. Colors are vivid without being oversaturated, contrast is deep, and brightness levels are strong enough for comfortable outdoor use. Whether watching videos, editing photos, or scrolling through social feeds, the display consistently delivers sharp detail and smooth visuals.
The high refresh rate enhances responsiveness, making animations and transitions feel fluid. Combined with the micro-curved edges, the screen feels immersive without triggering accidental touches.
Hardware: 4.5/5
At the heart of the POCO F8 Pro is the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, delivering what POCO calls “Ascended Performance.” In real-world use, this translates to fast app launches, seamless multitasking, and stable performance during extended gaming sessions.
Thermal management is notably improved. Even under heavy workloads, the phone maintains cooler operating temperatures, resulting in steadier frame rates and more consistent performance over time. This is especially noticeable for gamers and power users who rely on sustained performance rather than short bursts of speed.
Backing this up is a large battery paired with 100W HyperCharge, capable of charging the phone to 50 percent in just 16 minutes. It is a feature that quickly becomes indispensable, particularly for users constantly on the move.
The POCO F8 Pro features a well-rounded triple-camera setup consisting of a 50MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultra-wide lens.
The main camera delivers sharp, well-balanced images with accurate colors and impressive dynamic range. Daylight photos show excellent detail, while indoor shots retain clarity without aggressive noise reduction. Low-light performance is solid, producing bright images that preserve texture and depth.
The 50MP telephoto lens adds versatility, enabling cleaner zoom shots and more flattering portraits. Meanwhile, the ultra-wide lens captures expansive scenes, making it ideal for travel, architecture, and group photos.
One of the more creative additions is Dynamic Shots Collage, which lets users capture motion-rich moments and assemble them into expressive visual sequences—perfect for social media storytelling.
User Experience: 4.5/5
In daily use, the POCO F8 Pro delivers a smooth and responsive experience. Social media, messaging, browsing, video streaming, and light gaming run without major issues, with the 120Hz refresh rate helping everything feel fluid.
Running on Xiaomi’s latest software, the POCO F8 Pro introduces a more seamless AI-powered experience through Xiaomi HyperAI. These features assist with photography, system optimization, and productivity, helping the phone adapt intelligently to user habits.
The interface remains fast and intuitive, supported by thoughtful customization options. While there are a few pre-installed apps, the overall experience feels clean, responsive, and well-optimized.
Audio performance exceeds expectations. Featuring Sound by Bose, the stereo speakers deliver rich bass and detailed sound, making media consumption genuinely enjoyable. Whether streaming music, watching movies, or gaming, the audio output feels fuller and more immersive than what is typically found in this segment.
Connectivity is another practical highlight. The POCO F8 Pro offers improved signal performance in low-coverage areas, maintaining connectivity at distances of over one kilometer in challenging environments.
The addition of eSIM support allows for more flexible network options, particularly useful for travelers or professionals managing multiple lines. Combined with reliable 5G performance, the phone stays connected even in hard-to-reach locations.
Value: 4.5/5
The POCO F8 Pro continues the brand’s tradition of delivering exceptional value. With flagship-grade performance, advanced cameras, premium design, ultra-fast charging, and enhanced connectivity, it offers a compelling alternative to significantly more expensive smartphones.
For users seeking high-end features without paying top-tier flagship prices, the F8 Pro positions itself as a smart and practical choice. From its Bali launch to real-world use, the device proves that POCO is no longer just chasing specifications but delivering a thoughtfully engineered smartphone that excels where it truly matters.
Bottomline
The POCO F8 Pro successfully combines elevated performance, refined design, strong camera capabilities, and smart connectivity features into a well-balanced flagship experience.
For users looking for a powerful, feature-rich device that delivers excellent value, the POCO F8 Pro stands out as one of the most compelling options in its class.
What’s Hot:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite with excellent thermal control
- 100W HyperCharge (50% in 16 minutes)
- Strong, versatile camera system with telephoto lens
- Premium design with slim, micro-curved frame
- Sound by Bose with rich, detailed audio
- Improved signal performance and eSIM support
What’s Not:
- Ultra-wide camera is serviceable but not class-leading
- Large size may not appeal to compact-phone users
- Some pre-installed apps out of the box
Specifications
- Display: 6.59-inch POCO HyperRGB AMOLED
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
- UI: HyperOS 3
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB UFS 4.1
- Cameras: Rear 50MP main + 50MP telephoto + 8MP ultra-wide, Front 20MP
- Battery: 6210 mAh with 100W HyperCharge
- Audio: Stereo speakers with Sound by Bose
- Network: Dual SIM with eSIM support
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB-C
- Dimensions: 157.49 × 75.25 × 8.0mm
- Weight: 199g
Reviewed by Amy Christine Giray
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 26 Issue No. 6